A new wave of culinary excitement is sweeping through Connecticut. According to an article dated May 22, 2025, nine new restaurants with various concepts are set to open across Connecticut in June. From a fondue specialty restaurant to a Japanese cocktail bar, these new establishments, poised to offer diverse dining experiences, are already generating high anticipation among local residents and food enthusiasts alike.
New Haven: From Michelin-Recognized Eateries to Unique Fondue
Kung Fu Kitchen
Kung Fu Kitchen, newly opened in New Haven, is drawing attention as one of the few Michelin Guide-affiliated restaurants in Connecticut. This dim sum and handmade noodle specialist, started by Chinese actor Peter Song in Flushing, New York, was previously recognized with a 'Bib Gourmand' by the Michelin Guide at its 8th Avenue, Manhattan branch. The Bib Gourmand is an esteemed title awarded to restaurants offering "exceptionally good food at moderate prices."
The Michelin Guide praised Kung Fu Kitchen, stating, "Hand-pulled or knife-cut noodles are stir-fried with mouthwatering toppings, and the variety of dim sum is so extensive it’s hard to choose. The herb-infused pork and shrimp wonton soup is well worth the 20-minute wait, and you can also enjoy pan-fried Peking duck bundles, scallion pancakes with sliced beef, and even steamed buns filled with mushrooms." Kung Fu Kitchen offers a wide range of dishes, including stir-fried noodles (chicken, pork, duck, squid, etc.), steamed buns, and dim sum (spring rolls, scallion pancakes, preserved pig ears, cold sliced beef tripe, etc.).
Address: 32 Orange St., New Haven Website: https://www.kfkitchennyc.com
Melting Pot
Connecticut’s only Melting Pot restaurant opened on the New Haven Coliseum site on May 16. Melting Pot specializes in fondue, where guests can enjoy a sensory and social experience, dipping meats, vegetables, and fruits into bubbling, smoky cheese.
All tables are equipped with induction cooktops that power the fondue pot and grill pan without an open flame. Guests can enjoy a fondue course featuring Gruyere, Raclette, Cheddar-lager blend, or Fiesta fondue served with bread and fresh produce. Main course options include duck breast, Memphis dry-rubbed pork, petit filet, Atlantic salmon, and wild mushroom ravioli. For dessert, there’s the 'Flaming Turtle,' featuring melted milk chocolate or caramel and candied pecans. Melting Pot began in Florida in 1975 and previously had a location in Darien from 2005 to 2023, which closed due to lease renewal issues.
Address: 20 George St. Suite 2, New Haven Website: https://www.meltingpot.com
116 Cocktail Bar by Hachiroku
The former cocktail bar '116 Crown' reopened in March as '116 Cocktail Bar by Hachiroku' under a new name and ownership. This bar is the latest addition to the Hachiroku brand. The Hachiroku Restaurant Group started with Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar on Orange Street, followed by Hachiroku Handroll Sushi Bar on State Street, and last summer, 'The Loop by Hachiroku,' a Japanese market, kitchen, and wine and sake bar.
The new 116 Cocktail Bar by Hachiroku's menu encompasses both food and drinks. Small plates include truffle fries, miso fried chicken, gyoza, and miso black cod, while medium plates feature beet carpaccio with pickled mushrooms, Hokkaido scallop crudo, and bluefin tuna toro. The drink menu highlights Japanese spirits, such as a Vesper Martini made with Oka Yuzu Vodka and Roku Gin, and an Old Fashioned with Suntory Toki and black sesame. There's also a dedicated section for unique Japanese spirits like Shochu.
Address: 116 Crown St., New Haven Website: https://www.116byhachiroku.com
Bethel & West Hartford: From Casual Dining to Global Cuisine
Better In Bethel
The 'Better In Bethel' (B.I.B.) restaurant opened on the first floor of the Opera House at Depot Place in Bethel in late March. Restaurant owner Elmond Blakaj told CT Insider that the new restaurant's menu features American cuisine with "a little bit of everything in the world." It offers a variety of dishes, from Tex-Mex nachos and tacos to fresh seafood and pasta. Blakaj is a veteran restaurateur with 20 years of experience and is part of the ownership group behind 'Barnwood Grill,' which has locations in Newtown and Yorktown Heights, New York.
