Okay obviously Connecticut’s culinary map offers a little more variety than this, but if we had to sum up The Nutmeg State’s ultimate food trifecta, these three items would definitely be at the head of the list. Followed closely by Connecticut-style hot dogs. Say what you will about pizza capitals of the country, but CT leads the charge on this one with award-winning pies in multiple cities. Connecticut-style lobster rolls get their own spin, with warm buttered chunks of poached meat, in lieu of the cold lobster salad situation laden with mayo. And those burgers? As the story goes, the first was invented at New Haven mom-and-pop Louis’ Lunch in 1895—when Louis served up a specialty blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast—and thus, the most recognizable American sandwich was rumored to be born. When it comes to the best restaurants in Connecticut—and their top Instagrammed dishes—we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, with a little help from the pros. No one knows Connecticut’s beloved bites better than Stephanie Webster and Andrew Dominick of CTbites and Raenah Farina, aka Stamford Foodie. So, the next time you find yourself hungry on the Gold Coast, or ravenous on Yelp googling the best CT restaurants near me, consider these tried-and-true eateries first. And by all means, snap a pic for the ‘gram before digging in.
Happy Monkey in Greenwich, CT
Esteemed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has finally touched down in Connecticut, with his newest restaurant venture: Happy Monkey in Greenwich. The whimsical, Latin-influenced hotspot centers around food, amigos and some pretty epic cocktails (think Mezcal Lavender Negronis, Blueberry Pisco Punch and Basil Jalapeño Margaritas), but it’s the jovial vibe, buzzing bar scene and chic interiors that will keep you coming back for more. That and the flawlessly executed tacos, plus his famed Arroz con Pollo with crackling skin that takes multiple days and multiple techniques to master. The true star of the menu is his squash blossom quesadilla though, that’s crisped to perfection and served alongside a jalapeño salsa you’re going to want to drink straight from the bowl. A whole grilled lobster with smoked chili butter and guacamole studded with sweet peas is also not to be missed. Go often = go home happy as a monkey. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Hoodoo Brown Barbecue in Ridgefield, CT
It’s hard to narrow down in a blurb what Hoodoo Brown Barbecue does well. Let’s just say, everything. Regardless of your personal smoked meat preferences, do not miss their brisket, complete with a perfect rosy red smoke ring and outer bark effect, but it’s so damn juicy that it’s best described as wet. Then there’s the pork belly with a chicharron-like cracklin’ skin, served with a fresh salsa that they like to call “Hoodoo Voodoo.” And they have special days like Baby Back Wednesday, Prime Rib Thursday, French Dip Friday, and Tex Mex Tuesday (the first Tuesday of each month) where they whip up birria tacos, BBQ empanadas, enchiladas, and more. I could go on and on about their Texas-inspired ‘cue but it’s smart you go, order up a platter and try a bunch. —Andrew Dominick, CTbites
Elm in New Canaan, CT
We’ll start by saying: The closest thing you’ll get to a Double-Double, Animal-Style Burger outside of In-N-Out in LA, is in CT, at Elm. See evidence here. More than that though, Chef Luke Venner’s unparalleled pasta are the heart and soul of Elm. Although they change seasonally, all hell would break loose the day he takes the bucatini or hand-cut lumache sauced up in n’djua bolognese off the menu. There’s also afternoon tea on Fridays that rivals some of the best in the states, with a worldly selection of brews, plus mini scones, black truffle Croque monsieur and a tiny, yet mighty, wasabi lobster roll. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Swyft in Kent, CT
Sure Swyft has other things on their menu, and they are all tasty as heck, but their signature three-day fermented sourdough wood-fired, farm-driven, Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are the bomb. The mozzarella is house-stretched, and the crust is perfectly charred with just the right amount of texture. Highlights include the Forager with king oyster mushrooms, delicata squash, bechamel, and sage, or The Alchemist with house-made mozzarella, black garlic, miso, broccolini, and guanciale. We like everything they are doing here. —Stephanie Webster, CTbites
Rosina’s in Greenwich, CT
Fortina alum Chef Jared Falco is doing big things in the kitchen at Rosina’s, his new Italian spot in Greenwich serving lights-out pasta, NY-style pizzas and charming neighborhood vibes. There’s his famous chicken cutlet that’s not to be missed, along with 5-star apps (think arancini, the perfect ravioli with ricotta, egg yolk and black truffle, plus a smorgasbord of veggie options like broccolini, sprouts and beets with labneh), but it’s really all about the pasta. The malloreddus with shrimp, Calabrian chili and breadcrumbs is out-of-this-world good, as is the radiatore with guanciale, chili, and pecorino. Don’t sleep on the Osso Bucco or center-cut veal chop parm either. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Dew Drop Inn in Derby, CT
