Features Restaurant

Top Eats Best of CT Roundup Homepage

CTbites Staff Picks For Top Eats of 2025 (+Guest Eaters)

CTbites Team December 23, 2025

It’s that time of year, when the CTbites staff temporarily puts down our forks, and contemplates our most memorable annual eats. 2025 saw an explosion of restaurateurs and chefs entering the Connecticut culinary scene, and the CTBites team, alongside some special guest reviewers below, did our best to eat it all. There were some clear standouts, restaurants that you’ll find repeated in the “top eats” lists below, and some hidden gems you should add to your dining dance card.

Here are CTbites’ TOP EATS for 2025.

Stephanie Webster, Editor In Chief

This is always the hardest part of my job, as there are inevitably such a wide array of memorable eating experiences I’ve had in the course of a full year, but somehow the cream always rises to the top. These are some of my favorite meals of 2025.

Little Lotus Omakase, New Haven: This intimate sushi bar is nestled inside the Pequonnock Yacht Club on the New Haven waterfront, and features a $125, 17 course Omakase that is one for the books. Very reasonable priced, the service includes a remarkable array of fish flown in from Japan as well as sea urchin, A5 Japanese wagyu beef, and foie gras. What makes this Omakase unique is not only the diverse seafood selections and preparations, but the fact that it also includes some excellent Japanese fusion hot courses in the lineup. It’s a culinary ride you want to take, and owner, Larry, defines hospitality.

The Pink House, Cornwall: A CT restaurant that requires a drive through a historic covered bridge for entry? Yes please. This elegant fashion forward bistro is catering to the upscale clientele of Litchfield County, and the menu is heavily focused on highlighting the seasonal bounty of the region’s farmers and purveyors. Dishes are bright, daring, and plated to perfection with a real respect for ingredients and technique. There will be a new chef starting in 2026, but if you know CJ Barroso’s work from the also excellent Lost Fox Inn, you know this spot will continue to shine.

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield: Litchfield County had some wonderful openings in 2025, and Belden House was at the top of our list. Belden’s charming and restored Queen Anne style Victorian houses Chef Tyler Heckman and his fresh take on New American cuisine. Heckman and his team are making everything (except the fries) from scratch including the divine koji cultured butter & house made sourdough focaccia. His Duck Three Ways, Hamachi Crudo with Passionfruit, and ALL of his pastas are simply next level. This is def worth a trip.

Don Roque Garage, Bridgeport: I’ll confess. I’ve been gatekeeping this one. I hesitate to even disclose it now, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share my favorite spot for Mexican breakfast, as you’ll find me here almost every Sunday. The team behind this unassuming breakfast and lunch spot also runs the wildly popular Trumbull Cafe & Grill, where we used to stand in line for breakfast tacos & sopesitos…with a side of buttermilk pancakes…for the table. Don Roque is a similar vibe but it leans further into the owners Mexican heritage with fantastic Huevos Rancheros, Tortas, Carne Asada bowls, Chilaquiles & more. Don’t skip on the house made salsas.

Sushi Jin, Westport: I do love me some sushi, and this was a welcome addition to the Westport restaurant scene. They are not trying to reinvent the wheel at Sushi Jin, but this is a beautiful spot that consistently delivers on supremely fresh, excellent quality fish, alongside a solid Dim Sum menu. The interior features bespoke Japanese woodwork, and if you can score a rez, I’d get involved with their Wagyu Quail Egg Taco Nori, Chirashi, and excellent selection of Sake served in special sake dispensers to keep the sake extra chilled.

The Laurel, West Hartford: There are always a handful of dishes that stay with you, that you dream about at night, and need on repeat. Chef Ashley Flagg won “Chef Of The Year” in 2025, and her Wagyu Beef Skewers Beef souvlaki with whipped feta, date and seed salad, tells the whole story. This masterpiece of flavors and texture is just sublime, as are MANY dishes on this standout menu, featuring global cuisine and local ingredients. Ashley also does beautiful things with fish, the empanadas are crave-worthy, and cocktail/mocktail menu is equally on point.

Zeneli’s Pizza, New Haven: I’m embarrassed to say that I just made it to Zeneli’s in 2025, but the story is legend. Four brothers from Napoli arrive on Wooster Street and achieve fame for their impossibly delicate Neapolitan pizza. The soft, thin, chewy crust with high, airy edges is a far cry from neighboring Sally’s and Pepe’s but for me, it’s magical. Their seasonal pies, like the delicata squash pie I enjoyed this Fall are a mandatory order.

