Best Casual Restaurants in Bantam

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

DutchessEl PasoFairfieldHartfordLitchfield CountyMiddlesex

Neighborhoods

AnsoniaAvonBerlinBranfordBrewsterBridgeport

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

77 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Market Place Tavern | Litchfield restaurant

1. Market Place Tavern | Litchfield

4.5

Awesome(300)

$$$$

• American • Litchfield

Booked 26 times today

Market Place Tavern is the latest concept and restaurant for Market Hospitality Group (MHG). The Tavern which overlooks the Litchfield Green, is the oldest public building in town and one of the oldest penal facilities in the state. It was built in 1812 to serve as a jail for British prisoners during the War of 1812. A cell block and a three-story wing with additional cell blocks, which now is part of the restaurant’s bar area, was added in 1846. The jail closed in 1992 and was used as a treatment center for men serving prison sentences. It shut down again in 1993 and reopened in 1994 as a rehabilitation center for women facing incarceration. When that center closed, the state decided to sell it.The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and features “American Tavern Food” with Craft Beers and Cocktails made with local spirits. We look forward to seeing you!

2. At The Corner

4.7

Exceptional(27)

$$$$

• American • Litchfield

Booked 12 times today

At @ The Corner, our mission is to offer a dynamic and innovative dining experience that reflects the diversity of modern American cuisine. We embrace global culinary influences, crafting seasonal menus that highlight the freshest local ingredients.

A photo of Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar | Shelton restaurant

3. Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar | Shelton

4.6

Exceptional(505)

$$$$

• Italian • Shelton

Booked 68 times today

At Mercato, a new-school Italian restaurant, we embrace our motto: Mangia, Bevi, Ridi—Eat, Drink, Laugh. Enjoy delicious pasta, pizzas, salads, and authentic Italian dishes crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.Join us in our warm, inviting atmosphere for a casual dinner or a special night out. At Mercato, eating, drinking, and laughing are at the heart of everything we do.

A photo of Tavern in the Square - West Hartford restaurant

4. Tavern in the Square - West Hartford

4.6

Exceptional(437)

$$$$

• American • West Hartford

Booked 66 times today

WE ARE YOUR neighbors.THIS IS YOUR tavern.Tavern in the Square West Hartford is a fun, exciting environment located in Corbins Corner. This location offers an open floor plan with a 60 seat bar. We feature 31 beers on draft, craft cocktails and delicious food created by our culinary team and executed in our scratch kitchen. Tavern West Hartford features a patio as well as a full open air environment when weather permits. If you are a sports fan, we have you covered with 23 TVs located throughout the restaurant. This is a phenomenal spot to celebrate a special occasion or just meet up with friends for an incredible dining experience

5. Fork & Fire

4.6

Exceptional(583)

$$$$

• American • Farmington

Booked 23 times today

Fork & Fire brings bold, ingredient-driven cooking to a warm and welcoming setting in the heart of Farmington, Connecticut. With a newly renovated interior and a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy elevated American cuisine without the fuss.Under the leadership of Chef Ayla Fontaine, the menu features creative, seasonal dishes that highlight quality and flavor. Carefully curated cocktail & mocktail lists alongside a variety of thoughtful beverage offerings round out the experience, making Fork & Fire a destination for any occasion.Easily accessible from anywhere in the Farmington Valley or Hartford County. Centrally located to popular destinations like Winding Trails, Tunxis Country Club, and the Hill-Farmstead Museum. Visit forkandfire.net to explore the menu and learn more!

6. Massi Co.

4.7

Exceptional(157)

$$$$

• Italian • Westport

Booked 48 times today

We are accepting limited WEATHER DEPENDENT reservations on our outdoor dining patio. Located in the original town hall building in the heart of downtown Westport, CT. Massi Co is a fun, creative take on Southern Italian-American fare serving brick oven Neopolitan pizza, homemade pasta, craft cocktails and natural wines. Clean, vibrant food and drink that represent the true spirit of Italy!Come try our house made pasta and sourdough pizza.

7. Ideal Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(723)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Southington

Booked 11 times today

Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern culinary innovation at Ideal Tavern. Located in the heart of Southington, we are a premier gastropub dedicated to serving elevated New American classics, curated craft cocktails, and a rotating selection of exceptional beers.The vision of veteran restaurateur Phil Parise—who is also the driving force behind local favorites Van’s and Echo Craft Kitchen—Ideal Tavern is built on a foundation of high-quality ingredients and a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere.Our menu features the signature award-winning wings by Phil Parise, a local staple recognized for their bold flavors and perfect execution. For those seeking a mid-week highlight, our Taco Tuesday has become a legendary event, consistently nearly sold out every week with creative, chef-driven features.Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner in our charming dining room or a vibrant night at the bar, Ideal Tavern offers an unforgettable neighborhood experience.

A photo of Market Place Kitchen & Bar | Avon restaurant

8. Market Place Kitchen & Bar | Avon

4.6

Exceptional(268)

$$$$

• American • Avon

Booked 20 times today

Welcome to Market Place Kitchen & Bar! We are a new Modern American Restaurant in the heart of Avon, CT. We celebrate and encourage local, organic and sustainably harvested food and spirits. The interior of our space is compiled of sustainable and local materials, utilizing beautiful 300 year old barn wood from the Gurski Farm in Brookfield, CT.We look forward to you trying our inventive, seasonally inspired cuisine and cocktails. Eat sustainably, live well, and enjoy your experience at Marketplace!

9. La plage

4.5

Awesome(1075)

$$$$

• American • Westport

Booked 6 times today

La Plage is a waterfront casual restaurant & oyster bar showcasing a coastal cuisine focused on locally harvested seafood and shellfish, garden fresh produce and sustainable meats, served in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Saugatuck River and Long Island sound. We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific table locations, however, please note that such requests are not guaranteed and are subject to ability and operational needs.

10. RyeBird

4.4

Awesome(76)

$$$$

• American • Fairfield

Booked 15 times today

Ryebird is a dining and drinking experience in the heart of downtown Fairfield, specializing in affordable New American cuisine and a curated bar program. A classic upscale neighborhood joint with carefully curated music and lighting, the ambiance evolves throughout the day. Ryebird is more than just a place to eat – it’s a vibe. Whether joining up with friends, or just wanting to chill. Ryebird is the perfect spot. A 3-minute stroll from the Fairfield train station, next to Sacred Heart Community Theater, steps away from the FTC, a premier live music venue with multiple stages. All-day menu has expertly prepared seafood, chicken, salads, sandwiches and pasta to mouthwatering steak specials and daily pre-fixed items that are sure to satisfy any craving. Creative cocktails perfectly complement your meal. Come in to enjoy a meal with friends or savor a quiet moment alone. Grab a drink or take your favorites to go. Bar seats are first come, first served. We accept walk-ins.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Angela
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a great time at Fork and Fire. Service was on point - everyone is smiling and seem happy to be working there. We had the two specials: lobster fettuccini and halibut. Both dishes were delicious. Cocktails were also very good and overall we had a lovely experience.
More info
Fork & Fire$$$$• American• Farmington
•
4.6
R
Richard
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very nice space with outdoor dining for those who like that. Inside dining is unique being an old prison. Food and service were excellent. Highly t.
More info
Market Place Tavern | Litchfield$$$$• American• Litchfield
•
4.5
A
Anuradha
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent restaurant! Great food, service and Ambience!
More info
Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar | Shelton$$$$• Italian• Shelton
•
4.6
S
Scott
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2026
Lively bar area with great food and service. Nice selection of craft beer as well. Ordered boneless chicken as an app. Large portions and delicious. A meal in itself.
More info
At The Corner$$$$• American• Litchfield
•
4.7
R
RachelGold
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 1, 2025
Just a perfect night made reservations for 7pm. We caught the sunset which added to our evening. The food was delicious, and our server was friendly.
More info
La plage$$$$• American• Westport
•
4.5

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