If you put parmesan cheese, bacon and garlic on anything it will be delightful. With that said, there’s something extra special about Dew Drop Inn’s extra crispy parm butter bacon garlic wings being smothered in it all. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, they have over 100 other wing flavors to choose from. You will not leave hungry. —Raenah Farina aka Stamford Foodie
Clam Castle in Madison, CT
There are many storied seafood shacks and roadside haunts dotting Connecticut’s shoreline, but we’re going to save you the Google rabbit hole hassle and just point out our favorite: CLAM CASTLE. Good luck finding a more laidback, yet chef-y gem than this. The lobster roll is perfection—hot and buttered on a classic N.E. roll. The lobster grilled cheese is lights out. The panko-fried fish and chips platters are fresh, devour-able, crispy without being greasy and come with skinny onion strings, sweet potato tots or fries. And the overflowing with clams New England chowder is one of the best we’ve encountered in the state. Even the burgers and fish tacos are spot on. Seriously there’s nothing they don’t get right here, which is why it makes sense that it’s French Chef Jacques Pépin’s favorite restaurant in CT. BYOB a few bottles of chilled rosé and camp out in the backyard for the best lunch you’ll have all summer. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
The Inn at GrayBarns on the Silvermine River in Norwalk, CT
The Inn at GrayBarns is a retired textile factory turned boutique hotel and tavern, which serves as the ultimate countryside retreat in the Silvermine neighborhood of Fairfield County. Go early to meander through the gardens, or shop one-of-a-kind wares in the mercantile, then take your seat for a farm-to-table feast by Chef Ben Freemole. Their cozy dining room is packed to the gills weeknights into the weekend, so prepare to stay awhile noshing on roasted oysters swimming in snail butter and lamb ribs with mint yogurt. Maybe even book a room and make a night of it because places this magical are hard to leave. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, CT
Choosing one of New Haven’s legendary “apizza” parlors is agonizing. Modern Apizza makes a killer plain and the Italian Bomb is great when you’re starving. And Sally’s Apizza tomato pie is a Wooster Street right of passage. Frank Pepe’s, though, is the original thin-crust coal-fired spot, and while they’ve expanded their pizza empire, there’s a lot they still do really well. Their tomato pie (crushed tomatoes, olive oil, grated pecorino romano) is a good intro, while others love the white clam with a snowfall of pecorino, garlic, oregano, and olive oil (Pro tip: add bacon). If Pepe’s has a third “must-try” pie, it’s their seasonal fresh tomato offered in the summer through early fall with native tomatoes, garlic, basil, grated cheese, EVOO and mozzarella. —Andrew Dominick, CTbites
L’Escale in Greenwich, CT
You never know which Housewife of the Eastern seaboard you’ll run into at Greenwich darling L’Escale. Along with pristine seafood plateaus piled high with glistening oysters and plump crustaceans, there are people-watching opps galore here. And one outrageous profiterole dessert creation you have to see to believe. Plus the waterfront dining views can’t be beaten for happy hour, sunset cocktails or a fancified weekend brunch. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Cugine’s in Stamford, CT
Connecticut may not necessarily be known for its speakeasies at the moment, but Cugine’s is changing that notion with its latest Italian endeavor. A “Carbone Lite” shall we say, CT style. What used to be the former Lila Rose digs in Stamford now has a secret flower shop entry, forest green interior—and lots of Frank Sinatra. Speakeasy vibes abound, as do first-rate pasta and meatballs, thanks to Chef-Partner Rick O’Connor. Order the ricotta gnocchi in a pesto cream sauce, capellini with lemon, butter and pistachios, plus the house specialty: Spaghetti Boia bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes and chili flakes. The shaved zucchini salad is also quite lovely to start and the sirloin steak with truffled potato croquettes and broccoli rabe really rounds out the meal. Word to the wise: Do not leave without a dirty martini studded with jalapeños and olives, which is the only way we’re having them from now on. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Match Burger Lobster in Westport, CT
