Top 9 Cities with Must-Eat Food in Connecticut

While Connecticut is the third smallest state in the United States by land area, it ranks fairly close to the middle in terms of population size and density. It is a culturally diverse area that features a large number of Italian, Puerto Rican, Irish, Jamaican, and other immigrants.

The unique cultural diversity of Connecticut is highly visible when you drive through the towns and see the many different types of restaurants featured in the state.

Connecticut is a state that has a truly eclectic mix of restaurants, and you will certainly love the incredible mix of menu options to choose from at some of the finest restaurants in the state.

These are some of the cities in Connecticut that have the best restaurants for you to enjoy while you are cruising through the area. While you plan your culinary road trip, make sure you are covered. Use our free insurance quote tool above to get your free quote today! 

Top 9 Cities with Must-Eat Food in Connecticut

#1 – New Haven

New Haven is located on the Atlantic Coast and is included in the New York City metropolitan area. This city is home to Yale University and has a population of almost 900,000 residents.

When you dine here, you will not want to miss out on the chance to enjoy an authentic pizza pie at Frank Pepe’s. This pizzeria was established in 1925, and it creates thin crust pizza in a brick oven that is simply sensational.

Another restaurant to visit in New Haven is Midnight Ramen. If you are in the mood for traditional Japanese noodles, Midnight Ramen is an excellent choice.

This restaurant simmers their broth for ten hours before serving it, and they also makes fresh sushi and other treats for its customers to savor each day.

#2 – Hartford

Hartford is the third largest city in the state and is the state’s capital. Situated in the heart of the state, Hartford reflects a robust selection of culinary options that will satisfy those with even the most discerning appetite.

Max Downtown is an upscale, white table cloth establishment that is perfect for celebrating any special occasion. It boasts celebrated options like pork chops and prime rib.

The Savoy is an idyllic location for the ultimate slice of pizza in Hartford. This high-end establishment has an understated elegance, and it has a full range of pizza toppings for you to choose from as well as an excellent range of craft beer selections for you to pair with your pizza.

#3 – Ridgefield

 

Ridgefield is a much smaller Connecticut town, but its dining options will delight you nonetheless. This town of 25,000 residents has a 300-year old history, and its history is excellently reflected in its culinary refinement.

Bernard’s is a French restaurant in Ridgefield that is known for its unparalleled service and refined menu options.

You can expect to find a dress code as well as a live piano player at Bernards, so plan accordingly.

The Hideaway is an American-style restaurant and bar in Ridgefield with freshly-prepared menu options. You can expect to enjoy delicious pork chops and sandwiches here, and many people rave about the fresh-cut potato fries at The Hideaway.

#4 – Norwalk

Norwalk is located on the Long Island Sound, and it is home to more than 85,000 residents. This coastal town has a diverse population, so you may not be surprised to learn that one of its more popular restaurants is El Segundo, a casual street bar that specializes in Mexican food. The tacos al pastor are a local favorite at El Segundo.

If you are in the mood for a different type of ethnic experience in Norwalk, Bar Sugo is a great option to consider.

Bar Sugo is an Italian corner bar that features exceptional drinks as well as meatballs, prosciutto, salami and many other items. This is an old-world Italian bar with a modern ambiance that you will love.

#5 – Danbury

If you get hungry in Danbury, you will have plenty of delicious options to choose from. El Ranchero is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Danbury, and it has a full selection of tacos, enchiladas and other south-of-the-border options that will tantalize your taste buds.

At the Ambas Vilas Palas restaurant in Danbury, you can enjoy a full range of Indian menu options.

This includes menu options such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, lamb chops, lamb biryani and others. Both of these restaurants have fascinating cultural ambiances that are wonderful for you to spend time in with family or friends.

#6 – Westport

Westport is an affluent town located on the Long Island Sound, and it has a population of almost 27,000 residents. Whether you live in the area or you are just passing through, you may want to enjoy a meal at The Cottage.

The Cottage is a chef-owned and managed restaurant that features artisan dishes with locally sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes.

For a different kind of dining experience in Westport, Bartaco offers a casual yet upscale cultural dining immersion. When you dine at Bartaco, you can enjoy Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes such as Fried Oyster Tacos and Pork Belly Rice Bowls.

#7 – Mystic

Situated in far southeastern Connecticut, Mystic is most well-known for its Mystic Pizza.

However, while you are visiting this small town, you may also consider stopping for a meal at the Oyster Club, which is well-known for its exceptional service as well as for the hot lobster roll sandwiches and almond brown butter cake.

You can also sit down to enjoy a great meal with family and friends at Rise in Mystic. This is a casual eatery that is only open for breakfast and lunch. It serves amazing eggs benedict as well as strawberry and blueberry pancakes, omelets and other delicious morning foods.

#8 – Bridgeport

Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut, so you can understandably expect it to have an excellent selection of culturally diverse restaurants for its restaurants to enjoy. If you are passing through the area, you can consider stopping at Nom-eez for a bite to eat.

This is a small Vietnamese restaurant that may be easy to overlook if you do not know that it is here, but you will not want to miss it.

It has some of the best pho in the state, and it also has an amazing ginger salad.

You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Brewport. While Brewport is most well-known for serving locally-crafted beer, you can also enjoy savory thin crust pizzas that are made to order and that are paired well with beer.

#9 – Washington

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If you are looking for an exceptional place to dine in the small town of Washington in the northern region of the state, Community Table is an excellent option to consider. Community Table uses only freshly harvested products in its dishes to ensure that you enjoy healthy, delicious meals.

If you are looking for a luxurious dining experience in Connecticut, you cannot beat the Mayflower Grace. This is a luxurious, five-star inn and spa that is surrounded by a 3,000 wooded nature reserve.

The cuisine here is unparalleled, and you can enjoy chef-prepared dishes that are cooked to order throughout your stay at the Inn.

Driving Safely in CT

If you plan to explore all that Connecticut has to offer while enjoying a road trip through the state, ensure that you are properly insured.

You must have the proper liability insurance per state law, but you also may need to obtain other types of insurance per your car loan company’s requirements.

If you have decided to drive yourself around Connecticut in your own car or in a rental car, now is the time to compare car insurance policies.

Driving your own car can be comfortable and convenient, but you may want to enjoy the experience associated with driving a new car. When you rent a car, you can enjoy other safety and convenience features.

You can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are not putting miles on your own car. If you plan to rent a car, consider getting the right insurance for your rental needs.

Remember that you must be properly insured to cover yourself for damage to the rental car in the same as you would be if you damaged your own car.

Another idea to consider us to use a ridesharing service, such as Uber. Ridesharing can be convenient at times because you only use this service when needed. However, you may have to wait for a driver to arrive, and you may have to pay more than necessary during surge times.

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