Connecticut Restaurant and Dining Guide
Hey there, fellow foodies and thrill-seekers! Are you prepared to embark on a gastronomic adventure that'll have your taste buds dancing with delight? Strap in, because we're about to plunge into the scrumptious realm of Connecticut cuisine. Boasting a vibrant mix of history, culture, and local delicacies, the Nutmeg State is an unparalleled destination for those yearning to satiate their hunger and discover the finest that New England has to offer.
Now, you might be thinking, "Connecticut? Seriously?" But trust me, this underappreciated treasure is more than just a pit stop en route to the big city. From drool-worthy seafood shacks to legendary pizzerias and diners, this state is a food lover's utopia. So, join me as we embark on an epic odyssey, traversing the scenic landscapes of Mystic, New Haven, Bridgeport, Madison, Meriden, and New London, relishing the flavors of Connecticut's finest grub and unearthing hidden gems along the way. But be warned: this escapade is not for the faint of heart (or stomach)!
Mystic: A Seafaring Food Haven
Ah, Mystic! This enchanting maritime village is steeped in history and brimming with nautical charm. Seafood enthusiasts, rejoice! Mystic's coastal location makes it a prime spot for some of the freshest seafood in the state. Start your culinary adventure at S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, where you'll find a delectable array of seafood dishes with a modern twist. From succulent lobster to creamy clam chowder, this waterfront gem is sure to impress.
For a taste of Italy by the sea, Via Emilia is a must-visit. This cozy, rustic eatery serves up authentic Italian fare, with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas that'll transport you straight to the heart of Tuscany. And after you've indulged in Mystic's culinary delights, set sail for adventure at the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, where you can immerse yourself in the town's rich maritime history and get up close and personal with fascinating marine life.
New Haven: The Birthplace of Apizza
Next up, we're heading to New Haven, the home of Yale University and, more importantly, the birthplace of apizza. What's apizza, you ask? Well, my friends, it's a New Haven-style pizza that's thin, crispy, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, one bite of this heavenly creation and you'll never look at pizza the same way again.
The epicenter of the apizza universe is none other than the legendary Modern Apizza and Sally's Apizza, where you can indulge in a slice (or five) of mouthwatering perfection. With their coal-fired ovens and secret recipes, these iconic pizzerias have been serving up some of the best pies in the country for decades.
Between bites, take a stroll around Yale's stunning campus, marvel at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, or visit one of the many world-class museums the city has to offer.
Bridgeport: The Culinary Heart of Connecticut
As the largest city in the state, Bridgeport boasts more than its fair share of culinary hotspots and attractions. At Ristorante Di Sofia, you'll feel whisked away to Italy with every bite of their traditional dishes and irresistible desserts. And for seafood aficionados, Boca Oyster Bar is a must-visit. Perched right on the waterfront, this chic eatery offers a stunning view to accompany your mouthwatering seafood feast. From fresh oysters to succulent lobster rolls, Boca has got you covered.
While in Bridgeport, be sure not to miss Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, where you can enjoy an action-packed day admiring the impressive variety of wildlife. Additionally, the Housatonic Museum of Art is an ideal destination for immersing yourself in the captivating realm of artistic creations.
Madison: Coastal Delights and Cinematic Charm
Nestled along the beautiful Connecticut coastline, Madison is a picturesque town that boasts a wealth of culinary treasures. For a heavenly lobster roll experience, Donahue's Clam Castle is the place to be. This laid-back seafood shack has been serving up mouthwatering lobster rolls and other seafood delights for generations. And if you're still craving more seafood, Liv's Dockside Grill is another must-try spot, known for their scrumptious dishes and stunning waterfront views.
After feasting on Madison's coastal cuisine, unwind with a movie at the Madison Art Cinema, an independent theater that showcases the best in foreign and indie films. And if you're in the mood for some outdoor fun, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll along the shore or a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Meriden: The Home of Steamed Cheeseburgers
Meriden is a city with a hidden gem that will have your taste buds singing praises: steamed cheeseburgers. Yes, you heard that right! These unique burgers are cooked using steam, resulting in an incredibly juicy and tender patty that's unlike anything you've ever tasted before. Ted's Restaurant and K LaMay's Steamed Cheeseburgers are the go-to spots to indulge in this iconic Meriden treat.
After you've devoured the ultimate burger, venture out to explore Hubbard Park, a picturesque oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. And if you're up for a bit of a hike, make your way to Castle Craig, a stunning stone tower that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
New London: Maritime Adventure and Culinary Delights
Finally, but certainly not least, we reach New London, an enchanting coastal city steeped in nautical history. Kick off your gastronomic adventure at Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, a cherished local haunt celebrated for their heavenly lobster rolls and other seafood delights. For a more refined dining experience, On the Waterfront is an essential stop, presenting a tempting array of seafood dishes and an unforgettable view of the Thames River.
While roaming New London, make sure to visit Ocean Beach Park, a stunning beachfront locale with a classic boardwalk atmosphere. And for a touch of culture and entertainment, the Garde Arts Center is the ideal spot to catch a live show, movie, or concert.
And there you have it, my fellow gastronomy aficionados—a whirlwind culinary expedition showcasing the finest Connecticut has to offer. From the delectable apizza of New Haven to the emblematic steamed cheeseburgers of Meriden, this Nutmeg State escapade has demonstrated that Connecticut is genuinely a food aficionado's utopia.
But, like any memorable adventure, it's not solely about the destination—it's about the people, the tales, and the experiences that render it unforgettable. So, whether you're a committed epicurean or just someone yearning for a hint of New England enchantment, I urge you to grab your luggage, slip into your most forgiving trousers, and venture out to discover the gastronomic marvels and cultural treasures Connecticut has in store. Believe me, your taste buds will be grateful!
Now, go forth and conquer the Connecticut food scene, armed with the knowledge of the best restaurants, dishes, and tourist attractions the state
Must-Try Restaurants in Connecticut

