Table of Contents
The results are in! Here are the winners from our annual Readers’ Choice survey, plus additional recommendations from some of the most in-the-know dining experts in Connecticut. Now comes the hard part: Deciding which to try first!
Take a deep dive into this year’s Experts’ Picks for the 25 Best New Restaurants. And be sure to watch for these 7 dining trends in 2022.
Our annual Readers’ Choice restaurant survey was conducted online during September and October 2021; voters were able to choose up to three restaurants in order of preference (with the votes weighted accordingly) in each category. Restaurants were limited to a maximum of four Readers’ Choice wins in the categories in which they received the most votes. After that, awards in further categories went to the next qualifying restaurant. Our panel of experts then recommended additional places in each category which they believe deserve recognition.
Best for Overall Excellence
Statewide Winner: Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford
Statewide Runner-up: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Fairfield County: Sal e pepe, Newtown
Hartford County: Max Downtown, Hartford
Litchfield County: Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford
Middlesex County: La Marea Ristorante, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Lucas Local Oyster Bar, Southbury
New London County: Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
Tolland County: Fenton River Grill, Mansfield Center
Windham County: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Anya, Thompson
Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
The Cottage, Westport
Grano Arso, Chester
J. Gilbert’s, Glastonbury
Le Petit Café, Branford
Millwright’s, Simsbury
Olea, New Haven
Oyster Club, Mystic
Present Company, Tariffville (Simsbury)
Shell & Bones, New Haven
Strega, Milford
Tavern on State, New Haven
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
New Restaurant
Statewide Winner: Wilson’s by High Watch, Kent
Statewide Runner-up: La Plage, Westport
Fairfield County: La Plage, Westport
Hartford County: TJ’s Burritos, East Granby
Litchfield County: Wilson’s by High Watch, Kent
Middlesex County: Marker 37, Chester
New Haven County: Aldo’s Ristorante & Wine Bar, Middlebury
New London County: Tao Asian Bistro & Lounge, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Windham County: A Mano Taco Shop, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks (read about our experts’ favorite new restaurants in depth here):
Allium Eatery, Westport
Appetit Bistro, Norwalk
The Charles, Wethersfield
Don Rene Taqueria, Milford
4 Seasons Mediterranean Cuisine, Danbury
Good Old Days Pizza, Newtown
Hindsight BBQ, Waterbury
L’Ostal, Darien
La Llorona, Niantic
Le Gamin Café, Sharon
Little Oak Cafe, Canton
Marygold’s on Main, Newtown
Materia Ristorante, Bantam
Moon, Greenwich
Nana’s Bakery & Pizza, Mystic
Noble Smokehouse, Mystic
Rosina’s, Greenwich
Seed 41, Collinsville
The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic
Spice Palette, New London
Tao Asian Bistro & Lounge, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Twisted Italian Cafe (Parkville Market), Hartford
Via Emilia, Mystic
Villa Lulu, New Haven
The Wheel, Stamford
Restaurants that opened on or after July 1, 2020, were eligible for Best New Restaurant in the Readers’ Choice survey. The Experts’ Picks for the 25 Best New Restaurants include restaurants that opened since the start of 2020, and were chosen independently of the readers survey.
Most Romantic
Statewide Winner: Union League Cafe, New Haven
Statewide Runner-up: Winvian Farm, Morris
Fairfield County: Bernard’s, Ridgefield
Hartford County: Millwright’s, Simsbury
Litchfield County: Winvian Farm, Morris
Middlesex County: La Marea Ristorante, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Union League Cafe, New Haven
New London County: Ballo, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Tolland County: Asian Bistro, Mansfield
Windham County: Grill 37, Pomfret
Experts’ Picks:
2 Hopewell, South Glastonbury
Anya, Thompson
Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
The Charles, Wethersfield
Grano Arso, Chester
Le Petit Café, Branford
The Mayflower Inn, Washington
Metro Bis, Simsbury
Nouveau Monde, Sandy Hook
Tavern on State, New Haven
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel, Madison
The White Hart, Salisbury
Traditional American
Statewide Winner: The White Horse, New Preston
Statewide Runner-up: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
Fairfield County: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton
Hartford County: The Marlborough Tavern, Marlborough
Litchfield County: The White Horse, New Preston
Middlesex County: Penny Lane Pub, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Archie Moore’s Bar & Restaurant, New Haven, Milford, Wallingford*
New London County: Engine Room, Mystic
Tolland County: Wood-n-Tap, Vernon
Windham County: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
(*Archie Moore’s Branford location opened after the survey was completed.)
