Top 10 Best Connecticut Restaurants

The top 10 best Connecticut restaurants according to customer reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable are Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, The Capital Grille, Jacob’s Pickles, Barcelona Wine Bar, Bear’s Smokehouse, Shell & Bones, Olea, Black-Eyed Sally’s, Feng Chophouse, and Joseph’s Steakhouse.
Connecticut, known as the Nutmeg State, offers an array of cuisines that cater to every palate. Traditional favorites are the New Haven Apizza, Connecticut-style hot dogs, steamed cheeseburgers, and lobster rolls. Dining experiences span from historic downtown restaurants to farm-to-table establishments. Venues like Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Joseph’s Steakhouse further cement Connecticut’s reputation as a go-to destination for BBQ and steak enthusiasts.
Connecticut provides unique culinary experiences beyond standard dining. The Pizza Trail invites food lovers to know more about the state’s rich pizza legacy, while farm dinners, vineyards, and brewpubs. The top 10 restaurants in CT prove that the state is not only a food destination but also a welcoming place for diners of all ages and all tastes.
Considered as the home of the nation’s #1 pizza, Connecticut showcases iconic establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which has been making the famous White Clam Pizza since 1925. Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, CT claims to have made the very first fast food hamburger in 1900. Bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and Long Island Sound to the south, Connecticut enriches its food scene with fresh coastal seafood and New England agricultural produce.
The best restaurants in Connecticut are listed below:
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
- The Capital Grille
- Jacob’s Pickles
- Barcelona Wine Bar
- Bear’s Smokehouse
- Shell & Bones
- Olea
- Black-Eyed Sally’s
- Feng Chophouse
- Joseph’s Steakhouse

- 13 Item Prices
- $11.18 Average Item Price
Description:
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a legendary coal-fired pizza restaurant with nearly a century of history. Renowned for its secret family pizza recipe, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is considered one of the best pizza restaurants in the US, producing over 1,000 pounds of dough daily
Type of Restaurant:
Pizzeria
Type of Food:
Pizza
Signature Dish:
White Clam Pie, Margherita Pie, and Mushroom & Gorgonzola Pie
Location:
Danbury
59 Federal Road, Danbury, CT
Fairfield
238 Commerce Drive, Fairfield, CT
Manchester
221 Buckland Hills Drive, Manchester, CT
Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT
New Haven
157 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT
Waterbury
130 Reidville Drive, Waterbury, CT
West Hartford
1148 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT
New Haven College Ambassador
157 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT
Special Feature:
Coal-fired pizzas
What Makes It Special:
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has been making pizzas for nearly 100 years.
How It Stands Apart:
Frank Pepe's originated the New Haven-style thin-crust apizza.
Operating Hours:
New Haven (hours: 11 AM–10 PM), Fairfield (hours: 10:30 AM–10 PM daily), Manchester (hours: 11 AM–10 PM), and Mohegan Sun (hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 AM–11:45 PM; Friday–Saturday 11 AM–1:45 AM).
Price:
Prices range from $10 to $50 per pizza.

- 334 Item Prices
- $13.25 Average Item Price
Description:
Jacob’s Pickles brings Southern comfort food to Connecticut. Jacob’s Pickles is known for hearty meals and a warm ambiance.
Type of Restaurant:
Southern restaurant
Type of Food:
American comfort food
Signature Dish:
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Skillet, Patty Melt, Nashville Hot
Location:
100 N Water St, Norwalk, CT
Special Feature:
Southern comfort food.
What Makes It Special:
Jacob's Pickles serves southern comfort food done right.
Operating Hours:
Operating hours include Monday–Thursday (11:00 AM–10:00 PM), Friday (11:00 AM–11:00 PM), Saturday (9:00 AM–11:00 PM), and Sunday (9:00 AM–10:00 PM).
Price:
$30 and under

