7 Best Restaurants in The Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Since Carole Peck—a well-known name throughout New England (and beyond)—opened her spot here in 1992, foodies have been flocking to Woodbury to sample her superb cuisine. The emphasis is on healthy, innovative, and surprisingly well-priced fare like wok-seared Gulf shrimp with new potatoes, grilled green beans, and a garlic aioli.

Locals, leaf peepers, and folks just passing through stop at The White Horse, a country pub and restaurant that draws its varied menu from British pub, American comfort, and French bistro favorites. Dine on the deck, on the patio, or along the river in the warm months—or inside in front of the fire during the winter chill.

This cozy tavern, once an 1850s-era Colonial home overlooking the Shepaug River, is a nod to George Washington, who passed through the little village back in the day. The chef prepares traditional New England favorites like oven-roasted cod, chicken potpie, and meat loaf, as well as seasonal specialties like soft shell crabs in spring and game throughout the winter.

Stop here for some of the best "slow-smoked" barbecue in Connecticut or for one of the comfort-food staples on the extensive menu. You'll love the barbecued baby back ribs, half-chicken, brisket, and pulled pork—or try chicken-fried steak, cookhouse meat loaf, or fried catfish—all with your choice of sides.

This 19th-century country inn overlooking Lake Waramaug is a lovely place for breakfast, alfresco lunch, midafternoon tea, or a European-inspired dinner. The menu includes features French escargot, Austrian Wiener schnitzel, Swiss rösti potatoes, and Italian veal piccata—as well as American favorites like broiled Atlantic salmon.

Beloved among visitors and locals alike, this storefront eatery in a redbrick town house serves tasty, unfussy food—inexpensive pub grub in one room, updated contemporary American cuisine in the other. Whether you order a cheeseburger or horseradish-and-Parmesan-crusted salmon, you're bound to be pleased.

This sophisticated dining room on the town green is the place to see and be seen. Dinner selections might include free-range chicken with potato purée, braised short ribs with Cabernet demi-glace, or Scottish grilled salmon with ratatouille.