New Restaurants in Connecticut
last updated: January 2024
New menus. New flavors. All new vibes. Restaurants are popping up all over Connecticut and they each make for a fun and delicious opportunity to shake up your routine. Get ready to embrace Connecticut's unique culinary scene — where 97% of restaurants are independently owned. Here are some recently opened restaurants to add to your list (if you haven’t tried them already!)
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Emmy Squared Pizza, Westport
Get a taste of Detroit-style pizza right in Connecticut. At their new Connecticut location, Emmy's Squared is serving up square slices and their famed double-stack burger, the Le Big Matt, which was named #1 Best Burger in Nashville.
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Le Mazet, West Hartford
Featuring beloved Arethusa products and more, Le Mazet captures the flair of casual, handmade French cuisine. Indulge in comfort food while dining in an intimate atmosphere in the heart of West Hartford Center.
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Caffé Italia, Shelton
Lovers of Italian food should pay attention to recently opened Caffé Italia. Owner Lenny Manchisi created this new spot to fulfill his childhood dreams — and bring the soul of Italy to Connecticut. Expect major "mom and pop shop" vibes and authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality.
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Boqueria, West Hartford
A taste of Spain just opened in West Hartford. Try Boqueria in Blue Back Square for tapas, Spanish-style brunch, craft cocktails, imported wines, and bar bites in a stylish and intimate setting.
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La BoriChina, Waterbury
Ever try Puerto Rican-Chinese fusion cuisine? If you haven't, now you can. La BoriChina is a newly opened spot featuring a unique menu inspired by the owner's Puerto Rican birthplace and Chinese background. And when it first opened, lines were out the door! From enchiladas to low mein, you'll find a menu with lots of flavor.
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Hell’s Kitchen, Ledyard
Your favorite famous, fiery chef from Hell's Kitchen has opened a location in Foxwoods Resort Casino. Taste the prix fixe menu or order a la carte from a selection of fine dishes including raw seafood, vegetarian and vegan options, and Gordon Ramsey's signature Beef Wellington.
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Nicky's Place Bar and Pizza, East Haven
Two brothers set out to bring their little brother's vision to life — and they created Nicky's Place Bar and Pizza. Stop by for a hangout and a few slices of unique pizzas from Mashed Potato and Bacon to Balsamic Margherita, and even dessert pizzas like Peanut Butter Dream and Nicky's Campfire.
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Freebird, Greenwich
Created by Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning restauranteurs Scott and Heather Fratangelo, Freebird crafts mouthwatering meals with FreeBird chickens, which are raised by family farmers, fed an all-vegetarian diet, and never give antibiotics or added growth hormones.
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Sugo Trattoria, Farmington
Restauranteur Tony Camilleri has transformed his Mexican spot Toro Loco into new Italian gem, Sugo Trattoria. Set lakeside, this new restaurant takes Camilleri back to his Italian roots, offering a menu that features fresh, hand cut pastas among other Italian favorites.
The Curry Queen, Old Saybrook
The Curry Queen is bringing traditional and regional Indian cuisine to Old Saybrook. Their team has a passion for innovative cooking while remaining rooted to Indian traditions. Don't miss fan favorite dish, chicken tikka masala — allegedly praised by Jacques Pepin, who attended Curry Queen's opening in June.
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Siena, New Haven
Choose style when you dine at Siena. The new rooftop spot at The Blake Hotel is putting Italian favorites in a trendy atmosphere. Expect dishes like antipasti, artisanal crostini, from-scratch pasta, plus craft cocktails and more.
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Ani's Table & Marketplace, Rocky Hill
Looking for handcrafted foods? Ani's Table & Marketplace, owned by caterer Ani Robaina, has you covered. This new spot offers scratch-prepared takeaway dishes, local and artisan products, and even a coffee and espresso bar. You'll find sauces, seasonal soups and salads, bakery items and more — perfect for a quick and healthy bite.
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RAW*, Hartford
Seafood... but with an edge. That's the kind of vibe RAW* brings to Hartford. Created by the same owner as Instagrammable icon, The Place 2 Be, RAW serves up a wide selection of seafood, colorful cocktails, and a cheeky but stylish atmosphere that begs for a photo shoot.
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Gioia, New Haven
Pizza, pasta, and joy — three things New Haven's newest spot, Gioia promises. Gioia (meaning "joy") is a casual Italian food and drink destination in Wooster Square, featuring prepared food, local produce, homemade gelato, and more.
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Pura Vida, Naugatuck
Costa Rican cuisine has arrived in Naugatuck. Pura Vida hopes to introduce the community to Costa Rican Cuisine through home cooked meals and generational dishes — including the family's tamales recipe.
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Taco Guy, Norwalk
Taco fan? Turn to the Taco Guy: a new Norwalk spot with Mexican favorites, innovative cocktails, and a food truck. Sample tacos from chicken Tinga to pork belly, apps from shrimp ceviche tostada to papas al pastor, and drinks from the Oaxacan Old Fashioned to the Cactus Flower cocktail.
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Shumi Revolvling Sushi, Fairfield
What makes sushi even better? A conveyor-belt. Hang out and order a la carte as your favorite rolls and sashimi circle by. Grab whatever catches your eye, prep your chopsticks, and start savoring — the flavor never stops.
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Two Roads Food Hall, Stratford
Popular brewery, Two Roads Brewing Company recently opened their very own food hall! The spot brings food three different restaurants under one roof. Devour taquitos from Skull City, chow down on Southern-style sandwiches from Roost House, and enjoy schnitzels and sausages from Industry Schnitzel Bar.
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Mexico Lindo, Vernon
This family-owned, immigrant-operated restaurant was once in Manchester, but has just reopened in Vernon. Expect authentic Mexican dishes along with fresh homemade salsa, adding great flavor to Vernon's foodie offerings.
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Wahlburgers, Ledyard
Brother of Mark and Donnie Wahlberg set out to pursue his passion for food — and he created Wahlburgers. This top-notch celebrity joint serves up next level burgers and comfort food and is always inventing new and tasty creations for the menu. Stop by the new Connecticut location in Foxwoods Resort Casino!
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Moli, Greenwich
Refined Chinese cuisine has come to Greenwich! Set in the former Putnam Trust Bank, this dazzling, glamorous space makes for the perfect IG post — and so does the food. Enjoy traditional Chinese dishes while feeling like you've stepped into a 1930s nightclub.
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