Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated May 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!

Arethusa al Tavolo

4.9

4.9 (3571)

$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

Deborah

Dined 2 days ago

Food as always was outstanding but unfortunately they had a computer glitch and service was very long and especially between courses. The bread they give to start off came at least 1/2 he or more after being seated. Everything was so delayed that it took away from the experience but I do understand it was difficult

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4.9

4.9 (191)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Middletown

About the restaurant

Wood Fired Pizza - Craft Beer/Cocktails - Whiskey Bar

Top review

VillageKidVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic food and super friendly, attentive service.

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Popular dish

Shroom

Nataz Restaurant - North Branford

4.9

4.9 (221)

$31 to $50

American

Branford

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

JoAnn

Dined 5 days ago

Enjoyed very much. Would recommend for people to try.

Go Fish Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (906)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Stonington

About the restaurant

Inspired By The Pacific Rim, Go Fish located in Stonington, CT has the freshest fish this side of the shoreline, any way you want it. raw or cooked. Mystic Country's most innovative seafood restaurant featuring a menu inspired by the Pacific rim, raw bar, sushi bar, wine events & private dining.

Top review

Cyndi

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

If you want sushi or seafood, Go Fish is the place to be! We got the Go Fish roll (sushi) and absolutely loved it. We also got the Asian salmon and the shrimp w/vegetable skewers. Both meals were so good we ate every bite. The staff was lovely, the restaurant was clean, calm, and comfortable. If I lived nearby, I’d go here all the time.

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Popular dish

Asian Salmon

Table 570 Asian Fusion Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (206)

$30 and under

Asian

Simsbury

About the restaurant

Table 570 is a modern take on Asian cuisine with an American twist. Table 570 is when cultures collide, ingredients overlap, and traditions get merged. Allow us to take you on a culinary journey, taste some of the best-crafted maki rolls and sashimi or a featured fusion entree, Smoked Peking Duck with a house blood orange chili sauce. We are focused on using the freshest ingredients backed by our best in class service. Pair your meal with over 20 Japanese sakes, craft cocktails or choose a wine from our list of top-featured vineyards. After your meal, delight your palate with our in-house made desserts.

Table 570 is a stylish and sophisticated space. The high-energy atmosphere is a great gathering place with business colleagues, friends, and family. We offer several private dining options, a semi-private communal table, and catering services.

Top review

Leslie

Dined on Mar 28, 2025

As always excellent food and great service. A regular place for us to visit. Thank you!

Flinders Lane Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (308)

$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

Philip

Dined 6 days ago

Great experience from being greeted to the waiter. Just exemplary food and service!

The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe

4.8

4.8 (385)

$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

Magda

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

Wonderful presentation of shared meals. Delicious and interesting dishes. Very accommodating service.

The Essex

4.7

4.7 (1054)

$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

LeslieVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Super thoughtful, seasonally focused, delicious, the best.

Uptown

4.6

4.6 (53)

$30 and under

American

Ansonia

About the restaurant

Located in the oldest opera house in Connecticut, we at Uptown Bar & Eatery are proud of our in-house menu made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients. You'll want to try our build your own steak board at our wonderful restaurant!!

Top review

ErinVIP

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Have the steak - it is excellent. Great drinks. Cool vibe!

Surfridge Brewing Company

4.6

4.6 (48)

$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

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

As always, the service, food, and beer were exceptional! It’s our go-to place!

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