OT: Favorite Restaurant in CT

[UConnfan4ever]

I love Goodfellas, the meat ball salad app is excellent and the sauce is delicious. The Filet Cognac is one of my favorite entrees. As far as L'Orcio, I never heard of that place until I read about it in a thread on here recently. Im going to make it a point to try that very soon.

Try to get a reservation in L'Orcio's patio.

 

[Fatroony5]

I don’t live in CT anymore (Charlotte based) but whenever I visit my family I always find myself going to Birch Hill Tavern in Glastonbury. Good food and it doesn’t hurt that they normally have Fox Farm on tap as well. I noted some of the other suggestions in the Hartford area too.

A few other places I eat whenever I’m in town is United China in Manchester for the best cheap Chinese take out. And Arch Street Tavern for FunkNight on Wednesdays. Solid beer, good food, and even better music.

 

[Huskybass]

I don’t live in CT anymore (Charlotte based) but whenever I visit my family I always find myself going to Birch Hill Tavern in Glastonbury. Good food and it doesn’t hurt that they normally have Fox Farm on tap as well. I noted some of the other suggestions in the Hartford area too.

A few other places I eat whenever I’m in town is United China in Manchester for the best cheap Chinese take out. And Arch Street Tavern for FunkNight on Wednesdays. Solid beer, good food, and even better music.

United China is very good take out and reasonably priced. My go to Chinese Wang Palace recently left Glastonbury.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I really like Carbones in Rocky Hill

I avoided it when it first open because I assumed it was going to be over-priced and stuffy. Neither are true. Yes, you can make it a "nice night" if you go on a Friday/Saturday night and sit in the dining room, but you can also make it much more affordable and casual in the bar area, which is really nice and chill. The menu has a wide price range.

 

[jibsey]

using your criteria, 'I go there with super high expectations, and it never lets me down,' i'll say McDonalds. aside from taste, which is the most personal of opinions, i had an experience there the other day that even surprised me, with my high expectation for convenience and efficiency. pulling in to the lot, i noticed that both drive thru lanes were full, and the following merged lane to the pay and pick-up windows as well, around 18 cars in total. im thinking 'kinda busy, so it'll take a bit more time than usual. oh, well, no big.' the lines never stopped moving, culminating in the pay window handing me the change while the pickup window already had the bag held outside that window. two mcdoubles hot and fresh, large cup of water, $4.06. same price and quality, like every other time for years now. even the 'best' apizza, steak, or seafood place has periodic moody chefs or waitstaff every now and again, including 'my' places, which really stinks when that happens. some of those places won't be around next year, but micky d's will. i'm lovin' it.

Cliff I’m never going to agree with you on anything but.... A fresh hot quarter pounder with cheese is a tasty thing beating out 12and 14 dollar burgers from fancy places. That burger must be consumed immediately or it becomes a non food though. Finally to have good nutrition this shouldn’t be a frequent item in anyone’s diet.

 

[Dove]

Two places we frequently end up when we can‘t decide where to go, and we’re always happy we went:

Cafe Routier in Westbrook

Bistro Mediterranean in East Haven

Last Monday I went to Mediterranean Bistro in East Haven. Loved it.

And Saturday night me and Mrs. Dove went to the Westbrook one and it was another home run!!! Its now in the roatation.

Still have never been to Cafe Routier.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Grew up in Manchester, but never at at Cavey’s Upstairs. Everyone talked about it when I was a kid. Evidently Geno bought it in 2019.

Favorite? Ted’s Grinders. Nothing better when you are drunk or dorm food was terrible. Rein’s Deli also a favorite.

 

[Deepster]

Another spot that deserves mention? Bricco in WH Center. I wouldn't say it's my favorite? But I've been there a million times for work dinners and it never, ever disappoints. It's a spot you can go any night, order anything on the menu and it's just rock solid.

 

[methodology]

Last Monday I went to Mediterranean Bistro in East Haven. Loved it.

And Saturday night me and Mrs. Dove went to the Westbrook one and it was another home run!!! Its now in the roatation.

Still have never been to Cafe Routier.

Routier is fantastic one of best restaurants on shoreline. Owner (Bryan) is son of (Betty) who owned Elizabeth Cafe/Perfect Parties. The family knows how to run a proper restaurant with good food

 

[methodology]

Another spot that deserves mention? Bricco in WH Center. I wouldn't say it's my favorite? But I've been there a million times for work dinners and it never, ever disappoints. It's a spot you can go any night, order anything on the menu and it's just rock solid.

Bricco is very solid usually my go to when I’m in west Hartford center

 

[CTBasketball]

Bricco is very solid usually my go to when I’m in west Hartford center

Another spot that deserves mention? Bricco in WH Center. I wouldn't say it's my favorite? But I've been there a million times for work dinners and it never, ever disappoints. It's a spot you can go any night, order anything on the menu and it's just rock solid.

