Summer is finally here! What pairs perfectly with summer? Seafood. In New England, we are home to a number of seafood restaurants and shacks with tasty foods. For example, in Connecticut, you can catch a bite of a lobster roll or chow down on a platter of fish and chips at almost any seafood restaurant. But today, I thought I would list 10 of my favorite seafood places in Eastern Connecticut, which I think serve the freshest and the most delicious seafood.

1. Fred's Shanty, New London

Fred's Shanty is a little seafood shack located by a marina and a number of beaches which offers outdoor, covered seating overlooking the water. Fred's menu consists of delicious fish sandwiches, lobster salads, whole belly clams and a number of seafood dinners. While many people enjoy the seafood Fred's has to offer, others also enjoy the fact that Fred's also serves hot dogs, burgers and grilled chicken. Also, Fred's fries go perfectly with borh fish or a cheese burger.

2. Dad's Restaurant of Niantic, Niantic

Dad's Restaurant has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. They are located in Niantic and overlook the Niantic boardwalk and the water. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, and are highly family-friendly. They serve delicious clam chowder and great clam strip dinners.

3. Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, East Lyme

Flanders Fish Market sells fresh seafood to buy and prepare yourself or to eat in the restaurant. They serve delicious oysters, lobster and of course, fish. Besides seafood, they also serve a Sunday brunch buffet.

4. Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, New London

Captain Scott's Lobster Dock is located at marina in New London. Captain Scott's has probably the most mouthwatering lobster roll I have ever had. They also serve a number of other seafood platters, and also ice cream to top off a meal.

5. On The Waterfront, New London

On The Waterfront is a gorgeous restaurant located in New London, which is right down the street from Fred's Shanty. This restaurant offers a more formal indoor setting arrangement that overlooks the Thames River. I highly recommend it for a date night. While the restaurant serves steak and other Italian dishes, the seafood dishes are probably the best food offered. I recommend calamari and rigatoni vodka with shrimp.

In Connecticut, we are especially lucky to have tasty seafood.