Ristaurante di Sofia
1479 Barnum Ave, Stratford, CT 06614We made a reservation here for Valentine's Day and had a great time and the food was excellent!
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Superb81 Reviews4.6

Liv's Dockside Grill - Lobster Rolls and more
68 Cedar Island Ave, Clinton, CT 06413We go to breakfast here almost every Sunday morning. Great to get food then sit by picturesque Clinton harbor. We also go to lunch or supper occasionally...
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Superb15 Reviews4.5

Via Emilia
24 W Main St, Mystic, CT 06355The service was excellent, the food was good. The charcuterie board was a little unil-inventive, but the oliver in it were spectacular. For the main cour...
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Superb242 Reviews4.7

Boca Oyster Bar
10 E Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06608Excellent service, impeccable facilities, a pleasant atmosphere, exquisite food!!!
Parking: One of the best in Bridgeport
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Good263 Reviews3.8

S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
1 Holmes St, Mystic, CT 06355Highly recommend this restaurant when you're in Mystic. Everything I've ever ordered has been excellent! They also have a beautiful outdoor pat...
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Superb278 Reviews4.6

Clam Castle
1324 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443Great menu with seafood classics from Clam Castle and Mexican favorites from Taco Pacifico
Very good and recommend all shoreline visit...
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Average118 Reviews3.1

On The Waterfront Restaurant
250 Pequot Ave, New London, CT 06320Great service, beautiful views and the food was very fresh, a hard thing to find now a days. The staff was also very attentive on the order as well as ...
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Superb200 Reviews4.5

Captain Scott's Lobster Dock
80 Hamilton St, New London, CT 06320Traveled all the way from Austin Texas for a legit lobster roll and Captain Scott’s did not disappoint
Got the small lobster roll with extra mel...
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Superb206 Reviews4.3

Ted's Restaurant
1046 Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450I ordered food from Ted's and I really liked the steamed hamburgers. I also ordered some onion rings, and an Oreo shake. The shake was really good I...
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Superb113 Reviews4.4

Modern Apizza
874 State St, New Haven, CT 06511Arianna, Server, was excellent ? Fast, friendly and efficient. Pizza was amazing as usual ?
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Superb520 Reviews4.5

Sally's Apizza
237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 065113 couples went to dinner 2 couples were served ate and boxed before we the 3rd couple got our food I asked for a manager and it took 10 minutes before h...
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Good431 Reviews4.1
Recently Opened Restaurants

Pho Fusion Hub
1201 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460I was surprised how the noodle was cooked so well and the variety of beef they generously put inside. The couple is the kindest people you can meet at th...
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Good4 Reviews4

Salvatore's Steakhouse
1670 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517- Take-Out
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Poor0 Reviews0

