Eastern CT Eateries Get Restaurant Of The Year, Hall Of Fame Honors From Major Trade Group

TOLLAND, CT — Camille's, one of Tolland's go-to eateries, has been named regional restaurant of the year by a major state trade group.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association hosted a sold-out crowd of 1,500 guests on Monday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino to celebrate the restaurant and hospitality industry. Each year, the CRAZIES recognizes "the exceptional ability and talent" of Connecticuts hospitality community at the gala.

With the help of an expert media panel and more than 20,000 online public votes, the CRA was able to honor 21 coveted award winners from across the state. The event was attended by Governor Ned Lamont, who addressed the guests and offered words of support and encouragement to the industry.

"The seventh Anniversary of the CRAZIES Awards stands as another milestone moment for our association, for our industry, and for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents whose livelihoods are supported by hospitality," Connecticut Restaurant Association President and CEO Scott Dolch. said. "The excitement and energy of bringing together 1,500 industry professionals once again highlighted the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community—an economic force that represents nearly 10 percent of all jobs in our state. The CRAZIES continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, passion, and dedication that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to elevating this celebration year after year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to be part of this annual tradition."

One of the most significant awards of the evening was the Overall and County Restaurant of the Year Awards presented by Sysco.

The association handed out winners from each of the eight counties around the state and the eight winners were – Community Table in New Preston (Litchfield County); Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien (Fairfield County); Le Mazet in West Hartford (Hartford County); Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven (New Haven County); Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland (Tolland County); Grano Arso in Chester (Middlesex County); ANYA in Thompson (Windham County); and Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington (New London County).

The overall winner who was named 2025 Connecticut Restaurant of the Year went to Community Table, earning the award over the other seven county winners and thirty-two total finalists.

Spartan Restaurant & Bar (Waterbury) and Willimantic Brewing Company (Willimantic) were both inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame presented by GoNation.