Fine dining in Connecticut offers exceptional restaurants, expert chefs

The historic Griswold Inn, set in picturesque Essex, Connecticut, is the gourmet's destination in southern New England. We offer several dining venues, all rich in character and ambiance. In our dining room our culinary team prepares classic American cuisine to perfection in simple, but imaginative ways. The menu showcases fresh seafood, aged beef, and the highest quality chops and poultry. After any meal, the house-made desserts are a "must." In the Wine Bar we showcase our award-winning wine list -- with over 50 wines by the glass -- and offer an innovative tapas menu, featuring inspired macro plates and artisanal cheeses. Our Tap Room is the place to enjoy cocktails and casual fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and our signature clam chowder. Bon appetit!

21 Lake Restaurant & Bar offers fine dining in an elegant yet relaxed & casual atmosphere. Be surrounded by Country French interiors with linen tablecloths, Queen Anne chairs and elegant stemware - or retreat to the sun-drenched solarium - perfect for enjoying our’ award-winning Sunday Brunch, Breakfast or Dinner while admiring the afternoon sun or sunset.
Original but classic cuisines utilizing fresh local ingredients are prepared by our culinary team. 21 Lake also boasts a large selection of fine wine from regions of the world offered by the bottle or by the glass. Savor the culinary creations every night with popular, value-priced dining specials, themed menus, and special events to include Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and the Holidays.

All aboard the elegant Essex Clipper Dinner Train for a four-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Relax and reconnect while our 2½-hour, scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. The rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner in the diner” was a delicious special occasion. From May through October.

The elegant, eclectic menu at Kensington’s in the Spa at Norwich Inn has something for everyone. Delectable offerings showcase origins in Italian, Asian, Mediterranean and American cuisine, and diners will find something delicious if they prefer vegetables – or beef. Start breakfast with a fruit smoothie, then have your pancakes (banana soy or buttermilk). For lunch, tempt your tastebuds with Thai green curry mussels, then sample New England clam chowder or a tomato gorgonzola bisque. Dinner might include Atlantic salmon, a vegetarian stir fry or a grilled steak. Desserts are to die for, from banana chimichangas to Hauser Chocolatier truffles and affogato (where your gelato is “drowned” in espresso at your table). An extensive wine list includes several selections from Connecticut’s vineyards.