NEW IN CT: 6 New Connecticut Restaurant Openings for September 2026

Welcome to our new column, “NEW IN CT” in which we celebrate our top picks of the most recent restaurants to open in the Nutmeg State. 

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. 

The Brownstone, West Hartford

https://thebrownstonewh.com/

Pizza. Music. Drinks. Hartford’s The Brownstone now has a second location in West Hartford that promises to be WeHa’s new hot spot for pub grub. Standouts include Vodka Fries (fries covered in house made vodka sauce and melted mozzarella), the Brownstone Smash Burger, and Build-Your-Own Pies in personal or large sizes with a long list of regular and premium toppings. Specialty pies abound, but the Hot in Hartford (a blend of tomato sauce and marinara topped with banana peppers, jalapenos, sausage, and pepperoni, no cheese) is delightfully unique. Happy Hour runs daily, and there are daily specials and weekly events listed on the website.  7 South Main Street. 

Carbone’s, Hartford

https://www.carboneshartford.com/

Carbone’s has been a Hartford institution since 1938, known for generous Italian American dishes and warm hospitality. The original Franklin Street location closed during the pandemic, but after six years, the storied restaurant has reopened in a 10,000 square-foot space on Front Street. This iteration boasts two separate dining experiences: the Ristorante, with a menu featuring the family’s time-honored favorites intended to be shared family-style; and the Lounge, with a blend of traditional dishes and classic bar bites. The Original Tableside Caesar is a must. This is a re-opening that fans have been long awaiting, in a place and space designed for the city to gather again. Currently open for dinner daily, happy hour on weekdays, complementary valet parking in the evening. 91 Columbus Boulevard.

Flat Out Burger, Fairfield

https://flatoutburger.com/

The smash burger trend keeps going strong, and New York City fan favorite, Flat Out Burger has finally crossed the border with its new location in Fairfield. They offer the most straightforward of menus, with only nine total items: five Flat Out burger options (Classic, Spicy, The Big Flat, Turkey, and Veggie), and four types of fries (Classic, Loaded Regular, Loaded Spicy, and Loaded Veggie). But here, it’s all about the ingredients, so straight-forward doesn’t mean simple, it means delicious. Grass-fed Pat LaFrieda ground beef, The Pickle Guys pickles, buttery toasted brioche buns, and house made secret signature sauce. We hope this burger chain keeps expanding! Open daily. 58 Post Road.

KIN Social, Stamford

https://www.instagram.com/findkinsocial/

Located in the heart of Harbor Point, KIN Social is a seasonal pop-up restaurant that brings a vibrant atmosphere, globally inspired dishes, and craft cocktails to Stamford’s waterfront. The waterfront views only add to the dining experience, making it a great new option in the area. Presented as "a Quartiere Project" from the team at the now-closed Quartiere, the concept offers a changing seasonal menu of small plates meant for sharing. A recent menu included dishes such as Filipino Inspired BBQ Ribs, Triple Fries (potato, sweet potato, and yucca), Crab and Avocado Tartine, charcuterie, and more. Open daily. 15 Harbor Point Road.

Mercato Italian Kitchen and Bar, Cheshire

https://www.mercatoitaliankitchen.com/

Already located in Canton, Shelton, and Southbury, the Mercato Hospitality Group is now expanding to The Shops at Stone Bridge in Cheshire. Their “new school” Italian concept menu consists of a wide variety of appetizers, salads, charcuterie, pasta dishes, entrees, wood-fired pizzas, desserts, and craft cocktails. Fan favorites include apps such as the Charred Octopus, Roasted Artichoke, and Lamb Chop Lollipops; the Charred Peach or Charred Caesar salads; the Wood-Fired “100-layer” Lasagna, Spicy Lobster Lumache, and Pork Chop Agrodolce entrees; and the Getting Figgy With It white pizza. Open daily with happy hour weekdays and Sunday brunch. 1991 Highland Avenue.

RSVP, West Cornwall

https://www.rsvpdining.com/

Many locals grieved the closing of the beloved but quirky Litchfield County restaurant RSVP. Foodie fans can rejoice once more now that Chef Bolivar Hilario, formerly of Ore Hill & Swyft and Community Table, has bought it, reopened it, and, besides his own culinary twists, has decided not to make many changes. Taking over from previous owners Charles Cirona and Guy Birster, Hilario still maintains RSVP’s seasonal and local focus, sourcing from neighboring farms and foraging from nearby forests. It is still a BYOB restaurant. The ever-changing prix-fixe menu still reflects what the local lands and waters offer each week. The restaurant still accept only checks or cash. And likely, it will still be tough to get a reservation. Open Tuesday-Saturday with seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m.