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The CT Taste Train: Cultural Eats Along Connecticut’s Rail Line

Explore Connecticut’s vibrant culinary scene with the CT Taste Train—a curated guide to exceptional, authentic eateries within walking distance of train stations across the state. From Stamford to Hartford, each stop highlights top-rated restaurants with authentic flavors, conveniently located within a short walk from the station. Hop on board and enjoy this tasty tour of Connecticut's diverse culinary scene! 

This culinary trail was selected as the winning pitch from a collaboration with the University of New Haven’s Hospitality & Tourism Capstone class, showcasing the students’ vision for a flavorful, accessible, and culturally rich travel experience.

 

Southwest Corner

 

🚉 Stamford Station

  • Rinconcito Chapin Restaurant - Guatamalen | 0.4 miles
    Rinconcito Chapin is a cozy Guatemalan eatery offering traditional dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Çka Ka Qëllu – Mediterranean | 0.4 mile
    At Cka Ka Qëllu you'll enjoy Eastern European flavors in a unique space inspired by Albania's architectural past.

     

🚉 South Norwalk Station (SONO)

  • Capuli Cocina Latina - Latin | 0.3 miles
    A Latin fusion and Mex-Grill cuisine with bold flavors in a family-friendly setting.

  • Mecha Noodle Bar – Asian | 0.5 miles
    Head to Mecha Noodle Bar for Asian comfort eats, such as Vietnamese pho and Japanese ramen, served in a casual setting.

  • Himalaya Sono - Napalese | 0.5 miles
    Himalaya Sono is known for its authentic Nepali Tibetan fusion cuisine, served in a curated atmosphere.

     

🚉 Bridgeport Station

  • Ralph & Rich’s – Italian | 0.1 miles
    An elegant, old-school Italian restaurant featuring a bar & family-style Sunday lunches.

  • EAT Noodle & Rice – Vietnamese | 0.3 miles
    EAT Noodle & Rice specializes in pho and other Vietnamese favorites, all served in a comfortable and casual setting.

  • Super Taqueria Las Salsas – Mexican | 0.3 miles
    An iconic family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican dishes, such as tostadas and carnitas.

  • Pho Hong Thom – Vietnamese | 0.4 miles
    This family-run, neighborhood nook is known for its pho & other homestyle Vietnamese meals, served in unfussy surrounds.

     

🚉 Stratford Station

  • TD Vietnam Palace – Vietnamese | 0.1 miles
    Standard Vietnamese meals round out the menu at this family-owned restaurant with a mellow ambiance.

  • Shah’s Halal Food – Arab/Halal | 0.5 miles
    Shah's Halal restaurant dishes up quick and tasty bites such as cheesesteaks, gyros, and platters.

     

🚉 Milford Station

  • Don Rene Taqueria – Mexican | 0.2 miles
    Visit Done Rene for authentic Mexican fare such as tacos, empanadas, and churros, in a laid-back atmosphere.

  • Chimichurri Milford – Argentinian | 0.3 miles
    An Argentinean steakhouse serving empanadas and breakfast sandwiches in a comfortable setting.

  • El Barrio Latin Bar & Kitchen – Latin American | 0.1 miles
    El Barrio offers an upscale setting for elevated Latin American fare, plus signature cocktails, wine & beer.

  • Locke's Caribbean Kitchen – Caribbean | 0.1 miles
    A family-owned eatery serving up Caribbean flavors like jerk chicken and fried plantains, in a welcoming setting.

     

🚉 West Haven Station

  • Orale Tacos – Mexican | 0.4 miles
    Orale Tacos is known for its eclectic space and authentic eats, including tacos, empanadas, burritos, and other traditional Mexican meals.

  • El Buen Chapin – Guatemalan | 0.4 miles
    A casual restaurant offering pupusas, tacos, burritos, and other authentic Guatemalan dishes.

  • Sri Thai – Thai | 0.4 miles
    Sri Thai is a cozy space serving Thai staples, such as fried rice, curry, and bubble tea.

Housatonic & Naugatuck Valleys

 

🚉 Danbury Station

  • Brazas Market & Churrasqueira – Portuguese | 0.2 miles
    Brazas is a family-owned market serving up authentic Portuguese cuisine and delicious pastries. 

  • International Bakery Market & Butcher Shop – Brazilian & Portuguese | 0.4 miles
    This quaint Mom & Pop eatery specializes in Portuguese & Brazilian pastries, baked goods, and coffee.

 

🚉 Naugatuck Station

  • Chiangmai Thai Restaurant – Thai | 0.3 miles
    This local favorite serves flavorful Thai specialties such as drunken noodles, iced teas, and curry puffs in a warm and relaxed setting.

  • Salvadoreños Restaurant – Salvadoran | 0.5 miles
    A family-owned, hidden gem that specializes in home-style cooking from El Salvador and Central America.

New Haven Corridor

 

🚉 New Haven Union Station

  • Madeline's Empanaderia – Caribbean | 0.4 miles
    Madeline's is known for its creative empanadas served in a lounge setting. They also offer events, culinary classes, and a full bar.

  • Rice on Fire – Chinese | 0.4 miles
    Head to this casual eatery for flavorful hibachi-style dishes.