Experts’ Picks:
Dottie’s Diner, Woodbury
The Griswold Inn, Essex
J. Timothy’s Taverne, Plainville
The Mayflower Inn, Washington
My Place, Newtown
Oxford House Tavern, Oxford
New American
Statewide Winner: The Cottage, Westport
Statewide Runner-up: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Fairfield County: The Cottage, Westport
Hartford County: Millwright’s, Simsbury
Litchfield County: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Middlesex County: Aspen Restaurant, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Zinc, New Haven
New London County: Oyster Club, Mystic
Tolland County: Fenton River Grill, Mansfield Center
Windham County: Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
@ the Barn, Granby
@ the Corner, Litchfield
The Charles, Wethersfield
Community Table, Washington
Cotton Hollow Kitchen, South Glastonbury
Fork & Fire, Farmington
Marygold’s on Main, Newtown
Match, Norwalk
The Mayflower Inn, Washington
Nouveau Monde, Sandy Hook
Present Company, Tariffville (Simsbury)
Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, Willimantic
Taproot, Bethel
Tavern on State, New Haven
Whitecrest Eatery, Stonington
Italian
Statewide Winner: La Marea Ristorante, Old Saybrook
Statewide Runner-up: Sal e pepe, Newtown
Fairfield County: Sal e pepe, Newtown
Hartford County: Treva, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Italia Mia, New Milford
Middlesex County: La Marea Ristorante, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Goodfellas, New Haven
New London County: Ballo, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Experts’ Picks:
Aranci 67, Wilton
Cafe Aura, Manchester
Carbone’s Prime, Rocky Hill
4 Seasons Mediterranean Cuisine, Danbury
Grano Arso, Chester
Materia Ristorante, Bantam
Rosina’s, Greenwich
Tony D’s, New London
Tuscany Restaurant, Plantsville
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
French
Statewide Winner: Union League Cafe, New Haven
Statewide Runner-up: Àvert Brasserie, West Hartford
Fairfield County: Luc’s Cafe, Ridgefield
Hartford County: Àvert Brasserie, West Hartford
Litchfield County: RSVP, West Cornwall
Middlesex County: Cafe Routier, Westbrook
New Haven County: Union League Cafe, New Haven
Experts’ Picks:
Bar Bouchée, Madison
Bernard’s, Ridgefield
The Charles at Darien Butcher Shop, Darien
L’Ostal, Darien
Le Gamin Café, Sharon
Le Petit Café, Branford
Mexican
Statewide Winner: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
Statewide Runner-up: Senor Pancho’s, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury
Fairfield County: Don Memo, Westport
Hartford County: TJ’s Burritos, East Granby
Litchfield County: El Coyote, New Milford
Middlesex County: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Senor Pancho’s, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury
New London County: Rio Salado, Mystic
Tolland County: Coyote Flaco, Mansfield Center
Windham County: Taco La Rosa, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Azteca, Bridgeport
The Back End, New Canaan
Camacho Garage, New Haven
Casa Oaxaca, Bethel
Don Carmelo’s, Norwalk
Geronimo’s Tequila Bar, New Haven
Los Charros Cantina, Essex
Los Garcias Mexican Fusion, Waterbury
Mexicali Rose, Newtown
Sayulita, South Glastonbury
Tequila Revolucion, Fairfield
Latin American or Caribbean
Statewide Winner: Centrico, Bethel
Statewide Runner-up: Crave, Ansonia
Fairfield County: Centrico, Bethel
Hartford County: Moran Restaurant, Manchester
Middlesex County: El Rincon Del Sabor, Westbrook
New Haven County: Crave, Ansonia
New London County: Canggio, Norwich
Experts’ Picks:
Brasitas, Norwalk and Stamford
Cora Cora, West Hartford
The Flaming Llama, Hartford
Kingston Kafe, Stratford
Madeline’s Empanaderia, New Haven
Minas Carne, Danbury
Mommy’s Delicious Food, Norwich
The Rockin Chicken, Hartford
Valencia Luncheria, Norwalk
Chinese
Statewide Winner: Enchanted Szechuan, Norwalk
Statewide Runner-up: Ginkgo Sichuan Cuisine, Fairfield