Zen Cha Matcha, Darien: CT finally has a few dedicated Matcha shops, but Zen Cha remains the most pure translation of the modern Japanese tea experience. With heritage-grown, single-origin Matcha, tea ceremonies and some of the most beautiful Matcha based drinks in the state, we are thrilled to see Zen Cha expanding to Greenwich in 2026. If this was any closer to home, I’d just move in.

Kawa Ni, Westport: Honorary mention needs to be given to a restaurant that has made appearances on my Top Eats list for many years, but the addition of Exec Chef Chris Gonzalez has brought about several outstanding new dishes, including the Katsu Chicken Parm- worthy of a love song. The uber crispy Japanese inspired take on a perfectly cooked chicken cutlet has everything you need.

Andrew Dominick, Managing Editor

Fifteen plus years of doing what I do and I admittedly never like writing “Best Of” lists. The reason? I feel like I’ll inevitably forget something, someone, or an experience, as every year is filled with great food and the amazing connections that are created because of it.

This is in no particular order, but I feel, with lists like these, it’s best to begin with nostalgia.

While it’s not my first time eating (read, devouring) Dogtown’s food, while covering Bobby Manere’s new Bethel location, after one bite of the “Swanky,” Manere’s homage to his dad’s legendary roadside joint, Swanky Franks, I was instantly a kid again, sitting at the counter with my mom, crushing a couple dogs. The “Swanky,” topped with his dad’s recipe chili and spicy mustard, cheese, bacon, sauerkraut, and diced raw onions, will transport you back in time just like it did to me.

Speaking of childhood memories, aren’t you always a kid again when you eat donuts and ice cream?

The best donuts I’ve ever had in this state are from a newcomer to Connecticut and her donut pre order / pop up, Bake Zone. Sandeep’s brioche donuts are literal clouds, filled to the max with homemade creams, curds, marshmallows, and more, and are free of anything artificial. I’d also dare you to find a more creative selection than what she’s putting out. Her crème brûlée donut is one I think about daily—sugared, and triple torched on the outside, giving the donut a glass-like exterior, and a burnt sugar taste to contrast a sweet, vanilla bean custard filling.

Now the ice cream part…Oops. I mean…GELATO! This one’s limited to a quick shout-out since it was just a taste, but a deserving one nonetheless, and it goes to Gioia. While on the holiday themed rooftop, a scoop of the silkiest, creamiest, nuttiest pistachio gelato made its way over and I was blown away. It was my first time at Gioia, but it won’t be the last, and I’m chomping at the bit to interview them about the gelato aspect of their restaurant in 2026.

I’ll get to fine dining, but first…pizza.

Grigg Street Pizza is always my perennial choice and their sourdough pies (bacon and onion is my go-to) are my favorite in CT. But if I’m feeling like having something thicker, it’s Good Old Days’ squares, specifically their French onion (tip: add bacon and a side of homemade ranch) or get it classic with vodka sauce and sausage or pepperoni. And speaking of squares, my friends at Beekman Ale House in Sleepy Hollow have been running a damn fine Detroit pizza night every Tuesday that pairs well with one of Westchester’s best craft beer lists (Hill Farmstead, Foam, Trillium, and all the ones CT can’t get on draft yet), and it’s totally worth a trip across into the next county.

No doubt that SoNo Wood Fired would get a mention since it’s where I am most often in my home city. Don’t ever pass up their Neapolitan pizza, but if you do…rigatoni alla vodka with chicken cutlet, the wood fired wings, and the sandwiches, especially the short rib cheesesteak on pizza bread with hand cut fries isn’t only tasty, each is a great deal.

Now that pizza stuff is out of the way, let’s talk new stuff and stuff that’s new to me.

La Bistro in Greenwich – I’m stoked that Mogan Anthony (Village Social, Locali, Pubstreet, Fatt Root, Lulu’s Kitchenette) and Seleste Tan of Lady Wong Patisserie have opened a buzzy spot in Fairfield County featuring Lady Wong’s beautiful, balanced, complex desserts (including a browned butter carrot cake that you absolutely have to have) and a menu of savory that blends Anthony’s greatest hits from his other restaurants with French fare, including a French onion duo that I constantly think about—a rich, beefy burger with a generous dollop of confit onions and Comte, and in soup form, a crock of low-and-slow onions in broth with tender chunks of brisket and a slab of torched Comte on top. If beef isn’t your deal, there’s plenty to choose from on their menu, and it’s both worthwhile and affordable (yes, even Greenwich affordable).

Smash Bay – This burger truck that my friend and photographer extraordinaire Lisa Nicols told me about should be a priority when the weather warms back up and Austen is back to slinging his brand of smash burgers at Connecticut breweries. Fatty, juicy, proper sear/crust, cheesy, appropriate amounts of toppings, homemade sauces all on a brioche bun. Do it.

