CRAZIES Awards 2025: Connecticut’s Best Chefs and Restaurants

The Connecticut dining scene got the spotlight at Foxwoods Resort Casino as the Connecticut Restaurant Association handed out its annual CRAZIES awards. The event celebrated standout restaurants, chefs, bars, and hospitality leaders from all over the state.

From New Preston to New London, and from New Haven to New Britain, this year’s honorees really show the depth and diversity of Connecticut’s culinary community.

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Connecticut’s Top Restaurant Honors at the CRAZIES

This year’s CRAZIES awards made it clear that the restaurant industry is thriving in towns like Hartford, Stamford, and Bridgeport—even with ongoing economic pressures. Diners are craving local flavor more than ever, and the places recognized at Foxwoods have genuinely risen to the top.

Community Table Named Connecticut Restaurant of the Year

Community Table in New Preston took home the night’s biggest prize: Connecticut Restaurant of the Year. The restaurant also won Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year, a rare double win that really cements its status as a destination for serious food lovers.

Community Table draws diners from as far away as Danbury and Waterbury. People come for its seasonal, locally driven menu and its welcoming yet refined style, along with a true commitment to Connecticut farms and producers.

County-by-County Standouts Across the State

The CRAZIES highlight top performers in each county, showing off the range of cuisines and ideas that define dining in Connecticut right now.

This year’s county winners included:

Fairfield County: Restaurant L’Ostal – Praised for its polished service and thoughtful, European-leaning cuisine.

Hartford County: Le Mazet – A rising star that’s helped put Hartford-area dining on the regional map.

Middlesex County: Grano Arso – A pasta-focused favorite that’s become a fixture for food lovers along the Connecticut River.

New Haven County: Gioia Cafe & Bar – Last year’s Restaurant Newcomer, now named New Haven County Restaurant of the Year.

New London County: Whitecrest Eatery – A coastal standout known for fresh, local ingredients.

Tolland County: Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza – Honored for the third year in a row as Tolland County Restaurant of the Year, which says a lot about its consistency and loyal following.

Windham County: Anya – A refined spot helping anchor the dining scene in northeastern Connecticut.

Newcomers, Neighborhood Favorites, and Bar Excellence

Beyond the county awards, the CRAZIES also give a nod to the energy of newcomers and the power of local favorites. These are the restaurants that keep seats filled in cities like New Haven, Norwich, and New Britain week after week.

Bar Bushido, Dew Drop Inn, and a New Bar Category

Bar Bushido in Norwalk won the Restaurant Newcomer award, marking it as one to watch on the Fairfield County scene. Its inventive approach has quickly caught on with diners looking for something different.

The Dew Drop Inn in Derby took home the People’s Choice award, showing just how devoted its regulars are and how far its reputation reaches across the state.

For the first time, the CRAZIES recognized a Bar & Beverage Team of the Year. That honor went to I Know You Know in New Britain, shining a light on the city’s emerging nightlife and bar culture.

Top Chefs, Restaurateurs, and Industry Leaders

The CRAZIES also honor the people and institutions that keep Connecticut’s hospitality engine running—from chefs and restaurateurs to vendors and caterers.

Award-Winning Chefs, Restaurateurs, and Hall of Fame Inductees

Ashley Flagg of The Laurel in West Hartford picked up Chef of the Year, which really highlights her reputation as one of the state’s most talented culinary leaders. Her work has helped make West Hartford a truly dynamic dining destination.

Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta received the Restaurateur of the Year honor, recognizing not just culinary quality but also the leadership it takes to run successful restaurants in a tough environment.

The Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame welcomed two new inductees: Spartan Restaurant & Bar and Willimantic Brewing Company. Both places have become pillars in their communities, known for longevity, consistency, and their contributions to local culture.

Anthony Anthony was named Friend of the Industry, a nod to his support and advocacy for restaurant and hospitality professionals throughout the state.

Vendors, Caterers, and the Backbone of the Industry

Rounding out the evening, the CRAZIES shined a light on the behind-the-scenes partners who keep kitchens running and events memorable.

Athletic Brewing Company grabbed Vendor of the Year for its innovative non-alcoholic craft beers. Their drinks have found a real place in restaurant beverage programs lately.

Riverhouse Catering picked up Caterer of the Year. Their team keeps raising the bar at weddings, corporate events, and special occasions all over Connecticut.

Whether you’re out on a quiet country road in New Preston or right in the middle of New Haven or Hartford, Connecticut’s dining scene keeps surprising people. The CRAZIES winners this year? They show just how much local talent and community spirit shape where we eat—and honestly, it never gets boring.

Here is the source article for this story: These restaurants, chefs won at the Connecticut Restaurant Association ‘CRAZIES’ Awards

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