OUTrageous Restaurants – Outside Dining in The Litchfield Hills

Arethusa al Tavolo in Bantam has been a celebrated addition to the growing northwestern Connecticut culinary scene and a destination for local diners and. The Farm is now home to approximately 350 dairy cows, including some Grand Champion Show Cows. The milk, cream, yogurt, ice cream, butter and cheese from these cows is on showcase at the restaurant, which prides itself on exclusively using the farm’s dairy products, and for procuring only the finest ingredients for its daily menu.

If you are in the mood for fresh seafood or Italian specialties with a unique twist, East Street Eatery, with an outside patio overlooking the beautiful public Farmingbury Hills Golf Course in Wolcott is the perfect place. They also feature an enticing Grill Menu for lunch offering classic pub fare and a fully stocked bar with rotating taps, seasonal cocktails and their own signature Sangria recipes.

Sitting high above the northern shore of Lake Waramaug, the Hopkins Inn in Warren has welcomed travelers since 1847, where guests enjoy expansive views of the lake, the Berkshire foothills, and neighboring vineyards. The celebrated restaurant is renowned for its contemporary Austrian cuisine, with many recent additions that are distinctly American in flavor.

In the coming-together of romantic setting and divine cuisine, Executive Chef Chris Eddy of The Restaurant at Winvian Farm in Morris creates fresh, spontaneous and imaginative farm-to-table menus on one hundred thirteen acres of heaven on earth, a lighthearted oasis of peace, comfort and Five-Diamond Fine Dining in the Litchfield Hills, where fires are bright, sleep is tranquil, and the mind is free to play. How does that sound?

After 18 years as Saltwater Grille in historic Litchfield, Andy and Brook Stowers introduce Sage & Salt, with a new look and an exciting new menu offering modern American comfort cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The diverse menu features something for everyone: a great bar scene and happy hour; an impressive selection of craft beers, scotches, bourbons, and wines; and a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio.

The White Horse in New Preston is a British-influenced country pub – but it's considerably more than that. The atmosphere is one of its biggest attractions: fireplaces, exposed beams, British memorabilia, an eclectic collection of artwork, and four outdoor dining areas, including a deck and patio directly alongside the river – complete with natural waterfall. The broad menu features Prime Rib, steaks, burgers, Shepherd's Pie, seafood, chicken, salads, and more. With too many awards to mention (but here are a few from Connecticut Magazine's 2025 Reader Poll: Best Outdoor Dining Statewide, Best Fireside Dining, Best Brunch), The White Horse can't be missed.

“It’s not fast food, it’s GREAT food!” West Shore Seafood’s operating principle is simple: provide the freshest, gourmet quality seafood in a relaxed Cape Cod-style environment in Morris. Starting out as a tiny kitchen in a small portion of their building serving a handful of outdoor tables with just a few staff members, today they occupy the entire building, offering the same quality and atmosphere with more elbow room.

Community Table is a farm-to-table restaurant and bar in New Preston, serving seasonal American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. It became a popular Litchfield Hills destination for its thoughtfully prepared food, attractive cocktails, and warm hospitality – earning the distinction as Connecticut Restaurant Association's 2025 Restaurant of the Year. Outside dining in the garden is a highlight, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal as you take in the fresh breeze, peaceful surroundings, and natural beauty.

Reserve your cell – make that...table, at Market Place Tavern in Litchfield. This American tavern-style restaurant features an inviting outdoor patio that overlooks the Litchfield Green. Operating inside the restored 1812 Litchfield County Jail, its distinctive historic setting (authentic cell blocks frame the three-story bar) complements a broad menu of comfort food, craft beers, and cocktails. If you are granted an early release, it's a great lunch stop while exploring downtown.

The Village Restaurant is a longstanding American eatery and gathering spot on the historic Litchfield Green, well known for combining traditional New England comfort food crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. A lively pub atmosphere, quieter dining room, and comfortable outdoor seating on West Street make this a popular destination.

The 202 Tavern is a casual bar and grill in New Preston, offering traditional American fare, from hearty burgers and steaks to crisp salads and fresh seafood. And their house-smoked BBQ from "The Pit" is always a hit, as is dining on the spacious outdoor covered patio overlooking the Aspetuck River. This popular gathering spot for lunch, happy hour, and dinner combines a relaxed vibe with a broad menu – one of the better outdoor dining values in the area and a great choice for families.

A standout in the Litchfield dining scene, Materia Ristorante in Bantam is an upscale eatery known for its seasonal approach to contemporary Italian cuisine and refined European-style hospitality. House-made pasta, carefully sourced ingredients, distinctive wines, and comfortable outdoor seating draw people from all over the area. Recognition from the Connecticut Restaurant Association for Best New Restaurant in 2022, and Connecticut Magazine as one of the state's Top 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in 2023 and Best Restaurant in Litchfield County in 2024 are testaments to their dedication and success.

West Street Grill in Litchfield is one of America’s first great regional restaurants, serving creative modern cuisine to a discerning clientele in a gorgeous atmosphere featuring al fresco dining overlooking the historic Litchfield Green. Located in historic and scenic Litchfield, visitors come from across Connecticut, the Berkshires and metropolitan New York City to enjoy a menu of French- and Italian-inspired bistro and trattoria fare grounded in classical, modern, regional and rustic traditions.