Island Poke
1366 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460The food is delicious, the place is cozy, and the girls are always attentive to what you need. Everything feels so fresh and tasty. I love the decor of t...
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Superb120 Reviews4.9

Buffalo Wild Wings
387 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484I recently had the pleasure of dining at Buffalo Wild Wings, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish! As soon as we walked ...
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Good17 Reviews3.5

SOS Fried Chicken & Shawarma
471 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040Delicious food good service and always hooking me up before my third shift at work. Love that they are open late
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Superb123 Reviews4.3

Moringa Indian Restaurant
3670 E Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705The food is absolutely incredible
Everything we had was beyond my expectations
The Chai to the chicken chili, to the salmon tandoori<...
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Superb94 Reviews4.9

Beyond Greens & Co
1 N Main St, Southington, CT 06489First time trying this place. The food was excellent. I got the Country BBQ salad. The ingredients were fresh and cut up small. Each bite had all the ing...
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Superb35 Reviews4.9

Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant- Fairfield
52 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824I came around lunch time. Girl in the bright pink hair was the hostess at the time, she was hiding in the corner sipping her drink at the bar. Waited for...
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Good45 Reviews3.9

The Flying Hoof
37 S Broad Street Pawcatuck CT 06379r, Pawcatuck, CT 06379The food was pretty gross I can’t fathom how it almost has 5 stars. The only thing that was okay was the burger but the burgers are like all bun. Waste o...
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Superb18 Reviews4.6

Sichuan Alley Bistro
625 New Park Ave SUITE G, West Hartford, CT 06110Overall, the food was delicious! But it is clear that the restaurant can improve on a few dishes plus its service.
Of the dishes that ...
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Superb122 Reviews4.5

Loteria Mexican Restaurant
1765 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale, CT 06479Hands down a great overall experience. The staff is amazing. The margaritas let's just say there is no shortage of tequila. Live music!!! The Guacam...
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Superb115 Reviews4.7

Flock & Herd Gastropub
945 Cromwell Ave, Rocky Hill, CT 06067Met a friend here to have drinks and appetizers. Place was very clean with cute set up. Staff were kind and attentive. I ordered the lychee peachy drink ...
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Superb55 Reviews4.5

Chick-fil-A
750 Post Road, Eliot St & 42, Fairfield, CT 06824I love Chick Fil A both the food and customer service. I came to the opening event when it first opened so it was fitting to stop by for the 1 yr anniver...
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Good89 Reviews3.9

JAIPORE Xpress
33 Water St Unit A, Guilford, CT 06437Such a lovely spot. Cute inside, and comfortable. The staff is kind and efficient. They have great vegetarian options, my favorite: the Navratan Korma is...
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Superb111 Reviews5

Boba Lounge
16 Daniel St, Milford, CT 06460While visiting from out of state, I was craving boba and found this place on Yelp. When you walk in, the shop has a quaint, cozy, and welcoming vibe. The...
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Superb23 Reviews4.9
Recent Reviews

Abate Restaurant
61 State St, North Haven, CT 06473The pizza is the best ever. The sauce is so sweet and they do not scrimp on toppings. We always enjoy getting a large to have leftovers the next day. ...
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Good89 Reviews3.8

Eddie’s Pizza & Pasta
24 Prospect St, Ridgefield, CT 06877Disappointing, to say the least. We have been coming to this restaurant for nearly five years, largely because of the exceptional service provided by our...
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Good21 Reviews4.1

Leo's Restaurant
7 Poverty Rd, Southbury, CT 06488The food was on the low end of satisfactory. But the kicker was the service. When my 2 friends and I went there for breakfast at 11am, on a Sunday, One o...
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Good113 Reviews4.2

Peking House
1601 W Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226I have know and eating at this place for many years, not sure what is going on but the quality of the food tonight was very poor. This makes me feel SAD...
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Good42 Reviews3.8

La Joya - Fresh Mexican
834 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070Went to la joya order duck tacos great food great service Bianca the host very nice and respectful.. I would go back again and again.. great food
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Superb100 Reviews4.5

Sushi Red LLC
450 East St, Plainville, CT 06062This is the best sushi I've had in CT. Everything tasted fresh, and the presentation was really nice. The menu has great options for a good price. T...
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Superb66 Reviews4.8

