Submitted by SomoHapiens t3_yqq9s7 in newhaven
If you had no budget limitations and could go out to dinner anywhere within 40 minutes of New Haven, where would you go?
For that dinner that you talk about 5 years later..
Comments
HeadyRoosevelt t1_ivpvztl wrote
I just had Zinc for the first time since moving to NH and it was fantastic too!
mozzking t1_ivpwskf wrote
Yea ZINC is really good too !!
United_Possession_20 t1_ivq2671 wrote
I would also add Shell and Bones to this list. I thought the food was fantastic and it has a great view.
PajamaSamsMom t1_ivq2mwv wrote
Second Sayulitas and also consider Millwrights in Simsbury. Do the tasting menu with the wine pairing. My husband and I still talk about our meal we had there in 2020.
Significant_Chest401 t1_ivq31vi wrote
In New Haven, definitely Zinc, followed by Ordinary. A perfect evening.
Zula_Luz t1_ivqccqq wrote
Came here to say this
adultdaycare81 t1_ivqdzr9 wrote
Millwrights in Simsbury, Arathusa in Litchfield, Max Downtown in Hartford
RIP On20, I hope it comes back
curbthemeplays t1_ivqehj7 wrote
I’d add Rockfish to that.
Also Hachiroku, though I wish they’d get their service figured out.
I’ve heard great things about Luke from friends.
curbthemeplays t1_ivqen3h wrote
It’s good but Fair Haven is several steps above IMO. And more reasonably priced.
mozzking t1_ivqffvg wrote
Haven’t tried Luke yet but heard great things
CTRealtorCarl t1_ivqgotj wrote
No budget = Winvian
Other amazing options in no particular order: Arethusa al Tavolo, Millwrights, Swyft, Shipwrights Daughter
All have amazing food and a great atmosphere. Honorable mention is Artisan which has locations in West Hartford and Fairfield, not quite the same tier but a place where you can go a little more often.
Old_but_New t1_ivqgy8v wrote
Union League is always top notch.
United_Possession_20 t1_ivqkkyd wrote
Good to know. I haven’t been yet but it’s on my list.
curbthemeplays t1_ivql5ph wrote
I found Artisan just OK. Better spots in New Haven. I’d like to try Winvian and also RSVP.
Acct-Faith-Kids t1_ivqldd2 wrote
Il Palio Ristorante in Shelton
CTRealtorCarl t1_ivqllty wrote
I agree, its nothing to write home about...just a decent restaurant on the nicer side, the dishes are hit or miss. Personally I always get the Steak Frites and it has never disappointed. Their Espresso Martini's are on point too.
I forgot about RSVP and also Community Table.
curbthemeplays t1_ivqm38d wrote
Tyler of Millwright’s was chef at Hamilton Park in New Haven for a minute. Not sure what happened there. They can’t seem to keep a chef long.
SkateAndEnjoi t1_ivqskzk wrote
If you're looking to spend nothing is as expensive as NYC around here. But I believe New Havens restuarants are quite close for a fraction of the price. Cast Iron & Union Leauge are great options. Olea as well.
Codems t1_ivr27qo wrote
I recently ate at millwrights and was wildly disappointed.
I’m a chef by trade so let me first say I really respect Tyler Anderson for being a huge proponent of keeping his businesses alive during covid and acknowledge all the accolades he and his team have received.
But man, just overall “meh” experience at Millwrights, over seasoned steak frites, over toasted focaccia app, RARE borderline raw (and I like my salmon mid-rare) salmon. Out of 6 dishes I was pleased with 2, but not the experience I expected.
HockeyandTrauma t1_ivr2exl wrote
I loved on20.
Big fan of present company too. But it's not 20 minutes from new haven.
HockeyandTrauma t1_ivr2jdd wrote
Winvian is one of the only places I haven't been to that sits atop my list.
CountKrill t1_ivr6gq5 wrote
The best and most memorable dining experiences I've had in Connecticut has been the omakase at Otaru sushi in New Haven. The quality of the meal and service is a bargain when compared to similar offerings in New York City, where the chef and owner worked before starting his own place here. I've eaten at Union League, Millwrights, Tavern in State, and many of the other places listed in the comments. Otaru bests them all, in my opinion.
CountKrill t1_ivr6nvf wrote
Hachiroku is phenomenal. So grateful they're here and seem to be generating good buzz and clientele
catsmash t1_ivr9xc0 wrote
the prices at shell & bones are unconscionable.
LakeReflection t1_ivrbxov wrote
Le Petit Care, Branford
squidteam6_ t1_ivrf8so wrote
Chamard at Clinton
Sweaty_Conclusion_80 t1_ivrffkk wrote
Ironically, the owners don’t like each other, but the food/drinks at both are great.
Whydoyouhatefreedom t1_ivrn3qy wrote
grilledtomatos t1_ivrpllw wrote
Kawa Ni in Westport is fantastic.
angelaxtine t1_ivrud04 wrote
Cava during Christmas
kittensneezesforever t1_ivs2ehz wrote
I adore ION. They’re also really not that expensive.
WeakAd1468 t1_ivt03p9 wrote
[deleted] t1_ivt8f4c wrote
shakeyhandspeare t1_ivt8s62 wrote
FAIR HAVEN OYSTER CO
adultdaycare81 t1_ivtaozm wrote
Present Company needs to sort out their HVAC situation. I have had two experiences there where it was really hot or really cold. Like cmon, that’s so basic for a place making amazing food.
adultdaycare81 t1_ivtay9l wrote
Yeah I have had really really good and only decent meals there. At this point Tyler seems to be more of a Restauranteur than chef (at least from what I can tell, I don’t know him from Moses). But I have generally been impressed with the food. Ironically during COVID it was better than the last time I went after.
nerbm t1_ivtbkb3 wrote
Well, sorta true, but it depends on your idea of expensive. Certainly it's not a "money is no concern" place. But with an appetizer, entrée and a couple drinks (even non-alcoholic) you're looking at $45-60 per person. Worth it, but not cheap.
cesarxp2 t1_ivppri0 wrote
Is it for a specific occasion or are you just looking for a good experience? My top restaurants, where food and service are consistently great, are Sayulita (Glastonbury), Tao (Mohegan), Rio (Mystic).