You don’t need a large upscale dining room or a giant flashing sign to attract folks to the best restaurants in Connecticut. Just serve up delicious food! In fact, the most unassuming restaurants are sometimes home to the best cuisine around. Here are some of the best places to eat near me.

1. J. Timothy's Taverne (Plainville)

J Timothy's Taverne, 143 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT 06062, USA
Elizabeth R/Tripadvisor
Established in 1988, this casual restaurant serves up amazing wings, in addition to a number of other American favorites.
J Timothy's Taverne/Facebook
If you love restaurants with a rustic vibe, you'll feel right at home!

2. Little Goose Cafe (Fairfield)

Little Goose Cafe, 397 Commerce Dr, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
Andres72423/Tripadvisor
Enjoy a rare culinary experience crafted from locally sourced ingredients that folks consider one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Connecticut.
Try the luscious Prime-Rib French Dip, served with grilled red peppers and onions, melted American cheese, and au jus for dipping.
Ashley M/Tripadvisor
Discover more of the menu on the Little Goose Cafe website.

3. Bridge House Restaurant (Milford)

Bridge House Restaurant, 49 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460, USA
Bridge House Restaurant/Facebook
Sit out on the patio, main dining room, or bar in this gastropub atmosphere serving delicious American food. With an award-winning staff, the owners' other two restaurants include the Bonfire Grille in the Woodmont section of Milford, and the Founders House Pub and patio downtown.
For a hearty dinner selection, order this juicy, 14-ounce Berkshire pork chop.
Bridge House Restaurant/Facebook
It is served with smashed, butternut squash; crispy maple risotto; and topped with a bourbon, fire, roasted apple cranberry compote with crushed, candied walnuts. Read more on the Bridge House Restaurant website.

4. Sitting Duck Tavern (Oxford, Stratford, Trumbull)

Sitting Duck Tavern, 3694 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614, USA
Sitting Duck Tavern, 4244 Madison Ave, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA
Sitting Duck Tavern, 360 Center Rock Green, Oxford, CT 06478, USA
Sitting Duck Tavern - Stratford/Facebook
Pictured is the charming Stratford location. Stop into one of the three American Neighborhood Tavern locations, featuring regionally and locally sourced produce and other products.
We enjoy the Salmon Piccata and all of its lovely trimmings.
Sitting Duck Tavern - Stratford/Facebook
The pan-seared Atlantic salmon comes with wilted spinach, a piccata pan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy, whipped Yukon potatoes. See more photos on the Sitting Duck Tavern Facebook page.

5. Rein's Deli (Vernon)

Rein's Deli, 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066, USA
Rein's Deli/Facebook
"The taste of quality is long remembered" at this authentic deli, where just enough Hellman's Mayonnaise is used to hold the salads together.
This eatery is definitely not afraid of extra meat, where the flavorful corned beef and pastrami are Hebrew National.
mimififi/Tripadvisor
Come here for stacked sandwiches you won't believe and a great selection of sides to go with them. See more food on Rein's Deli Facebook page.

6. Brass City Bistro (Waterbury)

Brass City Bistro, 812 Hamilton Ave, Waterbury, CT 06706, USA
Brass City Bistro/Facebook
This family-friendly establishment is one of the best restaurants near me, with plenty of fun shareables and all your favorite American staples.

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Try one of the colorful salads and add fresh shrimp, chicken, scallops, or salmon to make it a hearty meal.
Brass City Bistro/Facebook
Check out the Brass City Bistro Facebook page for more information.

7. Monaco's Ristorante (Winsted)

Monaco's Ristorante, 380 Main St, Winsted, CT 06098, USA
Monaco's Ristorante'/Facebook
This family-owned restaurant brings Italy to Connecticut with authentic dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
Be prepared for a carb overload as you fall in love with the extensive pasta options.
Monaco's Ristorante/Facebook
But this pretty antipasto comes guilt-free. Find out more on Monaco’s Ristorante Facebook page.

8. Heirloom Food Company (Danielson)

Heirloom Food Company, 630 N Main St, Danielson, CT 06239, USA
Heirloom Food Company /Facebook
Nobody does healthy eating better than these guys!
Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or something in between, the staff gives options! So head this way for guilt-free eating.
Heirloom Food Company /Facebook
Study the interesting menu on the Heirloom Food Company website.
9. Deary Bros Mike's Stand (Putnam)
Deary Bros Mike's Stand/Facebook
Only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, you're sure to find a line at this fan favorite.
But the food is definitely worth it, especially a luscious lobster roll!
Deary Bros Mike's Stand/Facebook
No summer is complete without stopping by this roadside gem, but the hours change after Labor Day. Read all about it on the Mike’s Stand website.

Brooklyn Country View Restaurant (Brooklyn)

Brooklyns Country View Driving Range, 170 South St, Brooklyn, CT 06234, USA
Brooklyns Country View Restaurant/Facebook
Visit this charming, family-owned eatery and antique store.
If you can make it here for breakfast, the food will make your taste buds explode!
Brooklyns Country View Restaurant/Facebook
Read more on the Brooklyn Country View Restaurant website.

Andros Diner (Fairfield)

Andros Diner, 651 Villa Ave, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
Andros Diner/Facebook
If you're seeking a great meal no matter what time of the day, stop by here.
This awesome diner is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Andros Diner/Facebook
What is your favorite holiday dessert? The staff is known for its extraordinary baklava. Check out the story on the Andros Diner website.

For more of the best restaurants in Connecticut, check out these remarkable farm-to-table restaurants. Do you have a favorite eatery in Connecticut? If so, please share your comments below. And make it a weekend by finding a charming Vrbo.

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More to Explore

The Best Ice Cream In Connecticut

Carolyn Harmon | December 12, 2023

What are some of the best ice cream places in Connecticut?

This mouthwatering ice cream trail in Connecticut is the sweetest adventure in the state. The journey is 113 miles long and features nine must-try destinations. However, the trail has been updated and expanded to 18 locations, so read this brochure for the latest yummy spots. Here are a few highlights.

  • Mystic Sweets and Ice Cream Shop (Mystic): Soothe your sweet tooth with homemade fudge, candy, coffee, truffles, desserts, and ice cream!
  • Michael's Dairy (New London): This magical place has been serving the best treats for more than 80 years. Order your holiday pies here too.
  • A.C. Petersen Farms (Old Lyme): The family-style restaurant offers breakfast (all day), lunch, and dinner. But save room for the delicious ice cream desserts with gourmet toppings, and hand-whipped heavy cream. And the milkshakes were voted "Best in Connecticut!"

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