Fairfield County: Enchanted Szechuan, Norwalk
Hartford County: Song Restaurant, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Yoko Kitchen Seafood Restaurant, New Milford
Middlesex County: Taste of China, Clinton
New Haven County: Taste of China, New Haven
New London County: Tao Asian Bistro & Lounge, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Tolland County: China Taste, Vernon
Windham County: New China, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Han Asian Cuisine, Granby
Lao Sze Chuan, Milford
Shu, West Hartford, Fairfield
Japanese
Statewide Winner: Oko, Westport
Statewide Runner-up: Yokohama, New Milford
Fairfield County: Oko, Westport
Hartford County: Hana Sushi, Manchester
Litchfield County: Yokohama, New Milford
Middlesex County: Hanami, Clinton
New Haven County: Miso, New Haven
New London County: Tao Asian Bistro & Lounge, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Tolland County: Asian Bistro, Mansfield
Windham County: Oriental Cafe, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
House of Yoshida, Bethel
Kawa Ni, Westport
Miku Sushi, Greenwich
Moon, Greenwich
Red Lantern, Ledyard (Foxwoods)
Tiger Belly Noodle Bar, Granby
Wasabi, Orange
Thai
Statewide Winner: ThaiBowL, Watertown
Statewide Runner-up: Thai Charm, New Milford
Fairfield County: Thai Spice, Norwalk
Hartford County: Somewhere in Bangkok, Southington
Litchfield County: Thai Charm, New Milford
Litchfield County: ThaiBowL, Watertown
Middlesex County: Thai Riverside, Chester
New Haven County: Basil, New Haven
New London County: Kin D Thai & Sushi, New London
Windham County: Pho Delight, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
The Elephant Trail, Avon
Kob Jai, Rocky Hill
Little Thai Kitchen, Darien and Greenwich
Ruuthai’s Kitchen, Bridgeport
September in Bangkok, New Haven
Thai Stories, Woodbridge
Vietnamese
Statewide Winner: Mama Chow, Fairfield
Statewide Runner-up: Pho Vietnam, Danbury
Fairfield County: Mama Chow, Fairfield
Hartford County: Pho 501, East Hartford
Litchfield County: Mama Pho, Winsted
Middlesex County: Pho & Grill, Cromwell
New Haven County: Funju, Wallingford
Tolland County: Pholy, Vernon
Windham County: Pho Delight, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Lan Chi’s, Middletown
Mecha Noodle Bar, Fairfield, Norwalk, New Haven, Stamford, West Hartford
Pho Hong Thom, Bridgeport
Pho Nha Trang, Fairfield
Pho Saigon, Bridgeport
Sprouts, Bethel
Indian
Statewide Winner: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Statewide Runner-up: Kolam, Newtown
Fairfield County: Kolam, Newtown
Hartford County: Taste of India, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Middlesex County: Himalaya Café, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: House of Naan, New Haven
New London County: Mirch Masala, Groton
Tolland County: Utsav Indian Cuisine, Vernon
Experts’ Picks:
Chef Prasad, New Canaan
Coromandel, Newtown, Darien, Orange, Southport, Stamford
Lazeez, New Haven
Sherkaan, New Haven
Spice Palette, New London
Mediterranean or Greek
Statewide Winner: Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford
Statewide Runner-up: Zohara, West Hartford
Fairfield County: Niko’s, Danbury
Hartford County: Zohara, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford
Middlesex County: Old Saybrook Pizza Palace, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Laskara restaurant, Wallingford
New London County: Caffe NV, Waterford
Experts’ Picks:
Arugula Bistro, West Hartford
Aurora’s, Fairfield
Bistro Mediterranean & Tapas Bar, East Haven, Norwalk and Westbrook
Kala Bistro, North Haven
Lazizah Bakery, Norwich
Noujaim’s Bistro, Winsted
Pontos Taverna, Norwalk
River’s Edge, Avon
Sultan’s Turkish Restaurant, Waterbury
YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen, Torrington
Middle Eastern
Statewide Winner: Zohara, West Hartford
Statewide Runner-up: Hanna’s Restaurant, Danbury
Fairfield County: Hanna’s Restaurant, Danbury
