Imagine strolling through the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut—admiring classic American art, soaking in local history—and then stepping outside for lunch in a garden café that feels like a casual daydream. Welcome to Cafe Flo, the museum’s open-air restaurant located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT.
This is not your average lunch spot. Here, you’re surrounded by art, fresh flowers, and the soft breeze from the nearby river as you dine outdoors. It’s one of those places that doesn’t try too hard and doesn’t need to. The food does the talking.
Fresh Flavors With a Local Touch
Cafe Flo serves up a rotating seasonal menu, and it’s clear they know what they’re doing. You’ll find a mix of classic lunch options and chef-driven specials made with ingredients that taste fresh from the garden. Whether you’re in the mood for a colorful salad, a hearty sandwich, or a bowl of chilled soup on a sunny day, this café delivers—literally and figuratively.
Everything is made to order and plated with care, but without the fuss. You don’t have to squint at your plate and wonder what you just ordered. At Cafe Flo, the food is simple, satisfying, and bright. The lemon aioli might just become your new favorite condiment.
Art, Atmosphere, and Avocado Toast
Let’s talk about the setting. Dining on the museum’s veranda means you’re surrounded by lush greenery, sculpture gardens, and river views. It’s the kind of place where lunch can last an hour or two, and you won’t even notice.
The café is designed to complement the museum experience without overshadowing it. There’s no loud music or clinking glassware—just the gentle hum of conversations, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional “wow” from someone tasting the soup of the day.
And yes, the menu is vegetarian-friendly, with plenty of light and healthy options. But even the most loyal meat-lover will find something to smile about here.
Hours That Make Sense for a Leisurely Lunch
Cafe Flo is open seasonally from mid-May through late October, with lunch hours from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. It’s a lunch-only spot, perfect for museumgoers, day-trippers, and locals looking for a peaceful place to recharge in the middle of the day.
No dinner service here—just a quality lunch experience that wraps up in time for an afternoon walk, gallery tour, or nap (no judgment).
Why You Might Just Want to Live in Old Lyme
If you’re starting to feel like Old Lyme sounds a little too perfect, well, maybe it kind of is. This town is filled with character, creativity, and good food. It blends small-town charm with a love for the arts, and it’s the kind of place where people still wave hello.
Living here means access to riverside trails, cultural events, peaceful neighborhoods, and unique spots like Cafe Flo that make everyday life feel a bit more thoughtful. It’s the kind of town where you can slow down without feeling like you’re missing out.
Plan Your Next Lunch at Cafe Flo
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Cafe Flo at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, is worth adding to your lunch list. The combination of fresh food, artistic energy, and a peaceful setting makes it a standout spot on the shoreline.
Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and maybe bring your sketchbook, too—you never know when inspiration might strike over a bowl of soup and a sandwich.
Source: florencegriswoldmuseum.org
Header Image Source: Cafe Flo – GMB
