Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

Himalaya Sono

5.0

5 (19)

$30 and under

Nepalese

Norwalk

About the restaurant

Welcome to Himalaya SoNo. We offer authentic flavors of Nepal, Tibet, and Northern India. Our award-winning restaurant serves homemade, hearty, and nourishing meals made with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. We also have wide varieties of vegan and vegetarian options. Visit us or order online today, and let us deliver the taste of the Himalayas straight to your table.

Top review

Peter

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Best vindaloo I’ve ever had in a beautiful spot with friendly staff. Awesome experience

Six One Nine Supper Club

4.7

4.7 (138)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wallingford

About the restaurant

Welcome to Six One Nine, a sophisticated yet approachable dining haven that captures the essence of urban living. We seamlessly blend style with comfort to create a vibrant atmosphere where guests can indulge in modern, inspirational cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Our chic and inviting space serves as a backdrop for memorable moments, whether you're enjoying thoughtfully curated dishes or sipping on meticulously crafted cocktails.

Top review

Elaine

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

The pork chop was outstanding! Service was excellent,

Black-Eyed Sally's

4.6

4.6 (1404)

$30 and under

Southern

Hartford

About the restaurant

Come sink your teeth into our award winning Bar-b-que and Southern cooking served in an Urban Juke Joint atmosphere. Sally’s Slo-smoked Ribs, Beef Brisket, Po-Boys, Southern Fried Chicken, Blackened Catfish, Jambalaya, Louisiana Gumbo and more. The cool, funky decor emanates New Orleans charm. We are open for lunch and dinner Wednesday- Sunday. At Sally's we feed your mouth and your soul!
We look forward to providing live entertainment in the near future.
See you soon

Top review

Joe

Dined 2 days ago

A good place for southern cuisine and live music. I typically go to the Wednesday night jazz jam.

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Popular dish

Blackened Catfish

Dockside Brewery

4.6

4.6 (597)

$31 to $50

American

Milford

About the restaurant

Waterfront Brewery & Beirgarten, established in 2020, serving our award winning beer, extensive food menu highlighted with New Haven style pizza. Multi-level indoor/outdoor water view seating featuring an outdoor bar. Winner of best new restaurant, best outdoor bar and best beer menu.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Food v good, kitchen accommodating w special requests Wait staff friendly and available Noise level a bit high Restaurant became v busy awhile after we arrived

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4.5

4.5 (321)

$30 and under

American

New Haven

About the restaurant

Voted Connecticut’s Best New Restaurant
Elm City Social evokes the spirit of the 1920s, bringing back to life the craftwork of cocktails that has been lost until now. In the kitchen, Chef John Brennan draws you in with seasonally inspired menus that can only be described as “comfort food with a flavorful twist.” People love our style; we were even named one of the Best New Restaurants this year by Connecticut Magazine.

We’re located inside the historic building that once housed Kasey's Restaurant in the early 1900's. By the corner of Chapel and College Streets, we're situated across the street from the famed Shubert Theater and just off the New Haven Green. Join us today.

Top review

Taneta

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

We had Happy Hour food and drinks. It was good and quick before we went to see a show. We had plenty of time to make our show too. The food was good, drinks were good, and our waitress had great customer service.

The Flying Monkey Grill and Bar

4.5

4.5 (110)

$31 to $50

American

Newington

About the restaurant

The Flying Monkey- a local business offering authentic fusion cuisine, in an inviting atmosphere

Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience

Let Your Monkey Fly!

Established 2016.

Top review

JoanneWVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Great 3 course lunch menu! Everything cane out quickly and it was delicious!

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Experience

Monkey Hour

Experience

3-Course Lunch $23.95 Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-3pm

1741 Pub & Grill

4.4

4.4 (278)

$30 and under

American

Middlefield

About the restaurant

While our signature burgers are the stars, we offer a wide array of sandwiches and entrees that will surely please. A fully stocked bar with signature cocktails and great local draft beer on tap compliment our great food.

Top review

Bill

Dined on May 9, 2025

The food was great, service was very good, they had a singer there, excellent voice and song choices. We will definitely go back.

Comix Roadhouse

4.3

4.3 (808)

$31 to $50

American

Uncasville

About the restaurant

Our Roadhouse Restaurant offers the best casual dining in Mohegan Sun with favorites like house-smoked brisket, country fried chicken, and pulled pork. Our chefs have a focus on farm fresh ingredients. Grab a table or hang out at the bar and sip on a huge selection of regional craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails.

As a lively bar, restaurant, comedy club, and music venue all rolled into one, Comix Roadhouse is the place to go! Celebrate birthdays, bachelor + bachelorette parties, and so much more. Book a table or the entire room!

We've created the perfect blend of entertainment and hospitality for an unforgettable experience! Join us for an evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and incredible live music. Whether you're stopping in with your family or friends for dinner, jumping on the bull, catching one of our bands in the Roadhouse or comedian in the Comedy Club—it's going to be an unforgettable night! Your next epic adventure starts in the Roadhouse!

Top review

Jeff

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

The food was good. The comedy show after was good.

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Popular dish

ROADHOUSE BURGER

Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

4.1

4.1 (108)

$30 and under

Peruvian

New Haven

About the restaurant

Patio Seating Now Available!
Chacra celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to New Haven. Chacra honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name a tribute to Peru’s famous farming fields and its popular national drink “Pisco” Chacra welcomes you to discover our unique take on contemporary Peruvian cuisine, an intriguing blend of authentic and innovative dishes that are, in a word, unforgettable. Bold flavors, exotic aromas, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers, that will take you on an amazing journey that is anything but everyday BUEN PROVECHO!!!
We are happy to announce that Chacra pisco-bar has been honored the Best Latin Restaurant & the Best Late Night statewide as well Best Peruvian, Best Brunch, Best lunch in New Haven County by Connecticut Magazine for their BEST OF CONNECTICUT 2024.

Top review

Jenn

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Been going to Chacra for a while now. This is one of the best Peruvian restaurants in Connecticut. Not to mention they have a great outdoor space. The lomo saltado was on point, the ceviche was delicious that we have to get a second one. The servers here are always very nice. And the space has a lot of nice decors. I've come here with large parties as well. Their cocktails are crafted to perfection specially the pisco sours Highly recommend, will be back.

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Social Hour - Drinks and Peruvian Bites!

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