- 72 Item Prices
- $8.69 Average Item Price
Description:
Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the best Spanish restaurants in Connecticut, blending Spanish culture with a chic European vibe, offering tapas, Spanish cheeses, and over 400 wine options.
Type of Restaurant:
Spanish restaurant
Type of Food:
Tapas
Signature Dish:
Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas, Hanger Steak
Location:
West Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven, Stamford, Norwalk CT
Special Feature:
400 wine options
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant has a chic European vibe, serves delicious tapas and Spanish cheeses.
How It Stands Apart:
Barcelona Wine Bar has a growing collection of wines from all over the world.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Friday (4:00 PM–LATE), Saturday (11:00 AM–LATE), and Sunday (11:00 AM–LATE),
Price:
Starts at $25 per person

- 219 Item Prices
- $13.88 Average Item Price
Description:
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ serves authentic Kansas City-style barbecue and wood-smoked flavors, offering meats like brisket, burned ends, and pulled pork.
Type of Restaurant:
BBQ restaurant
Type of Food:
Kansas style barbecue
Signature Dish:
Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Texas Sausage
Location:
Hartford, Windsor, New Haven, South Windsor CT
Special Feature:
In-house brewery
What Makes It Special:
How It Stands Apart:
Considered as the best BBQ restaurant in CT by reviewers on Tripadvisor
Operating Hours:
11:00 AM–8:00 PM or 9:00 PM daily
Price:
Prices are under $30 per person.

- 25 Item Prices
- $21.02 Average Item Price
Description:
Shell & Bones is an award-winning seafood, steak, and raw bar restaurant on the New Haven waterfront.
Type of Restaurant:
Seafood restaurant
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dish:
Raw oysters, Surf and Turf, Crab Cake BLT
Location:
100 S Water St, New Haven, CT
Special Feature:
Located on the waterfront in New Haven.
What Makes It Special:
Serves fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes
How It Stands Apart:
Happy hour, fireplace, excellent water views
Operating Hours:
12:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.
Price:
$11 to $38 per person

- 49 Item Prices
- $15.01 Average Item Price
Description:
Olea, located in downtown New Haven, specializes in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Manuel Romero sources ingredients locally and imports specialty items.
Type of Restaurant:
Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant
Type of Food:
Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine
Signature Dish:
Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Cochinillo, Sea Bass
Location:
Downtown New Haven, CT
Special Feature:
Ingredients are sourced locally and around the world
What Makes It Special:
High quality ingredients
How It Stands Apart:
Olea is owned by renowned chef Chef Manuel Romero.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday from 5:00 –10:00 PM (last reservation at 8:30 PM)
Price:
$50 and up per person

- 170 Item Prices
- $13.74 Average Item Price
Description:
Black-Eyed Sally’s is a barbecue and Southern cooking restaurant featuring live music and open mic nights.
Type of Restaurant:
Southern restaurant with live music
Type of Food:
Southern cuisine
Signature Dish:
Sally's Slo-Smoked Ribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Louisiana Gumbo
Location:
350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
Special Feature:
Southern fare & BBQ in a vibrant roadhouse with live jazz and blues music.
What Makes It Special:
Live entertainment
How It Stands Apart:
Live entertainment and good Southern style food.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday (12:00 PM–10:00 PM), Friday–Saturday (12:00 PM–11:00 PM), and Sunday (12:00 PM–8:00 PM)
Price:
$30 and under per person

- 358 Item Prices
- $22.73 Average Item Price
Description:
Feng Chophouse in downtown Hartford offers upscale sushi and Asian cuisine, known for giving guests a luxurious dining experience marked by creative dishes and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Type of Restaurant:
Asian restaurant
Type of Food:
Asian cuisine
Signature Dish:
Angry Dragon Roll, Sushi, Braised Short Rib, House Cured Bacon Fried Rice
Location:
93 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
Special Feature:
Sushi and Asian dishes served in a modern setting.
What Makes It Special:
Creative dishes
How It Stands Apart:
Feng Chophouse is an upscale eatery known for creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines.
Operating Hours:
11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday
Price:
Starts at $50 and up per person

