Bentara Restaurant - Malaysian The menu features extensive vegetarian choices as well as beef, chicken and seafood dishes using traditional Malaysian spices that will invigorate any palate. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 76 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 562-2511. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $$, WA

Carmen Anthony Steakhouse - American The place to enjoy thick Black Angus steaks and Maine lobsters in a wonderful clubby atmosphere. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 496 Chase Ave., Waterbury, (203) 757-3040; 660 State St., New Haven, (203) 773-1444. Open daily. Best Prime Rib, Best Steak (runner-up)-Statewide. L D LS, $$$, R, WA

Central Steakhouse - American Central Steakhouse offers all-natural prime Piedmontese beef steaks, sashimi-grade Ahi tuna and house-made pastas-all served in a hip urban setting. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 99 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 787-7885. Closed Sun.-Mon. D, $$, WA

La Tavola Ristorante - Classic Italian La Tavola offers a unique twist on classic Italian cuisine with prosciutto-wrapped figs, pumpkin ravioli and pepper-encrusted Ahi tuna. - 702 Highland Ave., Waterbury, (203) 755-2211. Closed Sun. Best Italian-New Haven County. L D, $$, WA [**½ 3/09]

Ristorante Luce - Classic Italian Enjoy the double-cut veal chops, pane cotto, risotto pescatore and daily fish specials. The white chocolate crème brûlée is a dessert favorite. Extensive wine list. - 2987 Whitney Ave., Hamden, (203) 407-8000. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $$

Savvy Tea Gourmet - Bistro A trendy, upscale bistro offering tasty breads, salads, soups, paninis and desserts. - 28 Durham Rd., Madison, (203) 318-8666. Open daily. B L D SB, $, WA

Tre Scalini Ristorante - Italian Enjoy delights like pappardelle al telefono and boneless chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and Fontina cheese. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 100 Wooster St., New Haven, (203) 777-3373. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $$

116 Crown - American Tapas/Small Plates Dine on oysters, sliders, pizzettes and charcuterie and cheese in the loungelike atmosphere. - 116 Crown St., New Haven, (203) 777-3116. Closed Mon. D LS, $$, E, WA [** 4/09]

121 Restaurant @ OXC - American Watch the planes take off and land at 121, located at the Waterbury-Oxford Airport. The menu runs from great pizzas and burgers to an eclectic mix of American favorites. - 7 Juliano Dr., Oxford, (203) 262-0121. Closed Mon. L D, $$, E, WA

Archie Moore's Bar & Restaurant - American Casual pub-style dining with burgers, nachos and salads. And don't miss the award-winning buffalo chicken wings. - 188½ Willow St., New Haven, (203) 773-9870; 39 N. Main St., Wallingford, (203) 265-7100; 15 Factory La., Milford, (203) 876-5088. Open daily. L D LS, $

Assaggio - Classic Italian Classic cuisine with a modern twist is on the menu at Assaggio, including Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, wild Alaskan salmon and lobster-filled ravioli. - 168 Montowese St., Branford, (203) 483-5426. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri., Sun.) D SB, $$, WA

Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar - Spanish Mediterranean A hip restaurant serving Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine-including tapas, hot and cold. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 155 Temple St., New Haven, (203) 848-3000. Open daily. Best Appetizers (runner-up)-Statewide. L D LS, $$, WA

Basta Trattoria - Classic Italian Family-owned and -operated by the Criscuolos of Claire's, Basta offers modern takes on classics, such as branzino over organic greens, organic salmon livornese, ricotta di natale and zuppa di mussels and clams. - 1006 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 772-1715. Open daily. L (Sat.-Sun.) D LS, $$, WA [*** 12/09]

Beach House - Seafood Serving premium steaks and fresh seafood in a cosmopolitan setting with an exhibition kitchen, vintage oak bar and sophisticated dining rooms. The menu includes pan-seared diver sea scallops, chilled lobster and avocado salad and poppy seed Ahi tuna. - 141 Merwin Ave., Milford, (203) 877-9300. Closed Mon. D SB, $$$, E, WA

Bespoke - American Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho serves inventive dishes like pomegranate-glazed rack of lamb and roasted monkfish with carrot-curry broth, mussels and couscous. - 266 College St., New Haven, (203) 562-4644. Open daily. Best Continental-New Haven County. D, $$$, R, WA [**** 2/07]

Caseus - American Offers a creative menu with small and large plates, and dishes including crab and grapefruit salad with frisée, shallots and pink grapefruit dressing, roasted organic Bell & Evans chicken with cured lemon and braised vegetables, fried oysters and zucchini soup. - 93 Whitney Ave., New Haven, (203) 624-3373. Closed Sun. L D (Wed.-Sat.), $$$, WA [** 10/08]

