Trattoria Amalfi: Mystic’s Hidden Gem Named Top U.S. Restaurant

Big news for Connecticut’s food lovers—Trattoria Amalfi in Mystic just landed among the nation’s best-kept dining secrets. Tripadvisor’s 2024 Traveler’s Choice Awards ranked this Italian spot ninth in the Top 25 “Hidden Gems” in the U.S.

It’s the only restaurant in all of New England to snag the honor. With its coastal-inspired Italian fare, Trattoria Amalfi has become a favorite for both locals and visitors.

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Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and warm, attentive service bring out the cozy charm Mystic’s known for. People seem to keep coming back for that experience.

A National Honor for a Coastal Connecticut Favorite

Tripadvisor’s “Hidden Gems” category highlights restaurants with real character, away from the usual tourist traps. For Trattoria Amalfi, this award puts it at the top not just in Mystic, but along the entire Connecticut shoreline.

Earlier this year, Connecticut Magazine also named it one of the state’s best Italian restaurants. That’s a pretty solid streak.

Only New England Spot on the List

Trattoria Amalfi stands alone as the only New England eatery on the list. It’s sharing the spotlight with big names from larger food cities, like Nashville’s 1 Kitchen, which took the number one spot.

Now, folks from Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Bridgeport—or even neighboring states—have a new reason to check out Mystic. Why not make the trip?

What Sets Trattoria Amalfi Apart

The menu’s the real star here—a mix of coastal ingredients and Italian tradition, but with a fresh twist. Tripadvisor reviewers pointed out a few things that really stood out:

Handmade pastas made fresh every day
Locally sourced seafood straight from southeastern Connecticut
Signature desserts that wrap up the meal just right
A relaxed but attentive service style that makes people feel at home
Multiple outdoor patios for those perfect Mystic evenings

More Than Just a Restaurant

With seating for 200, a full bar, and big patios, Trattoria Amalfi works for both quiet dinners and big celebrations. It’s part of the Shoreline Hospitality Group, which also runs The Mariner and Via Emilia around Mystic.

This cluster of restaurants is giving Mystic a real culinary identity.

Mystic’s Growing Culinary Prestige

Trattoria Amalfi isn’t the only one getting noticed. Local favorites like The Shipwright’s Daughter and Haring’s in Noank have also picked up awards lately.

All this buzz is pulling more attention to southeastern Connecticut, and even towns like Groton, Stonington, and Waterford are feeling it.

Why Food Tourism is Thriving in Connecticut

Connecticut’s food scene is all over the map—from Italian in Mystic to farm-to-table spots in Middletown. More travelers are heading here, hoping to mix a coastal escape with great meals.

Whether you’re wandering Old Saybrook’s shops, soaking up Essex’s history, or chasing new flavors in Norwalk, Connecticut’s food culture keeps drawing people in. There’s just something about eating well by the shore, isn’t there?

Planning Your Visit

If you’re heading to Trattoria Amalfi, here’s the move: show up hungry and don’t rush. On warm days, grab a table outside and soak up the sun.

Colder evening? The dining room inside feels just right—stylish but not stuffy. And hey, don’t skip dessert; it’s honestly one of the reasons folks call this place a “hidden gem.”

Trattoria Amalfi mixes fresh, local Italian dishes with some of the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere. There’s a real Connecticut coastal vibe here, but nothing pretentious.

This spot isn’t just for city folks—Mystic’s little secret welcomes everyone, whether you’re coming from Danbury, Greenwich, or even farther out.

Pro Tip: After your meal, wander along the Mystic River or pop into a few local shops. The town’s got a buzz lately, and it’s easy to see why food lovers and adventure seekers keep showing up.

Here is the source article for this story: This Connecticut restaurant is one of the best ‘hidden gems’ in US, travel site says

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