When people think of “nice” restaurants, they tend to picture metropolitan areas. But just because you live in a small town doesn’t mean you don’t have award winning dishes that will blow those pricey New York dives out of the water. This list is proof that there are great places to eat all over Connecticut, even when you venture far from the city. So skip the big names and add these to your bucket list, quick! It would be a shame to live in Connecticut and not try these local small town wonders.
- Sweet Peas Fine Foods & Farm Market (Brooklyn)
Sweet Peas Fine Foods/Facebook
Sweet Peas Fine Foods/Facebook This place doesn’t just offer up farm fresh ingredients. They make incredible pasta dishes, served up with a salad bar and an assortment of baked sweets.
- The Inn at Woodstock Hill (Woodstock)
The Inn at Woodstock Hill/Facebook
The Inn at Woodstock Hill/Facebook The Sunday brunch buffet is well priced and undoubtedly delicious. But you also get the added bonus of being in a quaint historical setting.
- Main Street Grille (Niantic)
Main Street Grille/Facebook
Main Street Grille/Facebook This family restaurant offers up American classics and excellent seafood, including one of the best lobster rolls around!
- Corey’s Catsup and Mustard (Manchester)
Catsup and Mustard/Facebook
Catsup and Mustard/Facebook This menu is perfect, accommodating vegetarians and gluten free needs. The place is a cozy little spot that meets every dietary need without sacrificing flavor.
- The Vanilla Bean Café (Pomfret)
The Vanilla Bean Café/Facebook
The Vanilla Bean Café (Pomfret) A staple of the local community, this restaurant isn’t just about the amazing food and family friendly options - they also have entertainment!
Denmo’s Snack and Dairy Bar (Southbury)
Kate P./Yelp
Chris P./Yelp If you love fried foods then hurry over to this place and order the clam basket! The chicken is also amazing, but I’m a seafood gal myself.
- Zip’s Diner (Dayville)
Zip’s Diner/Facebook
Shaina P./Yelp This classic family owned diner has preserved its 1950s feel and appreciation for the community. You can grab breakfast all day here and take advantage of one of the friendliest staffs ever.
- Victoria Station Cafe (Putnam)
Victoria Station Cafe/Facebook
Dottie S./Yelp This place is perfect for folks looking for a light meal, or a quick lunch break from work. Light foods, pastries, and coffee is served up here, as well as musical performances.
- Monkey Farm Cafe (Old Saybrook)
The Monkey Farm/Facebook
The Monkey Farm/Facebook These chefs not only know how to plate a fabulous dish, but they have fun while doing it! Flowing with personality, this long standing restaurant is a fan favorite with a big selection.
- Westbrook Lobster (Clinton)
Dan R./Yelp
Westbrook Lobster Clinton - Restaurant & Bar/Facebook The seafood options here are pretty impressive, but the fries and slaw you get on the side are equally delightful. A foodie’s seafood dream!
- Little Barn (Westport)
Little Barn/Facebook
Little Barn/Facebook This casual pub offers American favorites with a few Asian dishes mixed in. Guests love the unique, flavorful menu and fun cocktails.
- The Venetian Restaurant (Torrington)
The Venetian Restaurant/Facebook
The Venetian Restaurant/Facebook This place is just like one of those classic traditional Italian spots you see in old mob movies…. Except there’s no mob. Just great food!
Yum! Have you tried any of the tasty treats at one of these restaurants?
Sweet Peas Fine Foods/Facebook
This place doesn’t just offer up farm fresh ingredients. They make incredible pasta dishes, served up with a salad bar and an assortment of baked sweets.
The Inn at Woodstock Hill/Facebook
The Sunday brunch buffet is well priced and undoubtedly delicious. But you also get the added bonus of being in a quaint historical setting.
Main Street Grille/Facebook
This family restaurant offers up American classics and excellent seafood, including one of the best lobster rolls around!
Catsup and Mustard/Facebook
This menu is perfect, accommodating vegetarians and gluten free needs. The place is a cozy little spot that meets every dietary need without sacrificing flavor.
The Vanilla Bean Café/Facebook
- The Vanilla Bean Café (Pomfret)
A staple of the local community, this restaurant isn’t just about the amazing food and family friendly options - they also have entertainment!
Kate P./Yelp
Chris P./Yelp
If you love fried foods then hurry over to this place and order the clam basket! The chicken is also amazing, but I’m a seafood gal myself.
Zip’s Diner/Facebook
Shaina P./Yelp
This classic family owned diner has preserved its 1950s feel and appreciation for the community. You can grab breakfast all day here and take advantage of one of the friendliest staffs ever.
Victoria Station Cafe/Facebook
Dottie S./Yelp
This place is perfect for folks looking for a light meal, or a quick lunch break from work. Light foods, pastries, and coffee is served up here, as well as musical performances.
The Monkey Farm/Facebook
These chefs not only know how to plate a fabulous dish, but they have fun while doing it! Flowing with personality, this long standing restaurant is a fan favorite with a big selection.
Dan R./Yelp
Westbrook Lobster Clinton - Restaurant & Bar/Facebook
The seafood options here are pretty impressive, but the fries and slaw you get on the side are equally delightful. A foodie’s seafood dream!
Little Barn/Facebook
This casual pub offers American favorites with a few Asian dishes mixed in. Guests love the unique, flavorful menu and fun cocktails.
The Venetian Restaurant/Facebook
This place is just like one of those classic traditional Italian spots you see in old mob movies…. Except there’s no mob. Just great food!
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