8 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. Michael Hayek bought the place in 2024 giving it a brighter, more open space, and a new mural by Mackenzie Steiner, but the emphasis is still on healthy, innovative, and surprisingly well-priced fare like wok-seared Gulf shrimp with new potatoes, grilled green beans, and a garlic aioli.

Swyft and Ore Hill are two restaurants in one, both located in the historic Swyft-Bull house, at Kent's center crossroads. Downstairs, Swyft takes on the character of an old New England tavern, with elevated comfort classics like a BLT, burgers, and Neapolitan pizza from a wood-burning oven, while upstairs, Ore Hill features a locally produced chef-driven prix-fixe menu partially sourced from their own Rock Cobble Farm. Each dish and drink is an experience, with five or seven courses, with or without drink pairings. Reservations are required at Ore Hill, but walk-ins are welcome at Swyft. The house is named for the families (one who built nearby Bull's Bridge) who occupied the home for more than 175 years.

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.

As its name suggests, this corner restaurant and taproom sits across from the Litchfield Historical Society and the historic Litchfield Green. Lunch and dinner menus are driven by the seasons and the region's abundant hyperlocally produced farm goods—you'll find everything from squash bisque and pizza to noodle bowls and creative fish and game entrees on their constantly evolving menu. The bar area has 20 taps worth of Connecticut and Hudson Valley brews, growlers to go, and craft cocktails.

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.

Originally a prison for captured English combatants during the War of 1812, both the history and hardware of the building's previous life are visible as multistory cell blocks rising above a tavern room wherein guests now arrive on purpose. The one-of-a-kind setting is only part of the draw for seekers of happy hour drinks and bar snacks, or hearty American tavern food to complete a night out. Brunch is available, and enjoyed seasonally on a patio overlooking the town green.

The newest creation of local chef and restaurateur John Bourdeau is manned by another local chef, Mike Sorenson, who produces globally inspired dishes for an ever-changing, seasonal menu. Expect dishes like potstickers or caviar grilled cheese, outstanding smashburgers, and in-house baked bread. The indoor-outdoor space will suit diners for all seasons.

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.