A few of summer’s undeniable pleasures are the briny slurp of a freshly shucked local oyster, the snap of an ice-cold shrimp cocktail, and the velvety richness of a scallop crudo. This is where the raw bar excels. Regardless of what the name implies, at a raw bar, the only steadfast rule is that the seafood be served cold. Plump bivalve mollusks (usually oysters and clams), are served raw, just shucked, unadorned or with a touch of cocktail sauce or mignonette. Shrimp, crab, and lobster are often cooked first then served chilled with a variety of accompanying sauces. Cured fish, such as ceviche, may be on the menu too, along with crudo (from the Italian word for “raw”), often served sliced with simple ingredients like ginger or capers. The ultimate raw bar splurge, however, would be a taste of all of these, found in many raw bar samplers or towers, two- or three-tiered platters impressively displaying Neptune’s bounty over crushed ice
How lucky we are to live in a state which offers all of these and more at its many incredible raw bars. We narrowed down our favorites to thirty-three of the state’s finest raw bars, including one that is a mobile catering operation perfect for your next party. Whether located on Long Island Sound, situated along one of our gorgeous rivers, or tucked away on a city block, Connecticut’s best raw bars are the best way to savor the freshest of the ocean’s ample treasures. Read on, and get ready to slurp your way through these standout spots that bring the sea straight to your plate.
Few foods stir as much passion—and appetite—as tacos. The humble taco has made its way from the streets of Mexico to American taco trucks, roadside stands, Tex-Mex eateries, and trendy taquerías, all of which strive to find that perfect blend of taste, texture, and tradition that an exquisite taco can offer. Handmade tortillas. Sizzling meats. Crispy fried fish. Grilled veggies. Fresh toppings. Spicy salsas. Endlessly adaptable and oh-so-satisfying, the taco delivers bold, layered flavors in a compact, hand-held tortilla that seems so simple but is anything but. In this article, we’re diving into the best taco spots found in every Connecticut county, from hidden gems serving up authentic street-style tacos to innovative eateries offering well-crafted taco creations. These local favorites are sure to incite the passion and satisfy the appetite of every taco enthusiast in our state. Cinco de Mayo may have come and gone, but tacos are forever!
In honor of Women’s History Month and in conjunction with our “It’s A Woman’s World” column, we present to you, a Directory highlighting the many talented women in CT’s culinary industry. This Directory for CT’s Chefs, Female Owned Businesses, Restaurants, Products, Farmers, PR Agencies & Instagrammers + is a work in progress. We will continually update the directory, and we hope you will contact us if you are a female in the culinary industry who would like to be included.
How often do you stop to think or inquire about *who* owns the restaurant you frequent, or who invented a product you love or who grew the food on your own table? It’s time to take a closer look, especially when, as you can see from this fabulously inspiring and lengthy list, woman are doing amazing thingsin Connecticut. We are inventing, writing, catering, managing, brainstorming, reviewing…and this is all just within the food industry in this state. We are getting it done, done well, and done in our own creative and vibrant way. New paths are being discovered, new ideas are being birthed. Inquire. Look. Support. Encourage. There’s no limit to what is coming next.
I still remember a time when Connecticut was a barbecue desert. Brisket could seem like an exotic item, and getting quality smoked meats usually meant a trip to New York City or further out of state. Those dark ages have, thankfully, long since passed. Today Connecticut is home to many good and several great barbecue destinations that are drawing people from out of state. In the story below, I highlight my five favorites, two of which were also featured in Texas Monthly in a feature about the best Texas barbecue outside of Texas. But before we dig into these picks, I have two caveats. First, though I love what is happening at several barbecue popups — I’m looking at you Broken Symmetry, Rise Doughnuts and Mason Sreet BBQ — this story is focused on establishments with more regular hours. Second, though I’ve tried many barbecue places in the state, I’m always on the lookout for new destinations. So if your favorite spot isn’t here and I’ve never been or you think it’s worthy of a revisit because something improved recently, I’m all ears. Now grab some napkins because we’re getting hands-on with barbecue.
An exceptionally vibrant and passionate pizza culture coupled with the May 2024 designation by the U.S. Congress of New Haven as the “Pizza Capital of the United States” makes creating a list of Connecticut’s best pizza joints a monumental task. By all accounts, there are over 1,200 pizza-making establishments that call the Nutmeg State home, which is the most pizzerias of any state per capita, as well as the most family-owned pizzerias. Pizza here is sacred. Serious. A point of pride. An area of contention. And, most of all, it’s a legacy that began exactly one hundred years ago on Wooster Street in New Haven.