E’s Fish and Chips Soul Food Restaurant
239 Homer St, Waterbury, CT 06704This was my first visit.. I bought two orders of fried shrimp. The shrimp was really good. The woman who took my order was lovely- very friendly. She ev...
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Superb94 Reviews4.6

Son D'Licias Restaurant
115 New Canaan Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850It’s a small place but service is good, food is okay, they have different good options and fair prices. I liked it!
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Good14 Reviews3.6

A.C. Petersen Farms Restaurant
240 Park Rd, West Hartford, CT 06119The service manager was not very friendly and she was our waiter, I found out towards the end. She did not gives the correct order and bc we informed her...
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Good101 Reviews3.9

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
320 Buckland Hills Dr, Manchester, CT 06042Went on a Friday around 5:30 with a party of 4 server Britney was great. The food - 3 people ordered burgers med rare all came out well done. The fish a...
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Good332 Reviews4.1

The Greenery Food Truck
Corner of Broad and, Church St, Guilford, CT 06437Helluva salad. Helluva good group of people working the truck as well. Great portion size and overall experience.
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Superb35 Reviews5

Luke's Donut Shop Inc
395 W Avon Rd, Avon, CT 06001So I have to say after reading all the comments and 5 star ratings…I’m not sure of the other donut shops everyone has frequented but ...
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Good57 Reviews4.2

Sandy Hook Cafe
3 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook, CT 06482This was such an adorable place. It felt like a local spot found in the Hallmark movies. Recently had brunch with my daughter at The Sandy Hook Caf&...
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Superb140 Reviews4.7
Recently Updated Menus

Two Greeks Pizza
123 Old Norwich Rd, Quaker Hill, CT 06375This is my families go to for our take out treat. We've ordered from them over 10x now since they've been open and we have always always always...
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Superb25 Reviews4.3

Cold Harbor Seafood & Market
465 Taylor Rd, Enfield, CT 06082This place is awesome, the best fresh seafood around. The owners and staff are so polite and caring of what you need and how to help. Just want to say al...
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Superb93 Reviews4.9

Avocado Mexican Restaurant
10 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801Service was horrible staff was not pleasant I didn’t try to food because the atmosphere felt “stuffy” the bar tender was blah not to mention there’s a re...
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Superb64 Reviews4.4

Lobster Shack
3 Cosey Beach Ave, East Haven, CT 06512Lobster Shack is on my list for top 10 best restaurants in all of CT. First of all, the staff are all super nice and super friendly and I loved talking w...
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Good157 Reviews4.2

Arturo's Restaurant
53 School Ground Rd, Branford, CT 06405I love every single thing about this restaurant and wish them much success in the future!!! Thank you for a wonderful dinner. I will absolutely be back.
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Superb83 Reviews4.5

Rizzo's Original Pizza Tub
2411 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06518It was delicious! Different but awesome. They are setting up to ship soon. They are 2 hours from me CT but I will make the drive
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Superb39 Reviews4.8

Paperback Cafe
210 Main St #8, Old Saybrook, CT 06475Paperback Café is hands down one of my favorite spots! The food is always fresh and absolutely delicious. They have amazing and unique specials that are ...
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Superb87 Reviews4.4

Moby Dick’s Oyster Bar & Grill
558 Campbell Ave #560, West Haven, CT 06516I’ve been meaning to come here for awhile now. I went last week with a friend, and it was amazing! Great food, great drinks, great service. Went back tod...
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Superb113 Reviews4.6

Curry & Hurry
1340 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870Best appetizers. Got samosa chaat and spinach pakoda. Attentive staff, delicious food.
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Superb68 Reviews4.5

Michael Angelo's Pizzeria
75 Lake Ave, Danbury, CT 06810I love their Crust! On the thin side, yeasty and soft inside. The workers are polite and efficient so tip them well!!
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Superb68 Reviews4.5

J Roo's Restaurant
243 State St, North Haven, CT 06473The manager is awful! Hopefully you won’t have a complaint that needs to be resolved. I can only hope he is kinder to the staff than he is to his custome...
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Good100 Reviews4

Mikes Pizzeria
267 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040I ordered through door dash last night and when my dasher arrived at the restaurant she was told by the women at the counter that the kitchen was putting...
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Good47 Reviews3.9

Ginger Root Restaurant
9 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118The food is both varied and high quality. The staff is helpful and friendly. Convenient location, accessibility is good. Hours fit easily into almost any...
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Superb24 Reviews4.3