La Cochera – The small, sister spot of Tacos Los Gordos is only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 p.m. into the early morning hours for New Haven’s late-night crowd, but I was able to catch them on a Sunday during the day when chef Edgar Marcial was doing traditional carnitas, as in, serving all those good porky parts (ribs, loin, tripe, chicharrónes, etc.) with homemade corn tortillas. Petition to get him to open up something in Fairfield County as these are my favorite tacos in CT.

Kawa Ni – Bill Taibe’s izakaya is a top three restaurant and has been for a long time, in my opinion, and always consistent no matter when you go. I was blown away this year, though, by two limited dishes, their chicken katsu parm and their Thursday-only katsu burger. Hyperlinks included since I’ve gushed about both of these in standalone articles.

Restaurant L’Ostal – The best restaurant in the history of Darien is always my answer when anyone asks for a suggestion for their special occasion and when they ask what to order, I mean, do you, but always the fougasse, escargot, and black pepper pappardelle, but don’t overlook any specials, especially if there’s gnocchi with truffles, and all of the proteins hit every single time.

Belden House & Mews – Work purposes aside, I found myself here three times in three months. Whether it was for a cocktail at their small, but chic green bar with the vintage leopard lamp, or whether it was for lunch (get the burger) or dinner (the duck, sourdough, and agnolotti are mainstays), I kept going back for Tyler Heckman’s creative, vibrant menu that’s certainly something new for Litchfield as a whole. Look, it might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely right up my alley. And the hospitality here was some of the best I personally experienced all year.

For a hot second, let’s talk BBQ. One that fits into the “new to me” category is Wire Mill Barbecue in Redding/Georgetown. I’m not sure what took me so long to get there, but better late than never. Chef-pitmaster-owner, Gino, isn’t only smoking all the standards (baby backs, brisket, sausage, chicken), but he’s doing pork chops, lamb, and duck. It was all solid, but those pork chops and lamb chops were literally wet they were so juicy. Skip the utensils on the chops, grab ‘em by the bone, and chow down.

Geoff Lazlo’s The Country Table was another highlight. You know about the sandwiches, but every Saturday they do a BBQ pop-up with local pit boss, Ryan Cuber. Don’t ever skip his juicy, perfect smoke ring brisket, but with his ‘cue, you can’t go wrong.

That’s a wrap on the locals, but like every year with this list, I always end by giving a few shouts to places I fondly remember from travels both near and far.

In Woodstock, NY, I was thrilled to be reunited with Silvia’s day one appetizer, wood-fired pita with whipped salty butter, local honey, and radishes. If you go, that’s a good way to start your experience there.

In Madrid, Spain, Cebo, a one Michelin starred restaurant, you’ll encounter a mix of courses that are tributes to Spanish culture (but with their own creative spin), local seafood, and lots of tableside preparations. On the flipside, two legendary tapas bars that are musts are Bodega de la Ardosa for all the tapas classics (cured meats, tortilla Espanola, croquetas) and my personal fave, Casa Revuelta for basically as much vermouth and deep-fried cod as you can handle, and if you have room, a savory blue cheese cheesecake.

Happy eating, friends!

Leeanne Griffin, Contributor

The Laurel, West Hartford: When celebrated Hartford County chef Ashley Flagg announced she was opening her own place, her longtime followers knew anything she produced would be unique, multicultural, locally-sourced and delicious. She and her wife Rebekah took over the former Corner Pug and introduced The Laurel to West Hartford’s Elmwood neighborhood in January, offering global cuisine with influences from several continents. That’s just how she likes to cook, she says, with its most recent menu featuring Sichuan, Thai, Peruvian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Ghanaian and Indian flavors. The restaurant is especially cozy and welcoming, inspired by the warmth of her beloved late grandmother’s Middletown home.

BouNom Bakery, Avon: Working within walking distance of one of the Farmington Valley’s best bakeries is dangerous for the waistline and the wallet. BouNom is worth both the cash and the calories. You can’t go wrong with either sweet or savory, with French, Asian, Scandinavian, and Southern-inspired treats like croissants, biscuits, scallion rolls, tarts, cookies, and giant cinnamon rolls slathered with cream cheese (named the best in the state by Tasting Table.)

Highlights from my sweet-treat breaks from work this year include a caramel roll, a sort of cross between a croissant and monkey bread absolutely laden with rich, golden caramel sauce. It must be eaten with a fork, or at least several wet wipes. They also introduced an insanely delicious banana bread latte this fall, with housemade spiced banana syrup.

