Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated March 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!

Krust

4.9

4.9 (189)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Middletown

About the restaurant

Wood Fired Pizza - Craft Beer/Cocktails - Whiskey Bar

Top review

Alex

Dined on Feb 11, 2025

Love this place! Amazing pizza, cocktails and tiramisu.

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Popular dish

Shroom

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9

4.9 (90)

$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

TaniaVIP

Dined on Mar 7, 2025

Another outstanding visit- wine, food, service and vibe all 5 stars. Thank you Steve & Wine Bar Staff!!

Strega - New Haven

4.9

4.9 (39)

$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

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic dinning experience. 10/10 Italian restaurant that uses the freshest ingredients.

Go Fish Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (905)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Mystic

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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Staff was super nice, the food was unbelievable, the service was fantastic just a wonderful experience.

The Essex

4.8

4.8 (1041)

$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

StevenVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Several weeks ago, I had the best meal I ever had in CT at The Essex. Last night was even better. Excellent service, Excellent presentation, Excellent food. Please don't read this; I want to still be available to get a reservation.

The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe

4.7

4.7 (370)

$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

John

Dined on Mar 10, 2025

Excellent all Around experience One Of the best in CT will be back

Taproot - South Norwalk

4.6

4.6 (190)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

South Norwalk

About the restaurant

Taproot is globally inspired and locally sourced

Nominated for Connecticut’s Best restaurant by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, Taproot offers a chef driven menu with local ingredients in a down to earth setting.
Chef-Driven. Local.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 7, 2025

This was my second time to Taproot. The food was unbelievable. Creative, flavorful, and delicious! The waitstaff is professional and attentive. We had a great time trying their cocktails! Love Taproot and can’t wait to try Bar Bushido next!

Beauty & Essex - Mohegan Sun

4.6

4.6 (108)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Uncasville

About the restaurant

Beauty & Essex has an innovative design that starts in the Pawn Shop, complete with vintage treasures and curated contemporary pieces. The host greets you in the Jewelry Box and takes you past upholstered walls into the Pearl Lounge and bar. Then you’ll find the Peacock Dining Room and the Locket Private Dining Room separated by a screen wall of antique frames. Each of these rooms are inspired by the delicate yet glamorous details of jewelry.

The cuisine, much like the design, is intended to set a new course with unique shareable dishes and twists on classic cocktails. Acclaimed chef and co-creator Chris Santos was one of the pioneers of the small, share plate dining trend that has swept the nation, and with the Beauty & Essex menu, he once again has created waves on the food scene.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Great server, nice table on the wall, food excellent

Doppio

4.5

4.5 (213)

$31 to $50

Italian

Greenwich

About the restaurant

Doppio located around the corner from historic Greenwich Avenue specializes in artisanal Italian Food & Wine.

Set In a stylish rustic environment, guests enjoy small plates like Grilled Polpo, Crispy Calamari, and Arincini to start the meal before moving on to a signature brick oven pizza, freshly hand made pastas including fettuccine and rigatoni or other traditional Italian favorites such as the popular bone in veal milanese and pan seared branzino.

Offering both indoor and outdoor dining guests can enjoy a glass of wine or crafty cocktail in the holiday themed corner patio under hanging lights beside the twinkling tree and flaming fire pit.

Top review

Sophie

Dined 6 days ago

Food was so yummy loved the tuna tartar and the margarita pizza is always a must! Will be back 😊

Flinders Lane Kitchen and Bar

4.5

4.5 (305)

$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

KelseyC

Dined 5 days ago

I celebrated my birthday here with friends and had such an amazing time! The food and drinks were amazing, the service was wonderful and they even made me a special dessert and sang happy birthday. I can’t wait to go back again.

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