Most people choose to dine at large modern restaurants, but if you limit yourself to posh, metro areas you’ll be missing out! Connecticut is full of hidden gems and small town wonders, you just have to know where to find them. For instance, the flavors at these tiny restaurants are bigger than the restaurants themselves. You’re sure to enjoy them!
- Pasta Fresca & Piadina
Pasta Fresca & Piadina/Facebook 2 Lincoln Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
Romulo R./Yelp This local favorite has a reputation for its large grinders and homemade Italian items. It’s a classic mom & pop lunch spot, perfect for a quick meal.
- The Market Restaurant
The Market Restaurant/Facebook 101 Reserve Road, Hartford, CT 06114
The Market Restaurant/Facebook Breakfast and lunch only, this restaurant is open on weekdays from 6 am - 2 pm. The limited hours give an air of exclusivity to this laid back locale.
- Lucy D’s Deli
SRQwanderer/TripAdvisor 613 E Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614
Lucy D’s Deli/Facebook This family owned Italian establishment has an extensive menu. But seating is outdoors so you might want to wait until it’s a little warmer.
- Saldamarco’s
Dan R./Yelp 86 E Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413
Dan R./Yelp This is an awesome shoreline find. They serve everything from breakfast to pizza, and always with a smile.
- Little Rendezvous
Jim F./Yelp 256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Rob B./Yelp This place is famous statewide as along standing pizza joint. It still uses a large brick oven for the perfect thin crust.
- Capitol Lunch
Capitol Lunch/Facebook 510 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051
Capitol Lunch/Facebook It’s hard to eat here and not crack a smile! Especially if you ordered a hot dog with famous sauce.
- Horseshoe Cafe
Grant C./Yelp 355 Pequot Avenue, Southport CT, 06890
Horseshoe Cafe/Facebook This cafe is actually a pub. With its tasty burgers and live entertainment, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend evening.
- Ken’s Corner
Wayne S./Yelp 30 Hebron Avenue, Ste E, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Ken’s Corner Breakfast & Lunch/Facebook Yankee fans will love the memorabilia, but everybody will love the food.
- Nita’s
Nita’s Restaurant/Facebook 28 North Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Mark B./Yelp This menu combines Polish and American items for a unique dining experience. Small and casual, this former home makes for a lovely date spot.
- Goose & the Gander
Bill B./Yelp 370 Watertown Road, Thomaston, CT 06787
Bill B./Yelp Few places are cozier than this! Locals rave about the doughnut fritters, making this a great place to stop in for breakfast.
Looking for even more tiny restaurants in Connecticut? Check out these ‘Hole In The Wall’ Spots for some delicious dining and tell us which one is your favorite. We’d love to know!
Pasta Fresca & Piadina/Facebook
2 Lincoln Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
Romulo R./Yelp
This local favorite has a reputation for its large grinders and homemade Italian items. It’s a classic mom & pop lunch spot, perfect for a quick meal.
The Market Restaurant/Facebook
101 Reserve Road, Hartford, CT 06114
Breakfast and lunch only, this restaurant is open on weekdays from 6 am - 2 pm. The limited hours give an air of exclusivity to this laid back locale.
SRQwanderer/TripAdvisor
613 E Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614
Lucy D’s Deli/Facebook
This family owned Italian establishment has an extensive menu. But seating is outdoors so you might want to wait until it’s a little warmer.
Dan R./Yelp
86 E Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413
This is an awesome shoreline find. They serve everything from breakfast to pizza, and always with a smile.
Jim F./Yelp
256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Rob B./Yelp
This place is famous statewide as along standing pizza joint. It still uses a large brick oven for the perfect thin crust.
Capitol Lunch/Facebook
510 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051
It’s hard to eat here and not crack a smile! Especially if you ordered a hot dog with famous sauce.
Grant C./Yelp
355 Pequot Avenue, Southport CT, 06890
Horseshoe Cafe/Facebook
This cafe is actually a pub. With its tasty burgers and live entertainment, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend evening.
Wayne S./Yelp
30 Hebron Avenue, Ste E, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Ken’s Corner Breakfast & Lunch/Facebook
Yankee fans will love the memorabilia, but everybody will love the food.
Nita’s Restaurant/Facebook
28 North Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Mark B./Yelp
This menu combines Polish and American items for a unique dining experience. Small and casual, this former home makes for a lovely date spot.
Bill B./Yelp
370 Watertown Road, Thomaston, CT 06787
Few places are cozier than this! Locals rave about the doughnut fritters, making this a great place to stop in for breakfast.
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