No Mames Mexican Cantina, Wethersfield: The DORO Restaurant Group mastered northern Italian, French bistro and Mediterranean in West Hartford, so I was excited to see what they did with modern Mexican cuisine when they opened No Mames in April. They didn’t disappoint, with fresh and vibrant flavors, scratch-made tortillas and salsas, and a dynamic cocktail menu with tequilas, mezcals, rums and Brazilian cachaça. It’s a quick trip to Tulum if you don’t have an extra week of PTO.

Pizza

When I started jotting down some of my favorite bites of 2025, I realized I kept listing pizzerias. No surprise here – I served on the judging panel that helped decide the Connecticut Pizza Trail and attended the festivities surrounding its launch in early October. I ate a LOT of good slices this year. Here are some of my top picks:

Jam City Pizza, Hamden: I’m thrilled to see Connecticut warming up to Detroit-style pizza, since the state has long been about thin-crust supremacy. Jam City’s thick, square product is some of the best you’ll find here, doughy but still light with perfect “frico,” or caramelized crispy cheese edges.

The pies all have music-inspired names, as the pizzeria lives within local club venue The Cellar at Treadwell. Try the Morrissey, with roasted peppers, artichokes, spinach and dollops of truffle ricotta; or the Stratocaster, with pepperoni, Calabrian chili, and hot honey.

Zeneli, New Haven: Zeneli showed up on Connecticut’s most famous pizza street in 2019, went a different route by offering legitimate Neapolitan style pies, and then proclaimed “Finally good Pizza has arrived in New Haven” on its website. That takes real (dough) balls, but the product speaks for itself. As part of the Connecticut Pizza Trail launch events, the Zeneli brothers showcased an incredible seasonal fall special, with butternut squash, speck, gorgonzola and fresh basil that I’m still thinking about nearly three months later.

Three Sons Pizza Photo courtesy of @pastathedog

Three Sons Pizza, New Haven: Joe Pangia’s Three Sons Pizza got its start at Old Heidelberg at New Haven’s Graduate Hotel in May 2024, offering fresh-baked 16-inch pies and slices out of its bar kitchen on weekends. Pangia is an insurance professional and avid home cook (and yes, dad to three boys) who began to perfect his pizza recipes during the pandemic, working on the dough, sauce and toppings and asking for feedback from friends and family.

Pangia is a Long Island native, and he said his pizza style is “New York bar pie,” but with some New Haven influence. However he characterizes it, it’s truly great, and holds its own against the heavyweights in the same city. I’m partial to the Leo, named after one of his boys, with chicken meatballs and drops of seasoned ricotta.

Old Saybrook Pizza Palace, Old Saybrook: There are a lot of Connecticut aficionados who don’t like Greek-style pizza. To each their own, but I’d urge any puffy-crust hater to try Old Saybrook Pizza Palace’s pies, which are the best version of the style I’ve ever had. There’s something elevated about OSPP’s creations, where the dough is fluffy yet perfectly chewy-crispy, and forms a great canvas for specialty toppings.

You’ll also find Greek-inspired recipes like moussaka and pizza with eggplant and hamburger, a white “Aegean” pie with shrimp, garlic, sundried tomatoes and feta. Kid-friendly favorites include a mac and cheese pie and a loaded potato pizza with French fries, bacon and ranch drizzle. The restaurant’s coastal location lends well to other seafood pies, like a scallop and bacon combo. Beyond pizza, OSPP’s fantastic fried whole belly clams may be the best-kept secret on the shoreline.

Noah Schwartz, Contributor

This year was filled with dozens upon dozens of delicious meals…at home, close to home, and further afield. Here’s a list of my most memorable bites from CT in 2025, in roughly chronological order.

Lao Sze Chuan: This Szechuan restaurant in Milford (across the street from Costco) is a hidden gem that my friend Justin told me about. Their “Typhoon” Eggplant special was seriously delicious.
Bar Rosina’s: A meal here is always special and, in my humble opinion, must always include the simple yet divine Raviolo al’Uovo.

The Essex: We enjoyed the tasting menu here earlier in the year. The Fried Mushroom course was especially good (and somehow tasted like fried chicken).

Bartone’s Apizza: I discovered this under-the-radar pizza spot in Derby not long after they opened, and profiled it for CTbites. Some of my favorites are the Red Raider with Pepperoni and their Baked Stuffed Shrimp pizzas.
Lost Fox Inn: This was a great addition to the Litchfield landscape in 2025, and some of the dishes here were marvelous—especially the Spanish Octopus. My full profile for CTbites is here.
Sherkaan: This fun Indian restaurant in New Haven is great, and I especially liked their Chaat Dog (and not just for the pun).
Crust Issues: We enjoyed many meals here this year, including the ridiculously affordable and tasty 5+ course evening tasting menu. In addition to those, I have to admit that the colossal Italian Combo thingy was worth its weight in dough and The Hamburgler pizza also somehow works perfectly.