Behold the Match Burger! Start with a patty of Fleishers grass-fed beef, throw in some bacon-cheddar sauce and sweet and sour onion jam. House it all on a caramelized onion brioche bun. And don’t forget those rosemary-parmesan fresh-cut fries. What makes THIS burger extra special? Match Burger Lobster Chef and owner Matt Storch created a cheddar cheese béchamel sauce with bacon fat to create a rich roux that the entire burger is bathed in before serving. It’s insanely delicious, highly decadent and worth every bite. —Stephanie Webster, CTbites
Mecha in Fairfield, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford & West Hartford, CT
Slurping and Instagramming is always encouraged at Mecha. Baos, Vietnamese pho and Japanese ramen reign supreme at this Southeast Asian noodle joint with five locations across CT, but don’t pass up their bubble teas or tiki drinks. Order the KFC (Korean fried chicken bao with gochujang, pickled daikon-carrots, kewpie) with a Sifu Lee (vodka, apricot, yuzu, sage, dragon pearl jasmine tea) to wash it down. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk, CT
Once Valencia Luncheria made the big time on Guy Fieri’s Triple D, it forced a move from what was maybe a 12-seat eatery to a bigger location a few storefronts over because more and more out-of-towners (and beyond) were in on our little secret spot for arepas. The Zach (with crispy chicken and honey), pernil (slow roasted pork) and the Real Deal (chorizo and mozzarella) are crowd favorites amongst many combinations Valencia stuffs into a deep-fried savory corn pocket. The one thing everyone can agree on is their green sauce. It’s creamy with a tad bit of heat and laced with cilantro. Douse it on everything. If you can get past the green sauce, arepa pairing, Valencia has plenty in terms of breakfast plates, creative empanadas and other Latin American dinner entrées. —Andrew Dominick, CTbites
Kissaki in Greenwich, CT
Kissaki is well known for their superior omakase experience in New York City and the Hamptons, but they’ve thankfully brought their much-loved Japanese cuisine to CT with their Greenwich Ave location! The best seats in the small, yet stunning, house are arguably at the omakase counter, where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of their Itamaes in action. All of the specialty nigiri that graces your tasting menu wooden plate is out of this world, as are the Kumamoto Oysters with honeydew gazpacho, daikon, Kaluga caviar and the Waygu Tartare with black garlic, puffed koji, horseradish creme fraiche. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Artisan in West Hartford, CT
Artisan gets props for plating and execution on many levels and it’s a winning choice for a leisurely al fresco lunch in their dreamy garden. As for what to order, the crispy Chatham cod fish and chips dusted in pink Himalayan salt is a no-brainer, as is their pounded-to-perfection chicken paillard with a peppery bed of greens on top. It’s been on the menu since day one—and their crown jewel—so don’t skip it. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Flour Water Salt Bread in Darien, CT
The lines are long on the weekend at Flour Water Salt Bread, but it’s worth the wait for Rob VanKeuren’s artisan sourdough loaves and pastries. The crunch of the crust is audible, and the interior always has the perfect chew. Select from straight-up sourdough or his epically delicious whole wheat sourdough…it’s all good. Combo that up with one of his bomboloni, an irresistibly light and delicious fried Italian doughnut filled with something different daily. Oh, and do yourself a favor and pick up a hunk of coffee cake. You won’t regret it. —Stephanie Webster, CTbites
L’Ostal in Darien, CT
There are many French restaurants in Connecticut, but there’s only one L’Ostal. The Provençal-inspired Darien newbie came in hot from the start, thanks to the teaming of industry vets Chef Jared Sippel and GM/Master Sommelier Joe Cracco, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for a fine dining addition that lives up to its much-buzzed-about rep. The potato gnocchi fonduta with black pepper sausage is off the charts. The truffled spring vegetable salad is simplistic, yet brilliant. Even the usual suspects—escargots, foie gras, vichyssoise—are so well executed, you’ll return just for them, along with everything else. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand in Cheshire, CT
“Two and a birch!” “Three and a cheese!” Ordering like that can only mean one thing…you’re at Blackie’s, a roadside dive that’s been serving up oil-kissed ripper-style hot dogs since 1928! The dogs—made by New Britain’s Martin Rosol Meats—are placed on lightly toasted long rolls and toppings are DIY. Mustard? Ketchup? Go ahead. But don’t hold back on Blackie’s famous hot pepper relish. Oh, and that ordering lingo? Numbers mean hot dogs, “cheese” means a cheeseburger, and “birch” is a fountain birch beer. Some regulars simply flash a number with their fingers. That’s how O.G. this place is. —Andrew Dominick, CTbites
Prime in Stamford, CT
