I can’t put my finger on exactly when it was or where I first saw it, but early in 2025, I spotted a pizza at Magic 5 Pie Co. that left me both curious and confused. Known for their charred, crispy/chewy, light artisan pizza, I noticed a different shape. This one wasn’t round like their everyday pies. It was square. Later in the year while chatting with one of Magic 5’s owners, Shawn Longyear, who co-owns the pizzeria, along with The Spread, and El Segundo with Christopher Rasile, Andrey Cortes, and Chris Hickey, I couldn’t help but ask about it.
As summer dwindles down in Connecticut, lobster rolls are out, tacos are in. At least that’s the case at the South Norwalk’s Metro-North station’s eastbound side. When the vacant space where LobsterCraft once slung rolls, lobster mac, and bisque, is now home to Tacos 203, a spinoff of Taco Guy. Owner Adrian Hurtado, who started his Taco Guy brand, first as a successful food truck, then a brick-and-mortar in Norwalk’s Wall Street area in 2023, snagged the train station spot by putting in an application bid for it with the Norwalk Parking Authority, not knowing whether he’d get it or not.
Audrey Hepburn once had a quote about gardens, where she stated: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Sam Reyes is thinking about and believing in cocktail culture for tomorrow and a lot of tomorrows that will follow. Ever since Reyes (Mariposa Taqueria’s co-owner/bartender) captured a statewide award in 2023, specifically, a Connecticut Restaurant Association CRAZIES win for Bartender of the Year, he’s taken that W and he’s run with it.
From cookie butter to mango chai, Elena’s has tried it all when it comes to soft serve. Sitting on the corner of Orange and Canner, Elena’s on Orange has been serving the New Haven community since November of 2022. Although, many may argue it feels like it's been around for much longer, because of how seamlessly it blends into its surrounding neighborhood.
They’re recognized for their innovative test kitchen that locals flock to every Wednesday evening where they come out with a new weekly flavor. Their test kitchen is run by Geena Fram who is responsible for creating weekly flavors and sourcing fresh ingredients. The idea for the test kitchen comes from Elena’s having an extra machine available and Geena desiring more freedom to think up her own ice cream creations. “Sometimes there are flavors that are a little too labor intensive or too special to do for the whole week right off the bat” says Fram.
It may not be soup season at the moment, with summer temperatures soaring into the 90s, but this new New Haven Korean restaurant is ready for the winter with its comforting, savory soup specialties.
Owner Kenny Kim, who ran Ramen Kuro Shiro at 128 Crown Street, recently revamped the restaurant’s menu and concept to reflect his Korean heritage. In a July Instagram post introducing Mr. Cookbop, Kim and his team said they took time to “refresh, reflect and reimagine what we wanted to bring to the table.”
Kim said he’s been in the restaurant industry for more than a decade, with experience in his native Korea as well as in New York and Connecticut. “I saw a real opportunity in New Haven, with its vibrant food scene and diverse community,” he said in a statement. “(It) felt like the perfect place to introduce the Mr. Cookbop concept – something both comforting and culturally rich.”
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.
Right before New Canaan’s SE Uncorked celebrated its 10-year anniversary, chef – owner Nick Martschenko opened a shiny new sequel of his popular gastropub concept at the end of June in the Georgetown section of Redding. “I knew the area because initially, we looked in Redding for South End, but that idea folded,” Martschenko says. “All these years later, we’re here with Uncorked. Ryan Kundrat helped get me into this place (on Main Street). We wanted it to be this pubby sort of vibe, but you can see it’s a little different in the dining room. It’s still much like the original Uncorked.”
Phone is on DND this weekend, and if you’re looking for me, I’ll be in Suburbia. Lucky for you, it’s closer than you think.
Right down Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT, lies “The Humbug,” home to Suburbia Sandwich Co. Suburbia is described as an “epicurean utopia, where pleasure and tranquility are the ultimate goals, achieved through the pursuit of simple, sustainable pleasures.” This European vintage 1969 Citroën HY van is exactly that: a food truck filled with artisanal sandwiches, drool-worthy pastries, and various lattes.
