Whether you're on a business trip or have chosen to take much needed rest in Litchfield, Connecticut, you're probably wondering where there are any good restaurants in town. Because of the quite affluent people who live there, the city can brag about having some of the best restaurants in Connecticut. It's up to you to decide how much you want to spend and whether you are looking for a casual or a formal place to have dinner.
This restaurant is also called the Captain William Bull Tavern, as it is referred to in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tollgate Inn was a way-station that began taking in guests in 1745 and has evolved into its present and very popular form. This restaurant is quite expensive but it's worth the money. Appetizers include a panko crusted crab cake on a plate of field greens with a lemon aioli, firecracker calamari that are lightly dusted in rice flour and deep fried served with a sweet and spicy red pepper sauce or prosciutto wrapped shrimp with sage roasted butternut squash and an aged balsamic drizzle. For an entree, choose the likes of Australian rack of lamb seared with a garam masala rub served with garlic mashed potatoes and a pomegranate molasses drizzle or pan seared organic Irish salmon with french lentil "risotto," baby arugula, thyme and beurre blanc.
Tollgate Hill
571 Torrington Rd
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-1233
tollgatehill.com
When you enter the West Side Grill, you will be met by the owners, Jim O'Shea and Charles Kellerman, who will effusively greet you as they have been doing since they went into business together more than 20 years ago. Unlike many restaurants, the West Side Grill will have you satisfied without being stuffed to the gills. The menu is ingenious and the food is light at well prepared. Start your meal with an appetizer such as avocado that's stuffed with crabmeat with pickled ginger; peanuts, cilantro, scallions and passion fruit gelee; or poached bosc pear in red wine with gorgonzola, cinnamon spiced walnuts, Belgian endive and pomegranate drizzle. For an entree, you can choose from dishes like pan roasted Scottish salmon with French lentils, red cabbage relish celeriac remoulade, horseradish creme fraiche or duck confit with asparagus, potato gnocchi, butternut squash, golden raisins, cashews and curry emulsion.
West Street Grill
43 West St.,
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-3885
weststreetgrill.com/
Open since 2006, The Litchfield Saltwater Grill serves contemporary American food and is located in a home in Litchfield Hills. When possible, the restaurant features organic food---much of which comes from the owner's garden. The restaurant's wine list is heavy on vintages from smaller American vineyards and many can be purchased by the glass. Seated in one of the four dining rooms or on the covered porch, you will marvel at the interesting, seasonal menu. For example, you can choose an appetizer like blue cheese fondue or peanut chicken skewers. Entrees include grilled marinated hangar steak in a mushroom cognac sauce with garlic parsley fries or lemon sole with lemon caper butter, Texmati rice and fresh vegetable
The Litchfield Saltwater Grille
26 Commons Drive, Route 202
Litchfield, CT 06759
860.567.4900
litchfieldsaltwatergrille.org
