In a state known for its culinary diversity, sushi stands out as a favorite dining experience. And an experience it is. Sushi chefs put on a show, using the absolute freshest ingredients possible with the most precise techniques to craft their creations in full view of awe-struck patrons. Across Connecticut, sushi restaurants range from sleek omakase counters to casual family-owned spots. Sashimi, nigiri, maki, chirashi, poke bowls - all can be found in this county-by-county guide to the top sushi restaurants in the state. Mix your wasabi and soy, and get those chopsticks ready to discover where in CT the art of sushi truly shines. Please note that many of these restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so make sure to check the website for hours.
Get ready, Hartford — Panda Fest is bringing a feast for all the senses! This vibrant, family-friendly outdoor festival celebrates the richness of Asian culture through over 100 authentic street food dishes, live performances and panda-themed fun. With 55+ food vendors serving everything from Samsa to skewers, and a lineup of performances featuring K-pop, Thai dance, Chinese acrobatics and live music, Panda Fest promises an unforgettable experience that connects culture, cuisine and community in the heart of Connecticut.
Guests will also enjoy panda inflatables, themed merchandise and more than 10 local vendors showcasing crafts and goods. Each General Admission ticket includes two free gifts—a custom Panda pin featuring a Connecticut twist and a stylish hand fan (valued at $16). Whether you're there for the flavors, the music or the family-friendly vibes, Panda Fest is where food meets fun and everyone is welcome.
"Escape to Ore Hill, an intimate, seasonally driven restaurant set in a beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse in idyllic Litchfield County. Executive Chef Ryan Carbone presents a summer tasting menu, featuring the bountiful produce, dairy, and heritage Randall beef from partner Rock Cobble Farm. Prior to returning to his native Connecticut to helm the kitchen at Ore Hill, Chef Ryan was Chef de Cuisine with James Beard Award Winner Debbie Gold in Chicago, then at Jupiter, the second restaurant from the team of the celebrated restaurant King in NYC. Supporting Chef Ryan at Ore Hill and the adjacent casual Tavern Swyft, is Culinary Director and multiple James Beard Award semifinalist® Tyler Anderson, who will be on hand in the kitchen for this exclusive experience.
Reflections of a Summer in Kent at Ore Hill is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit series; events hosted by generous people, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide critical funding for our programs. Each event supports our mission to champion a standard of Good Food for Good® anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability."
Owls are, for the most part, a nocturnal species. For the owls that are, they’re probably not used to it being dark on a summer afternoon at 5 p.m. In this case, the “owl” is an owl in namesake, Georgetown Owl Market & Saloon, which experienced a power outage courtesy of a freakishly fast moving, powerful rainstorm on a hot, muggy July day. While brief, strong winds and some fallen branches resulted in a flickering of lights, “Oohhs and aahhs” in the dining room and at the bar, and ultimately, a more dimly lit restaurant than usual. For owners Kate Perry and Gerry Valenti, who opened Georgetown Owl in March of 2025, they rolled with nature’s punch smoothly, moving customers (and deadlifting tables and chairs) into the half of their space that still had electricity, and assuring confused walk-ins that they were still very much welcome.
From Flushing, New York, Michelin Guide recommended soup dumplings have made their way to the cluster of restaurants outside of the Stamford Town Center. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, a growing Shanghainese micro chain, held its soft opening and introduction to Connecticut at the beginning of June as part of its expansion that includes locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Georgia, Chicago, and soon, again, in our general area when they open in White Plains.
When it first opened in late 2022, Casa Me quickly became the darling of the restaurant scene with its stunning décor, lively atmosphere and delicious fare. (I wrote about it here.) There’s an welcoming energy that embraces you as soon as you walk through the front door. Whether you’re seated at the stunning bar or at a table, the ambiance immediately gives coastal Italian vacation vibes. Ever since my first visit nearly three years ago, Casa Me remains one of my favorites.
A recent change in the kitchen can often mean a certain uncertainty, however we’re thrilled to share the news that Chef Diego Negri has taken over, bringing with him his expertise that helped him garner Michelin Star Ratings for not one but four restaurants including New York City’s Marea, and Eleven Eleven which received three Michelin Stars. Also in the City, he was the Executive Chef for Vinateria, which received a Michelin Plate. Other New York Restaurants include St. Theo’s and Lupa.
We’re in the dog days of summer, and nothing brings instant relief like a nice cool breeze on the water. Throughout the state, whether you’re on the shoreline or along one of Connecticut’s beautiful rivers and lakes, waterfront restaurants are a popular go-to lunch and dinner spot this time of year. While many of these restaurants are open year-round, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of their picturesque views and plentiful outdoor seating (where available).
To help you decide on your next date night spot or family gathering, we have organized this guide by county. Scroll to or click your local county or the county you are interested in visiting to find which waterfront restaurants are closest to you!
This just in from New England Brewing Co & Stony Creek Brewery
New England Brewing Co. (NEBCO) has today announced its acquisition of the Stony Creek Brewery facility located along the scenic Branford River in Branford, Connecticut.
This move marks NEBCO’s long-awaited expansion, allowing for growth in both production and taproom offerings. While the brewery’s Woodbridge location at 175 Amity Road will remain open, NEBCO’s new Branford space will offer a waterfront experience plus added amenities to welcome beer fans from across the state. NEBCO’s Branford location will also house their primary brewing operations and be the main headquarters for staff.
Josie & Tony's has a great new way to enjoy Summer without the hassle of meal planning or cooking!
For Summer 2025 Josie & Tony's introduces Picnic Baskets, perfect to take out on your boat, the beach, or to any special gathering.
It’s easy. Guests can order ANY four of their favorite Italian deli sandwiches from the Josie & Tony's deli counter and pair it with the sides, wine and dessert below- all for $100!! Check out the details below.
