Connie & Ted’s West Hollywood: A Seafood Lunch Worth Lingering Over

Connie & Ted’s sits quietly along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. It’s a New England–inspired seafood restaurant that feels refreshingly grounded compared to some of the flashier dining rooms nearby.

The atmosphere is open, airy, and unpretentious. Wood details wrap around the patio, with anchors carved into circular portholes along the railing—a subtle nod to fishing boats and the restaurant’s East Coast roots.

It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably dine alone, order a glass of wine, and take your time.

 Chef Daphane’s Special Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo by Jessica Nichole.

Quick Guide to Connie & Ted’s

Connie & Ted’s — West Hollywood

Location: West Hollywood, Los Angeles

Cuisine: New England–inspired seafood

Best for: A relaxed seafood lunch, solo dining on the patio, and lingering over a glass of wine

What to Order

If you’re visiting during dineLA, the lunch menu is a great introduction. When I visited, the three-course lunch was $35.

• Little Gem Salad

Bacon, hard-cooked egg, blue cheese, and crisp lettuce. Simple but unexpectedly excellent.

• Deep Fried Batter Dipped Cod Sandwich

Served with fries. Golden, crunchy, and balanced with just enough tartar sauce.

• ½ Dozen Oysters

A classic start if you’re leaning fully into the seafood menu.

• Chef Daphane’s Special Chocolate Chip Cookie

Served warm with crisp edges and a soft center. Buttery, nostalgic, and honestly the most memorable bite of the meal.

Drinks Worth Trying

If you’re sitting at the bar or lingering on the patio:

• Pickle Martini (with vodka) — bright, savory, and garnished with fresh dill

•  Spicy Margarita — a reliable choice if you want something refreshing

 • Malbec — worked beautifully with the fried cod sandwich

Spicy Margarita. Photo by Jessica Nichole

What Makes This Place Special

Connie & Ted’s was inspired by chef Michael Cimarusti’s grandparents, who met at a volunteer fire department dance in Rhode Island and passed down a love of fishing through generations. That story quietly shapes the restaurant. Nothing feels overly styled or performative. The room feels lived in. Comfortable.

And then there’s the cookie.

Served warm on a simple plate that looks like it came from a family kitchen, it feels less like a restaurant dessert and more like something someone made for you at the end of a long day.

Sometimes the smallest thing on the table ends up being the most memorable.

Personal Tips

• Sit on the patio. The breeze and wood details give the space character.

• Go early for lunch. When we arrived just after 1 PM, the restaurant was already full.

• Check for dineLA menus. It’s one of the best ways to try several dishes.

• If you’re curious about the pickle martini, order it with vodka instead of gin.

If You’re Dining Solo

This is an easy restaurant to enjoy alone. The space is relaxed, the patio seating is comfortable, and the menu is straightforward.

Order a salad, something fried from the sea, a glass of wine, and end with the cookie.

You won’t feel rushed.