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Top 25 places to eat in Connecticut 

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Alex P. Taylor

Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like The Dilly Duck Shop tucked away in Norwalk. From Ethiopian cuisine to fresh hallal food — find them all in Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Connecticut.

Did your favorite restaurant make it into the top 25? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list! 

Topping this year’s best 25 list is Zeneli Pizzeria & Cucina Napoletana, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria known for their fresh cheese and sauce. They are not New Haven pizza…they are Authentic Neapolitan pizza. 

Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.

  1. Zeneli Pizzeria & Cucina Napoletana (New Haven)

Tre Carni at Zeneli Pizzeria & Cucina Napoletana

Cuisine: Italian

What they’re known for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza 

Yelpers say: “The space is beautiful with the pizza oven holding court. The pizzas are personal size as are the calzones. The pizza choices are diverse and I cannot wait to go back and try them. The owners were there and they were charming. When they were speaking about opening this restaurant you could feel the love that went into this project.” – Deane M. 

  1. The Tasty Yolk (Bridgeport)


The Slenderizer at The Tasty Yolk

Cuisine:  Breakfast and brunch

What they’re known for:  Breakfast and specialty sandwiches 

Yelpers say: “If you are looking for a phenomenal breakfast/lunch place, order something from here! The Tasty Yolk has never disappointed. I would definitely recommend this. Everything on their super creative menu is totally delicious!”
– Mckenna D. 

  1. Phoenix Vietnamese Cuisine (Derby)


Stir-Fried Noodle Combo at Phoenix Vietnamese Cuisine

Cuisine:  Vietnamese

What they’re known for:  Original pho and Vietnamese crepes 

Yelpers say: “This is a family owned and run business; you can tell by how much pride they take in their business – from the freshness of the ingredients, the cleanliness of the whole restaurant, the friendly and attentive customer service, the serene atmosphere of the restaurant.” – Soojin C. 

  1. The Dilly Duck Shop (Norwalk)


The Classical at The Dilly Duck Shop

Cuisine:  American

What they’re known for:  Breakfast, rotisserie sandwiches and salads

Yelpers say: “The service is very friendly, the bacon egg and cheese I had was incredible on that amazing bread they make, and the atmosphere is so cute. Ducks everywhere, even where you wouldn’t imagine. Amazing.” – Isabella E. 

  1. Sandra’s Next Generation (New Haven)


Shandrea’s Combo Plate at Sandra’s Next Generation

Cuisine:  Southern, soul food

What they’re known for:  Ribs, BBQ chicken, blackened catfish 

Yelpers say: “The food was amazing. Folks got baked fish, mac n’ cheese, greens, fried okra, etc. I had collard greens which were cooked to tender perfection. The fried chicken was amazing. Our vegetarian and vegan friends were also surprised to find there was a lot of choice for them on the menu. “ – Alice S. 

  1. YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen (Torrington)
  2. Press On Sandwich Crafters (North Stonington) 
  3. Mama Chow (Southport)
  4. Nour Lebanese Cuisine (Bethel) 
  5.  Tangiers International (Hartford)
  6.  Ande’s International Gourmet Deli (New Haven) 
  7.  Los Garcia Mexican Fusion (Waterbury)
  8.  Teff Eritrean & Ethiopian Cuisine (Stamford)
  9.  Meraki (Litchfield)
  10.  Shandal’s Vegetarian Cafe (Bridgeport)
  11.  Yalla Organic Hummus & Grill (Fairfield)
  12.  Rawa (New Haven) 
  13.  Himalaya Cafe (Old Saybrook)
  14.  Pataka Vegetarian Indian Food (New Haven) 
  15.  Verde Galerie (Stamford)
  16. Twisted Italian Cafe (Hartford) 
  17.  Crazy Greek (Plantsville) 
  18.  Domenick & Pia Pizzeria (Waterbury) 
  19.  DUNYA fresh halal food (Waterbury) 
  20. Layla’s Falafel (Stamford) 

Methodology : This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Connecticut area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Connecticut area.  All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 2022.

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