The Nutmeg State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors. Read our picks for the best food & dining in Connecticut.
BEST COFFEE ROASTER
DAYBREAK COFFEE ROASTERS,
Glastonbury
Grab a java on the go, settle at a cafe table to inhale fragrant brews, or combo a cup with the morning’s baked goods. Take home a sack of organic beans or ground specialties.
2377 Main St. 800-882-5282; daybreakcoffee.com
BEST TASTE OF MOROCCO
TISSA’S LE SOUK DU MAROC & JAMES SODA FOUNTAIN,
Old Saybrook
Based in a historic onetime pharmacy, the cafe favors North African flavors folded into wraps, sandwiches, and salads–perfect pairings for classic egg creams and milk shakes. Sandwiches: from $6.99. Dinner entrées: from $12.99.
2 Pennywise Lane. 860-395-1781; diningattissas.com
BEST SUNSET BAR
DOG WATCH CAFE,
Stonington
Lounge on the open-air dock, sipping as the sun sets amid the sails and spires. Nature’s light show done, dine on seasonal seafood and landlubbers’ fare. Come for lunch, too. Lunch entrées: from $10. Dinner entrées: from $15. Dodson Boatyard,
194 Water St. 860-415-4510; dogwatchcafe.com
BEST VINEYARD RESTAURANT
SHARPE HILL VINEYARD,
Pomfret
Settle beside hillside vines to sample wines of every hue. Then pair your favorite with a meticulous, seasonal menu. All served on a flower-garden patio; Friday to Sunday seatings. Entrées: from $26.
108 Wade Road. 860-974-3549; sharpehill.com
BEST BEER-ON-TAP BAR
ELI CANNON’S TAP ROOM,
Middletown
Check the posted dates for three dozen fresh brews on tap. There’s plenty in bottles, too, with perfect pub grub and decor. (Barber chair, please!) Sandwiches: from $9.50.
695 Main St. 860-347-3547; elicannons.com
BEST RELAXED GOURMET
THE PANTRY,
Washington Depot
You’ll wish your kitchen closet were this well stocked and the food as delicious. Surrounded by kitchenware and gourmet groceries from the retail store, restaurant guests fork up exceptional, uncomplicated breakfasts and lunches. Baked goods are made fresh on the premises. Sandwiches: from $13.50. Entrées (served until 5:00 p.m.): from $17.
5 Titus Road. 860-868-0258
BEST ROOFTOP HAPPY HOUR
ROOFTOP 120,
Glastonbury
Drinks are tropical, but hip: “White Guava Cosmo,” “Organic Blood Red Orange,” “Mango Peach Sangria.” Daily, there’s a buzz at the open-air bar. Oysters, wings, and in-house flatbreads accent all. Happy Hour prices: martinis $9, sangrias $8, wines $7.
120 Hebron Ave. 860-430-9989; rooftop120.com