SoNo Wood Fired: Bes, the chef, excels in many things besides his superb Neapolitan pizzas. He hosted a dinner with Mitcher’s one night and literally cooked up a feast to pair with all the different spirits. The 14 Spiced Rub Wood Fired Quail was a standout. If we all ask him to bring it back, maybe he will?

Darbar India: A great little place in Branford that serves traditional Indian cuisine plus some more adventurous fusion dishes. I thought the Lamb Vindaloo Tacos were fantastic.
La Cave at L’Ostal: I was so glad that chef Jared and his team were recognized at the CRAZIES this year, and their cozy wine bar has been a local secret for a while now. I love the bar menu, and the Tartines paired perfectly with the Beaujolais that Connecticut native Michel Smith Chapel poured while she was visiting the states to promote her and her husband’s wines.

Chef Prasad x Bill Taibe: Two CT powerhouse chefs teamed up for a collaboration at Chef Prasad’s place in New Canaan. Everything was prettay, prettay, prettay good, but it was the Raw Tuna Chaat stole my heart, or at least my stomach.

Sushi Jin: A great new option in Westport this year, with a killer lunch deal Mon-Sat. I particularly enjoyed the Chirashi Lunch ($18). The Omakase at their beautifully undulating bar is also an incredible value…and you can go full or half.
Haring’s Noank: I just love everything about this place, including the fact that it is BYO! Nothing better than some white Burgundy with one of the best Hot Buttered Lobster Rolls you can find…oh and don’t sleep on the rightfully renowned Smoked Bluefish Dip.
Oggi Gelato: It’s nice to now have two of these in CT (the only two in the U.S. from this native Italian small gelato chain), and I appreciate their commitment to the highest-quality ingredients. I snuck in to try their gelato stuffed inside a brioche bun with chocolate drizzled all over it. A think of beauty that’s worth the indulgence.
Fair Haven Oyster Co: Such a great, tiny place that’s off the beaten path. The Skate Wing was off the hook (and they’ll take it off the bone for you, too, if need be).
29 Markle Ct: In addition to being a sight to behold and a hoot to eat, the Whole Red Snapper Mole is also totally delectable.

Tacos 203: Norwalk has no shortage of good food these days, a fact now amplified by the arrival of Tacos 203. Their Taco’Dillas are a street food work of out.
Little Lotus: Quite possibly the best Omakase experience in CT right now. The cooked scallop dish stands out in my mind. More details here in my writeup.
The Port of Call: I finally made it here with some friends this year, and fell in love with the space, the attention to detail of the cocktails and—wow—the food! Everything was impressive, but it was the Beef Empanadas that snuck up on us and knocked our socks off.
Casa Me: We ended up going here for a random lunch with some family and I tried the Casa Burger, which is only available at lunch. Wow, was it good. They use a Saugatuck Provisions custom blend, pancetta, Provolone and caramelized onions. A great burger, ‘nuff said.
The Tasty Yolk: I feel like everybody knows just how good The Tasty Yolk is, but it doesn’t always get official recognition. Can I just say that the Good Morning Clucker breakfast(y) sandwich is one of the best things I remember eating this year? Call me crazy, or call you crazy for not having tried it yet…
Bar Bushido: Yeah, Norwalk again. Can chef Jeff Taibe do no wrong in the kitchen? I am so glad he was recognized as Best Newcomer at the CRAZIES this year, and I love both the casual (front) bar at Bar Bushido±—with 24-7 sumo wrestling on the TV—and the posher (back) room experience. The hand rolls are hands down the best I had this year in CT.
The Agave Diner: This place is just so wonderful. Try the Cubano, it’s kind of magical.
Massi Co: A lot of stellar restaurants have inhabited this Westport space over the years. Now, Don Memo has morphed into Massimo Tullio’s solo vision, as seen through Italian shades. It’s one of those places that seems simple and you’re like, “What’s the big deal?” Then, you taste the food, and your mind is kind of blown. The Chicories salad was insane, and his own version of Neapolitan pizza is like little slices of heaven. Try The Chevre Verde for something a little different.
Esh Mediterranean: This has been a favorite of mine since it opened, but boy, the Charcoal Grilled Ribeye Skewer main course is something else.
One6Three: A longtime listener and recent first-time diner at this lowkey spot in East Rock, New Haven. Woodfired and cooked to perfection, my Sweet & Salami was pretty impressive in a town filled with pretty impressive pizza.
The Rogi Shop: An easy-to-miss place on the river in Shelton, they have extremely delicious, heartwarming food. The Kielbasa is second to none, as are the Steak & Cheese Perogies.

