In the upscale New England town of Farmington, Connecticut, there are many stately homes, great schools and delightful shops and galleries. There are also several fine dining restaurants located in Farmington, Ct. Most of these restaurants have been there for many years, if not generations. At least two of these eateries are situated on the banks of the Farmington River, providing spectacular views for diners.
Presented here, is an objective and concise guide to the top fine dining restaurants in Farmington, Connecticut.
A) Ann Howard Apricots..1593 Farmington Ave, Hartford, Ct..(860)673-5405
This top- of- the- line restaurant, which is located on the banks of the Farmington River, offers the finest in American and Continental dining. The luxurious, well- appointed interior provides a romantic setting, while seasonal outdoor dining next to the river is a truly sensual delight. Since 1983, Farmington, Ct area residents have flocked to Ann Howard Apricots to enjoy the fine dining, superb wines and genteel surroundings.
Appetizers here include Chinese five- spiced fried calamari and wild mushroom strudel. Homemade chicken pot pie, grilled swordfish and braised Black Angus beef are some of the pub favorites. Lunch is served on weekdays at this fine dining establishment in Farmington, Ct. Outstanding lunch items include a BLT salad, Apricot’s reuben, grilled Black Angus burgers, panini sandwiches and a deep- fried oyster roll. Dinner entrees include rack of lamb, grilled quail, filet mignon and sauteed filet of salmon. Fantastic homemade desserts, great coffees and an impressive wine list are also featured at this wonderful restaurant. When combined with the high- level of professional service featured here, each of the individual components add up to a first- class fine dining experience.
B) Chuck’s Steak House..788 Farmington Ave, Farmington, Ct..(860)677-7677
Located at the intersection of Rts 4 and 10, this excellent fine dining restaurant serves dinner seven nights a week. As the name implies, steaks are the main focus here, and they certainly know how to cook them masterfully. A wide variety of steak cuts and preparations are featured, as well as several excellent chicken and seafood dishes. Their filet mignon and prime rib are particularly exquisite. Great salads and desserts, a nice wine list and quality service are also featured here.
C) The Grist Mill Restaurant..44 Mill Lane, Farmington, Ct..(860)676-8855
Also located on the banks of the Farmington River, this elegant restaurant provides fine dining in a beautiful setting. Seasonal outdoor dining is very popular at this quiet, romantic spot. Hearty soups and fresh, dynamic salads are great starters here. The largely- traditional lunch and dinner menus feature a variety of beef, chicken, veal and seafood dishes. Standout luncheon menu items include; grilled breast of capon with mixed greens, pan- seared swordfish chunks with caesar salad, pasta with Bolognese(meat) sauce, beef stroganoff and filet of lemon sole. Grist Mill Signature Dishes served at dinner include; rack of lamb, sauteed calves liver, braised Osso Bucco and their legendary Dover sole amandine. A large, comprehensive wine list is featured, as are some excellent desserts. A tavern / patio menu and a wonderful Sunday brunch are also served here.
D) The Silo Restaurant..330 Main St, Farmington, Ct..(860)677-0149
A warm and friendly place, the Silo Restaurant has a way of making patrons feel comfortable almost immediately. A piano bar and intimate cocktail lounge provide a romantic backdrop for all sorts of special occasions. Set in an actual silo, or barnlike structure, this Farmington, Ct fine dining establishment regularly offers only the best in food, service, atmosphere, quality and value. Some of the outstanding menu items here are their legendary steak Diane, prepared tableside, sea bass wrapped in parchment paper, prime rib, Dover sole and veal Oscar. Desserts and coffees are very good. In addition to being a great fine dining restaurant, the Silo is an architecturally and aesthetically interesting place to visit.
E) The Stonewell Restaurant..354 Colt Hwy, Farmington, Ct..(860)677-8955
Since 1976, this warm and comfortable establishment has been a fine dining destination spot for many Farmington, Ct area residents. American dishes, seafood, pasta and steaks are prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Three dining rooms, a full bar and banquet / party rooms are available for all occasions.
Their lunch menu features items such as sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, salads and chicken marsala, jumbo sea scallops, chicken jambalaya and Black Angus sirloin. Outstanding dinner items here include veal Jerusalem, Stonewell steak, roast turkey dinner and Hawaiian delight. Over 40 wines and several superb desserts are also offered. An interesting feature of this dynamic restaurant, is the inclusion of paintings done by the chef / owner, which grace the walls of the dining rooms.