  • Ninth Square Market Too – Vegan Caribbean | 0.5 miles
    Ninth Square Market Too offers Caribbean vegan comfort food such as mac 'n' cheese and jerk tofu, along with gluten-free options.

  • Kung Fu Kitchen – Chinese | 0.5 miles
    Nestled in New Haven, Kung-Fu Kitchen is a Michelin-recommended Restaurant known for its authentic steamed buns (xiao long bao) and hand-pulled noodles.

 

🚉 New Haven State Street Station

  • It’s Thai Time – Thai | 0.1 miles
    This counter-serve restaurant offers classic Thai cuisine, including popular dishes like pad Thai and drunken noodles.

  • SOMOS Handcrafted Arepas – Venezuelan | 0.2 miles
    SOMOS is a family-owned restaurant serving Venezuelan eats, such as empanadas and arepas, in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Skapo Italian – Umbrian | 0.3 miles
    At Skapo Italian, you'll discover a low-key, family-run gem serving Italian standards & wine.

  • Wow Tikka – Indian Street Food | 0.2 miles
    Wow Tikka is a counter-serve Indian eatery with chill vibes, offering customizable meals, including vegetarian options.

  • Mr Cookbop – Korean | 0.3 miles
    An authentic Korean gukbap (국밥) restaurant specializing in hot soups served with rice, stir-fried dishes, and more, with a focus on traditional flavor.

  • La Fenice – Italian Gelato | 0.2 miles
    La Fenice is a local favorite offering authentic Italian gelato, crepes, coffee, pastries, and more.

Coastal Route

 

🚉 Madison Station

*Rail service to Madison is limited. Visit the Shoreline East website for train arrival and departure times.

  • Comomango Mexican Kitchen & Cantina – Mexican | 0.5 miles
    At Comomango you'll find Mexican favorites, such as tacos, mole, and margaritas, plus a Mexican brunch, served in a bright, eclectic setting.

  • Steamed – Chinese | 0.4 miles
    Enjoy this laid-back Chinese eatery offering comfort food, including popular soup dumplings and buns.

     

🚉 Old Saybrook Station

  • The Curry Queen – Indian | 0.6 miles
    The Curry Queen specializes in traditional Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, served in an easygoing space.

  • Mirsina’s – Greek/American | 0.5 miles
    Mirsina's is known for its homey atmosphere and homestyle Greek & American comfort foods, including desserts & coffee.

     

🚉 New London Station

  • Su & Sa Sushi – Japanese | 0.1 miles
    Su & Sa Sushi is a Japanese restaurant dishing out fresh sushi, curries, and salads in a cozy space.

  • Kin D Thai & Sushi - Thai
    This comfortable eatery offers a variety of Asian dishes, including sushi, Thai curries, and pad Thai.

  • Favorites Bistro Bar – Haitian/Caribbean | 0.2 miles
    This chic waterfront restaurant offers continental dishes with Caribbean twists, plus cocktails, beer, and wine.

  • Swad Tandoori – Indian | 0.2 miles
    Swad Tandoori offers an extensive menu of classic Indian dishes in a relaxed setting with traditional interior details.

  • Cinnamon Grille – Sri Lankan | 0.5 miles
    This Sri Lankan-Asian Fusion restaurant is known for its intimate setting and delicious, authentic cuisine.

  • Noodles & Rice Bistro - Thai
    Looking for great Thai food? Head to Noodles & Rice Bistro for yummy noodle dishes, curries, and other Thai classics offered in bistro surroundings.

  • Candy’s Chapina – Guatemalan | 0.3 miles
    This relaxed Guatemalan restaurant prepares comfort food and small plates, plus beer and cocktails.

Central Route

 

🚉 Wallingford Station

  • Rivas Taqueria – Mexican | 0.5 miles
    A casual counter-service eatery offering favorite Mexican dishes such as Birria, Carnitas, and Pollo Azado.

     

🚉 Meriden Station

  • Sazon Con Fuego – Dominican | 0.3 miles
    Enjoy Dominican dishes such as mangu and tres golpes at an authentic, counter-serve restaurant.

  • Mr. Taco – Mexican | 0.3 miles
    A casual eatery serving tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats, plus beer.

  • Banana Brazil – Brazilian | 0.4 miles
    This family-friendly buffet & grill offers authentic Brazilian barbecue and other favorites, like coxinha and pastel, in a relaxed setting.

     

🚉 Berlin Station

  • 7 Moons Thai Cuisine – Thai | 0.6 miles
    Enjoy Thai favorites, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a relaxed and comfortable space.

     

🚉 Hartford Union Station

  • PhoGo Express – Vietnamese | 0.4 miles
    PhoGo Express is known for its authentic Vietnamese eats, including pho, banh mi, rice bowls, and more in a casual setting.

  • Dhaba Wala – Indian | 0.5 miles
    Head to Dhaba Wala for a taste of traditional Indian street food, Indo-Chinese, tandoori & vegetarian dishes.

  • Banh Meee – Vietnamese | 0.3 miles
    At Banh Meee you'll find counter service in a rustin interior with classic banh mi sandwiches, bubble tea, pho & more.

  • Salute – Italian | 0.5 miles 
    Salute offers a chic atmosphere and upscale Italian menu of flavorful pastas & grilled dishes.

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