New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
CT Magazine announces CT’s best outdoor dining on the town
Summer is the perfect time grab a seat outside and dine al fresco. Whether an urban oasis or a hidden lawn patio, Connecticut has tons of open-air eateries to offer. Here are Connecticut Magazine’s picks for the state’s best restaurants on the town.
Visit Connecticut Magazine for the full list of outdoor dining picks
Reporting by Leeanne Griffin, Erik Ofgang, James Gribbon, Douglas P. Clement, Eric D. Lehman, Andrew Dominick, Mike Urban, Kristen Fitz, Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne, Bev Canepari and Lora Karam.
Oak + Almond, Norwalk
When you can’t make it to Italy, visit Oak + Almond instead. Its large outdoor dining patios feature beautiful gardens, a wood-burning fireplace
(they use oak and almond wood, hence the name), twinkling string lights and a soothing water fountain. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy one of its incredible farmto-table dishes, sip a craft cocktail and pretend you’re on holiday. This fun destination is equally suitable for a family outing, a date, a work meet-up or a BFF night out. — BC & LK
544 Main Ave., 203-846-4600, oakandalmond.com
Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire
Ambitious scale and outstanding food both set Viron Rondo apart from its surroundings, roughly midway between Meriden and Waterbury. The interior bar — helmed by cocktail chemist Dimitrios Zahariadis, and impressively overhung by a mid-century chandelier which once lit the New York Film Academy — is usually well attended, but the supporting attraction is the huge wraparound patio. Diners and partiers can enjoy breezes and stars overhead from outdoor tables or mingle on the cocktail patio with its own dedicated fresh-air bar. — JG
1721 Highland Ave., 203-439-2727, vironrondoosteria.com
L’Orcio, New Haven
Since 2002, visitors and residents of New Haven have been streaming into chef Francesco d’Amuri’s L’Orcio. The scion of a farming family from Brindisi, he worked in kitchens throughout Italy before opening an 18th century townhouse on State Street and immediately wowing an admittedly jaded population with his food. Fresh, vibrant ingredients harken back to his upbringing, and diners can now take dinner and drinks al fresco in L’Orcio’s restaurant garden, hidden from the street but not the sky. — JG
806 State St., 203-777-6670, lorcio.com
Taino Smokehouse, Middletown
Barbecue is meant to be enjoyed outdoors, and Taino Smokehouse provides perhaps the best place in the state to do so. With its expansive flagstone patio, trellis-and-vine-shaded picnic tables, and alluring aromas wafting from nearby smokers, Taino sets the stage for great outdoor feasting. Grab a table and peruse the laminated menu, which is filled with all variety of smoked meats and sides as well as an amazing barbecue egg roll stuffed with pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, red pepper, and mac and cheese. Should you be part of a large party of a dozen or so, go for the Viking
Table, a massive, triangular wooden table seemingly designed for the halls of Valhalla. — MU
482 S. Main St., 860-358-9828, tainosmokehouse.com
The Charles, Wethersfield
The Charles opened in June 2020, during an uncertain period as restaurant owners were just starting to welcome guests back into dining rooms. But the eatery in a historical 1790s-era building, promising “vintage feel, modern taste,” had already adapted, with tables under a large tent. Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served at the restaurant, which features the tented patio along with lounge seating, games and a “garden menu” of bites and cocktails served on the lawn. — LG
161 Main St., 860-785-8499, thechar
lesct.com
Don Memo, Westport
With its hanging lights, fun music and downtown location, Don Memo is a beautiful place to eat outside. Whether you’re sampling one of the restaurant’s excellent cocktails or agua frescas, cocktails or the food itself, chef Bill Taibe and his team’s commitment to excellence shines through.
Personal favorites include the build-your-own chorizo tacos — both the meat and tortillas are next level — as well as the fresh mint-flavored guacamole and the tamales with their thick, corn-forward doughs. Taibe is one of Connecticut’s most famous chefs for a reason and this restaurant lets you enjoy his cuisine in a perfect summer setting. — EO
90 Post Road E., 203-5576198, donmemowestport.com
Lucky Lou’s Bar and Grill, Wethersfield
Set in Old Wethersfield’s historic Deming-Standish House, Lucky Lou’s is known for its large fenced-in patio, where pets are welcome (they even have organic doggie treats). Food is casual and fun, with dirty wings in several flavors, “super chili” nachos, hummus flights, lobster rolls, a Greek gyro plate, burgers and lamb chops. Order a spicy margarita with cucumber jalapeño tequila, or a pitcher of seasonal sangria, and soak in a summer night while the sun still sets after 7 p.m. — LG
222 Main St., 860-257-0700, luckylousbarandgrill.com
Union League Cafe, New Haven
Those seeking a romantic dinner with impeccable
French cuisine in a brasserieinspired setting know Union League always delivers an exceptional experience. The joie de vivre spills outside seasonally onto La Terrasse, the restaurant’s Parisian-style patio dining space. Enjoying Prince Edward Island mussels served with a Dijon saffron sauce and a toasted baguette, with housemade French fries and a glass of Chenin Blanc or a cold beer is nonpareil. Ditto the grilled Spanish octopus with Maple Bank Farm kohlrabi remoulade, and a harissa aioli, and the Maine lobster risotto, always a star dish, is the perfect summer entrée. Or put yourself entirely in the hands of executive chef Guillaume Traversaz with the five-course tasting menu. — DPC
1032 Chapel St., 203-562-4299, unionleaguecafe.com
Artisan, West Hartford
Every day is a garden party at the Delamar Hotel’s Artisan, where outdoor tables are surrounded by lush greenery, with hanging tree lights lending a romantic touch. The intricately designed garden isn’t just a stunning oasis in the middle of bustling Blue Back Square, it also provides chefs and mixologists with a steady supply of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables to work into dishes and cocktails. The muddled sage in your rye cocktail likely grew just steps from your plate setting. — LG
1 Memorial Road, 860-9372525, artisanwesthartford.com
Parkville Market, Hartford
The capital city’s food hall is the definition of crowd-pleaser: 20 food vendors, bars with craft beer and cocktails, and a courtyard full of umbrellashaded picnic tables for casual outdoor seating. Bring your friends, your (well-behaved) dogs and enjoy the market’s global flavors: Brazilian feijoada, Puerto Rican mofongo, Mexican tortas, Greek moussaka, poke bowls, Peruvian ceviche, Jamaican jerk chicken and Vietnamese pho. — LG
1400 Park St., 860-470-4511, parkvillemarket.com