Nothing beats the summer heat like ice cream! No matter what your favorite flavor is or whether you prefer your frozen treat in a cup or a cone, there are plenty of ice cream shops around Connecticut open for business this season. Ice cream has evolved quite a bit over the years, and you’ll find that many of the businesses listed in this guide offer something for everyone, including dairy-free options, gelato, sorbet, Italian ice, unique flavors, and, of course, the classics like vanilla and chocolate.
To help you easily navigate this guide, we’ve organized the ice cream shops by county. Simply find your local county to see which options are nearby!
Four years ago, when I first covered Bobby Manere’s Dogtown in Milford—where Cali-inspired fast casual and a little bits of his dad’s lower Fairfield County famous Swanky Franks meet—he talked about wanting to open a Dogtown sequel. That time is now, and Bethel, you’re the lucky recipient. Manere broke the Bethel news on my friend, Jeff Spencer’s Sweet’N Up Podcast, when he was a guest alongside Kyle Marcoux, aka, The Vulgar Chef.
Nadia Blair has fond memories of being a passenger in her parent’s car driving from Katonah through the charming town of Ridgefield to go visit her grandparents in New Haven. She’d constantly bother her mom with “Why can’t we live there?” questions to be told that the reason is because it’s “too far away from the highway.” Spring ahead decades later and Nadia, along with her chef husband Aaron, don’t only live in Ridgefield, but they’ve opened a restaurant where southern eats meet roadside New England charm, named after Aaron’s mother, Florence.
A “wine bar” is a tricky concept. It sounds simple, but what is it exactly?
A haven for wine geeks, with charcuterie and cheese as an afterthought? A venue for high volumes of cheap wine and overpriced small plates? A regular restaurant with a passion for wine, disguised as a bar?
Luckily, there is nothing tricky about Crush Wine Bar in bustling West Hartford, which opened in November 2024.
While there’s a full menu (more on that below), Crush’s newest offering could not be simpler: Fried Chicken + Champagne. While this concept is not entirely new, it is certainly very on trend.
Crush is currently offering this special menu on Thursdays only. However, due to its overwhelming popularity, they plan to add more days soon (most likely starting with Wednesdays and then potentially Tuesdays, too).
Summer has arrived, which means it’s time to head to the water! If you enjoy boating this time of year, then you’ll want to take notes about the following restaurants across Connecticut that allow you to pull up and dock your boat. Why drive in your car to dinner this week when you can visit by boat? These restaurants along the Connecticut shoreline, as well as along popular river hot spots, are conveniently accessible via boat for you to enjoy this summer season.
The former Easton Village Store on Sport Hill Road has a new tenant and it’s a chef you know. Award winning chef, Prasad Chirnomula, and his business partner, Ron Berry, have transformed the space into Gourmet United, a takeout and delivery-based concept that, with Chirnomula involved, definitely features his lauded Indian cuisine alongside Mexican food under one roof.
Struggling to find the best way to celebrate your dad this Father’s Day? Well look no further as we have compiled a list of the best restaurants, entertainment, and gifts available in Connecticut for you to make your dad feel like the award-winning parent he is. Each place listed below is currently taking reservations for Father’s Day lunch, brunch, or dinner, so don’t hesitate! You can still make June 15th a special day for the most (or at least second most) important man in your life.
It’s almost June, the month in which we celebrate Pride. From coast to coast, we recognise and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their historic struggle to be seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. While many battles have been won, there is still so much work to be done to make sure everyone is accepted in our communities, in our hearts, and in our country. Everyone in CT can be an ally and every bar, restaurant, or other business listed below IS an LGBTQ+ supporter and is helping provide safe spaces to their local communities, including the youth. So let us continue to fight the good fight! Fly those flags high and enjoy Pride Month!
For many of us, it’s hard to keep up with the constant change of fads and trends, but I think all of us can get on board with this one: mobile cocktail bars! While you’ve probably seen a few here and there over the years, Connecticut has really ramped up their traveling bar game and there are plenty to choose from. Plus, most travel throughout the state, so you don’t have to worry about lack of accessibility. They come in all different shapes and sizes, offer various alcoholic beverages (many include NA drinks and food too), and they service any event you might be hosting. From intimate groups to large gatherings, these mobile trucks (and their bartenders) are excited to cater a birthday bash, corporate lunch, fundraiser, or your next (and hopefully last?) wedding. While many crazes come and go, I sure hope this one is here to stay, because who doesn’t like a good boozy party with no need for a DD?
Downtown Hartford will be teeming with live music and an eclectic variety of local cuisine by restaurateurs in the region as the city welcomes back Hartford Taste, presented by The Hartford, Friday and Saturday, June 6-7, on Pratt and Trumbull streets.
The 2025 event will feature more than 35 restaurants, 30 musical acts, live visual art and a brand-new cultural stage experience called The Kitchen Table – Good Food & Good Conversation, where chefs, mixologists and creatives will share live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive dialogue about what food and culture mean in Hartford today.
The Hartford is the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row and will continue to cover all vendor fees, allowing restaurants and food businesses to participate at no cost.
Chefs that have a bustling restaurant never take a full month off. For Luke Venner, “vacation” wasn’t pina coladas in the Caribbean, nor was it one of his fishing or hunting excursions. Instead, he was mostly in New Canaan, at Elm, remixing popular dishes, creating new ones, and reimagining and renovating the entire dining room. Don’t freak out. Your beloved Double-Double was unharmed in the process. But the dining room? Transformed. And it’s something that Venner—who’s in his 10th season as Elm’s executive chef and co-owner—has been meaning to tackle for quite a while. Talk to him about it and you can tell he’s feeling refreshed about all of it.
