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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Connecticut

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Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Millwright's Restaurant restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3772)
$31 to $50
American
Simsbury
About the restaurant
With its unique setting perched atop a waterfall in Simsbury, Connecticut, Millwright’s invites guests to dine in the 17th century mill with acclaimed, James Beard nominated Chef Tyler Anderson and his team. Featuring daily-chosen farm ingredients, the freshest and most select product, proprietary cocktails, and exciting wine menu, Millwright’s offers a new experience to the Farmington Valley farm-to-table dining scene. The culinary team understands the impact of the highest-quality fresh ingredients. Millwright’s kitchen thrives on local ingredients – grown, raised, produced, foraged and prepared – whenever possible. They also take the farm-to-table concept one step further. Millwright’s has partnered with a farm that will grow most of its organic produce. The “Inspired New England” cuisine at Millwright’s pays homage to the land, to the flavor-rich quality of local, fresh ingredients and to the time-honored cooking techniques that enhance the natural goodness of those ingredients.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined on Feb 3, 2025
Phenomenal dinner experience with Chefs Tyler Anderson and Renee Touponce in the Loft.
A photo of Ola Latin Kitchen restaurant
5.0
5 (22)
$30 and under
Latin / Spanish
Bridgeport
About the restaurant
Ola Latin Kitchen Nuevo Latino Cuisine is a splashy, exuberant culinary form of celebrating the heritage and the Latin spirit. Enjoy a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and a sophisticated restaurant experience, featuring stunning contemporary design elements and world-class Latino Cuisine.
Top review
Nicole
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
My family and I celebrated my sisters birthday, the food was amazing, drinks were delicious and the staff was so kind and attentive. Everyone had a great time and loved their experience at Ola’s!
A photo of Strega - New Haven restaurant
4.8
4.8 (35)
$31 to $50
Italian
New Haven
About the restaurant
The name of the restaurant is inspired by the Legend of Janare of Benevento. Strega means ‘witch’ in Italian and Benevento is considered the “city of witches”.
At Strega, our mission is to transport our guests to the Italy we cherish. Drawing inspiration from traditions across the Italian peninsula, we are dedicated to crafting an authentic Italian experience. With a profound appreciation and understanding of Italy’s rich history and culinary heritage, we prioritize using imported Italian products and are committed to maintaining authenticity in our recipes and menu selections.
At Strega, we believe that cooking with seasonal, authentic ingredients means there is not need for unnecessary embellishment - our food tastes great, is fresh, and at its peak. Our experience is crafted through a series of selected choices. We take pride in serving freshly made dishes, embracing wholesome Italian cooking with fresh and healthy ingredients.
We look forward to serving downtown New Haven.

Top review
Stacey
Dined 3 days ago
Food was good quality. Wine list was excellent. Bar items were limited. Service was good and attentive. A pleasant experience. Will definitely go back to try their tasting menu. The presentation of food was unique and interesting. We did not try the second course or dessert. Overall a pleasant evening.
A photo of Nouveau Monde restaurant
4.9
4.9 (689)
$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
KevinVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Leila, our server was excellent, and friendly. Compliments to the Chef! Short Rib and Chicken Breast were delicious. Banoffee Pie was out of this world.
A photo of Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar, Stamford CT restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1796)
$50 and over
American
Stamford
About the restaurant
Dedicated to the expression of modern American cuisine, Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar is more than just a culinary adventure, it is a true experience. Guests can choose from an array of raw bar favorites, like blue point oysters, little neck clams, and lobster cocktail, along with Mizu Sushi, and steaks and chops like filet mignon and parmesan-crusted veal chop. For those with a sweet tooth, there are several dessert options, like New York style cheesecake, crème brûlée, and the crowd-favorite espresso martini – all served with complimentary water views, as both Prime locations are directly on the water with boat accessibility.

Sunday Brunch is offered weekly, with catering options also available.

Please note that reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome...allowing you the time to explore our entire property with spectacular waterfront views.