Hartford County: Zohara, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Noujaim’s Bistro, Winsted
New Haven County: Sultan’s Turkish Restaurant, Waterbury
New London County: Taza Grill, Niantic
Experts’ Picks:
Layla’s, Fairfield, Westport and Stamford
Lebanese Cuisine, Bethel
Mamoun’s Falafel, New Haven
Tangiers International, Hartford
Spanish or Portuguese
Statewide Winner: Barcelona Wine Bar, Stamford, Norwalk, Fairfield, West Hartford, New Haven
Statewide Runner-up: Olea, New Haven
Fairfield County: Barcelona Wine Bar, Stamford, Norwalk, Fairfield
Hartford County: Barcelona Wine Bar, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Zaragoza, New Milford
Middlesex County: El Pulpo & Tapas Bar, Middletown
New Haven County: Olea, New Haven
New London County: Canggio, Norwich
Experts’ Picks:
Atlantic, Danbury
Gaudí Tapas and Wine, Danbury
Primavera Pub, Hartford
Vegetarian or Vegan
Statewide Winner: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Statewide Runner-up: 21 Oak, Manchester
Fairfield County: Catch a Healthy Habit, Fairfield
Hartford County: 21 Oak, Manchester
Litchfield County: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Middlesex County: ION, Middletown
New Haven County: Three Girls Vegan Creamery, Guilford
Experts’ Picks:
Bloodroot, Bridgeport
Claire’s Corner Copia, New Haven
Flora, West Hartford
G-Zen, Branford
Heirloom Food Company, Danielson
Not Only Juice, Willimantic
Shandals Vegetarian Cafe, Bridgeport
Teff, Stamford
Wild Alchemy Café, Wallingford and Southington
Seafood
Statewide Winner: Lucas Local Oyster Bar, Southbury
Statewide Runner-up: Shell & Bones, New Haven
Fairfield County: The Whelk, Westport
Hartford County: Max’s Oyster Bar, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford
Middlesex County: Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, Westbrook
New Haven County: Lucas Local Oyster Bar, Southbury
New London County: Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
Windham County: The Fish Market, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
BRYAC, Bridgeport
Ford’s Lobster, Noank
Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook
Noah’s, Stonington
Oyster Club, Mystic
The Place, Guilford
Rowayton Seafood, Norwalk
The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic
Skipper’s, Niantic
Raw Bar
Statewide Winner: Shell & Bones, New Haven
Statewide Runner-up: Lucas Local Oyster Bar, Southbury
Fairfield County: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Hartford County: Max’s Oyster Bar, West Hartford
Litchfield County: Mix Prime Steakhouse, Woodbury
Middlesex County: Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Shell & Bones, New Haven
New London County: Go Fish, Mystic
Experts’ Picks:
La Plage, Westport
Prime, Stamford
Steak House
Statewide Winner: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Statewide Runner-up: Max Downtown, Hartford
Fairfield County: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Hartford County: Max Downtown, Hartford
Litchfield County: Mix Prime Steakhouse, Woodbury
Middlesex County: Black Jax Saloon, Essex
New Haven County: Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar, New Haven, Milford
New London County: David Burke Prime, Ledyard (Foxwoods)
Windham County: Grill 37, Pomfret
Experts’ Picks:
Blackstones, Norwalk
Feng Chophouse, Hartford
J. Gilbert’s, Glastonbury
Taíno Prime, Meriden
Barbecue
Statewide Winner: Hoodoo Brown BBQ, Ridgefield
Statewide Runner-up: Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hartford, New Haven, Windsor, South Windsor
Fairfield County: Hoodoo Brown BBQ, Ridgefield
Hartford County: Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hartford, Windsor, South Windsor
Litchfield County: Woods Pit, Bantam
Middlesex County: Chow, Clinton
New Haven County: Hindsight BBQ, Waterbury
New London County: Noble Smokehouse, Mystic
Experts’ Picks:
Lilly’s Soulfood, Windsor