- 38 Item Prices
- $32.11 Average Item Price
Description:
Joseph’s Steakhouse is considered by many as the best steakhouse in Connecticut, delivering a classic NYC steakhouse vibe with USDA Prime dry-aged beef.
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse
Type of Food:
USDA Prime dry-aged beef
Signature Dish:
Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, Porterhouse Steak, Filet Mignon, Caesar Salad
Location:
360 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT
Special Feature:
Piano Bar
What Makes It Special:
At Jacob's Steakhouse, the steaks are dry-aged, the restaurant's interior boasts of modern sophistication, the service is impeccable, and the wine list is impressive.
How It Stands Apart:
This steakhouse is known for its exceptional service and flavorful steaks.
Operating Hours:
Lunch hours are Monday–Friday (12:00 PM–2:30 PM), with dinner Monday–Thursday (4:30 PM–9:30 PM), Friday–Saturday (4:30 PM–10:30 PM), and Sunday (4:30 PM–9 PM).
Price:
Price ranges from $50–$100 per person.

- 37 Item Prices
- $21.78 Average Item Price
Description:
The Capital Grille offers fine dining with a focus on expertly prepared dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. It is considered to be one of the finest steakhouses.
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse
Type of Food:
Dry-aged steaks
Signature Dish:
Kona Crusted Bone-In Strip with Shallot Butter, Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tail, and Lobster Mac-and-Cheese
Location:
Hartford, CT and Stamford, CT
Special Feature:
Dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood
What Makes It Special:
High quality steaks and premium seafood options
How It Stands Apart:
Upscale ambiance, large portions, and exceptional service
Operating Hours:
Hartford (hours: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM) and Stamford (hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM)
Price:
Minimum of $50 per person
What Food is Connecticut Famous For?
The food that Connecticut is famous for include New Haven-style pizza, lobster rolls, steamed cheeseburgers, and ice cream. The New Haven-style pizza known as Apizza, features charred thin crust cooked in coal-fired ovens. Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana introduced this style in 1925, followed by Modern Apizza and Sally’s Apizza, with the white clam pizza at Frank Pepe’s earning national acclaim. Connecticut is also the birthplace of the lobster roll, created in the 1920s at Perry’s in Milford, featuring warm, buttery lobster served in a toasted roll, a distinct variation from colder versions elsewhere. Connecticut's unique culinary techniques include the steamed cheeseburger, a specialty from Ted’s Restaurant in Central Connecticut, where beef and cheddar are steamed to create a molten, flavorful dish. Ice cream culture thrives in Connecticut, which has over 85 dairy farms, with popular establishments like Arethusa Farm Dairy, Ashley’s Ice Cream, and Milkcraft drawing locals and visitors alike.
What is Connecticut’s State Dish?
Pizza holds the title of Connecticut's official state food, designated by the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2021. This declaration recognizes the state’s long-standing tradition of serving some of the finest pizza in the nation, often referred to as "apizza" in local dialect, especially in New Haven.
New Haven-style pizza is characterized by its thin, slightly charred crust baked in coal-fired ovens. The result is a crispy yet chewy base with a smoky flavor. Traditional toppings include mozzarella, tomato sauce, and sometimes white clam, a regional favorite that combines fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese. The appearance of the apizza is rustic, with slightly irregular edges and bubbling cheese or toppings.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Connecticut?
The average cost of a meal in Connecticut varies widely depending on the type of dining experience. Fast food meals range from $15 to $20 per person, offering quick, budget-friendly options. Mid-range restaurants charge $30 to $50 per person for casual dining with higher-quality ingredients and service. High-end restaurants cost $80 to $150 per person, with establishments like Le Petit Café in Branford, Fire by the Forge in Hartford, and Max Downtown offering gourmet menus and fine dining experiences.
Connecticut features a variety of fine dining options, including The Capital Grille, The Mill on the River, Max Downtown, Le Petit Café, Fire by the Forge, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in Connecticut?
The most popular fast-food Restaurants in Connecticut are listed below:
