FOOD & DRINK Instagrammable America: The 22 Best Restaurants in Connecticut for Likable Food Pics OCTOBER 7, 2021 – 8:30 AM – 1 COMMENT 5 Kelli Acciardo By KELLI ACCIARDO @kelliacciardo Pepe's Pizza (Pepe's Pizza) Welcome to Instagrammable America, where we scour the states for the best places to eat and drink, because if you didn’t ‘gram it, did you even try it? Burgers, pizza, lobster rolls, repeat. Okay obviously Connecticut‘s culinary map offers a little more variety than this, but if we had to sum up The Nutmeg State’s ultimate food trifecta, these three items would definitely be at the head of the list. Followed closely by Connecticut-style hot dogs. Say what you will about pizza capitals of the country, but CT leads the charge on this one with award-winning pies in multiple cities. Lobster rolls get their own Connecticut spin, with warm buttered chunks of poached meat, in lieu of the cold lobster salad situation laden with mayo. And those burgers? As the story goes, the first was invented at New Haven mom and pop Louis’ Lunch in 1895—when Louis served up a specialty blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast—and thus, the most recognizable American sandwich was rumored to be born. Everything You Need to Know About Squid Game Dalgona Candy and How to Make It Related: 30+ Extremely Likable Dishes and Drinks in New York City When it comes to the best restaurants in Connecticut—and their top Instagrammed dishes—we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, with a little help from the pros. No one knows Connecticut’s beloved bites better than Stephanie Webster and Andrew Dominick of CTbites and Raenah Farina, aka Stamford Foodie. So, the next time you find your self hungry on the Gold Coast, or ravenous on Yelp googling best CT restaurants near me, consider these tried-and-true eateries first. And by all means, snap a pic for the ‘gram before digging in. Hoodoo Brown Barbecue in Ridgefield, CT It’s hard to narrow down in a blurb what Hoodoo Brown Barbecue does well. Let’s just say, everything. Regardless of your personal smoked meat preferences, do not miss their brisket, complete with a perfect rosy red smoke ring and outer bark effect, but it’s so damn juicy that it’s best described as wet.Then there’s the pork belly with a chicharron-like cracklin’ skin, served with a fresh salsa that they like to call “Hoodoo Voodoo.” And they have special days like Baby Back Wednesday, Prime Rib Thursday, French Dip Friday, and Tex Mex Tuesday (first Tuesday of each month) where they whip up birria tacos, BBQ empanadas, enchiladas, and more. I could go on and on about their Texas inspired ‘cue but it’s smart you go, order up a platter and try a bunch. —Andrew Dominick, CTbites Elm in New Canaan, CT We’ll start by saying: The closest thing you’ll get to a Double-Double, Animal-Style Burger outside of In-N-Out in LA, is in CT, at Elm. See evidence here. More than that though, Chef Luke Venner’s unparalleled pastas are the heart and soul of Elm. Although they change seasonally, all hell would break loose the day he takes the bucatini or hand-cut lumache sauced up in n’djua bolognese off the menu. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade Swyft in Kent, CT Sure Swyft has other things on their menu, and they are all tasty as heck, but their signature three-day fermented sourdough wood-fired, farm-driven, Neapolitan inspired pizzas are the bomb. The mozzarella is house-stretched, and the crust is perfectly charred with just the right amount of texture. Highlights include the Forager with king oyster mushrooms, delicata squash, bechamel, and sage, or The Alchemist with house made mozzarella, black garlic, miso, broccolini, and guanciale. We like everything they are doing here. —Stephanie Webster, CTbites Kissaki in Greenwich, CT Kissaki is well known for their superior omakase experience in New York City and the Hamptons, but they’ve thankfully brought their exceptional Japanese cuisine to CT with their Greenwich Ave location! The best seats in the small, yet stunning, house are arguably at the omakase counter, where you’ll get a bird‘s eye view of their Itamaes (sushi chefs) in action. All of the specialty nigiri that graces your tasting menu wooden plate is out of this world, as are the Kumamoto Oysters with honey dew gazpacho, daikon, Kaluga caviar and the Waygu Tartare with black garlic, puffed koji, horseradish creme fraiche.