I’ve never had a bad meal there either. Moderately priced and usually they’re quick to seat you if you don’t have a reservation.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

What is your favorite restaurant in Connecticut? Mine is J. Gilbert's here in Glastonbury. I go there with super high expectations, and it never lets me down. We did a 20th birthday dinner for my son the other night and all four people at the table proclaimed that it is their favorite restaurant.

The Abbey in New Milford!!! Frank the owner is a terrific host. They have a varied menu, specials, etc, but I have to say they make the best burger and fries, as well as the best Fish & Chips I ever had.

 

[Huskiez12]

Right in Willimantic across from Willimantic Brewing Company, Stone Row. Rotates the menu to what’s in season. The best duck breast I’ve ever had.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Zohara has become one of my favorites in West Hartford. All the mention of Mediterranean Bistro in EH makes me think I have to make it a point to stop in there when I am in that area for work.

 

[REB1094]

Zohara has become one of my favorites in West Hartford. All the mention of Mediterranean Bistro in EH makes me think I have to make it a point to stop in there when I am in that area for work.

Their lamb meatballs are amazing, and one time I had way more Limonanas than a responsible adult should. So good!

 

[Umami Zen]

I believe those two restaurants have common ownership and they also own Sayulita in South Glastonbury

For any Yarders looking for fresh Mexican food in Farmington Valley.. One of the former chefs at Sayulita opened a place in Simsbury--La Joya.. Not a huge foot print..10-15 tables.. Food/drink is excellent.. Was a chef in Cali before Sayulita so he knows how to prepare great food

 

[jibsey]

Another spot that deserves mention? Bricco in WH Center. I wouldn't say it's my favorite? But I've been there a million times for work dinners and it never, ever disappoints. It's a spot you can go any night, order anything on the menu and it's just rock solid.

Never had a bad meal at Bricco. Great place, atmosphere, innovative. Tough getting in there at times.

 

[jibsey]

Their lamb meatballs are amazing, and one time I had way more Limonanas than a responsible adult should. So good!

Zohara’s lamb shank.

 

[Waquoit]

Grew up in Manchester, but never at at Cavey’s Upstairs. Everyone talked about it when I was a kid. Evidently Geno bought it in 2019.

Cavey's was tops right to the end. My last meal there was during restaurant week and the sauce that came with the dish was incredible. Three courses for $20-something. It was nuts.

 

[imno1]

I don’t get the love for Goodfellas. Obviously I’m partial to L’Orcio, but in a city with an excess of great Italian restaurants of various types, I don’t think Goodfellas distinguishes itself on any score.

I probably eat at Portofino more than any of them and I think they are very good to great 99% of the time. And Skappo is excellent but very different.

Adrianna’s and Tarry Lodge probably the next level down for me, but I’d gladly eat at either.

For my tastes, Goodfellas and Caffe Bravo are probably the next level down from there, along with Tre Scalini (which used to be much better imo).

For my money Adrianna's can't be beat. The only time at L'Orcio we had a really bad experience so never went back. Luce is another that I like.

 

[karstenkibbe]

It’s on the opposite side of the state, but the two meals I’ve had at the Oyster Club in Mystic were unique and really enjoyable.

 

[lange10]

Cafe Silvium in Stamford

 

[Balker]

I eat as much Italian, pizza, French food and pastries as I can find, so I’ll weigh in (no pun intended)…

Lots of great Italian on here, agreed on L’Orcio being one of the best. But I think Grano Arso in Chester might be better. A bit off the beaten path, but worth a trip.

Pizza, I’m taking Bufalina in Guilford or Zeneli in New Haven. Obviously I eat the mains as well, and gun to my head I’d take Pepe’s, Sally’s then Modern (new haven locations) if you’re eating there. Modern is the best option if you’re taking it to go, then Pepe’s.

French food I’ve never had a bad meal at Bar Bouchee in Madison. There seems to be some disagreement about Le Petit Cafe in Branford being closed, I understood that it was closed but haven’t gone by myself, but that was great. Union League Cafe is an old standard, still solid.

A truly great spot for pastries is Hen & Heifer in Guilford. Was nominated for a James Beard award and makes things that blow my mind regularly.

 

[80shusky]

If you are in Western CT there are a couple of places that are under the radar here probably that are pretty good.

