12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Connecticut, One For Each Month Of The Year
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on December 02, 2022(Originally published November 27, 2022)
×
Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
The Nutmeg State gets a bit of an unfair rap as a boring and bland place, but anyone who lives here knows nothing could be further from the truth. Life in Connecticut is beautiful, and we’ve got so many fantastic restaurants in CT featuring menus inspired by countries the world over. If your 2023 resolution has you wanting to test out new places, we’ve gathered a Connecticut bucket list consisting of 12 great restaurants in this little state to try. Visiting a different one each month is a real blast, and a great way to support local businesses, too!
When it comes to ethnic restaurants in Connecticut, we feel like Ethiopian food doesn't get enough love. Lalibela offers a wonderful introduction to Ethiopian food for newbies and expert lovers of the cuisine alike. It's tasty and makes for an amazing comfort food that is fantastic for sharing with friends. This unique Ethiopian restaurant in Connecticut is like taking a little trip somewhere else, if only for a little bit.
Continuing on the international food trend is our next stop, Indigo Indian Bistro. This place has a fantastic buffet and a great many meatless options for vegetarians and vegans. Anyone who finds themselves craving the best Indian food in Connecticut will find themselves desiring a return trip to Indigo time and time again, we promise.
Sometimes you just have a craving for great breakfast food. The aptly named That Breakfast Place really hits the spot. From sweet cannoli cream French toast to savory meat and egg dishes, they've got it all. Come check out one of the downright best breakfast places in Connecticut if you're ready to get some cravings satisfied! We recommend bringing a huge appetite for this one. You're going to need it.
Nothing beats the experience of a good old-fashioned diner in Connecticut. We love Newington's Olympia Diner, which has been delighting Nutmeg State residents for over 50 years. Though not quite open 24 hours, the Olympia is open most of every day, and it's an awesome option for those late nights with friends when you're craving American diner fanfare.
This place serves authentic Greek food in a delightfully fun atmosphere. It's tucked away on a side street and can be a little difficult to find, so check out the directions and information on the restaurant's website for all the details about how to find it. Once again, this is a trip for the tastebuds - one you're sure to enjoy!
6. Black Dog Bar and Grille
Black Dog Bar and Grille, 146 Park Rd, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
If you're looking for fun, the Black Dog Bar and Grille has it in spades. This recently-renovated spot has great portions and prices on its varied menu. You can pick up all kinds of eats here, from barbecue to burgers to salads and more. You can find its menu on the official Black Dog Bar and Grille website. Yum.
We are blessed with many great barbecue restaurants in Connecticut. One you might not have checked out yet is Porky Pete's BBQ. It's a small take-out place that advertises itself as having the best BBQ north of the Mason-Dixon line. We're inclined to agree; this stuff is wicked good, and you'd be wicked smart to try it ASAP.
Luigi's specializes in Italian cuisine with an American twist. Its pizzas and grinders are legendary in the Old Saybrook area, and it's been open for nearly 75 years. Just one visit will show you why! It's a delicious old-fashioned pizzeria in Connecticut like no other, and your tastebuds are sure to thank you. Profusely.
ZINC New Haven is a chic, modern nosh spot featuring delicious farm-to-table American fare. Many of its dishes are Asian-inspired, and there are plenty of amazing options to choose from. You can find a menu on its official website. Beware: deliciousness ahead.
Division West is another bistro with sleek surroundings and amazing food. Their focus is on American food with Asian and European influences. They have a great little outdoor dining area for when the weather is warmer, so this may be a good option for spring or summer. This amazing little restaurant in CT is a delight and a half. Check out the menu - we dare you to find something you don't like.
Simply Bowls and Co. is a great option if your new year's resolution is to try to eat healthier. They've got a heavy focus on natural and healthier eating. With plenty of gluten-free and meat-free options, there's something for everyone here! This is a wonderfully healthy place to eat in Connecticut that's likely to become a favorite.
Sushi is such a colorful and aesthetically-pleasing food. You'll find some of the best sushi in Connecticut at this hibachi steakhouse. It's as visually appealing as it is delicious, which is saying a LOT - the food here is GORGEOUS.
Which of these delicious restaurants in Connecticut are you planning to try this year? How many have you already experienced? Which favorites of yours did we leave off the list?
If you have suggestions for more excellent eateries in the Nutmeg State, share them in the comments – or by filling out this form. We love learning about your favorite places!
3. Where are some of the best places to eat in Connecticut?
Naturally, the list of must-try places to eat in Connecticut doesn’t end with either of the above lists. Some of the other, must-visit places to eat in CT are:
