CT Hospitality Industry Names Top Restaurants And Chefs Of 2025

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Restaurant Association announced the winners of its annual CRAZIES awards in a celebration at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Monday night.

Community Table in New Preston, the Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year, won Connecticut Restaurant of the Year, and Ashley Flagg of The Laurel in West Hartford was named Chef of the Year.

Additional finalists for Restaurant of the Year included Fairfield County Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien; Hartford County Restaurant of the Year, Le Mazet in West Hartford; Middlesex County Restaurant of the Year, Grano Arso in Chester; New Haven County Restaurant of the Year, Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven; New London County Restaurant of the Year, Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington; Tolland County Restaurant of the Year, Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland; and Windham County Restaurant of the Year, Anya in Thompson.

Other awards handed out Monday:

• Service Team of the Year: The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel, Madison
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Julien Tessier of Julien’s Farm Store, Granby
• Bar & Beverage Team of the Year: I Know You Know, New Britain
• Restaurant Newcomer: Bar Bushido, Norwalk
• People’s Choice: Dew Drop Inn, Derby

Previously announced awards include:

• Restaurateur of the Year: Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta, at multiple locations
• Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame: Spartan Restaurant & Bar in Waterbury and Willimantic Brewing Company in Willimantic
• Caterer of the Year: Riverhouse Catering in Haddam
• Vendor of the Year: Athletic Brewing Company in Milford
• Friend of the Industry: Anthony Anthony - Chief Marketing Officer, State of Connecticut