5 Iconic Foods In Connecticut That You Must Try

Connecticut is home to countless mouth-watering restaurants, as well as famous food creations that help put the state on the map. Connecticut cuisine is characterized by its extensive use of seafood from our seaports and fishing industry, as well as dairy from our inland farmlands. Freshly sourced ingredients, together with a little New England ingenuity, combine to make a meal that is unique to the Nutmeg State. 

Lobster Roll at Artisan Southport

The Lobster Roll

No trip to New England would be complete without some fresh seafood by the shore. But what many people don’t know is that the Lobster Roll was invented right here in Connecticut at a restaurant named Perry’s in Milford, back in 1929! Hot and buttered lobster rolls are a must-try for anyone visiting our state. This version is often called “Connecticut style” lobster roll as opposed to the lobster salad roll often served in other New England destinations, which comes with mayo and celery.

Apizza

Yes, apizza, not pizza. Italian-inspired cuisine dominates the New Haven area, which is known for its charred thin-crust New Haven-style pizza, baked in coal-fired ovens. The “a” in “apizza” comes from the Italian dialect spoken in the Naples region, and is still used by the local New Haven restaurants today. 

Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza—also referred to by the locals as the “Holy Trinity” of New Haven-style pizza—are some of the best-ranked pizzerias in the county.

Steamed Cheeseburgers

Forget the greasy charred burgers! This central Connecticut specialty is something that everyone needs to try at least once. The steamed cheeseburger is believed to have been invented at a restaurant called Jack’s Lunch in Middletown, Connecticut. 

The hamburger is topped with cheese and steamed in little stainless-steel boxes before being served on a roll. The end result is a moist, juicy burger that can be topped with any toppings of your choice. Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden is the most famous eatery that serves steamed cheeseburgers. They also operate food trucks that serve these delicious cheeseburgers all around the Hartford area. 

Apple Cider

Like many other New England States, Connecticut is home to numerous family-owned orchards and continues to produce delicious local apple cider. If you happen to visit in the fall, apple cider combined with apple cider donuts is a must. Bishop’s Orchards, Bushy Hill Cidery, and Hogans Cider Mill are just a few favorites for some fresh apple cider this fall. 

Hot Dogs

While Connecticut might not be the first place you think of for good hot dogs, we’re pretty serious about our wieners. In fact, there’s a Hot Dog Trail you can take to try some of the best hot dog stands in Connecticut! Rawley’s Drive-In in Fairfield, Riley’s Hot Dog in New Britain, and Super Duper Weenie in Fairfield are just some of the many mouth-watering stops along this trail. 

l’escale restaurant bar in Greenwich

Book Your New England Vacation at the Delamar

For a getaway you will truly savor, visit one of our Connecticut Delamar locations, each home to an award-winning restaurant. Artisan Southport offers a New England-style farm-fresh dining experience in a beautiful courtyard. Be sure to try out our Warm Lobster Rolls made with fresh tarragon, chives and clarified butter! L’escale, our Mediterranean–inspired restaurant, has a waterfront view right on the harbor in Greenwich. And Artisan West Hartford, boasts a stunning garden and outdoor patio.

Location is key when visiting Connecticut. With three distinct hotels throughout the state, Delamar provides the ideal home base as you explore our culinary history. Venture out and sample the flavors of New England. Then, return to Delamar where you will enjoy the utmost level of excellence, luxury in hospitality and the sweetest dreams.