Experts Choose Restaurants In Chester And Essex

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — Foodies take note; the winners of the annual Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Choice Poll are in and the Tri-Town community of Essex, Chester and Deep River is well represented.

In all, 320 restaurants throughout the state made the list in 36 categories ranging from cuisine to overall excellence.

The overall excellence expert’s pick category is of considerable recognition because only 15 restaurants make this prestigious list each year. According to the Connecticut Magazine article, these restaurants are selected independently of the reader’s choice survey results and represent the best in Connecticut dining.

On that short list of excellence is Chester’s own, famed Grano Arso. Deemed the 2018 Newcomer of the Year by Connecticut Magazine previously, and 2019 Connecticut Restaurant Association Restaurant of the Year. The fine food eatery landed another win with the magazine’s experts.

“Grano Arso has survived and thrived to offer some of the most creative, delicious Italian food in a state which features stiff competition in the category. The former turn-of-the-century bank building provides an attractive setting throughout, with a special private dining room made from the vault, recently used to feature a cocktail made in partnership with Highclere Castle Gin of Essex and the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon," said the Connecticut Magazine article.

It went on, “…chef Joel Gargano makes full use of seasonal produce from the local farmers market, which convenes a stone’s throw from the restaurant, and Wellstone Farm in Higganum. From drinks to small plates to pastas made from the burnt grain which gives Grano Arso its name."

In addition to Grano Arso, several other Essex and Chester restaurants were mentioned on the Reader’s Choice list, in different categories, in Middlesex County including:

New Restaurant- Hot French Chix, Chester

Italian Expert’s Choice – Grano Arso, Chester

Mexican Expert’s Choice – Los Churros Cantina, Essex

Steakhouse Reader’s Choice – Brushmill by the Waterfall, Chester

Lunch Reader’s Choice – Olive Oyl’s, Essex

Honorable Mention – The Griswold Inn, Essex

Read the full story from Connecticut Magazine here.