Fine dining in Connecticut offers exceptional restaurants, expert chefs

Simple, imaginative cuisine in splendid historic dining rooms: That is what they have been serving up for generations at the inviting Griswold Inn. The inn, which opened its doors during the Revolution, is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country, and its dining rooms exude character and tradition. (The famous Sunday Hunt Breakfast began when the British commandeered the inn during the War of 1812.) Marine paintings from the 19th century grace the walls, and tables are graced with delicious fare, from fresh seafood and aged beef to must-have house-made desserts. It’s no wonder Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines called the historic dining room Connecticut’s “Coziest Restaurant.” (Check the website for the latest openings and health regulations.)

You know a restaurant is good when it’s a hit with locals and tourists alike, and that’s the case at The Shipwright’s Daughter, the popular on-site restaurant at The Whaler’s Inn. With daily changes to its inspired menu there's always something new to try, from crispy fried oysters to rhubarb gazpacho or dry-aged local bluefish. Recognized as a James Beard “Smart Catch” Committed Restaurant, the restaurant honors New England’s seafood heritage with sustainably-caught fish creatively presented. The inn also serves breakfast and weekend brunch, happy hour with select wines, cocktails, draft beer and snacks. Its wine list, celebrating small farmers and producers, has earned it the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2022.

You can be forgiven for thinking you are in the middle of a movie when you dine on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. There’s the setting, to begin with: beautifully restored 1920s Pullman diners pulled by vintage diesel locomotives on a breathtaking sightseeing journey through the scenic Connecticut River Valley. There’s the attentive service, harkening back to a more gracious time. And then there’s the food! Your four-course meal’s seasonal menu might start with a selection of cheeses, followed by a salad and entrees like prime rib, grilled salmon or mushroom ravioli – and delicious desserts. There’s a full bar, so you can sip your wine in luxurious comfort as you rumble through the valley before returning to historic Essex Station. Please check our website for our dining menus & schedule.