Connecticut is full of fabulous dining options, but some of the tastiest restaurants are often overlooked simply because of their size. Good things do come in small packages however and these tiny restaurants prove it. Enjoy bold flavors in small spaces at these 11 eateries.
- Little Rendezvous - 256 Pratt St., Meriden
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Facebook/The Little Rendezvous A century-old coal oven fires the delicious pizzas at this long-standing spot. Little Rendezvous is just the cozy, rustic place to enjoy thin crust pizza amongst a friendly crowd.
- Rory’s Restaurant - 416 Boston Post Rd., Darien
Facebook/Rory’s
Facebook/Rory’s Serving up fresh food and drinks for over 30 years, this local pub has plenty of delicious daily specials to dive into. From seafood to sandwiches, Rory’s will satisfy any appetite.
- Schoolhouse At Cannondale - 34 Cannon Rd., Wilton
TripAdvisor/Rose B
Schoolhouse At Cannondale Enjoy upscale American cuisine in a former one-room schoolhouse at this quaint little spot. Once you dine at this historic eatery along the Norwalk River, you’ll be a fan for life.
- The Pickle Stand - 195 Main St., Middletown
Google Images/Herb Evans
Google Images/Barbara Toce The Pickle Stand is a cheerful little deli in the bustling downtown area of Middletown. Find sandwiches, wraps, and of course pickles at this fun eatery.
- Lobster Landing - 152 Commerce St., Clinton
TripAdvisor/James A
TripAdvisor/GolferNC62 This seafood shack on the shore is renowned for its hot buttery lobster rolls. Lobster Landing may be small but it huge flavors and expansive water views.
- Cafemantic - 948 Main St., Willimantic
Google Images/Charles Baker
Google Images/Becca Jaroszewski From brunch to dinner, the fresh creations at this award-winning restaurant will make you drool. Enjoy your meal at the cozy Cafemantic inside or on the outdoor patio.
- Bufalina - 1070 Boston Post Rd., Guilford
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Facebook/Bufalina Bufalina brings the wood-fired flavors of Italy right to your plate in Guilford. Savor a warm cheesy gourmet pizza and a signature market salad at this popular little restaurant.
- Blue Cactus Grill - 51 Stevens St., Norwalk
Google Images/Mayaro Media Group
Google Images/Aranza Martinez You’ll find juicy burgers, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches at Norwalk’s favorite deli. The Blue Cactus Grill is a colorful spot where portions are hearty and yummy.
- Sarapes Restaurant - 95 High St., Enfield
TripAdvisor/Steve P
TripAdvisor/erik f When you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican, this small spot has big flavors. Sarapes Restaurant has all of your favorites including tamales, tacos, burritos, and more.
- Stowe’s Seafood - 347 Beach St., West Haven.
Facebook/Stowe’s Seafood
Google Images/Manuel & Dana Hultberg This pirate-themed seafood shack on the Long Island Sound is full of mouthwatering seafood. Fried platters, stuffed sole, and chowder are just a few of the delights you’ll find at Stowe Seafood.
- Gigante’s Too - 817 E, Center St., Wallingford
Facebook/Gigante’s Too
Facebook/Gigante’s Too If you’re craving a roast beef sandwich or a wrap, head to Gigante’s Too. This friendly little deli has an expansive menu chock full of wonderful choices.
Have you ever eaten at any of these tiny but mighty restaurants? Do you have a little eatery in your town to add to this list? If you’re searching for something big on the Connecticut dining scene, check out this cheerful drive-in with hot dogs so huge they barely fit on the table.
Google Maps
Facebook/The Little Rendezvous
A century-old coal oven fires the delicious pizzas at this long-standing spot. Little Rendezvous is just the cozy, rustic place to enjoy thin crust pizza amongst a friendly crowd.
Facebook/Rory’s
Serving up fresh food and drinks for over 30 years, this local pub has plenty of delicious daily specials to dive into. From seafood to sandwiches, Rory’s will satisfy any appetite.
TripAdvisor/Rose B
Schoolhouse At Cannondale
Enjoy upscale American cuisine in a former one-room schoolhouse at this quaint little spot. Once you dine at this historic eatery along the Norwalk River, you’ll be a fan for life.
Google Images/Herb Evans
Google Images/Barbara Toce
The Pickle Stand is a cheerful little deli in the bustling downtown area of Middletown. Find sandwiches, wraps, and of course pickles at this fun eatery.
TripAdvisor/James A
TripAdvisor/GolferNC62
This seafood shack on the shore is renowned for its hot buttery lobster rolls. Lobster Landing may be small but it huge flavors and expansive water views.
Google Images/Charles Baker
Google Images/Becca Jaroszewski
From brunch to dinner, the fresh creations at this award-winning restaurant will make you drool. Enjoy your meal at the cozy Cafemantic inside or on the outdoor patio.
Facebook/Bufalina
Bufalina brings the wood-fired flavors of Italy right to your plate in Guilford. Savor a warm cheesy gourmet pizza and a signature market salad at this popular little restaurant.
Google Images/Mayaro Media Group
Google Images/Aranza Martinez
You’ll find juicy burgers, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches at Norwalk’s favorite deli. The Blue Cactus Grill is a colorful spot where portions are hearty and yummy.
TripAdvisor/Steve P
TripAdvisor/erik f
When you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican, this small spot has big flavors. Sarapes Restaurant has all of your favorites including tamales, tacos, burritos, and more.
Facebook/Stowe’s Seafood
Google Images/Manuel & Dana Hultberg
This pirate-themed seafood shack on the Long Island Sound is full of mouthwatering seafood. Fried platters, stuffed sole, and chowder are just a few of the delights you’ll find at Stowe Seafood.
Facebook/Gigante’s Too
If you’re craving a roast beef sandwich or a wrap, head to Gigante’s Too. This friendly little deli has an expansive menu chock full of wonderful choices.
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