Chef Julio Genao takes the steak and seafood concept to a whole new level at Prime in Stamford’s bustling Harbor Point district. With scenic waterfront views, there’s no better way to enjoy top-notch surf and turf, epic sushi rolls and the world’s best gnocchi in a Parmesan-white truffle sauce, than sitting on the boardwalk watching the yachts pass by. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
The Wheel & Cisco Brewers in Stamford, CT
The Wheel in Stamford has quickly risen to fan favorite stardom for its farm-to-table dishes sourced from 40 local farmers, fishermen and purveyors, plus crazy good wood-fired pizzas (the Funghi is our love language). The restaurant also just debuted an outdoor bar on its waterfront patio to keep the alfresco vibes going well into fall, before the igloos take over for the winter season. In the summer months, check out Nantucket’s beloved Cisco Brewers’ outpost at The Village! The brewery-distillery-winery triple threat opened last year and quickly became a go-to spot on weekends, with live music, lots of pups, the best craft ales and tasty nibbles. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Cafe Silvium in Stamford, CT
It’s really hard to pick just one dish from Cafe Silvium and if you’ve ever been lucky enough to go, you know why. Let your creative juices flow. You want the pasta from one dish paired with the protein of another topped with the sauce from another? No problem. Whether ordering on or off the menu, it will be sure to both look and taste mouth-watering. Oh and trust me, the filled-to-the-brim wine pours will surely have you grabbing your phone for a photo. —Raenah Farina aka Stamford Foodie
Ruby & Bella’s in Greenwich, CT
Ruby & Bella’s just opened in SaksWorks in Greenwich—a new membership club and co-working space—that’s already drawing quite the fashionable crowd. Locals might be flocking to the chic hub to take Zoom meetings in between turmeric lattes upstairs, but downstairs there’s a chef-driven culinary parade of exceptional dishes coming out of the kitchen. An old-school custom cocktail cart and bartender greets you at your table, ready and willing to concoct the artisanal tipple of the day, before appetizers like tuna tartare with avocado and jumbo lump cake with Brussels sprouts slaw arrive, followed by R&B’s signature lobster club, skirt steak with fried rice and one mighty fine burger. Also not to be missed: New England clam chowder with a mini lobster roll and sea scallops with zoodles and the soup of the day. An A+ wine list is another draw, as is their 3-course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu on February 14th. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood in Norwalk, CT
This Rowayton Seafood haven perched above the Five Mile River is a hidden gem on Connecticut’s gold coast and well worth the trip. Obviously, you go for the lobster rolls, but other staples run the gamut between steamers, clam strips and chowder to more elevated fare. Think: innovative crudos and barramundi milanese. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Don Memo in Westport, CT
Chef Bill Taibe dominates the Westport food scene with three standout eateries: Kawa Ni (his laid-back Izakaya with insanely good tofu pockets and chicken karaage) and The Whelk (a nautically-inspired seafood haven) and his latest venture Don Memo, that transports you to Oxacana, Mexico in the first few bites. The vibe is kitschy, yet cool, the cocktail and mezcal list and is A++ and the food is authentic as it gets without having to buy a plane ticket. We’ll make ordering easy: start with the lobster tostada and pea shoot quesadilla with chili arbol, followed by chilaquiles and tamales, before sampling all the tacos (lamb barbacoa and pescado with pineapple salsa are the jam). —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Colony Grill in Stamford, Fairfield, Milford & Norwalk, CT
It’s been said that the best pizza in the country comes from Connecticut. We obviously agree. Colony Grill’s hot oil pie is a local legend. It’s a crispy, cheesy bar pie with the perfect amount of heat. It is imitated; never duplicated. —Raenah Farina aka Stamford Foodie
TAO at MoheganSun in Montville, CT
TAO may be best known for its NYC, Chicago and Las Vegas locations, but the celeb-loved hotspot has finally made its way to CT, at Mohegan Sun. Crowd-pleasing favorites like orange chicken, Peking duck and crispy snapper in ‘sand,’ are all on the menu at the casino outpost, along with rock shrimp lettuce cups, Chilean sea bass satay and all the dim sum you can handle (don’t skip the lobster wontons or chicken wing lollipops). It’s by far the most satisfying dining option after hitting the tables all day and has a 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue anchoring the main room that was made for ‘gramming. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade Up next, 100 Best Instagram Captions for All Your Food Pics
