Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9

4.9 (83)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Essex

About the restaurant

The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,
and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

Top review

TaniaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Another outstanding visit- thank you Steve & staff

Red Lotus

4.9

4.9 (205)

$30 and under

Asian

Shelton

About the restaurant

Sophisticated Asian fare consisting of only handpicked favorites from Asia and around the world. Enjoy old and new favorites from fresh lobster salad to seared fish tacos to the freshest sushi and raw bar. Omakase menu available. Reservations recommended. Recipient of TripAdviser's Highest Award for Excellence Winner 2013-2023. Gluten Friendly, Vegetarian friendly. We Cook to Order.

Top review

Nate

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Everything was awesome! We love going here for dinner or any special occasion

Sushi Bar - Old Greenwich

4.9

4.9 (143)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Old Greenwich

About the restaurant

Sushi Bar is a modern Sushi restaurant, featuring delicious Nigiri and a unique sushi experience. This intimate and charming establishment is BYOB. Please be advised that the last Omakase seating is an hour before closing.

Top review

Nicholas

Dined 7 days ago

Great food, great service and BYOB! You can’t beat it!

Josie & Tony's - Norwalk

4.9

4.9 (11)

$50 and over

Italian

South Norwalk

About the restaurant

A classic throwback with a modern twist. By day, an Italian sandwich shop. By night, a luxury dining destination & membership club. Non-members welcome
Join Us For Sunday Jazz Brunch with a special A la Carte Brunch Menu & Jazz Duo.

Top review

WAYNE

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

The service was excellent. The food was delicious. The music was very nice.

Doppio

4.8

4.8 (208)

$31 to $50

Italian

Greenwich

About the restaurant

Doppio located around the corner from historic Greenwich Avenue specializes in artisanal Italian Food & Wine.

Set In a stylish rustic environment, guests enjoy small plates like Grilled Polpo, Crispy Calamari, and Arincini to start the meal before moving on to a signature brick oven pizza, freshly hand made pastas including fettuccine and rigatoni or other traditional Italian favorites such as the popular bone in veal milanese and pan seared branzino.

Offering both indoor and outdoor dining guests can enjoy a glass of wine or crafty cocktail in the holiday themed corner patio under hanging lights beside the twinkling tree and flaming fire pit.

Top review

AaronVIP

Dined on Oct 24, 2024

Always amazing Best pizza and pasta Great waiter Good wine

Louie's Italian Restaurant and Bar

4.7

4.7 (878)

$31 to $50

Italian

Greenwich

About the restaurant

Louie's Italian Restaurant and Bar celebrates Italian Fare With Neighborhood Appeal. Italian cuisine is known for its depth and variety of flavors, fresh ingredients, and classic comfort. Its diverse appeal, from tastes and textures to styles and regions, make Italian cuisine a family favorite.

Takeout Menu can be found in our profile. We are also offering delivery everyday on our website.

Top review

SaraVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent meal! Ambiance, service, food! All was great!

Caffe Bravo

4.7

4.7 (324)

$30 and under

Italian

New Haven

About the restaurant

In New Haven, Connecticut, Caffe Bravo is an Italian restaurant that serves up quality authentic Italian dishes and other European specialties. Each of our pastas are house-made. The Caffe Bravo menu has extensive options for any taste, including starters, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees.

Caffe Bravo provides only the freshest ingredients and emphasizes classic Italian meals using recipes that have been handed down for generations. Its elegant, cozy dining room & outdoor heated patio provides customers with a relaxed atmosphere that makes the meal even more enjoyable.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Wonderful neighborhood Italian restaurant - terrific food, lovely staff - feels like living in Italy!

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Popular dish

Fusilli Siciliana

Barnwood Grill

4.7

4.7 (540)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Newtown

About the restaurant

Please visit website for our current take out and delivery offerings

The finest food, meeting place, great bar, absolutely beautiful decor, and family restaurant in Newtown, Connecticut.

Top review

BethVIP

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Good food, good service, nice. variety. Glad to have Barnwood in our neighborhood!

4 Seasons Mediterranean Cuisine - Danbury

4.7

4.7 (211)

$31 to $50

Italian

Danbury

About the restaurant

Head Chef Segundo C. and front of house Jose M. have 30 years plus of experience cooking in the finest NYC restaurants. We are a casual and fun place to dine. We love to share our love for food and we hope you feel welcomed like part of our Family.!

Top review

Nancy

Dined 3 days ago

A wonderful experience as always! Pepe and crew of welcoming, and attentive. The menu in diverse and the food is prepared perfectly. The specials are always a treat. Portions generous but not over so. Prices are reasonable.

La Piazza

4.7

4.7 (19)

$31 to $50

Italian

Wallingford

About the restaurant

La Piazza captures the spirit of an Italian trattoria envisioned by Kristjan Lulaj. Our establishment pays tribute to the essence of the iconic Italian eateries that thrived in mid-20th century New York. These were places where exquisitely prepared, mouthwatering cuisine graced tables in an ambiance that effortlessly merged elegance, comfort, and approachability. While our culinary offerings tip their hat to this rich heritage, they also draw inspiration from the contemporary and future culinary virtuosos and techniques. Signature dishes such as Seafood Salad, Linguini Vongole, Zuppa Di Pesce, Chicken Scarpariello, and Chicken Parmesan are taken to new heights of flavor and presentation.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 6 days ago

This is a great local find for dinner for out with family or loved ones or friends and colleagues. The food has never disappointed and the staff is incredibly attentive but not overly so.

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