Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Restaurant at Winvian

4.8

4.8 (242)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Morris

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Chris Eddy approaches his craft with core values of "integrity and culinary artistry" through his seed-to-table approach using simple, crisp and seasonal ingredients. To complement our food philosophy, we offer a Wine Spectator Award winning wine list and signature cocktails. We specialize in celebrating your special occasion with you for a fine-dining experience for your family and friends.

Dinner available as a Pre-Fix only which changes daily
Three Courses $140 per person, plus taxes & gratuity
or
Four Courses $155 per person, plus taxes & gratuity

If you don't see availability, reach out to us at 860.567.9600 & press # 2 for The Restaurant or email us at restaurant@winvian.com

Top review

KennedyVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Always a favorite!! Perfection in every way!! The food, service and ambience make for a lovely summer lunch.

Arethusa al Tavolo

4.8

4.8 (3616)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bantam

About the restaurant

Located in quaint Bantam (CT) in the scenic county of Litchfield, Arethusa al tavolo offers an innovative farm-to-table menu that celebrates the products of the Arethusa Dairy Farm. Chef Dan Magill’s cuisine is modern and comfortable; it features daily-chosen farm ingredients and the freshest and most select products.

Arethusa al tavolo offers a progressive dining experience to the Northwest Connecticut dining scene.

We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Tina

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service The appetizers and entrees were delicious.

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4.9

4.9 (759)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Middletown

About the restaurant

Kevin Wirtes and Rich Garcia of Krust (Middletown), team up in the creation of their latest venture, Osa. Located at 500 Main Street in Middletown, Osa features local food, with a fresh take on New American. The full bar offers crafted cocktails, whiskey, a large wine pour list, and craft beer.

Top review

EllenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food and service outstanding. Many new things on menu. The scallop appetizer was outstanding and hope they keep it on the menu

Canoe - Greenwich

4.8

4.8 (513)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Greenwich

About the restaurant

Canoe, (New) American restaurant that combines multiple different cultures, focus on ultra fresh seafood, fresh organic salads and quality meats. When you first visit Canoe in Greenwich, you are greeted by the site of a stunning interior. copper ceiling, exquisite art work. unique and stunning copper mash dividers and curtains. As if the décor isn't enough, Canoe offers an incredible array of fresh, delicious foods. Start with oysters the half shell, Salmon summer roll, Pecking duck tacos along with our hand-craft cocktails. Enjoy your dinner with Chilean Sea bass, Organic Scottish Salmon, or Superior Angus Steak. No matter what dish you choose, you are sure yo leave satisfied when you visit Canoe.

Top review

GregVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The quality of the menu and the quality of the food was simply outstanding. If one could transport this restaurant to a more upscale venue, they might even earn a Michelin star! And to top it off services excellent and friendly. It’s more than just a great neighborhood restaurant., But that’s what it is and they do a great job.

Nouveau Monde

4.7

4.7 (738)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newtown

About the restaurant

Meaning "New World" in French, Nouveau Monde serves new American cuisine in a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Our menu celebrates seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, incorporating inspirations from a variety of global flavors. With multiple awards from Connecticut Magazine and Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, our award-winning wine list has more than 900 by the bottle. We feature a curated list of craft beer and spirits that pair well with our delicious food and convivial, approachable ambiance. Fine dining, relaxed atmosphere.

Top review

Charles

Dined 2 days ago

Nice ambiance and great wine list. Service was friendly and prompt. All4 of us ordered something different. I ordered the pork chop, as I had it here before and it was excellent. Unfortunately not this time. Dry, lacking flavor. No bacon, oh my! Not complaining much. Everyone else was pleased and I'll be back.

New Mill Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1947)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Southington

About the restaurant

Plantsville's well-known Old Mill is now New Mill Restaurant, featuring the culinary talents of its new Executive Chef, Bob Martucci. This lovely 1737 cider mill has been a Connecticut favorite for many years, and has now completely renovated by its owners, Chris and Michelle Calvanese. Menu specialties include fresh-only seafood and raw bar selections, "chop house" Angus steaks, and homemade pastas and desserts. An expanded wine list and a large sociable bar round out the new offering.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 7 days ago

New Mill is always great! All the servers are wonderful and knowledgeable about the menu, and always helpful with gluten free questions -we had Melissa last night, who was awesome! Food and drinks were wonderful as usual 😊

Gather55 - Hartford

4.8

4.8 (341)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hartford

About the restaurant

Gather55 is a unique restaurant that supports the mission work of Hands On Hartford. Each month a different Guest Chef offers a special menu for our guests. Where else can you sample offerings from award-winning chefs all in one meal? Gather55 is in the Parkville neighborhood of Hartford and there is plenty of free parking adjacent to the restaurant.

People in the know say Gather55 is worth the trip. Come and see what the buzz is all about!

Top review

Mary-Joan

Dined 6 days ago

We love the concept of Gather 55 - giving back to the community. The food is innovative, delicious and beautifully presented.

Harvest Wine Bar-West Hartford

4.8

4.8 (288)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hartford

About the restaurant

West Hartford is the fourth location for Harvest Wine Bar. While it is the first restaurant for the Harvest Group located in the 860, guests will see the familiar style of exposed brick, reclaimed wood and large windows that make Harvest so warm and welcoming. Guests will be transported from the hustle and bustle of downtown West Hartford to the elegance and charm of this family owned restaurant. Don't forget to check out everyone favorite brussels sprout salad over mouth watering Rizzuto cake or our freshly house made pasta! Extensive wine list from all your favorite regions

Outdoor tables are first come first serve - Request can not be guaranteed.

Top review

JoanVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Went to celebrate a belated Father’s Day with family. We are always greeted and seated right away. Our water is poured and drink orders taken, given our menus and specials for the night. One of the special appetizer was gazpacho, which I had and it was excellent, others had the oysters, fried, charred octopus, tater tots and Caesar salad. For our entrees, 2 had the halibut special, 1 trout, 1 seafood pan roast and 1 Harvest burger. For dessert we shared the Nutella crepes and profiteroles for the table. Our waiter was Patricio and he is excellent! Always an excellent time.

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Experience

Weekend Brunch

Experience

$ 26 2 Course Pre Fixe Lunch

Experience

Weekly Happy Hour

The Cottage - Greenwich

4.8

4.8 (409)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Greenwich

About the restaurant

The Cottage expanded to its second location on Greenwich Avenue in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut in 2022, featuring Lewis’ award-winning dishes that are hand crafted with exceptional ingredients procured from local purveyors and farmers responsible for growing, raising, harvesting and producing within the region.

Top review

Luli

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Amazing service and the freshest most delightful meal!

The Cottage

4.7

4.7 (1698)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Westport

About the restaurant

THE COTTAGE, is a warm and welcoming new restaurant by Chef Brian Lewis, which embraces the local community and is greatly influenced by the artisan farmers and growers in our region. Chef Brian's creative take on American cooking offers an exciting menu of hand-crafted dishes, inspired by techniques and cultures from various regions around the globe. Our food, wine and signature cocktails are paired with gracious hospitality in a warm and cozy setting. We are deeply rooted in seasonality, focused on sourcing exceptional ingredients and creating a memorable experience for our guests.

Top review

alexVIP

Dined 6 days ago

so great to see ralph! delicious as always, wonderful service & cottage atmosphere!

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Popular dish

Deviled Farm Egg

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