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Best Contemporary French American Restaurants in Hamden

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3 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(507)
$$$$
• Contemporary French / American • New Haven
Booked 16 times today
Do not sleep on this place, because apparently I’ve been doing exactly that since it opened. My wife and I came on a recommendation, and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest. We were greeted at the door by Vincent, who we later learned is the chef and owner. The space is beautiful, warm and intimate, with that classic old-school NYC feel (IFYKYK). Our server, Julia, was amazing: friendly, walked us through the menu, helped us course everything out, and then we were off to the races. From start to finish, the food was spectacular. Felt like it was Michelin-level, without the frou-frou stiffness. We started with the yellowfin tuna, seared with hot butter as it was served. I can’t express how delicious this dish was. Next came the scallops over a corn and bacon base, which were insanely good (everything was insanely good). Two for two, both knockout punches. After the scallops, Vincent sent out the white asparagus on the house. I’d never had anything like it. It tasted like a refined carbonara. Incredible. The rigatoni followed, with similar notes to the asparagus but a more traditional pasta base with bacon, and it was equally incredible. Our final course was the branzino, cooked to absolute perfection: crispy skin, and the fish itself soft, fresh, almost pillowy. We finished the night with a frozen cantaloupe sorbet and a tart. Both were fantastic endings to an already incredible meal. Every dish was portioned perfectly for two and set up to share. The drinks were as good as the food. We had the pomegranate gimlet and the pear martini. The best way I can describe it is that scene in Ratatouille where the critic takes one bite, his pupils dilate, and he’s transported back to his childhood. This meal did the same for me and took me somewhere close to culinary heaven. Everything about our night was first class. To Vincent and the entire staff: thank you for an incredible evening, and please don’t change a single thing. You’ve mastered the craft of joyful dining.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1258)
$$$$
• Contemporary French / American • Old Saybrook
Booked 10 times today
Outstanding. Food , service and ambiance. I will definitely be coming back.
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(890)
$$$$
• Contemporary French / American • Chester
Booked 10 times today
Enjoyed our evening. Food was of good quality. Olivia our server was sweet . The owner was very gracious. Lovely building with history. We celebrated our wedding anniversary. We were served complimentary prosecco post dinner. Happy we decided on The Brushmill for our celebration.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Donna
    New York City •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Enjoyed our evening. Food was of good quality. Olivia our server was sweet . The owner was very gracious. Lovely building with history. We celebrated our wedding anniversary. We were served complimentary prosecco post dinner. Happy we decided on The Brushmill for our celebration.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the Waterfall$$$$• Contemporary American• Chester
    •
    4.6
  • CherylGold
    New York City •35 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 17, 2026
    Outstanding. Food , service and ambiance. I will definitely be coming back.
    More info
    The Essex$$$$• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Michael
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 11, 2026
    Do not sleep on this place, because apparently I’ve been doing exactly that since it opened. My wife and I came on a recommendation, and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest. We were greeted at the door by Vincent, who we later learned is the chef and owner. The space is beautiful, warm and intimate, with that classic old-school NYC feel (IFYKYK). Our server, Julia, was amazing: friendly, walked us through the menu, helped us course everything out, and then we were off to the races. From start to finish, the food was spectacular. Felt like it was Michelin-level, without the frou-frou stiffness. We started with the yellowfin tuna, seared with hot butter as it was served. I can’t express how delicious this dish was. Next came the scallops over a corn and bacon base, which were insanely good (everything was insanely good). Two for two, both knockout punches. After the scallops, Vincent sent out the white asparagus on the house. I’d never had anything like it. It tasted like a refined carbonara. Incredible. The rigatoni followed, with similar notes to the asparagus but a more traditional pasta base with bacon, and it was equally incredible. Our final course was the branzino, cooked to absolute perfection: crispy skin, and the fish itself soft, fresh, almost pillowy. We finished the night with a frozen cantaloupe sorbet and a tart. Both were fantastic endings to an already incredible meal. Every dish was portioned perfectly for two and set up to share. The drinks were as good as the food. We had the pomegranate gimlet and the pear martini. The best way I can describe it is that scene in Ratatouille where the critic takes one bite, his pupils dilate, and he’s transported back to his childhood. This meal did the same for me and took me somewhere close to culinary heaven. Everything about our night was first class. To Vincent and the entire staff: thank you for an incredible evening, and please don’t change a single thing. You’ve mastered the craft of joyful dining.
    More info
    The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe$$$$• Contemporary French / American• New Haven
    •
    4.7
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