The Mariner Tavern's Official Ribbon Cutting on November 12, 2026 at 4:30pm

A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR THE MARINER TAVERN —

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH/BRUNCH + DINNER

Chef/Owner Shannon Sturz Unveils Elevated French-American Cuisine, Beautifully Reimagined Interiors and Seven-Day Dining, Including Lunch, Weekend Brunch and Dinner

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — A beloved Ridgefield dining institution is entering a new chapter. The Mariner Tavern, formerly known as The Ancient Mariner, has reopened under Chef/Owner Shannon Sturz with elevated yet approachable French-American cuisine, beautifully reimagined interiors and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Now open seven days a week for lunch, weekend brunch and dinner, The Mariner offers something for every occasion, from a casual midday meal to a celebratory evening out.

“The Mariner has meant something to this community for more than 50 years, and I didn't want to come in and erase that history,” said Sturz. “I wanted to respect what generations of people have loved about this place while giving them a new reason to walk through the door. It should still feel like The Mariner—just a new chapter of it.”

Drawing on French and American culinary traditions, Chef Sturz pairs classic tavern favorites with refined technique, premium ingredients and modern presentation. His philosophy is simple: source exceptional ingredients, prepare them thoughtfully and let the food speak for itself. A hands-on chef, Sturz personally sources ingredients, from selecting fresh seafood at the fish market to working with trusted purveyors and seeking out the best seasonal produce. The result is a menu that balances familiar comfort food with more sophisticated offerings, equally suited to a quick lunch, leisurely brunch, family dinner or special occasion.

Menu highlights: Tuna Tartare, Firecracker Cauliflower, Mussels, New England Clam Chowder, Kale Salad, The Mariner Burger, Hot and Cold Lobster Rolls, Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Demi-Glace, Chicken Milanese with Arugula, Steak Frites, Miso-Glazed Cod and Scallops with Celeriac Purée. Desserts include Sticky Toffee Pudding and Linden Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches (Linden’s Cookies is a Sturz family business).

A Fresh Look, Rooted in History

Beyond the kitchen, Sturz partnered with acclaimed Connecticut interior designer Christian P. Arkay-Leliever, whose work includes Elm in New Canaan and Esh Mediterranean in Fairfield, to refresh The Mariner while honoring its history. Inspired by Sturz's love of the ocean and mountains, the design blends maritime character with alpine-lodge warmth and sophistication.

The intimate tavern features blonde wide-plank flooring, a honey-toned L-shaped bar, chocolate leather seating, a pressed-copper tin ceiling and dark sea-green shiplap. An antique ship's wheel and a hand-carved wooden fish Sturz found at a tag sale playfully recall its maritime heritage. The lighter, more relaxed dining room evokes a refined mountain retreat with cream walls, plaid banquettes and rich brown leather upholstery. Seating 60 in the dining room and 21 at the bar, The Mariner combines a lively neighborhood tavern with an inviting destination for an exceptional meal.

Seven-Day Dining for Every Occasion

Guests can enjoy weekday lunch, weekend brunch with friends and family, bar cocktails or dinner any night. For Sturz, The Mariner's community role matters as much as its food.

Sturz sees restaurants as places to meet friends, celebrate birthdays, dine with family or unwind after a long day. He wants The Mariner to be Ridgefield's welcoming gathering place, where guests can count on a great meal and return often.

Hours

The Mariner Tavern opens daily at 451 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Day	Lunch / Brunch	Dinner / Tavern
Monday–Thursday	Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.	4–10 p.m.
Friday	Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.	4–11 p.m.
Saturday	Brunch: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.	4–11:30 p.m.
Sunday	Brunch: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.	4–10 p.m.

Kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended and available through OpenTable. For menus and more information, visit themarinerct.com or follow @TheMarinerTavern on Instagram.

About The Mariner Tavern

Located in the heart of historic downtown Ridgefield, Connecticut, The Mariner Tavern is a beloved neighborhood dining institution entering a new era under Chef/Owner Shannon Sturz. Building on more than 50 years of local history, the restaurant combines the warmth and hospitality of a traditional tavern with elevated French-American cuisine, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and beautifully reimagined interiors. Open seven days a week for lunch, weekend brunch and dinner, The Mariner welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience a fresh take on a Ridgefield classic.

The Mariner Tavern|451 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT

themarinerct.com|Instagram: @TheMarinerTavern|Reservations: OpenTable