Feast On Seafood Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Connecticut

Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants In Connecticut

• Arethusa al tavolo (Bantam) -Fine-dining heaven with a farm-to-table twist, featuring seasonal menus crafted from their own Arethusa Farm produce. Think elevated comfort food with impeccable technique and breathtaking countryside views.
• The Place (Mystic) -Unparalleled seafood experience overlooking the Mystic River. Savor their signature lobster bisque, indulge in fresh-shucked oysters, or opt for the dramatic "fruits de mer" platter – a feast for the eyes and palate.
• Barcelona (New Haven) -Tapas bliss meets vibrant atmosphere in this bustling downtown hot spot. Share a selection of pintxos (small plates) from the ever-changing menu, showcasing Spanish flavors with a modern twist.
• Mecha (Fairfield, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford & West Hartford) -Modern Asian fusion with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dive into their crispy duck buns, savor the melt-in-your-mouth Korean BBQ tacos, or opt for a steaming bowl of their signature ramen.
• The Schoolhouse at Cannondale (New Canaan) -Rustic charm meets contemporary cuisine in this restored historic schoolhouse. Enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch on the patio, indulge in their wood-fired pizzas, or savor a decadent steak dinner by the crackling fireplace.
• R.S.V.P. (Greenwich) -Fine French dining in a chic, intimate setting. Chef Daniel Boulud's flagship Connecticut outpost offers a prix fixe menu that changes seasonally, showcasing classic French dishes with modern touches.
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (New Haven) -A New Haven institution and birthplace of the "New Haven-style" pizza. Expect thin crust, charred perfection, and long lines – but the wait is worth it for a slice of pizza history.
• Elm (New Canaan) -Cozy and elegant bistro with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The ever-changing menu features creative takes on classic dishes, from roasted lamb shoulder to pan-seared scallops with butternut squash risotto.
• Kawa Ni (Westport) -Modern Japanese cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and artistic presentation. Omakase (chef's choice) is the way to go, but don't miss their melt-in-your-mouth sushi or the delicate sashimi platters.
• The Granola Bar (Darien) -Casual, family-friendly spot with a focus on healthy and delicious fare. Think creative salads, avocado toast piled high with fresh toppings, and their signature "Granola Bowl" – a customizable concoction of yogurt, fruit, granola, and superfoods.

Budget-Friendly Eateries In Connecticut

Global Grub

• Pho Khang (Hartford) -Dive into steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho, packed with tender meat and vibrant broth, for under $10. The bustling atmosphere adds to the experience.
• MiCocina (New Haven) -Craving Latin flavors? This vibrant spot serves up tacos overflowing with juicy fillings and burritos bursting with fresh ingredients, all for under $15.
• Rajput (Danbury) -Experience the spice of India at Rajput. Their lunch buffet is a steal, offering a variety of curries, naan, and rice for under $12.

Comfort Classics

• Louis' Lunch (New Haven) -This iconic joint is the birthplace of the hamburger. Grab their juicy, greasy burgers for under $5 and experience a piece of culinary history.
• Sally's Apizza (New Haven) -Forget fancy pizzas. Sally's serves up classic New Haven-style pies with charred crusts and gooey cheese, all for under $15.
• The Red Rooster (Stamford) -This diner-style joint is a local favorite. Indulge in fluffy pancakes, towering meatloaf sandwiches, or a comforting bowl of chili—all for under $10.

Hidden Gems

• Scott's Jamaican Bakery (Hartford, Windsor) -This unassuming bakery is a haven for Jamaican flavors. Their flaky patties stuffed with savory fillings are a steal at under $3, and their curried goat will transport you to the Caribbean.
• Golden Palace (Norwich) -Don't let the strip mall setting fool you. Golden Palace serves up authentic Chinese dishes overflowing with flavor and portion, all for under $10.
• Lenny & Joe's Fish Shack (Mystic) -Skip the fancy seafood restaurants and head to this casual shack. Grab a lobster roll piled high with fresh lobster meat for under $20—beach views included.