Keeping all of that in mind, we offer this list that we feel represents the approximate top 10%, the very best of the best pizzerias this small but mighty state has to offer. From the legendary coal-fired ovens of New Haven’s famed apizza places to scattered hidden gems to mobile pizza trucks, this list contains “The Pizza State’s” unique takes on America’s beloved dish in multiple places throughout every county (and a bonus surprise entry at the very end!). One is a century old. A few are brand new. Most have been in business for at least a couple of generations. No matter how long they have been serving pies, each is about savoring tradition, history, and that distinct flavor profile that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.
Connecticut pizza enthusiasts, rejoice! Hit the road, try a slice, and let us know your favorite in the comments.
It’s that time of year, when the CTbites staff temporarily puts down our forks, and contemplates our most memorable annual eats. 2024 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.
If you live in the Westport area, you will likely be familiar with Chef Matt Storch’s high end market, Saugatuck Provisions, offering customers a curated selection of the very best ingredients from the land, sea and grocery. The store features nose-to-tail butchery, the best seafood around, and cool gourmet seasonings, sauces and take-home sides enabling guests to create beautiful restaurant quality meals at home. But for those of us who don’t like to cook, Storch has something exciting launching Oct 29th. It’s a new way to experience Saugatuck Provisions, and it’s called Provisions After Dark.
Sick of the monotony of cooking and eating red meat and chicken, day in and day out? Hoping to step outside of your culinary comfort zone and venture into the world of seafood and all the delicious possibilities that await you? Well, we’ve got you covered! No matter what part of Connecticut you call home, or “summer home,” there is sure to be a fishmonger in your area, just waiting to help you pick out the fish that most suits your needs. Many of these locations source local and sustainably-caught fish, whether you want a flaky, white fish or a more oily fish, shellfish, or even mollusks, these fishmongers have it all! Many also offer a wide variety of pre-made meals and seafood platters that are perfect for a seafood party extravaganza. When you shop at neighborhood fish markets, you’re doing yourself, your family, small businesses, and the environment an incredible favor. Who could ask for more? Shop local fishmongers today…like right now
One of the many quintessential summer experiences in Connecticut is driving out to your favorite ice cream shop for a frozen treat. Across the state, seasonal ice cream shops are open for the season, and year-round locations ramp up production to make sure everyone’s sweet tooth is satisfied. Whether your dessert of choice is ice cream, gelato, or Italian ice, there are numerous options for you to try. And, thanks to the abundance of dairy farms in the region, there is no shortage of farm-fresh ice cream, either!
This handy guide will help you find ice cream shops that are ready to serve you this summer. Many of these locations have daily specials and rotating flavors, so be sure to visit again to try the latest menu items. This guide has been separated into counties so you can easily find the ice cream shops nearest you. Cheers!
Moby Dick’s needs your help. The small-but-mighty bar/restaurant, which is quickly gaining fame as one of West Haven’s hottest spots, is trying to hit the one million mark by the end of 2024: that is, 1,000,000 oysters shucked and supped. So far this year Moby’s has served about 150,000, each with a squeeze of lemon, a bit of cocktail sauce, a drizzle of mignonette, and lots of fun.
Where else but Moby’s would you find food and drink specials every day of the week, including an $8 burger platter on Mondays and, on Wednesdays, a solo lobster roll with brown butter on a properly grilled hot dog bun, plus fries on the side, for $18? Tuesdays there are raw bar bargains, while a full sushi bar is featured on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s no wonder that Moby Dick’s has racked up “best-of” awards, including “Best Seafood” by the Chamber of Commerce, since opening in 2022.
Warm weather is back, which means it’s officially food truck season! Food trucks have enjoyed a growing trend in recent years that allows fully mobile, restaurant-quality food to come right to your doorstep in the form of private events. Or, simply stop by your local farmers market or street fair to find them lined up, ready to serve! No matter what kind of cuisine you enjoy, there is probably a food truck out there in Connecticut that has exactly what you’re craving.
Since Food Trucks are mobile and can pop up in different towns around Connecticut, this guide is separated into food categories such as pizza, tacos, ice cream, seafood, etc. Simply scroll down to whatever you’re in the mood for and discover some of the great food trucks the state has to offer.
Keep your eyes peeled for a separate Cocktails & Beer Food Truck guide coming soon!
Connecticut continues to be a dominant player in the food and beverage industries proving that we’re so much more than pizza and beer. With the rising number of award-winning and nationally acclaimed restaurants, it just makes sense that we celebrate the role that our oysters play in our culinary prowess
CTBites was invited to a special press event as Connecticut Tourism’s department, CTVisit, unveiled the launch of The Connecticut Oyster Trail celebrating all things oysters from the farmers who raise them to the restaurants and stores that sell them. Popularity in Connecticut oysters has certainly blossomed over the past few years and there’s good reason.
