Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Wallingford

Food was delicious! Honestly there were so many interesting choices, it was a challenge to select just one... 'guess we wil have come back again and again!

Our second trip for brunch. We are obsessed with the Irish coffee. Best I have ever had, ever. Impeccable service, food and drinks. See you again very soon

Arethusa has always been a great experience. They sweat the details and operate as if they expect to be a perpetual 5 star restaurant. There are hints of well-considered minutiae everywhere you look. For example, a glass saucer arrived on a desert plate that had a small cutout of tacky shelf liner material. My guest and I were impressed that the shelf liner was there so the saucer wouldn't slide off the plate. Water is offered either carbonated or flat. You will be given complimentary fresh made bread, and probably a shot of cold cucumber soup (or seasonal flavor of their choosing). Flavors are expertly honed and curated. Plates arrive at the table photo-ready and impressively organized. Best to choose not to look at the menu prices, and cost is sort of besides the point here. It is as fancy a dining experience as you will get in the county of Litchfield, CT. Appetizers and entrees have relatively small portion sizes, but each bite is to be savored. The gourmet cheeseboard is a necessity, as is the savory lamb belly, as are the pork dumplings, as is the tuna tartare with homemade potato chips.... I have never had a bad morsel of food here. Staff is beyond attentive; telekinetic is a more apt word. They see and sense exactly when to engage and usually do the right thing at the right time. Bonus: they are also associated with a working dairy farm and make their own ice cream. And it is THAT good.

I attended the brunch with my three grandchildren. The y had an event that day for crafts and How the Grinch Stole Brunch. The Grinch was awesome, and the kids LOVED it! Food was awesome and waiter stopped by often. Will definately consider going here rather than other breakfast places!!

Fire at the Ridge is hands down my favorite place to eat. The food quality and the setting are perfect for an intimate dinner with friends or business associates. The fire pit seating particularly is a great way to spend an evening with friends catching up and enjoying a good meal. The service can get overwhelmed on busy nights translating to delays in ordering and food and drink delivery occasionally, but the staff is always friendly and helpful and the food and drinks are always more than worth the wait!