Has there ever been a place where you constantly drive by without a second thought. You think the sign is cute, you tell yourself you will go at some point, and you never do. Suddenly, people mention the place in conversation, twice, three times in the same week, you ask around and everyone loves it. You finally remember to look on-line, decide to go and look to make a reservation but do not see a “reservations” tab on their website. You finally do what was popular 20 years ago, you pick up the phone, call and ask if they accept reservations and are surprised when they say, “of course.” And then you go and enjoy a great meal.
So was my experience at John’s Café in Waterbury.
John’s Café is located on Route 67 just east of where it meets Route 64. With its non-descript sign over the door, John’s Café looks like it would serve coffee, pastries and breakfast, but enter and the aromas of homestyle Italian cuisine will tell you otherwise. Overseeing the kitchen for close to 25 years is Chef / Owner Dennis DeBelllis.
Community table is housed in a nondescript, quaint structure on Route 202 in New Preston, and presents a dining experience that blends effortlessly into its rural setting. The only recognizable landmark to announce your arrival is a simplistic roadside sign with a singular orange “Ct” logo on a white background, reflecting the restaurant's core value: a strong focus on community with an upper case "C" and a less formal, more shared dining experience at the table with a lower case "t". A farmer's porch extends across the front of the building, and a large parking lot is located to one side. The entrance is immediately to the left of a striking, vertically soaring, organic, red metal sculpture, leading guests directly into the bar area.
I guess after making pizza for over fifty years, it comes as no surprise that one of the best pizzas in the greater New Haven area, as well as one of the best pizzas in CT, is made by Pasqual (Pat) DeRiso at Ernie’s Pizza. Pat is the second-generation owner of Ernie’s, which was started by his father and mother, Ernesto (Ernie) and Jennie De Riso, in 1971. Pat purchased the business in 1989 and now continues the family tradition, personally crafting every single pizza that comes out of the oven.
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.
Some things are worth commemorating, especially when you’re a restaurant celebrating your 30th Anniversary. Congratulations to Quattro Pazzi for your excellence in food and service over the past three decades!
Quattro Pazzi, known for their house-made pastas and fresh dishes with influences from Mediterranean was founded by Gino Riccio in 1997. Today, the restaurant continues to focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients and flavors. Riccio, who in recent years has stepped away from the kitchen, trained under world-renowned chefs, was known merging traditional recipes with today’s inspirations, and more contemporary influences, which the restaurant still practices today.
Over the decades the restaurant has seen expansions and renovations. Alongside the interior’s most recent make-over, the menu has seen a refresh as well, with dishes that align beautifully with these warm summer months.
In addition to the new menu items Quattro Pazzi recently launched their Happy Hour. Stop by at the end of the afternoon and enjoy a little aperitivo with your beverage. Why not then stay for dinner and check out some of the items that are new to the menu.
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!
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.
My CT Pizza journey continued in the East Rock section of New Haven with a visit to One6Three – The Pizza Joint, as it approaches its 10th anniversary. One6Three is located on the corner of Foster and Willow, and I have been hearing a lot of positive feedback from my pizza buddies, so I wandered over to check it out. As I drove through the East Rock section it was a déjà vu experience for me, the area was reminiscent of my neighborhood growing up, lots of two-family homes lined the street and you could feel the sense of community. It was that environment that first molded my love of Italian food and great NJ pizza
Sound Coffee, known for their freshly roasted, ethically sourced beans, threw its grand opening at its Black Rock location in Bridgeport earlier this month after completing a full renovation. Since 2023, they’ve been serving the Bridgeport community from their cozy cafe at their roastery on Main Street– now, they’re excited to welcome even more coffee lovers with the opening of their new spacious cafe on Fairfield Avenue
Sound Coffee is run by husband and wife, Jeff and Sarah Roy, who were inspired to showcase their passion for quality coffee after honing their roasting skills at home. Their journey began when Jeff received a simple Christmas gift of a roasting at home coffee kit from his mother in law. In 2020 the Roy’s began roasting and selling out of their garage to neighbors and farmers markets before opening their first location on Main Street in Bridgeport.
