Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

5.0

5 (102)

$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

Bruce

Dined 7 days ago

Small plates were excellent, as was the wine special.

Krust

4.9

4.9 (197)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Middletown

About the restaurant

Wood Fired Pizza - Craft Beer/Cocktails - Whiskey Bar

Top review

lauraVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Fun vibes, great pizza, lots of veggie options, amazing drinks list. Super fun for a date or group.

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Popular dish

Shroom

Nataz Restaurant - North Branford

4.9

4.9 (233)

$31 to $50

American

Branford

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Audra

Dined 7 days ago

Hands down, our new favorite restaurant. From the decor, ambience, soothing dinner music to the amazing menu selection and quality of everything we ordered. We had salmon special, rack of lamb, chicken pomadora, meatloaf, meatball, lemoncello cake, tiramisu. Everything was to die for and portions were generous as we all took home a meal for the next day. So refreshing to finally find a restaurant that takes pride in what they do and their craft. Kudos to the entire team. Don't change a thing!

The Essex

4.9

4.9 (1077)

$31 to $50

American

Old Saybrook

About the restaurant

Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine.

The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes.

"Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine
"Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine
"Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine
"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag

Top review

Jim

Dined 2 days ago

AC could be better need a bigger system or add another mini split for kitchen to stay cooler

Oko Westport

4.9

4.9 (833)

$30 and under

Japanese

Westport

About the restaurant

OKO showcases Chef Brian Lewis' innovative take on traditional Japanese Food and Sushi in a lively and charming atmosphere.

Top review

hollyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

the food is possible the best japanese food in the area. All of the suchi is inventive- the staff is great- when it is full it is very loud however and it can be very pricey- with drinks 75-100$ per person but well worth it!

Restaurant L'Ostal

4.9

4.9 (403)

$31 to $50

French

Darien

About the restaurant

L’Ostal is a Provencal restaurant rooted in history and tradition celebrating the cuisines of Southern France & its boundaries. Stemming from the old Occitania language, the word ‘ostal’ refers to house & the warmth of hospitality that encompasses welcoming one into your home. Throughout the six dialects of this language starting in Catalonia, stretching through the Languedoc into Provence and onto the Alps of Piemonte, they all embrace this welcoming through their cooking. We celebrate the traditions of each country through their amazing cuisine as well as showcasing the wine and heritage of indigenous products. We look forward to bringing our warmth in hospitality & dining to the great community of Darien, Connecticut. Welcome to our home at L’Ostal.

Outdoor seating is available, but only offered weather depending, and reservations can be made day of, only over the phone, starting at 2pm on the day of.

Top review

Becky

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Fantastic meal and service. The chicken and duck were fantastic. Highly recommend!

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Popular dish

Foie Gras Maison

The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe

4.8

4.8 (394)

$30 and under

Contemporary French / American

New Haven

About the restaurant

Chef Vincent is excited to bring a dynamic contemporary brasserie experience to New Haven.

Chef Vincent has worked with such culinary giants as:
Charlie Trotter, Daniel Boloud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Marcus Samuellson, Rocco Dispirito, Georges Blanc, Paul Bocuse, Michel Geurard, and Stephen Starr.

Top review

Samantha

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Attentive staff and amazing food! But definitely recommend to anyone with the large group, or just a night out

The Melting Pot - New Haven

4.7

4.7 (14)

$50 and over

Fondue

New Haven

About the restaurant

Welcome to Melting Pot New Haven, a fun and interactive dining experience and social gathering place that specializes in savory and sweet tableside fondue and spirited beverages. Bring your friends and family together around the fondue table or at our spacious bar and enjoy a variety of menu and dining options that the Melting Pot has become famous for over the past 50 years.

Top review

Ashley

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Love the melting pot and this one definitely didn’t disappoint!

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Experience

Thursdate

Flinders Lane Kitchen and Bar

4.5

4.5 (311)

$31 to $50

Australian

Stamford

About the restaurant

Award-Winning Australian Cuisine in Stamford

At Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar, we're passionate about bringing a taste of Australia to Connecticut. We've been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Stamford by the annual Gold Coast awards. Our mission is to provide a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a date night, a night out with friends, a work dinner, or a solo business trip, we offer delicious food, friendly service, and a fun vibe – all without the stuffiness of a fine dining establishment.

Our versatile space caters to everyone, from couples to large groups. We want you to feel like family from the moment you step through our doors. Relax and enjoy conversation in our comfortable setting, or soak up the lively atmosphere. Lunchtime offers a selection of fresh seasonal salads and deli-inspired sandwiches.

Top review

Fred

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Delicious food, but I expected more variety of Aussie beers. Dining room is an open space leading to higher noise level. Service was excellent.

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Experience

Celebrate with Champagne!

Surfridge Brewing Company

4.2

4.2 (53)

$30 and under

Pub

Centerbrook

About the restaurant

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

Top review

pete

Dined on May 30, 2025

Surfridge Brewing Company is "THE BEST". The brewpub is located in an old industrial facility that has a ton of charm. The food and brew is top notch. They have regular specials ( which change with the seasons ) which are consistently outstanding. The Management team and Waitstaff are super friendly and engaging. We love coming here !!!! I highly recommend checking them out.

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