2 Best Restaurants in New Haven, Mystic, and the Coast, Connecticut

In a gorgeous Beaux Arts dining room, this lively brasserie wins high marks for its updated French cuisine. The knowledgeable staff are happy to recommend wine pairings to complement whatever dishes you select—perhaps potato-crusted halibut with fennel compote and ratatouille, a grilled beef filet with fingerling potatoes, or the plat du jour.

In this tiny (13-seat) restaurant, the chef applies French techniques to both modern cuisine and old favorites. You might start with Niantic Bay oysters or Essex (New England) clam chowder, followed by steamed local halibut, chicken à la Normande, or steak frites; at the 6-seat Chef's Tasting Bar, guests opt for the five-course ($85) or seven-course ($105) tasting menu.