And that’s a wrap…or a panini, or a baguette…I don’t know.

Jeff Schlesinger, Editor-at-Large

2025 was the year I deliberately split my culinary memories into two distinct categories, great dinner entrées (plus a few desserts) and great pizza.

Dinner & Desserts

Arethusa al tavolo (Bantam)

Chef Dan Magill delivered two entrées, and Chef Stacey D'Angelo created three desserts, that were nothing short of extraordinary. The Pekin duck breast and the gently poached Nova Scotia halibut were truly exceptional, textures and flavors unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I would reorder either in a nanosecond. D'Angelo's desserts deserve special acclaim. Death by Chocolate and the Chocolate Panna Cotta may be the best desserts around, and then she somehow raised the bar even higher with her seasonal Death by Pumpkin.

Elm (New Canaan)

Chef Luke Venner has a gift for elevating classics. His double-double hamburger is the only smash-style burger I know that's actually served medium-rare, and then the perfect complements were added, with his sauce, tomato, lettuce, onion, and cheese, they all came together in flawless balance. Let's not forget his BLT. I've eaten hundreds over the years, but none compared to Elm's. Just four ingredients, expertly balanced, with just enough mayo to make it even better.

Fair Haven Oyster Company (North Haven)

One dish from Chef Emily Mingrone demands special recognition, the bone-in skate wing. Perfectly pan-seared, the fish was moist and rich, and the Meyer lemon sauce added brightness, the capers brought a touch of brine, and the sun-dried tomatoes delivered concentrated bursts of flavor. A beautifully composed dish.

Gioia (New Haven)

Sometimes simplicity, when done right, becomes exceptional. That's exactly what Chef Avi Szapiro achieved with his rotisserie chicken at GIOIA, served with crispy potatoes, grilled lemon, and salsa verde. How a dish most of us make weekly becomes culinary perfection is a mystery, but it's one we order nearly every visit. And if the chicken weren't enough, the smashed, crispy potatoes alone were worth the trip, perfectly crunchy outside, creamy inside.

John's Café (Woodbury)

Tucked away off the beaten path in Woodbury, John's Café feels like Sunday every day. Chef-owner Dennis DeBellis' Sunday Gravy was pure comfort, beginning with his house-made rigatoni he then added loads of gravy with his meatballs, and sausage. It was as homey and satisfying as pasta gets. Save room for the house-made chocolate cake with ice cream.

Pizza

In 2025, the U.S. Congress merely confirmed what we already knew, Connecticut is the pizza capital. While crowds continue to flock to Wooster Street, I stayed committed to branching out beyond the epicenter. Several spots stood out as undeniable contenders among the state's best:

Ernie's Pizzeria (New Haven) where the owner's warmth is as memorable as the pizza.
Modern Apizza (New Haven) served dough from a years' old starter that created an unmistakable flavor and texture that should be appreciated with the love that goes into every pie.
Papa's Pizza (Milford) is literally the definition of a perfect hole-in-the-wall, as underrated as any I know, but worth a visit whenever you are near.
Roseland Apizza (Derby) is a "must-include" in any serious "best pizza" conversation. The ah-beetz is the best.
Tipsy Tomato Bar and Pizzeria (Derby) is tucked into a strip mall corner, quietly serving some standout pies.
Zois Pizza (Seymour) is easily the best Greek-style pizza I've tasted in Connecticut and has been for over 50 years.

Amy S. White, Contributor

Smoked Sticky Ribs – Fire by Forge – Hartford – I am low-key obsessed by the sticky ribs served at the restaurant I work at, Fire by Forge, in Hartford. I often recommend them to my guests, and when I do, those guests invariably come to share my obsession. One night, a guy going full-on into his plate of ribs, thumbs-upped me with his sauce-coated digits every time I passed his table. He put in an order for two more plates to-go so he could share them with his football watching buddies the next day. These pork baby backs are smoked until they are falling off the bone, cooked with a smoky-sweet chipotle-agave glaze, then drizzled with a spicy aji verde sauce. Whenever I eat them, time passes in a blur of sticky fingers, smeared lips, a tingling tongue, and a plate that ends up empty save for bones that are so clean they could be 1,000 years old. Yes, I “juju”* the hell out of these things. Every. Single. Time. So should you. *To “juju” is to eat meat on the bone in such a way that the only thing left of the bone might be some teeth marks, as my Aunt Juju famously and shamelessly did with her favorite lamb chops.

