NEW IN CT: 11 Connecticut Restaurant Openings for October 2026

Here are 11 of the hottest restaurant openings and foodie finds for the month of October in Connecticut.

Scroll down to check out a new spot from Chef Bill Taibe, the highly anticipated opening from Chef Jared Falco, and a pasta concept from the folks at OLMO Bagels in New Haven.

Note: Keep in mind that new restaurants’ menus and hours may vary. Please check their individual websites and social media pages for the latest information.

Cloudy Monkey, Manchester 

https://cloudymonkeycafe.com/

Busy lives can feel cloudy – “cloudy” is foggy, heavy, or overwhelmed; “monkey” is the constant juggling of everything life brings that keeps the mind moving from one thing to the next. The creators of Cloudy Monkey made this cafe for those exact moments - place to pause, enjoy something good, and leave clear before returning to regularly scheduled life. On the menu is single-origin coffee, authentic Japanese matcha, delicious refreshers, and fresh baked treats made in house and from local bakeries. Visit and be reminded of their slogan “Clouds don’t last forever.” The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, 194 Buckland Hills Drive, Space 5537.

DeCicco & Sons, Greenwich

Photo c/o https://livinggreenwich.com

https://www.deciccoandsons.com/

This location is a first in the state for a New York family-owned business that has ten stores in nearby Westchester County. For over 50 years, DeCicco & Sons has had a proud history of bringing the largest selection of high-quality food available to customers with a friendly, personal touch. Considered a high-end market, the Greenwich store has 26,000 square feet of packaged foods, produce, and specialty selections including prepared foods, bakery, café, cheese, floral, meat, salad, sandwich, and seafood products.  They buy from local farms and are involved in several civic and community-related events. 21 Glenville Street.

Falco, Norwalk

https://www.bjryansfalco.com/

BJ Lawless, restauranteur and owner The BJ Ryan's Group, is opening his fourth restaurant in Norwalk in a building that was once a hat factory near the city's Wall Street area. Called Falco, the concept was born from Lawless’s desire to team up with Chef Jared Falco, co-founder of cult favorite Bar Rosina's in Greenwich. With an old New York Italian restaurant vibe, Falco specializes in homemade pastas, pizzas, and sharing plates. 2 Wilton Avenue.

Great American Street Food Company (GASFCO), Clinton and Stratford 

https://www.gasfco.com/

Great American Street Food Company, also known as GASFCO, has expanded to include two new locations in Stratford and Clinton. From stacked burgers and loaded hot dogs to tacos, seafood sandwiches, shawarma, and more, their menu is built for people who want great food without the wait or the fuss, bringing American favorites at affordable prices to both communities. The new eateries represent the third and fourth for the brand with existing locations in Southington and North Branford. 1 West Main Street, Clinton; 940 Ferry Boulevard, Stratford.

hi’Amba, Westport

https://hiamba.com/

Created by restaurateur Chef Bill Taibe, and featuring Executive Chef Karen Nicolas and Pastry Chef Michael Finehirsh, this all-in-one bakery, café, restaurant, and market is sure to be an all-day hotspot. The location has a working bakery, casual café downstairs, and an upstairs dining room for shared plates and wine. The menu features the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Southwest Asia with offerings like house-made breads, Jerusalem bagels, pita, shakshuka, spreads, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. A curated grab-and-go market downstairs sells house-made dips and spreads, prepared foods, breads, pastries, and specialty pantry goods. Dinner will be offered a few weeks after opening. 33 Jesup Road.

Max Burger, Avon

https://maxburgerbar.com/

Max Hospitality has opened another Max Burger location at the former home of Max A Mia in Avon. The chef-driven burger spot is the third of its kind, bringing a variety of appetizers, salads, bowls, Brandt Beef burgers, non-beef burgers and other handhelds, hand-cut fries, and much more with farm-to-table ingredients at the core. There is an extensive craft beer and wine list along with traditional and liquor-spiked shakes and daily “Chalkboard” specials. Happy hour weekdays. 70 East Main Street. 

Next Chapters Bookhouse and Café, Unionville

https://www.thenextchaptersllc.com/

The best books deserve more than one reader, and the best towns deserve places that bring the community together. Rooted in a love of stories and their hometown, the owners of this “booktique” cafe have created the perfect booklovers haven - shelves filled with gently used books for every kind of reader, a gift shop to browse the perfect bookish novelty, and a café with delicious coffee, tea, bagels, and pastries to read with. 218 River Road.

Taco John’s, Newington

https://tacojohns.com/

Founded in Wyoming in 1969, Taco John's is known for its burritos, taco salads, tacos, quesadillas, breakfast offerings, and Potato Olés (bite-sized, deep-fried round potato pieces dusted with an addictive spicy-savory seasoning blend). This rapidly expanding chain brings its first Connecticut location to Newington, along with its fusion of distinctive “West-Mex” flavors and south-of-the-border spices. Stop in for signature specials like Taco Tuesday and the everyday Value Menu starting at just $2-$3-$4. 56B Costello Road.

Thali by Chef Prasad, New Canaan

https://www.thali.com/

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is the name in Indian cuisine in Connecticut, introducing generations of diners to the extraordinary regional flavors of India. And he has brought back his flagship restaurant, Thali. Today, Thali by Chef Prasad continues his legacy with an elevated dining experience inspired by the historic Spice Route, where authentic recipes, bold flavors, and contemporary presentation come together in a warm, sophisticated setting. The menu features layered spices, seasonal ingredients, vibrant textures, and thoughtful presentations often done tableside. From tandoori specialties and slow-simmered curries to fresh seafood, handcrafted breads, craft cocktails, and chef-curated tasting experiences, each plate reflects Chef Prasad's passion for storytelling through food. Closed Tuesday, dinner only Monday and Wednesday, lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday. 62 Main Street.

Twirl, New Haven

https://www.pastatwirl.com/

From the team that created Olmo Bagels comes this “fresh pasta joint” which seems simple but is sure to be a hit, particularly where it is located. Choose the size (“Bowl” is a regular-size, “Poppa” is a double portion), the pasta shape (labeled “twirl,” “poke,” “freestyle,” or “shovel”), the sauce (there are seven options), and then any add-ins/add-ons (think proteins, cheeses, veggies, or other toppings). A handful of “anti-pasta” choices and sides round out the menu along with Foxon Park sodas, a few beers on tap, and house wines. 260 College Street. 

7 Brew Coffee, Middletown

https://7brew.com/

The ever-growing chain of drive-through-only coffee spots has opened a location in Middletown. The franchise's signature pre-fabricated building was delivered to the space where a foundation was already in place and installed within a matter of hours. Founded in Arkansas, the brand is dedicated to delivering fast, friendly service while offering more than 20,000 customizable drink combinations — from energizing brews and teas to flavorful energy drinks, chillers, and smoothies. 733 Washington Street.