A huddle of bright red umbrellas scattered on a boarded sunlit boardwalk patio might catch your eye. From the outside, Cru looks like a standard restaurant.

But Cru brings something else to the table.

Cru is more than just a restaurant; it is a restaurant and lounge. After walking into the dim lighted room, the first thing you see is the décor: Cru is a lounge. Across from the bar are black tables, each set  with lit candles to give the room a dusky feeling.

There is a whole section hidden by white curtains. Once you enter, you will see white couches with pillows scattered across them. This section is for pure relaxation and enjoyment to have a drink and be with friends.

Cru always gives its food a fun taste. Dishes are intricate and delicious. The grilled cheese wasn’t just the kind you would make off the stove at home with whole wheat bread and American cheese. These delectable sandwiches were made with perfectly toasted bread and midnight moon cheese.

But the ingredient that made the meal distinctive and flavorful and fun was truffle honey. It might take you by surprise at first, but the drizzled honey across the grilled cheese tied all the flavors together and sweetened the entire meal.

The beet salad lacked in taste, but the edamame falafels were delicious.

When looking for a hardy dinner meal, you’ll find Cru’s portion sizes on the small side, but interesting and satisfying combinations of ingredients for each meal made up for it.

When nighttime arrives, Cru really steps it up and comes alive. The lounge has music playing loud enough to dance to but quiet enough to have a conversation. The lounge section fills up along with the tables. It’s a really excellent place to have a good meal and hang out.

Overall, Cru brings an entertaining and relaxed aspect to downtown Westport.