Torchon of Foie Gras and Oven-Seared Rohan Duck Breast - The Foundry – Hartford – The swankiest spot in the state capital has been revived now that Chef Jeffrey Lizotte has returned to the twentieth floor of the Hartford Steam Boiler building and opened The Foundry. The space is absolutely gorgeous, as is the panoramic view of the city. The service is stellar. But we all know it’s all about the food, and The Foundry doesn’t disappoint. While the menu changes often, in my one February visit The Foundry nabbed not one but two spots on my best bites of this year list – the Torchon of Foie Gras with poached pear, maple cider, and walnut crumble; and the Oven-Seared Rohan Duck Breast with black mission fig, cipollini onion, and spiced jus. The Parker House rolls were also amazing. So was the braised rabbit pasta. So was the halibut. I mean, the whole thing was enthralling and I still think about it sometimes. It was for sure a whole fine dining experience.

Porchetta – The Luke Brasserie and Bar – New Haven - Chef Vincent Chirico of The Luke is a damn genius and I don’t know why everyone else in this state isn’t constantly singing his praises. I. Love. Everything. This. Man. Cooks. His modern takes on classic Mediterranean dishes are meticulously planned and expertly executed. The space is somehow both elegant and cozily inviting, while the hospitality is impeccable. This place is the state’s ultimate hidden gem, hiding in plain sight right on College Street. I could go on, but then I won’t be able to get a table. To my point, one of my best bites of the year was his porchetta, which on this particular winter visit was a pork tenderloin wrapped in sausage and served with stewed cannellini beans. Chef also makes this amazing white asparagus with shaved cheese and cashew that I sometimes dream about.

Hottokeki - Blossom Café – Simsbury -– When I started seeing Japanese souffle pancakes all over the internet, I knew I needed them in my life. Thank goodness I found them right in Simsbury, at this wonderfully cozy café known for its Asian-fusion breakfast and brunch specialties. These soft, fluffy, cloud-like pancakes melted in my mouth just the way I imagined they would. I tried the original, but I am definitely going back because they do fun rotating flavors every week. Note – these are only available Thursday-Sunday.

Chicken and Waffles - The Main Pub – Manchester –– If there is a chicken and waffle dish on the menu, I’m that girl. So, imagine my utter glee when I discovered this version a couple miles from my house at the newly renovated and all-around improved comfort food mecca The Main Pub in Manchester. At first I was skeptical, because there was a lot going on on this plate. But it definitely worked. Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken topped a sweet Belgian waffle, that was then garnished with craisins and candied nuts,and drizzled with spicy syrup. Heavenly. Not only do they have this deliciousness on the menu, but there is often live music and the kitchen is open late. What’s not to love?

Birria Ramen - No Coast Taqueria – Ellington – This Ellington newcomer is small in size but big on taste. What started as a hot dog cart is now a brick-and-mortar BYOB spot right in the center of town. Their regular menu centers around tacos, as any good taqueria should. However, their weekly specials are where it’s at. In particular, this one: Birria Ramen. Yes, you read that right. And it delivers on both. Ramen noodles. Black garlic consommé. Fire roasted corn. Blistered peppers and shallots. Fried garlic, scallions, toasted sesame, a marinated soft-boiled egg, and your choice (you should choose the pork) of protein. I’ve gotten it to go a couple of times now and each time I enjoy eating it at my desk at school, door closed, lights off, slurping shamelessly in the blissful silence only a teacher can understand. Chef Beau, if you’re reading this, please, please, pretty please put this on the permanent menu.

Honorable Mentions from the year’s adventures outside of the state: Fried Chicken from Willie Mae’s NOLA (New Orleans), Soup Dumplings from Din Tai Fung (NYC), Smoked Pork Belly Benedict from Hatch’d (St. Louis), Duck BLT from Landing at the Boathouse (Myrtle Beach), Florentine Steak from Bisteccheria Santa Croce (Florence, Italy).

Kendall Arkay, Contributor

2025 was a crazy year, but the one thing that stayed consistent was my love for good food—and especially for discovering (and revisiting) local spots that make Connecticut’s dining scene so special. I had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible hospitality people, uncovering hidden gems, and curating a list of places that definitely stuck with me. These are the restaurants and dishes closest to my heart—the ones you’ll absolutely find me at again in the new year. A mix of favorite places and favorite bites… here we go.

Bar Rosina's

A meal I cannot stop thinking about. Greenwich isn’t a town I frequent often, but I am now desperately searching for excuses to go back—solely for Bar Rosina’s burger. A textbook smash burger: perfectly thin, American cheese, onions, mayo, a soft potato roll, and those dangerously good “grab-by-the-handful” skinny fries. Pair it with one of their cocktails (the Mezzatore or the Mona Lisa is a must), maybe add a pasta dish for the table, and suddenly you’re just as obsessed as I am.

