768 Bantam Rd. | 860-567-3357
For more than 20 years, Bantam Pizza has been serving hot oven grinders, salads, chicken wings, spaghetti, pizzas, of course, and more (lasagna, manicotti, ravioli, stuffed eggplant), in the heart of Bantam.
19 West St. | 860-361-9400
Ollie’s has a sweet little spot across from the Green and next to the former courthouse. Sit in the window, order a craft beer, and watch the world walk by as you enjoy gourmet pizza—or sandwiches, wraps, burgers, grinders, and salads, as well as entrees that include spaghetti with meatballs and chicken Marsala.
51 West St. | 860-361-6861
Across from the Green in a spot that emphasizes the outdoor dining, DiFranco’s is a family-friendly Italian restaurant with a menu that has everything you want: wings and fried calamari, lots of salads, pizzas, seafood, burgers and steaks, chicken Parm, calzones, and even gluten free pasta. *Outdoor dining.
324 Bantam Rd. | 860-567-3980
Fried goat cheese balls were a recent special—so this is more than an average pizza place. Bohemian is festively and uniquely decorated to suit its name, and the popular spot has a bit of a cult following for its pizzas—though the menu goes far beyond, from “dips and apps” that include mozzarella sticks and wings to salads, tacos and quesadillas, as well as dessert. *Outdoor dining.
625 Torrington Rd. | 860-482-6246
A trattoria-style Italian restaurant on the Torrington side of Litchfield, Da Capo serves contemporary interpretations of Italian classics, as well as New York-style thin crust pizza, in a casual atmosphere with tin ceilings, exposed brick and soft lighting. *Outdoor dining.
1293 Bantam Rd. | 860-567-9356
Located along Route 202 southwest of Bantam on the way to Mount Tom Pond, Gooseboro Drive-In is a popular roadside spot for burgers, hot dogs, onion rings & fries, and ice cream + Sundaes that’s been around since 1961! In the summer of 2021, Gooseboro won the first annual Dog Days of Summer Hot Dog Contest … and was named Top Dog!
*Outdoor dining.
123 Bantam Lake Rd. | 860-567-9869
Across the side street from Bantam Cinema on Route 209, Wood’s Pit is a haven for BBQ lovers, with staples like pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, BBQ chicken, and St. Louis-style pork ribs, and specials like pork belly burnt ends and a mac’n’ cheese skillet with BBQ. Desserts tend toward classics like cheesecake, apple crisp, and blueberry/peach cobbler.
449 Bantam Lake Rd. | 860-567-8000
Inspired by the seafood havens on Cape Cod, West Shore Seafood offers a classic roadside seafood experience across Route 209 from Bantam Lake; think of lobster dinners and friend clams and you get the idea. There’s outdoor seating in the seasonal tent or at picnic tables in the garden (dogs welcome), and the full menu is also available for take-out. Adding to the appeal, there’s also a fresh seafood market for those who want to do the cooking at home. *Outdoor dining.
43 West St. | 860-567-3885
A longtime favorite of the successful and famous (yes, George Clooney did stroll in one evening with Bill Murray and filmmaker Wes Anderson) West Street Grill features inventive New American cuisine in a sophisticated setting where owner and host James O’Shea, an engaging Irishman, makes the dining experience unforgettable. *Outdoor dining.
25 West St. | 860-567-8307
The Village is that hometown tavern that’s been around and popular forever (seemingly) for the good food, good people, fine hospitality, and warm setting. It’s the kind of place where you can have a craft beer at the bar or settle into a table (inside or out) for comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, rigatoni Bolognese, or chicken Parmesan—or slightly more adventurous fare like horseradish-crusted salmon. *Outdoor dining.