The Cue in Danbury is an excellent BBQ place with some really interesting takes on things but also the standard brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken items and their ribs are great.
The Painted Lemon is a little out of the way up in Sherman but has fabulous Italian food and their basics like pizza and calzone are great. When you get take out you pick up at the back door which opens to the kitchen directly and you can hear the cooks yelling at each other in Italian which I figure is a good sign.
Rraci's in Brewster (just over the border from Danbury) is an excellent, upscale Italian place. I've only been there a few times but the food and service were always fantastic.
Lucas Local in Southbury is a great seafood place with a killer raw bar and a great oyster selection. It is a little loud as it gets later in the evening and has a funky, younger vibe to it. Their service when we have been there has been very attentive including when they were crazy busy and we were there with a party of 12.
Mariposa Taqueira on the west side of Danbury has a fairly basic menu with excellent street style tacos and a small number of beef, chicken and fish entrees. All are very good and prices are reasonable. They have great Sangria.
Quick shoutout to a new BBQ place on the Danbury/Bethel border called Farmboys Smokin' BBQ. They opened in the spring I think and I have been there twice. It is more of a standard pit BBQ joint (Less upscale than The Cue mentioned above). I had their brisket platter which was juicy, smoky and perfect with two sides which included excellent pit beans with chunks of smoked brisket and pork in them.

 

[WrenchFan69]

Hard to narrow it down exactly so I'll give my top restaurant in my top categories:
Mediterranean (and if you put a gun to my head regarding my favorite restaurant in the state) - Zohara
Pizza - Modern (obviously)
Steakhouse - J Gilbert's
Bakery - Sift
Cocktail bar - Port of Call (the fluke was the best fish I'd ever had in the US)
Asian - Pho 501

 

[shizzle787]

Nina’s Desi Kitchen in Southington is really good.
La Tavola in Waterbury is great.

 

[methodology]

Zohara has become one of my favorites in West Hartford. All the mention of Mediterranean Bistro in EH makes me think I have to make it a point to stop in there when I am in that area for work.

Zohara is better. It’s always a toss up between there and Bricco for me but I end up at Bricco

 

[methodology]

It’s on the opposite side of the state, but the two meals I’ve had at the Oyster Club in Mystic were unique and really enjoyable.

I enjoyed shipwrights daughter better. Some of the best oysters I’ve ever had not counting Raw 19 on the vineyard

 

[methodology]

I eat as much Italian, pizza, French food and pastries as I can find, so I’ll weigh in (no pun intended)…

Lots of great Italian on here, agreed on L’Orcio being one of the best. But I think Grano Arso in Chester might be better. A bit off the beaten path, but worth a trip.

Pizza, I’m taking Bufalina in Guilford or Zeneli in New Haven. Obviously I eat the mains as well, and gun to my head I’d take Pepe’s, Sally’s then Modern (new haven locations) if you’re eating there. Modern is the best option if you’re taking it to go, then Pepe’s.

French food I’ve never had a bad meal at Bar Bouchee in Madison. There seems to be some disagreement about Le Petit Cafe in Branford being closed, I understood that it was closed but haven’t gone by myself, but that was great. Union League Cafe is an old standard, still solid.

A truly great spot for pastries is Hen & Heifer in Guilford. Was nominated for a James Beard award and makes things that blow my mind regularly.

Le petite is back open they closed during Covid and he wasn’t sure he was going reopen but there was a lot of demand

I disagree with Grano Arso. I think it’s very overrated lived in Chester within walking distance and ate there more times than I can count but I think it’s overpriced and overrated. Very good worth the trip if you never been but ever since I moved back to the shoreline I’ve had zero desire to return. Better Italian food and pricing in Branford and New Haven

 

[storrsroars]

If you are in Western CT there are a couple of places that are under the radar here probably that are pretty good.

The Cue in Danbury is an excellent BBQ place with some really interesting takes on things but also the standard brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken items and their ribs are great..

Heading up to Danbury in December for my brother's surprise 60th b-day party. The Cue has a really interesting menu, stuff we don't see at BBQ places here in Pgh. My brother is big on BBQ but probably more the pit/dive type, but will keep this in my back pocket. Great menu and not all that unreasonable. I wish we had something like the 5 types pork around here.

Mariposa Taqueira on the west side of Danbury has a fairly basic menu with excellent street style tacos and a small number of beef, chicken and fish entrees. All are very good and prices are reasonable. They have great Sangria

Might be looking for a lunch or lighter dinner while up there. The birria ramen sounds like a solid bowl of winter comfort. Any idea what fish they use for the fish tacos? Nice they've got arepas, coxhinas, and jicama slaw.

Quick shoutout to a new BBQ place on the Danbury/Bethel border called Farmboys Smokin' BBQ. They opened in the spring I think and I have been there twice. It is more of a standard pit BBQ joint (Less upscale than The Cue mentioned above). I had their brisket platter which was juicy, smoky and perfect with two sides which included excellent pit beans with chunks of smoked brisket and pork in them.

Probably more my brother's style than The Cue. Aside from differences in menu, is the meat qualtiy and pit skills between the two roughly equal?