Lost Fox Inn & Tavern

Maybe 2025 was the year of the burger, because this one lives rent-free in my mind. Picture this: a dark, rainy October drive through the wooded roads of Litchfield, arriving at a tucked-away, charming inn for an intimate dinner. The vibes, the service, the fireplace—it’s worth the drive alone.

And the food? Unreal. Another smash burger moment here: American cheese, pickles, potato wedges—hearty, classic, perfectly cooked. Add in an incredible steak, house-made bread and butter that's inspiring, and the “devils on horseback” (Medjool dates!) appetizer that was both unique and delicious. A night to remember.

Downright Breads

While one day there will hopefully be a physical storefront (manifesting), one of my favorite dishes of the year came from this beloved micro-bakery. Downright Breads serves up divine pastries at local farmers markets, and I was a proud regular at the Edgewood Market in New Haven this past season, picking up my pre-ordered bag from the amazing baker Soli every Sunday.

Everything is special here: English muffins that make store-bought versions pale in comparison, a caraway bread so flavorful it’s perfect on its own, and seasonal favorites like the pumpkin cinnamon roll—which may or may not have become my fall hyperfixation. There's sourdough cookies,Challah, Babka, chocolate cherry sourdough and more. So much talent, such a beautiful family operation, and big plans for 2026. It’s more than worth checking out.

The Gray Goose

Now it’s December, and one of my favorite ways to cheer myself up on a 20-degree winter night is curled up by the fireplace at Gray Goose, glass of red wine in hand, ordering steak frites, and a big bowl of pasta and mussels. Anyone else?

Anytime I’m home, Gray Goose is my tried-and-true comfort spot. Summer people-watching on the patio, winter nights tucked into a tiny carpeted spot by the fire—it always feels like one big dinner party in a cozy space. My go-tos: steak frites or the steak entrée, mussels diavolo with spicy red sauce, or a rigatoni depending on the mood. Paired with a wine or cocktail anf finished with their cinnamon sugar donuts. There's also burgers, lobster rolls, tacos, and flatbreads—so you really can’t go wrong there.

ESH

The restaurant that definitely needs no introduction. Esh has been talked about endlessly for the past few years—and for good reason. It has yet to disappoint. I celebrated birthdays, date nights, and even holidays here this past year, and I can confidently say there isn’t a bad thing on the menu.

With NYC-level vibes and an energy that feels unmatched within a 50-mile radius, Esh delivers every time. Favorites include the mezze spreads (hello, crazy feta), spinach feta flatbread, bao buns, Moroccan cigars, the Esh burger (yes, again with the burgers), and of course the Esh margarita. If by some miracle you’ve made it this far without going, make it a January priority—you’re missing out.

There are so many more places I could rave about and an even longer list of spots special to me, but these came to mind instantly—and each one played a role in making my 2025 memorable in its own way. Here’s to a fantastic year and an even better one ahead.

Raenah Farina: @StamfordFoodie

the stamford foodie burrito from chicho’s cocina

yes, i may be biased, but there is a reason this burrito is a fan favorite. stacked with two of their best meats and grilled to perfection, it delivers every single time.

hoodoo brown x chef prasad dinner

this collab was an absolute flavor explosion in the best way possible. chopped brisket samosas, tandoori smoked cornish hens, vindaloo sausage, garlic naan… every bite was smoky, spiced, and wildly creative.

pasta making class with dan kardos at café melba

one of the most fun foodie experiences of the entire year, hands down. making fresh pasta while being fed delicious sauces and sides in the cozy space dan has created made it even better.

fettuccine mascarpone with chicken cutlet from café silvium

no words really needed. creamy, cheesy, full of flavor, and topped with a perfectly crispy chicken cutlet, this is comfort food at its absolute finest.

buff chicken sandwich at grigg street

grigg street’s weekly sandwich specials are already dangerous, but the buffalo chicken one is next level. crispy, saucy, messy in the best way, and an instant must order if you spot it.

the dips at çka ka qëllu, especially the sausage dip

if you sleep on the dips here, you’re doing it wrong. the sausage dip is rich, savory, and wildly addictive, the kind of dish everyone fights over.

chicken katsu parmigiana at kawani

this dish is proof that when japanese and italian flavors link up, magic happens. crispy chicken katsu, spicy kimchi vodka sauce, and creamy stracciatella on top make it bold, indulgent, and completely unforgettable.

bar vida x rhone smoothie

if you think it’s wild that a smoothie made my top eats list, you clearly haven’t tried this one. it’s nutrient packed, insanely delicious, and genuinely addictive.