Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Arethusa al Tavolo

4.9

4.9 (3852)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bantam

About the restaurant

Located in quaint Bantam (CT) in the scenic county of Litchfield, Arethusa al tavolo offers an innovative farm-to-table menu that celebrates the products of the Arethusa Dairy Farm. Chef Dan Magill’s cuisine is modern and comfortable; it features daily-chosen farm ingredients and the freshest and most select products.

Arethusa al tavolo offers a progressive dining experience to the Northwest Connecticut dining scene.

We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Kenneth

Dined 7 days ago

Always a great experience. Food is excellent. Service is outstanding.

Discover more

Popular dish

Yellowtail Tartare

Popular dish

Lobster and Avocado Salad

Popular dish

Butternut Squash Agnolotti

Restaurant at Winvian

4.9

4.9 (276)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Morris

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Chris Eddy approaches his craft with core values of "integrity and culinary artistry" through his seed-to-table approach using simple, crisp and seasonal ingredients. To complement our food philosophy, we offer a Wine Spectator Award winning wine list and signature cocktails. We specialize in celebrating your special occasion with you for a fine-dining experience for your family and friends.

Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu (menu changes daily)
Three Courses $145 per person, plus taxes & gratuity
or
Four Courses $160 per person, plus taxes & gratuity

If you don't see availability, reach out to us at 860.567.9600 & press # 2 for The Restaurant or email us at restaurant@winvian.com

Top review

Marissa

Dined on Oct 15, 2026

Best meal of our lives! Everything was cooked and presented perfectly. Service was fantastic!

Gather55 - Hartford

4.8

4.8 (418)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hartford

About the restaurant

Gather55 is a unique restaurant that supports the mission work of Hands On Hartford. Each month a different Guest Chef offers a special menu for our guests. Where else can you sample offerings from award-winning chefs all in one meal? Gather55 is in the Parkville neighborhood of Hartford and there is plenty of free parking adjacent to the restaurant.

People in the know say Gather55 is worth the trip. Come and see what the buzz is all about!

Top review

PatGold

Dined 7 days ago

The Meal was fabulous as was the whole dining experience

The Cottage

4.8

4.8 (1837)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Westport

About the restaurant

THE COTTAGE, is a warm and welcoming new restaurant by Chef Brian Lewis, which embraces the local community and is greatly influenced by the artisan farmers and growers in our region. Chef Brian's creative take on American cooking offers an exciting menu of hand-crafted dishes, inspired by techniques and cultures from various regions around the globe. Our food, wine and signature cocktails are paired with gracious hospitality in a warm and cozy setting. We are deeply rooted in seasonality, focused on sourcing exceptional ingredients and creating a memorable experience for our guests.

Top review

LoriGold

Dined 2 days ago

first time eating at The Cottage and it was excellent. All our choices were delicious

The Laurel

4.9

4.9 (200)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Hartford

About the restaurant

The Laurel is a celebration of global flavors crafted with love and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Ashley Flagg takes a farm-to-table approach creating inventive share plates that highlight the freshest local produce. Guests can enjoy this culinary experience in a cozy, brick-walled, candlelit atmosphere alongside a uniquely crafted cocktail. Now offering Private Dining!

Top review

PatriciaGold

Dined 6 days ago

We had the best experience for our first visit to The Laurel on November 1st. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the food was unique and so delicious! Drinks were just as great. We visited on the occasion of my birthday, and staff presented us with complimentary bubbly and a birthday candle in an amazing chocolate cake. Thank you for serving such a wonderful and memorable birthday lunch! We’ll definitely be back to visit again.

Match

4.9

4.9 (1655)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

South Norwalk

About the restaurant

A twenty six year veteran of South Norwalk’s dining scene, Match has earned its reputation as one of the state’s most consistent and award-winning restaurants with its global approach to New American cuisine led by Chef/Owner Matt Storch. Match has focused on retaining its loyal clientele as well as welcoming new guests by emphasizing high quality local ingredients, plate presentation and great service along with an award winning wine list. All of these elements come together in a radiant room that pulses with energy. Reservations recommended.

Paid parking is available on-street nearby, plus in these convenient public lots: 5 Haviland St, 4 North Water St, and 55 MLK Dr.

Top review

JulieGold

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

We always have a great meal at Match! Lively atmosphere and friendly staff!

Canoe - Greenwich

4.8

4.8 (638)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Greenwich

About the restaurant

Canoe, (New) American restaurant that combines multiple different cultures, focus on ultra fresh seafood, fresh organic salads and quality meats. When you first visit Canoe in Greenwich, you are greeted by the site of a stunning interior. copper ceiling, exquisite art work. unique and stunning copper mash dividers and curtains. As if the décor isn't enough, Canoe offers an incredible array of fresh, delicious foods. Start with oysters the half shell, Salmon summer roll, Pecking duck tacos along with our hand-craft cocktails. Enjoy your dinner with Chilean Sea bass, Organic Scottish Salmon, or Superior Angus Steak. No matter what dish you choose, you are sure yo leave satisfied when you visit Canoe.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Been making this restaurant a staple for both lunch and dinner. Usually, it’s the lobster roll, but I broke tradition this time and had the grilled octopus appetizer which was amazing. And was enough that I took half of it home and had it for dinner. Everyone I turned onto this restaurant, loves it. Keep up the good work

New Mill Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2116)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Southington

About the restaurant

Plantsville's well-known Old Mill is now New Mill Restaurant, featuring the culinary talents of its new Executive Chef, Bob Martucci. This lovely 1737 cider mill has been a Connecticut favorite for many years, and has now completely renovated by its owners, Chris and Michelle Calvanese. Menu specialties include fresh-only seafood and raw bar selections, "chop house" Angus steaks, and homemade pastas and desserts. An expanded wine list and a large sociable bar round out the new offering.

Top review

Elyse

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Great food, great drinks, great service. Overall an outstanding place!

Osa

4.8

4.8 (834)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Middletown

About the restaurant

Kevin Wirtes and Rich Garcia of Krust (Middletown), team up in the creation of their latest venture, Osa. Located at 500 Main Street in Middletown, Osa features local food, with a fresh take on New American. The full bar offers crafted cocktails, whiskey, a large wine pour list, and craft beer.

Top review

Laura

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

Consistently fabulous drinks and food! Creative and flavorful!!!

Nouveau Monde

4.7

4.7 (886)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newtown

About the restaurant

Meaning "New World" in French, Nouveau Monde serves new American cuisine in a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Our menu celebrates seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, incorporating inspirations from a variety of global flavors. With multiple awards from Connecticut Magazine and Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, our award-winning wine list has more than 900 by the bottle. We feature a curated list of craft beer and spirits that pair well with our delicious food and convivial, approachable ambiance. Fine dining, relaxed atmosphere.

Top review

gene

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

As always the food, service, and ambiance was excellent. This is the best restaurant within a 20 to 25 mile radius of Sandy Hook. Ps. You can actually have a conversation with the person across the table from you without screaming!

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