Conveniently off of the 202, a major roadway in Litchfield County, the Litchfield Saltwater Grille is an upscale seafood and steak restaurant featuring a raw bar. The spacious restaurant takes pride in offering the freshest organic and local produce and meats. The restaurant regularly has special events such as their "farm-tot-able" series, wine dinners at local farms where their produce comes from. Signature dishes served include their Blue Point oysters on the half shell and the Famous Saltwater Lobster Roll, which is meat from a whole lobster stuffed in a toasted hot dog roll and topped with butter. Saltwater Litchfield Grille also caters and can hold small wedding receptions in their four dining rooms.
Part of a growing chain of upscale restaurants, the Carmen Anthony Fishhouse in Woodbury features fresh fish and huge Maine lobsters. Carmen Anthony Fishhouse has consistently won awards for its food and wine. Connecticut Magazine named it the best seafood in Litchfield County for 2011. Wine Spectator gave Carmen Anthony Fishhouse an Award of Excellence in 2010. The wine bar at the restaurant is more than 10 feet tall, and bartenders have to use a library ladder to reach the highest shelves. Popular items at the restaurant include their famous Potato Encrusted Crab Cake and their New England Clam Chowder. Chandeliers from Spain hang from the ceilings, and the dark wood paneling gives the restaurant a steakhouse feel. The standout piece in the dining room, however, is the nine-foot tall bronze mermaid statue.
The River Bistro in New Milford specializes in Spanish-style seafood and steak. Spanish art adorns the walls of the restaurant, which has both a dining room and a more casual tavern. The River Bistro has a tapas menu and features an extensive list of Spanish, Italian and French wines. Live entertainment is offered on the weekends. Their house specialty, Paella Valenciana -- a popular Spanish rice dish, includes shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari and fish.