Back in 2018 when Christian Burns opened Evarito’s on the corner of N Main Street, just past the 50 Washington Street building, “Hola!” was the restaurant’s catchy little social media term. Six years later, Burns, and the public, can say “Hola!” to the new concept that inhabits 14 N Main, The Pompano.
Before we get to what The Pompano is all about, a lot of folks are itching to know why Evarito’s is no more after announcing its last days earlier in 2024. While there were a few factors, the simplest answer is they never fully got back on track financially after 2020.
“We just did OK,” Burns explains. “We were popping in 2019. In the winter, we still had a crowd. Then we never really popped out of COVID the same way. 2021 came and it was less (customers). 2022 came and it was even less. I knew it was time for a change and I thought Evarito’s had run its course.”
Burns—who you know from The Ginger Man and Cask Republic locations—had to think about if he wanted to relaunch the Evarito’s space, and if so, what would he want it to be. Travel was that inspiration. If Evarito’s was inspired by Burns’ trips to and love of various parts of Mexico, his new idea for a restaurant would be a New England seafood restaurant meets a South Florida seafood restaurant.
Walking into The Luke Brasserie in downtown New Haven, it’s apparent that this isn’t your average restaurant. The soaring space exudes grandeur, boasting ornate coffered ceilings, mosaic tile floors, and a wraparound mezzanine flanked by double-height Ionic columns. Impeccably prepared Mediterranean fare is served in oversized carved crystal bowls and wide-rimmed fluted plates. Deep red leather banquettes beckon, warmed by chandeliers and flickering candles.
“I fell in love with the space when I first saw it over a decade ago, and I wanted to do it justice,” says Executive Chef Vincent Chirico, a New York City culinary veteran with three previous restaurants under his belt. Like many of us, Chirico left the city during the height of Covid and was househunting in Connecticut when he happened to reconnect with the owner of the historic Taft Building in New Haven, who was a patron of his Upper West Side restaurant Vai. Years after encountering the space the first time, Chirico found himself weighing the opportunity to open a restaurant there. The timing felt like fate, and thus The Luke was born.
You’ll have to drive a little ways to find some of the best sushi in Connecticut. This one isn’t in any of the tony coastal towns. Incredibly you will find it in a small strip of storefronts in Brookfield. There might not be much to do in this sleepy little town, but there is some damned good sushi to be had.
You’ve likely never heard of Amai Sushi, we hadn’t. We were tipped off by CTBites friend Chef Jeff Taibe (Taproot Restaurant) who’s quite familiar with the area. When a chef tells us they’ve eaten somewhere really good, we’re all ears, especially when it’s someplace no one seems to have heard of. So last week we took a little road trip.
It’s that time of year, when the CTbites staff temporarily puts down our forks, and contemplates our most memorable annual eats. 2023 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.
We recently had to the opportunity to visit the newly opened RAW* restaurant in downtown Hartford. Raw* is the newest concept by Gina Lauri, founder and CEO of The Statement Group which also owns the successful The Place 2 Be restaurants. Much like its predecessors RAW* is visual eye candy with a vibrant aquatic theme. The interior boasts an artistic and modern flare which was created by mixing assorted metals, white subway tile, neon lights, fun and whimsical artwork, graffiti, and a swimming-pool blue for an ultimate industrial-meets-under-water-vibe. But there’s no need to hold your breath here. In fact you’ll want to breathe deeply and take it all in. And there’s so much to take in!
“I could go for a coffee right now.” “Where’s the nearest coffee place?” If we had a nickel for every time we heard or uttered those words, right? Happily, there’s a coffee house or roastery just about around every corner these days, but some of them rise above with their drinks, their blends, their hospitality. Hence, we have filled our cups to the brim with delicious offerings for you and this list is broken down by County so that you can get to that cup quicker! Sip alone, brew, sip with a friend-life is good.
The concept of Happy Hour was first used in the U.S. as early as 1913 by Naval units engaging in social parties with movies, dancing, and boxing, referred to as “happy hours.” After the era of prohibition ended, Happy Hour evolved more into what we know it today, as a sort of cocktail hour at bars.
These days, Happy Hour is a common practice among bars and restaurants, offering reduced prices on drinks and bar food, but also allowing eateries to create unique “happy hour” menus. Restaurants all over Connecticut have Happy Hour deals you can take advantage of throughout the week, giving you a chance to save on your next bar tab. Because the list of restaurants that offer Happy Hour is so extensive, we organized the list into counties so you can more easily search for businesses in your local area.