Smokin’ with Chris, Southington
Taíno Prime, Meriden
Taino Smokehouse, Middletown
Walrus Alley, Westport
Breakfast
Statewide Winner: Arethusa a mano, Bantam
Statewide Runner-up: The Hidden Kitchen, North Branford
Fairfield County: The Tasty Yolk, Bridgeport, Stratford
Hartford County: TJ’s Burritos, East Granby
Litchfield County: Arethusa a mano, Bantam
Middlesex County: Cristy’s, Westbrook
New Haven County: The Hidden Kitchen, North Branford
New London County: When Pigs Fly, Waterford
Tolland County: Mitchell’s Restaurant, Vernon
Windham County: Thread City Diner, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
The Art of Yum, Waterbury and Southington
Bella’s Cafe, New Haven
The Corner, Milford
Fresh Fork Cafe, Storrs
Laurel Diner, Southbury
Mitchell’s Coffee House, Rocky Hill
The Pantry, New Haven
Rise, Mystic
Sandy Hook Diner, Sandy Hook
Spicy Green Bean, Glastonbury
Valencia Luncheria, Norwalk
Brunch
Statewide Winner: The White Horse, New Preston
Statewide Runner-up: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Fairfield County: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Hartford County: Àvert Brasserie, West Hartford
Litchfield County: The White Horse, New Preston
Middlesex County: Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, Westbrook
New Haven County: The Hidden Kitchen, North Branford
New London County: Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
Windham County: That Breakfast Place, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
1754 House, Woodbury
Butchers & Bakers, Farmington
The Cottage, Westport
Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn & Marina, Old Saybrook
The North House, Avon
The Place 2 Be, Hartford and West Hartford
Pond House Cafe, West Hartford
Lunch
Statewide Winner: The White Horse, New Preston
Statewide Runner-up: Wilson’s by High Watch, Kent
Fairfield County: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton
Hartford County: Bistro on Main, Manchester
Litchfield County: The White Horse, New Preston
Middlesex County: Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, Westbrook
New Haven County: The Hidden Kitchen, North Branford
New London County: Cafe Flo, Old Lyme
Tolland County: Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Creamery, Mansfield
Windham County: The Sports Bar, Windham
Experts’ Picks:
@ the Corner, Litchfield
Artisan, West Hartford
El Pollo Guapo, Wethersfield, Glastonbury and Hartford
Elm City Social, New Haven
Grass & Bone, Mystic
Knot Norms, Norwalk
Mystic Market, Mystic, Old Saybrook, Westport, Ledyard (Foxwoods)
Nana’s Bakery & Pizza, Mystic
O’Rourke’s Diner, Middletown
Oar & Oak Birdhouse, Stratford
Valencia Luncheria, Norwalk
Appetizers
Statewide Winner: The Cottage, Westport
Statewide Runner-up: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Fairfield County: The Cottage, Westport
Hartford County: Max Downtown, Hartford
Litchfield County: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Middlesex County: Grano Arso, Chester
New Haven County: Bella’Gio Ristorante, Cheshire
New London County: Red 36, Mystic
Tolland County: Fenton River Grill, Mansfield Center
Windham County: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Bin 100, Milford
Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, Willimantic
Tavern on State, New Haven
Desserts
Statewide Winner: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Statewide Runner-up: Union League Cafe, New Haven
Fairfield County: Sal e pepe, Newtown
Hartford County: Millwright’s, Simsbury
Litchfield County: Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Middlesex County: Savour Cafe & Bakery, Centerbrook
New Haven County: Union League Cafe, New Haven
New London County: Ballo, Uncasville (Mohegan Sun)
Tolland County: Vernon Diner, Vernon
Windham County: Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Àvert Brasserie, West Hartford
Dottie’s Diner, Woodbury
Mix at Sift, Mystic
Olea, New Haven