Arriving in Water Mill during the apex of social distancing, this New York City–based sushi spot gave the people what they wanted in that moment: Finely tuned sushi to go, plus a charming, twinkly patio for outdoor dining. Many diners probably never realized there was a stunning indoor space and sushi bar awaiting them, too, but either inside or outside, the sushi and Japanese snacks—from a chirashi bowl topped with mounds of sea urchin to roasted figs with miso butter or nigiri sushi sliced like jewels—is considered and beautiful. Head chef Mark Garcia’s blistering knife skills yield a stunning signature omakase with evocative toppings such as toasted almonds or frizzled shiitake mushrooms. Futomaki, or "fat sushi rolls," are the exuberant counterpoint to Japanese-inspired restraint. Another Kissaki has since opened in Montauk, and one is on deck for Manhasset.
A new 20-seat omakase room, larger dining room, revamped outdoor patio, and knife-shaped bar have been added to the original location of this high-end sushi mecca, which expanded this year to a new East Hampton location and a Montauk pop-up. There is a 16-course omakase for $175, as well as smaller flights of six and nine pieces; a selection of futomaki rolls, and other a la carte offerings, including an indulgent “uni sundae’’ composed of toro tartare, uni, and black kaluga caviar over rice.
With a brand-new concept in East Hampton and a buzzy pop-up in Montauk, Kissaki is taking over the East End one creative culinary experience at a time.
One of our favorite Thai restaurants in NYC is collaborating with a Manhattan-based sushi spot on a summer-long residency in Montauk. It’s open every day at the Montauk’s Angler’s Club from noon-9pm until October 31st, and you can stop by for Southern Thai dishes, as well as a full Japanese menu from Kissaki.
With his Water Mill concept quickly becoming a local favorite this past year, restaurateur Garry Kanfer melds the high-quality sushi-grade fish Kissaki is already known for with a selection of crudos and robata grill items for his newest endeavor. An extensive beverage program includes bright and innovative cocktails that shine alongside the sake, wine and craft beer selection.
Kissaki is awarded a 2021 Michelin Plate.
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At a time when most Big Apple eateries are struggling to survive, Manhattan sushi restaurant Kissaki has been thriving, according to Kanfer — thanks to some pointed business decisions like importing fish directly from Japan, making a takeout-friendly menu, and investing in sushi-making robots.
Kissaki, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a 16-seat omakase bar, is delivering at-cost sushi boxes to workers at hospitals across NYC. They’re also providing two 3-ply hospital-approved masks with every meal delivered through a partnership with MIR Solutions Group. Since they began this initiative about a month ago, the restaurant has delivered approximately 1,400 free meals to healthcare workers.
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The executive chef at Kissaki in Manhattan has been bringing bluefin tuna, yellowtail and uni to hungry hospital workers using a car rented by restaurant owner Garry Kanfer.
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NYC-based Kissaki Omakase -a Japanese-Cuisine focused fine dining restaurant - has delivered over 800 meals to first responders as a thank you for their efforts in battling Covid-19. Since kick-starting the program in late March, they have received over $35,000 in meal purchases from friends and customers to keep our most critical doctors, nurses and hospital staff fed as they continue to work exhaustively to care for sick New Yorkers from the 5 boroughs and Long Island.
At Kissaki, Chef Mark Garcia brings his quirky and unconventional spin on sushi to lunch with dishes like the bluefin tuna with caviar, yuzu zest, and plum soy sauce; Buri, a type of Japanese yellowtail, served with soy sauce and pepper-infused butter; and broiled Kinmedai, a bright-red fish, served with a crispy, honey-infused radish garnish. Kissaki’s lunch menu features three sets: a $55, $85, and $125 option, each served with miso soup, nigiri, and a hand roll. Lunch service runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
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A sushi omakase restaurant is moving into the former Amato Opera House space. The fish and rice experts behind the menu are Mark Garcia, who was at Gaijin in Astoria, Queens, and Evan Zagha, who was at Brushstroke. Mr. Garcia will be doing the sushi, and Mr. Zagha will be in charge of the composed plates that will be part of a 16-dish tasting ($160). The restaurant will seat 26.
Kissaki — the anticipated new omakase restaurant from the popular chef behind former Astoria sushi bar Gaijin — opens today on the Lower East Side, at 319 Bowery, between First and Second Streets. Mark Garcia brings his quirky and unusual takes on sushi to his new restaurant in dishes like the bluefin tuna with caviar, yuzu zest, and plum soy sauce; Buri, a type of Japanese yellowtail, served with soy sauce and pepper-infused butter; and broiled Kinmedai, a bright-red fish, served with a crispy, honey-infused radish garnish. “I really want customers to come in here and have fun and have a laugh,” says Garcia. “I hope that comes across through my conversations with them.”