Top review
Antoinette
Dined 2 days ago
Food is always delicious at Prime. And we love the lovely atmosphere and the incredible service. The staff is kind and professional and lovely overall.
A photo of Canggio Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (206)
$30 and under
Peruvian
Norwich
About the restaurant
Canggio Restaurant is a classy but casual dining atmosphere for guests to enjoy the unique offerings of Peruvian cuisine.

Some well-loved dishes are Trio de Ceviche, Pato, Seco de Lomo, and Arroz Chaufa.

Chef Julio Cancho is born and raised in Peru, but classically trained in French and Italian cookery. He adds a Peruvian twist to some American dishes also on the menu.

Peruvian cuisine, considered among the best in the world, inherited its innovation, mix and flavors from Peru’s history. Its culinary fusion developed over a long process of cultural exchange between the Spanish, Africans, Chinese, Japanese and Italians, among others. The dishes became more and more varied as races mixed and migrants landed at the port of Callao.

Top review
Stephen
Dined on Feb 1, 2025
Nice mid priced restaurant. Interesting menu. Peruvian food. Really nice service.
A photo of Walrus Alley restaurant
4.9
4.9 (66)
$31 to $50
Southern
Westport
About the restaurant
The Walrus story began in 2013 with the desire to offer a truly unique American experience from the mastery of southern-inspired smoking techniques to our hand-selected craft beers, wines and liquors. The original Walrus + Carpenter was serving the artistic community of Black Rock for 7 years. In 2020, Walrus moved to Westport, reopening our doors as Walrus Alley as a nod to the expansive alley on which we host guests and music all summer long.

Winner of best southern food and barbecue for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

True to the American experience, Walrus is an independent, family-owned and operated establishment.

Top review
Judy
Dined 6 days ago
A warm cozy spot with great southern food. The corn bread was a great starter item. I had chicken and waffles, my husband had the shrimp and grits. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. He told us about the history of the building which was very interesting.
A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
4.8
4.8 (84)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Essex
About the restaurant
The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,
and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

Top review
LisaVIP
Dined on Feb 2, 2025
The Wine Bar is one of our favorite places. The menu varies from time and everything we try is great! We love the tapas which allow us to try and share several things. The spanish garlic shrimp, chorizo with red bliss potatoes and the amish chicken were all amazing. Of course the steak frites are always great and cooked perfectly! Steve and his team are amazing - working as a team and making every guest feel special. This is a very special place!
A photo of Esh Modern Mediterranean - Fairfield restaurant
4.8
4.8 (655)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Fairfield
About the restaurant
Esh is a contemporary culinary experience that draws inspiration from the rich and diverse Middle Eastern culture, encompassing countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, and the Aegean region. Our mission is to bring the vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean to your plate, reimagined with a modern twist. Through our cuisine, we aim to create an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the beauty and depth of Middle Eastern gastronomy while showcasing the fusion of flavors that make this region truly unique.

Any number of party above 7 guest please reach out to the restaurant.

Top review
Stephanie
Dined on Feb 5, 2025
Had been wanting to try this restaurant and was so excited when I found a last-minute table on a Wednesday night. It did not disappoint-- everything from the cocktails to the food, ambience and service was top notch, down to the slicing of the made-to-order pita!
A photo of Breakwater restaurant
4.8
4.8 (410)
$30 and under
American
Stonington
About the restaurant
BREAKWATER at Stonington Harbor is a waterfront restaurant located on the Connecticut shoreline in the Stonington Borough. BREAKWATER features seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington Harbor & Fishers Island Sound. We offer gorgeous all season sunsets & a roomy bar to keep you warm in the winter.
Top review
JaniceVIP
Dined on Jan 23, 2025
Breakwater hit it out of the park! Winter weekday lunch for our large group ( of 17) was perfect in every way. Gracious and accommodating servers, great drinks, food and desserts. We were fortunate to have a sunny day and so enjoyed the view, which is beautiful no matter the season.
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