Swyft, Kent
Hidden Gem
Statewide Winner: Winvian Farm, Morris
Statewide Runner-up: Bistro on Main, Manchester
Fairfield County: Centrico, Bethel
Hartford County: Bistro on Main, Manchester
Litchfield County: Winvian Farm, Morris
Middlesex County: Carlson’s Landing, Essex
New Haven County: The Hidden Kitchen, North Branford
New London County: On the Rocks at Fox Hopyard Golf Club, East Haddam
Tolland County: Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Creamery, Mansfield
Windham County: A Mano Taco Shop, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Anya, Thompson
Bar 3 Thirty Three, Milford
Bar August, New Haven
Don Rene Taqueria, Milford
Elizabeth’s Farmhouse, Putnam
Fork & Fire, Farmington
Fratelli’s, Milford
Harrie’s Jailhouse, Middletown
Himalaya Café, Old Saybrook
House of Yoshida, Bethel
Howling Hot Chicken, Bridgeport
Jewel of Himalaya, Newtown
Little Oak Cafe, Canton
Los Poblanos, Norwalk
Meraki, Litchfield
Rico Chow, New London
RSVP, West Cornwall
Soul Tasty, Stamford
Vintage, Colchester
Whitecrest Eatery, Stonington
Family Dining
Statewide Winner: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
Statewide Runner-up: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton, Old Saybrook
Fairfield County: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton
Hartford County: Craft Kitchen, Southington, Plainville
Litchfield County: Bull’s Bridge Inn, Kent
Middlesex County: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Sans Souci, Meriden
New London County: Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
Experts’ Picks:
Bailey’s Backyard, Ridgefield
Casa Mia on the Green, Rocky Hill
Deep Roots Street Food, Granby
Heibeck’s Stand, Wilton
Jessica’s Lobster Shack, Marlborough
The Main Moose, Columbia
Painted Pony Restaurant, Bethlehem
Square Peg, Glastonbury, Orange and Newington
Staropolska, New Britain
Outdoor Dining
Statewide Winner: The White Horse, New Preston
Statewide Runner-up: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
Fairfield County: Centrico, Bethel
Hartford County: River, Wethersfield
Litchfield County: The White Horse, New Preston
Middlesex County: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Bella’Gio Ristorante, Cheshire
New London County: Dog Watch Cafe, Mystic and Stonington
Windham County: Pleasant Pizza, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Bernard’s, Ridgefield
Dockside Brewery, Milford
Elm City Social, New Haven
Gelston House, East Haddam
The Hopkins Inn, New Preston (Warren)
The Mayflower Inn, Washington
Millwright’s, Simsbury
Mix at Sift, Mystic
The Place, Guilford
Red 36, Mystic
S&P Oyster Restaurant & Bar, Mystic
Shell & Bones, New Haven
Tony’s at The J House, Greenwich
The Treehouse at Oyster Club, Mystic
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
Wood-n-Tap, Farmington
Waterfront Dining
Statewide Winner: Shell & Bones, New Haven
Statewide Runner-up: L’Escale, Greenwich
Fairfield County: L’Escale, Greenwich
Hartford County: The River Restaurant, Wethersfield
Litchfield County: The Hopkins Inn, New Preston (Warren)
Middlesex County: Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn & Marina, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Shell & Bones, New Haven
New London County: On The Waterfront, New London
Experts’ Picks:
Abbott’s Lobster In the Rough, Noank
Breakwater, Stonington
Ford’s Lobster, Noank
Lobster Landing, Clinton
Prime, Stamford
Red 36, Mystic
S&P Oyster Restaurant & Bar, Mystic
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel, Madison
Wood-n-Tap, Farmington
Wine Selection
Statewide Winner: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Statewide Runner-up: Max Downtown, Hartford
Fairfield County: Washington Prime, Norwalk
Hartford County: Max Downtown, Hartford
Litchfield County: Winvian Farm, Morris
Middlesex County: La Marea Ristorante, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Aldo’s Ristorante & Wine Bar, Middlebury