- Shake Shack: Serves the iconic ShackBurger, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and creamy hand-spun milkshakes. Known for using 100% Angus beef patties and freshly made ingredients.
- Chick-fil-A: Features the classic Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, and signature Waffle Fries. Offers refreshing Lemonade and frozen treats like the Frosted Lemonade.
- Wendy’s: Delivers fresh square-shaped burgers like the Dave’s Single, spicy chicken nuggets, and Frosty desserts. Known for its Baconator and baked potatoes.
- Tacos El Azteca: Specializes in authentic Mexican tacos with choices like carne asada, al pastor, and barbacoa. Also serves burritos and quesadillas with house-made salsas.
- Frankie’s Hot Dogs: Famous for its hot dogs with customizable toppings such as chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. Also offers fried seafood and milkshakes.
- Wayback Burgers: Offers classic burgers like the Double Bacon Burger, cheesy Chili Dogs, and hand-dipped milkshakes in flavors like Oreo and strawberry.
- Popeyes: Features the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, crispy fried chicken, Cajun fries, and red beans with rice. Known for buttery biscuits and sweet tea.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Connecticut?
New CT restaurants offer diverse culinary experiences across the state. Below is the list of the Newest Restaurants in Connecticut:
- Cana Bar & Lounge (Bridgeport, CT): Craft cocktails and authentic Brazilian flavors.
- Sabor Puerto Chino (Bridgeport, CT): Fusion of Chinese and Puerto Rican dishes.
- Portobello's Fine (Bridgeport, CT): Festive dining experience specializing in Italian cuisine.
- Dibe Kitchen (Derby, CT): Vietnamese cuisine, featuring signature pho slow-cooked to perfection.
- Lazy Sister (Norwalk, CT): Mix of Shanghainese, Cantonese, Szechuan, and traditional American Chinese dishes.
Are the Best Places to Eat in Connecticut Family-Friendly?
Connecticut boasts a range of family-friendly dining options. Iconic spots like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana serve world-famous New Haven-style pizza, offering a casual and lively environment perfect for families. Seafood lovers can enjoy Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, known for fresh lobster rolls and fried clam strips, with kid-approved options like fish fingers and fries. For a unique outdoor experience, The Place in Guilford provides rustic charm, grilling seafood and chicken over an open fire—a perfect spot for family gatherings.
Casual diners like The Shack offer hearty breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes in a relaxed setting, while Famous Frank’s Drive-In brings nostalgia with its hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream. Many restaurants in Connecticut cater to families with kids’ menus and accommodating environments, ensuring a dining scene that suits all ages and tastes. From pizza to seafood and classic comfort food, Connecticut provides an array of welcoming options for family outings.
Is There a Themed Restaurant in Connecticut?
Yes, there are themed restaurants in CT that offer unique dining experiences. The cool places to eat in CT include The Rocking Horse Saloon in Hartford, CT, which provides a Wild West-themed ambiance with a dance floor and a great selection of well-kept beers. Known for its happy hour with cheap drinks, it's an ideal spot for casual gatherings or lively nights with friends. The Dirt Salon in Hartford, CT, offers an "Art & Rhymes" 80s-themed party, combining an artistic Brooklyn-esque atmosphere with the work of local Hartford artists. This venue creates an open and inviting space for creative and cultural experiences. The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar in Newington, CT, embraces an aviation theme, showcasing flight- and travel-inspired decor. The menu features American fare, creative martinis, and draft beers, with live performances from Jazz and Blues artists.
What Restaurant in Connecticut Has the Highest Review?
The top rated restaurants in CT based on Google reviews are Materia Ristorante, Local Sixty Three, 5-Diamond Restaurant, and Schoolhouse at Cannondale. Materia Ristorante in Bantam, CT, holds a 4.8 rating with 133 reviews. The restaurant is known for authentic Italian flavors and seasonal menu. The Local Sixty Three in Watertown, CT boasts an impressive 4.9 rating with 75 reviews. This eatery focuses on farm-to-table dining, offering creative dishes that reflect Connecticut's agricultural richness in a cozy setting. 5-Diamond Restaurant at Winvian Farm in Morris, CT, also has a 4.9 rating with 54 reviews. Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton, CT, has a 4.8 rating with 145 reviews. There are currently no Michelin star restaurants in CT Connecticut but there are 5-star restaurants in CT celebrated for exceptional cuisine and service.
