Refined, Modern American Classics

Over Three Decades of Gracious Dining Excellence

As featured in

Connecticut Magazine Town & Country DiRōNA, Distinguished Restaurants of North America Litchfield Magazine CTbites

The house on West Street

A Private-Club Feel, Without the Membership

James O'Shea and Charles Kafferman opened West Street Grill in 1990 with a simple idea: Irish hospitality, a room that feels like your own club, and a kitchen rooted in French and Italian technique. Fresh fish arrives daily and local farms fill the menu: farm fresh dining, for over 35 years.

Come for lunch on the patio facing the Green, or settle into the mural room for a long dinner. James will likely greet you at the door.

Litchfield Magazine Food Issue cover, July/August 2025: James O'Shea outside West Street Grill
The bar at West Street Grill: red leather booths, wood-paneled bar and a pressed-tin ceiling Mural room set for a private dinner, warm sconce light on hand-painted landscape walls Litchfield Magazine Food Issue cover, July/August 2025: James O'Shea at a café table outside West Street Grill with his dog
Filet mignon with crispy shallots, wilted spinach and mashed potatoes

Since 1990

A Tradition of Gracious Hospitality

For over 30 years, West Street Grill has set the standard for refined hospitality and inventive cuisine in the Litchfield Hills. Founded by James O’Shea and Charles Kafferman in 1990, the restaurant brings together the warmth of Irish hospitality, the charm of a private club, and the spirit of modern American dining. With a menu rooted in elevated French and Italian traditions, infused with global flair, our intimate dining room has welcomed guests from across Connecticut, New York and the Berkshires. Whether you’re here for a relaxed lunch or a celebratory dinner, you’ll find an experience defined by grace, creativity and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

From the Market

Farm Fresh Dining

West Street Grill was sourcing from local farms and markets long before it became a culinary buzzword. When the restaurant first opened, James O’Shea would personally drive to New York’s vegetable and fish markets to source the freshest ingredients available. That dedication to quality remains central to the restaurant’s identity, with fresh fish delivered daily and locally sourced produce featured prominently.

Beet and arugula salad with shaved radish, crumbled goat cheese and a bright vinaigrette

From the kitchen

Built on the Morning's Market

The menu shifts with what the fishmonger and the farms bring in. A few plates from recent seasons:

See today's menus
Filet with crispy shallots, potato purée and wilted greens
Filet, Crispy Shallot
Lobster risotto finished with basil
Lobster Risotto
Seared halibut with tomato and herb relish
Seared Halibut
Saffron arancini on pomodoro with micro herbs
Saffron Arancini
Grilled shrimp with fresh dill
Grilled Shrimp
Burrata on grilled bread with tomatoes and basil oil
Burrata on Toast
Grilled fish over tomato sauce with green beans
Grilled Fish, Tomato & Green Beans
Roast chicken with carrots over a creamy purée
Roast Chicken
White fish topped with greens, feta and citrus
Fish with Greens & Citrus
Chocolate mousse with whipped cream and a strawberry
Chocolate Mousse
“Why Manhattan's elite crowd loves this Litchfield County restaurant.”

Town & Country

Our guests

Worth the Drive

4.7 average · 800+ Google reviews
“This little gem on the main drag in Litchfield is worth the drive! From the owner James' warm (and humorous!) greeting…”
Ann Russo · Guest review
“We had an amazing Mother's Day lunch at West Street Grill in Litchfield. The branzino was outstanding…”
PT · Guest review
“Wonderful experience. Food was out of this world! The chocolate lava cake is a must have…”
Jairo Soria · Guest review
The West Street Grill dining room at night: mural-lined walls, sconces and white-clothed tables set for dinner

Litchfield, Connecticut · Since 1990

New American Dining on Litchfield's Green

Refined, modern American classics and an Irish welcome. Over 35 years on West Street, and still the table people drive up from the city for.

Call to Reserve · 860-567-3885 View the Menu

Reservations by phone · Lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday · Patio seating in season

Make a Weekend of It

Stay Nearby, Dine With Us

See where to stay
Caprese skewers with a rose, from the West Street Grill hors d'oeuvres menu

Private dining & events

The Mural Room, for Your Evening

Rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, holiday parties and business dinners, with passed hors d'oeuvres and a menu planned with the chef.

Hours

Mon – Tue
Closed
Wed – Fri
11:30–2:30 · 5:30–9
Sat – Sun
11:30–3 · 5:30–9

Find Us

43 West Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
Get Directions

Reservations by Phone

The Best of Litchfield County 2026, Reader's Choice

Reader's Choice Award

Voted the Best of Litchfield County

Litchfield Magazine's readers named West Street Grill a winner in The Best of Litchfield County. Thank you to every guest who voted.

Reservations by Phone

860-567-3885

Lunch Wed – Sun from 11:30
Dinner Wed – Sun from 5:30
Closed Monday & Tuesday

4.7800+ Google reviews