New London County: David Burke Prime, Ledyard (Foxwoods)
Windham County: Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Arethusa al tavolo, Bantam
Fife ‘n Drum, Kent
Nouveau Monde, Sandy Hook
Prime, Stamford
Sarah’s Wine Bar, Ridgefield
Union League Cafe, New Haven
Vinted, West Hartford
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
Beer Selection
Statewide Winner: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
Statewide Runner-up: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton
Fairfield County: Little Pub, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton
Hartford County: b Restaurants, Glastonbury, Simsbury, Southington, West Hartford
Litchfield County: @ the Corner, Litchfield
Middlesex County: Chow, Clinton
New Haven County: THC The Hops Company, Derby
New London County: Jealous Monk, Mystic
Tolland County: Fenton River Grill, Mansfield Center
Windham County: Willimantic Brewing Company / Main Street Cafe, Willimantic
Experts’ Picks:
Barcade, New Haven
The Blind Rhino, Norwalk, Bridgeport
Brewport, Bridgeport
Cask Republic, New Haven
Celtic Cavern, Middletown
Coalhouse Pizza, Stamford
Craft 260, Fairfield
Dockside Brewery, Milford
Eli Cannons Tap Room, Middletown
Engine Room, Mystic
My Place, Newtown
Portland Ale House, Portland
Overall Value
Statewide Winner: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Statewide Runner-up: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
Fairfield County: Sal e pepe, Newtown
Hartford County: Three Fellas Pizza, Marlborough
Litchfield County: Tandoori Flames, New Milford
Middlesex County: Cuckoo’s Nest, Old Saybrook
New Haven County: Sans Souci, Meriden
Experts’ Picks:
@ the Barn, Granby
Broken Symmetry, Bethel
BRYAC, Bridgeport
Dew Drop Inn, Derby
House of Yoshida, Bethel
Pantanal, Bridgeport
Restaurant Bricco, West Hartford
Saybrook Fish House, Rocky Hill
Shu, West Hartford, Fairfield
Staropolska, New Britain
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
THE EXPERTS
Joe Amarante, former arts & entertainment editor at Hearst Connecticut Newspapers @Joeammo on Twitter)
Ann Baldelli, former reporter and editor at The Day of New London
Amanda Call, curator of All of the Things Connecticut dining blog (allofthethingsct.com)
Douglas P. Clement, freelance writer, former senior and digital editor of Connecticut Magazine (@DouglasPClement on Twitter)
Frank Cohen, longtime restaurant critic and food & wine writer including for the Hartford Courant, Hartford Magazine and New Haven Living, owner of CTDish.com, contributor to CTBites.com
Rand Richards Cooper, longtime restaurant reviewer for Hartford Magazine and The New York Times, whose writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, GQ, Esquire and The Atlantic
Andrew Dominick, contributor to CTbites.com, Westchester and Hudson Valley magazines (@andrewdominick on Instagram and Twitter)
James Gribbon, contributor to Connecticut Magazine and CTbites.com (@GribWrites on Twitter)
Lora Karam and Bev Canepari, founders of Unlocking Connecticut (unlockingconnecticut.com, @unlockingconnecticut on Instagram)
David Kmetz, Foodies of New England writer
Eric D. Lehman, author of History of Connecticut Food and contributor to Edible Nutmeg (ericdlehman.org, @afootinconnecticut on Instagram)
Erik Ofgang, former senior writer at Connecticut Magazine and co-author of The Good Vices (@erikofgang on Twitter and Instagram)
Chef Plum, multiple Food Network winner and award-winning chef, host of Seasoned on WNPR and Plumluvfoods LIVE (@chef_plum on Instagram)
Layla Schlack, associate managing editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine (laylaschlack.com, @laylaschlack on Instagram and Twitter)
Mike Urban, contributor to Connecticut Magazine and Yankee Magazine, and author of the book Unique Eats and Eateries of Connecticut (mikeurban.net)
Stephanie Webster, editor and founder of CTBites.com (@ctbites on Instagram)