For authentic omakase miles from Japan, look no further than Kissaki. Located on the Bowery with a second outpost on the Upper West Side and a specially curated menu at the Gansevoort Rooftop, the intimate restaurant is ideal for a date night of primo sushi and sake. We recommend the 16-course flight for $150, because why not?
The super-hot omakase empire that’s taken the Hamptons and downtown by storm just opened an outpost on Columbus Avenue. Diners can enjoy great sushi inside or out. 286 Columbus Ave.,
A favorite among New York City foodies, Kissaki is all about elegant sushi and distinctive sake. Décor matches cuisine quality with clean lines, stylish Japanese minimalism and creative expression. In addition to unusual futomaki, beautifully presented omakase sets and creative nigiri, Kissaki’s chiffon cakes are a welcome and unusual surprise. Socially aware seating includes indoor podlike areas and a chic open-air patio.
NYC-based sushi outfit Kissaki has been on a tear, launching six locations in the last year alone. So don’t be surprised to hear that owner Garry Kanfer has a whole spate of them lined up for the Hamptons.
Less than a year ago, Kissaki came to Water Mill, bringing the sushi that took New York City by storm with it, and history repeated itself, with Hamptons visitors and locals falling in love with the Omakase delicacies. Chef Chris Park is bringing some of his most popular sushi to Dan’s Chefs of the Hamptons on Thursday, June 24.
After a successfully first season in Water Mill, Kissaki is expanding across the Hamptons this summer. Their Montauk pop up, Kissaki X Fish Cheeks, is now open at the Montauk Angler’s Club on East Lake Drive. Fish Cheeks is a NYC-based Thai favorite, and their partnership with Kissaki creates a fun array of signature dishes from both restaurants.
East Hampton and Montauk: Kissaki is in serious expansion mode. After opening an outpost in Water Mill last summer, owner Garry Kanfer has set his sights eastward, unveiling a robata and sushi restaurant called O by Kissaki at 47 Montauk Highway in East Hampton, and a collaboration with Fish Cheeks, Kissaki X Fish Cheeks at 467 East Lake Drive in Montauk.
Kissaki, known for its upscale omakase experience and high-quality sushi, is partnering with NYC Thai hot spot Fish Cheeks for a quick service pop-up at the Montauk Angler's Club this summer through the fall.
At a time when restaurants across the New York area started to struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic, somehow Kissaki on the Lower East Side managed to thrive.
With fish flown in weekly from Japan, an innovative sushi chef and two robots shaping rice, Kissaki may carve out it a new niche in Long Island's saturated sushi landscape. The sushi restaurant debuts in Water Mill Saturday, nearly five months after its first location opened (and then closed for a time) in New York City. As in New York, the takeout menu — the only one available until late June, when a patio opens — will be anchored by omakase boxes ($35 to $140) of nigiri sushi, sushi rolls (futomaki), and bespoke nigiri sushi using seasonal fish flown directly into JFK Airport each week.
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Lower East Side sushi restaurant Kissaki, which had been open for just a month before the dining room shutdown, has needed to wrangle new wholesale suppliers to maintain a new sushi takeout program, says managing partner Garry Kanfer. “I’ve been helping our chef out,” Kanfer says. “I’m doing a lot of things I didn’t do before. I just have to.”
Some high-end restaurants in New York City have stepped up to feed hoards of hungry healthcare workers as the city battles the coronavirus pandemic. Sushi restaurant Kissaki is one of such restaurants where the owner Mark Garcia prepared 50 meals for workers at Mount Sinai hospital in Manhattan on Tuesday.
It goes without saying that the COVID-19 crisis has been catastrophic for the restaurant industry, but many innovative businesses have found ways to continue providing food and services. There's delivery, takeout, online orders, food pantry donations—and now, there are sushi robots.
Nestled in Lower East Side Manhattan, Kissaki is a recent addition to New York’s food scene. With a minimalistic sushi bar, the restaurant is home to traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly with its omakase dining experience which means guests pretty much leave themselves, and their meal, in the hands of the chef who artistically pulls it together in front of them.
At this Lower East Side omakase restaurant from chefs Mark Garcia and Evan Zagha, the menu includes a dozen pieces of nigiri and four plates for $160. Eleven of the eatery's 26 seats are reserved for those who want cocktails and bites, and don't want to order off the full menu.
Kissaki is an upscale omakase sushi spot with a colorful space on Bowery. For $160, you get 12 pieces of nigiri plus four small plates.
