6 Restaurants Not in the Danbury Area That Are Worth the Drive
One of life's pleasures is spending an evening with good friends at an amazing restaurant.
I absolutely love going out for dinner! I would dine out five nights a week if I could afford to. I've written about many a Danbury area restaurant but for this blog, I'll be turning you on to some mighty fine restaurants that are not in the greater Danbury area but are most definitely worth the drive.
- 1
The Golden Lamb Buttery - Brooklyn CT
My guess is you most likely weren't even aware there was a town called Brooklyn in Connecticut. This small New England town is located in the northeast corner of Connecticut near the Rhode Island border and is the home to one of the very best restaurants in Connecticut.
Rated by Zagat.com as 'extraordinary to perfection' the Golden Lamb is a reconditioned old barn with a bunch of funky antiques, memorabilia, and family treasures. The menu is traditional prix-fixe and the vegetables are all served family style.
Reservations are an absolute must. Check out some of the rave reviews on tripadvisor.com. and then scan their menu at thegoldenlamb.com.The Golden Lamb is a bit of a hike as in almost two hours from Danbury to Brooklyn.
- 2
Arethusa al tovolo - Bantam CT
Arethusa in Bantam was a winner in Connecticut Magazine's Best Restaurant edition for 'overall excellence.' I have not personally sampled their food but my wife, Mindy has had the privilege and told me that the butternut squash ravioli was orgasmic!
Trip Advisor reviewers give the duck an A+++ along with the Roasted Sea Bass and the Prime Striploin of Beef. This is another bucket list restaurant for any foodie. Sample their menu at arethusaaltovolo.com.
- 3
The Good News Cafe - Woodbury
Only 30 minutes from the center of Danbury, Carole Peck's Good News Cafe is one of my all-time favorite restaurants, The GNC was also one of the first 'farm-to-table' eateries long before the term was even invented.
If you like your food simple and uncomplicated, the GNC might not be for you. Just take a look at this menu. It's all handcrafted, seasonal, local, and organic as possible. If you have an adventurous palate, The Good News Cafe could become one of your favorite new eateries.
It was just named one of Connecticut's best American restaurants in CT Magazines latest Best Restaurant's Edition. Menu item recommendation - 'Lots of Lobster "Adult" Baked Macaroni.' Food orgasm guaranteed!
- 4
Union League Cafe - New Haven
As a Trip Advisor reviewer from Pennsylvania put it, "I would drive to Connecticut just to eat here!" That's how amazing this restaurant is often described.
Connecticut Magazine gives the Union League Cafe the hat trick with first-place awards for 'Best Fine Dining,' 'Best Romantic,'and 'Best French' restaurant in Connecticut. You'll need to put on your Sunday best for this eatery. You'll enjoy amazing food coupled with impeccable service.
I highly recommend the Butternut Squash Soup and the melt in your mouth Osso Buco. OMG!
- 5
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill - New Haven
If you're a hard core seafood lover like myself, Shell & Bones is a must! They earn the first place award for 'Best Fine Dining' seafood restaurant and 'Best Raw Bar' from Connecticut Magazine.
It's going to take you an hour to get there from Danbury and it is expensive but it's worth the drive and the money you'll spend. Whatever you do, order their New England Clam Chowder.
- 6
Whitehorse Country Pub & Restaurant - Marbledale
The Whitehorse is another one of Mindy's and my favorites because it's like walking into a true representation of what New England is all about. This place is loud, the food is outrageous, the bar area is funky, and they've got two fireplaces.
The Whitehorse was named 'Best Lunch' and 'Best Brunch' in the 2018 CT Magazine Best Restaurants's edition. Yes, I do have recommendations from their dinner menu. The 'Whitehorse Nachos' are a must but only if you're a table of four. 'The Steak Shepard's Pie,' The Chicken Pot Pie,' and the 'Chestnut Beer Slow Braised Short Ribs' are all to die for! And, the prices are extremely reasonable.