What Restaurant in Connecticut Serves Vegan Food?
Connecticut offers a variety of options for plant-based dining, with several top-rated vegan restaurants such as Soulfully Vegan, Three Girls Vegan Creamery, Love It Vegan, Bloom Kitchen & Co., and Shayna Bs By the Sea.
Soulfully Vegan is a food truck known for cruising across the state, serving favorites like the Soulful Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, and the Big Boy Burger. Three Girls Vegan Creamery specializes in artisanal vegan cheeses and hearty dishes like lasagna and vegan meatball subs, delivering authentic flavors for cheese enthusiasts. Love It Vegan, located in Torrington, stands out as the town's first all-vegan restaurant, offering classic New England diner fare. Bloom Kitchen & Co. is Connecticut’s only vegan quick-service eatery with a drive-thru, making plant-based dining accessible and convenient. Shayna Bs By the Sea in Groton combines vegan and gluten-free options, offering items such as vegan pastries, pizzas, and burgers in a cozy cafe setting.
What Restaurant in Connecticut Serves Gluten-Free Food?
Connecticut is home to several excellent gluten-free dining options such as Gluten Free Oasis, Shayna Bs By the Sea, Cheese Bread Factory, Claire’s Corner Copia, and Pure Love Bakery.
Gluten Free Oasis in Brookfield specializes in artisan gluten-free breads and other handcrafted specialties. Shayna Bs By the Sea in Westbrook offers a menu that is both vegan and gluten-free, featuring pastries, pizzas, and burgers in a welcoming cafe environment. Cheese Bread Factory in Newtown is a standout for its gluten-free, sugar-free, and yeast-free cheese breads and sandwiches. Claire's Corner Copia in New Haven provides a variety of organic, sustainable, vegetarian, kosher dairy, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Pure Love Bakery in Avon offers an impressive array of gluten-free desserts, including donuts, muffins, breads, and cupcakes.
Are Restaurants in Connecticut Healthy?
Yes, many restaurants in Connecticut focus on serving healthy and wholesome food. Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe in Fairfield specializes in raw, vegan, and organic dishes, offering nutrient-rich smoothies, fresh juices, and salads. Heirloom Food Company in Danielson prioritizes organic and locally sourced ingredients, creating balanced dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. Natural Kitchen in Guilford provides fresh, farm-to-table options.
Is Connecticut a Food Destination?
Connecticut has become a notable dining destination, offering a blend of iconic seafood, renowned pizza, and dishes unique to the state. Connecticut’s shoreline is dotted with legendary clam shacks and classic lobster rolls. Spots like Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison serve fresh clam strips, seared scallops, and chowder, drawing crowds of beachgoers seeking authentic New England flavors. The state has a rich pizza tradition and the New Haven apizza is considered the #1 pizza in the nation. Thriving food scenes in Hartford and other cities bring global cuisines to the table, complemented by local wineries and breweries.
What is the Famous Cuisine in Connecticut?
Connecticut showcases a typical New England cuisine, emphasizing seafood and regional specialties like coal-fired pizzas and collegiate-level ice cream. New Haven is renowned for its world-famous pizza, particularly the unique clam pizza. Connecticut cuisine features a variety of local flavors, with a focus on seafood, such as lobster rolls, clam-topped pizzas, and seafood chowders.
What Type of Food Does Connecticut Usually Offer?
Pizza is especially prominent in Connecticut, with New Haven famous for clam pizza. Seafood is abundant in the state, and there are regional specialties like lobster rolls, clam-topped pizzas, and seafood chowders. Connecticut is also known for high-quality ice cream and steamed cheeseburgers.
Does Connecticut Have a Unique Dish?
Connecticut offers unique dishes like clam pizza and steamed cheeseburgers. Clam pizza, particularly from New Haven, features mozzarella, fresh garlic, olive oil, oregano, cracked red pepper, and clams. Renowned pizzerias that serve this type of pizza include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Zuppardi's Apizza, and Sally's Apizza. The steamed cheeseburgers are unique to the state, such as those at Louis' Lunch, Ted's Restaurant, and Rudy's. Steamed cheeseburgers are made by loading the patties and blocks of cheese onto a custom steamer.