Connecticut's Best Seafood Restaurants

For The Classic Connoisseur

• The Lobster Shack (Guilford) -Soak in the harbor views while indulging in their legendary lobster roll, overflowing with succulent Maine lobster and dressed to perfection.
• Stowe's Seafood (West Haven) -This no-frills shack is a local legend for a reason. Their fried seafood platters, piled high with crispy cod, clams, and shrimp, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Liv's Oyster Bar (Old Saybrook) -Oyster aficionados, rejoice! Liv's boasts a rotating selection of fresh oysters from around the country, alongside creative seafood dishes like roasted monkfish and pan-seared scallops.

For The Adventurous Eater

• The Whelk (Westport) -This chic bistro elevates seafood with innovative dishes like seared yellowtail with yuzu and crispy cod brandade. Their crudo bar is a must-try, showcasing the freshest daily catch.
• The Shipwright's Daughter (Mystic) -This waterfront gem champions sustainable seafood with a focus on local ingredients. Their wood-fired oven adds a smoky touch to dishes like grilled octopus and whole roasted fluke.
• Fresh Salt (Old Saybrook) -This refined restaurant embraces the bounty of the Connecticut River, offering elegant dishes like lobster ravioli and pan-seared halibut with heirloom tomatoes.

For The Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer

• Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale (Guilford) -Venture beyond the harbor for a taste of local charm. Their fried clam strips are legendary, and the lobster bisque is a creamy, comforting delight.
• Noah's Restaurant (Stonington) -Nestled in a historic borough, Noah's offers a romantic setting with a focus on fresh seafood. Their bouillabaisse is a must-try, brimming with mussels, clams, and lobster.
• Sea Swirl of Mystic (Mystic) -Don't let the ice cream parlor fool you—Sea Swirl offers a surprisingly delicious selection of seafood dishes. Their lobster mac & cheese is a decadent treat, and the fish tacos are bursting with flavor.

Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants In Connecticut

For The Hearty Herbivore

• Claire's Corner Copia (New Haven) -A New Haven institution since 1975, Claire's is a vegetarian haven with something for everyone. Indulge in their classic tofu scramble, savor their hearty lentil soup, or try their "Not-Tuna" salad sandwich—a plant-based twist on a classic
• G-Monkey Fast Food (West Hartford) -Craving comfort food with a plant-based twist? G-Monkey has you covered with their vegan burgers, "mac and 'cheeze'," and even decadent desserts like peanut butter pie.
• Heirloom Food Company (Danielson) -This award-winning cafe champions local, seasonal ingredients and showcases them in dishes like their savory mushroom pot pie and creamy butternut squash lasagna.

For The Global Gourmand

• Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery (Wallingford) -Get a taste of the Caribbean with Arles & Boggs' vibrant dishes. Their jerk jackfruit tacos, curry chickpea roti, and plantains and beans will transport your taste buds to the islands.
• Botanik Cafe (New Haven) -This chic cafe offers a global array of vegan delights, from Korean BBQ stir-fries to Moroccan lentil stew. Don't miss their colorful smoothie bowls and house-made cashew cheese.
• Khemis Vegan Cuisine (New Haven) -Embark on a culinary journey to Tunisia at Khemis. Their savory briks (pastries filled with vegetables and spices), hearty couscous dishes, and fragrant tagines are bursting with authentic flavors.

For The Sweet Tooth

• Three Girls Vegan Creamery (West Hartford) -Who says vegans can't enjoy ice cream? Three Girls serves up scoops of creamy, dreamy vegan ice cream in flavors like chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel, and even avocado.
• Deborah Ann's Sweet Shoppe (Ridgefield) -This charming shop is a haven for handmade chocolates and ice cream, both with vegan options. Indulge in their rich chocolate truffles, creamy almond milk gelato, or decadent vegan brownie sundaes.
• Nola Marketplace (New Haven)This market and cafe offers a variety of vegan treats, from cupcakes and cookies to doughnuts and muffins. Don't miss their "Not-Reuben" cheesecake, a plant-based twist on a classic dessert.

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