Address: 186 Greenwood Ave., Bethel Website: https://www.bibrestaurant.com/home
Jersey Mike's
The sandwich chain Jersey Mike's opened its first West Hartford location on May 14. Franchise owners Sarah Russell and Brian O'Hagan told CT Insider they are excited to be part of the West Hartford community. The restaurant is located in a newly constructed development in the Prospect Plaza parking lot in West Hartford. The chain operates 44 other locations throughout Connecticut. Jersey Mike's offers a variety of sub sandwiches, including hot and cold options, boasting menu items such as chicken salad, buffalo chicken, ham, and steak.
Address: 18 Kane St., West Hartford Website: https://www.jerseymikes.com
Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness opened its fifth Connecticut location in West Hartford on May 15. This Asian chain restaurant specializes in teriyaki bowls, featuring chicken teriyaki, orange chicken, chicken katsu, salmon, and tofu. Appetizer options include crab rangoon and egg rolls. The new restaurant is operated by Kevin Koropatkin and his wife Ken Schanke, along with Audrey Poynton, who also run other fast-casual restaurants in Avon, Enfield, Hamden, and Manchester.
Address: 259 Prospect Ave., West Hartford Website: https://teriyakimadness.com
Darien & Stamford: From Steakhouses to Hot Chicken
Roots Ocean Prime
Roots Ocean Prime opened in Darien's Grove Street Plaza in April, after a delay of approximately two years. The restaurant was initially announced in April 2023, with an expected opening in late that year. Roots Ocean Prime is owned by the New Jersey-based Harvest Restaurant Group, which operates 13 restaurants and a catering business in northern and central New Jersey. The Darien Roots Ocean Prime is the fifth Roots Steakhouse location and the second Ocean Prime concept restaurant. This marks Roots Ocean Prime's first venture outside of New Jersey, featuring a traditional steakhouse menu alongside an extensive seafood selection.
Address: 14 Grove St., Darien Website: https://rootssteakhouse.com
Dave's Hot Chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken opened its third Connecticut location on May 9 in Stamford's Ridgeway Shopping Center. This fast-casual chain specializes in Nashville-style chicken tenders, selling sliders, fries, kale slaw, pickles, mac and cheese, and Dave's dipping sauce. The menu also includes various slushies and shakes with toppings like Lucky Charms, Oreo, and M&M's.
The new Stamford location is part of the brand's ongoing efforts to expand across Connecticut, operated by franchise owner Chris Johnson, who partnered with Dave's Hot Chicken in 2022 to open eight locations in the southern part of the state. The following year, Dave's Hot Chicken announced plans to open four additional restaurants in the Hartford area in collaboration with franchise owner John Coughlin. The first Connecticut location opened on Boston Post Road in Milford in January, and the second opened in Newington along the Berlin Turnpike in mid-March. Dave's Hot Chicken has been rapidly expanding across the U.S. since it began in 2017 when childhood friends set up a late-night hot chicken stand in a parking lot in Los Angeles.
Address: 2333 Summer St., Stamford Website: https://daveshotchicken.com
Old Greenwich: A New Meeting Place for the Local Community
Bosco's Bar & Grill
The Old Greenwich Social Club transformed into Bosco's Bar & Grill in early May. Restaurant entrepreneurs Dave Corbo and Jon Bosco acquired the former club space from its owner, Jed Simon. They installed new signage the week of May 11, and Bosco's Bar & Grill began operations. Corbo and Bosco first met 28 years ago while working at a grill pub next to the Old Greenwich train station. The duo also owns two Corbo's Deli locations in Stamford and Greenwich, 'The Clubhouse at the Griff,' a golf course in North Greenwich, and 'Harbor Point Pizza' in Stamford.
The restaurant partners aim to revitalize the space, which has been a community hub for many years. Bosco told CT Insider, "It’s going to be a family-friendly spot, and then after dinner it’s going to be a place for entertainment, for fun, for dreams. We’re hoping to make people feel welcome and want to come back." The restaurant menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, nachos, chili, and salads.
Address: (Expected to be the same as the former Old Greenwich Social Club address) Website: (Current website information not provided, but expected to be updated later)
These new restaurants, with their diverse concepts and menus, are expected to provide Connecticut residents with an even richer array of dining options and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy. Why not explore a new culinary experience in Connecticut this coming June?
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