Citrus - Caribbean Fusion Dine in a tropical atmosphere of citrus colors and bamboo palms. Try the seafood pasta with Parmesan cream sauce, strawberry calypso grouper with bananas, and Black Angus sirloin with Havarti cheese and mushrooms. - 56 South Broad St., Milford, (203) 877-1138. Closed Sun. D LS, $$, WA

Claire's Corner Copia - Vegetarian A café-style spot offering globetrotting vegetarian dishes like organic mushroom crêpes, Bengal curry, Irish breakfast and Lithuanian coffee cake. - 1000 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 562-3888. Open daily. Best Vegetarian-Statewide; Best Lunch-New Haven County. B L D SB, $, WA

Consiglio's on Wooster St. - Classic Italian One of New Haven's oldest restaurants at over 70 years old, this classic is located right in the heart of "Little Italy" and continues to be a favorite. Enjoy classic homestyle dishes like lasagna, rigatoni bolognese and cavatelli. - 165 Wooster St., New Haven, (203) 865-4489. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri., Sun.) D SB, $$, E

Coromandel Cuisine of India - Indian Tasty Indian cuisine is served here, including sambhar vadai and satrangi kebab. - 185 Boston Post Rd., Orange, (203) 795-9055. Open daily. L D SB, $$, WA

Crave - Spanish/Caribbean Serves sassy Spanish cuisine with a Caribbean flair amid a city atmosphere. You'll love the traditional paella, short ribs, scallops and empanadas. - 102 Main St., Ansonia, (203) 735-3300. Closed Mon. L D, $$, E, WA

Duffy's Tavern - Irish Pub Pictures of yesteryear and an array of comfort foods invoke warm nostalgia at this neighborhood tavern. Try Johnny Walsh's baked meat loaf, baked stuffed chicken, and corned beef and cabbage on Thursdays. - 241 Campbell Ave., West Haven, (203) 933-9721. Open daily. L (Mon.-Sat.) D LS SB, $$, E

Eli's on Whitney - American A casual restaurant and banquet facility offering daily specials of fresh fish and prime cuts of beef. Catering also available. - 2392 Whitney Ave., Hamden, (203) 287-1101. Open daily. L D LS, $$, E (Thurs.-Sat.), WA

Elizabeth's Café - American Grilled beef tenderloin with truffle-butter mashed potatoes and mushroom Merlot sauce, Gulf shrimp-and-asparagus risotto and the grilled sirloin burger are highlights at Elizabeth's Café. Don't miss Sunday brunch. - 885 Boston Post Rd., Madison, (203) 245-0250. Closed Mon.-Tues. D SB, $$, WA

Foster's - American Edamame hummus with sesame flat bread, cashew-encrusted filet of sole and wild boar chops are delicious picks, and don't skip the s'mores crème brûlée for dessert. - 56 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 859-6666. Closed Sun. Best Value-Statewide; Best Hiddem Gem-New Haven County. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $$, WA

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Pizza While world-famous white clam pizza is the standout at these Wooster Street landmarks, many other varieties are also worth the wait. - 157 Wooster St., New Haven, (203) 865-5762; Frank Pepe Pizzeria-The Spot, 163 Wooster St., New Haven, (203) 865-7602. Open daily. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $, WA

Heirloom - Modern Continental Executive Chef John Nordin serves up herbed gnocchi with rapini and tomatoes and crab cakes with fennel and vermouth butter. - The Study at Yale, 1157 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 503-3919. Open daily. Best Hotel Dining-Statewide; Best New Restaurant-New Haven County. B L (Mon.-Sat.) D SB, $$, WA [*** 5/09]

The Hills Restaurant - American Dine in the relaxed lounge or intimate dining room and enjoy a menu including bone-in filet mignon, salmon arancione and chicken aurora. - Western Hills Golf Course, 660 Park Rd., Waterbury, (203) 755-1331. Open daily. L D, $$, E, WA

Ibiza Restaurant - Contemporary Spanish This nationally acclaimed restaurant serves innovative fare such as grilled baby squid, roasted duck and home-salted codfish. - 39 High St., New Haven, (203) 865-1933. Closed Sun. L (Fri. only) D, $$$

Jeffrey's - American Seasonal specialties-including homemade ravioli with truffles or champagne risotto-reign at Jeffrey's, an elegant spot with great water views. - 501 New Haven Ave., Milford, (203) 878-1910. Open daily. L D SB, $$,WA

Kudeta - Asian Fusion Sleek and vast, with a 35-seat sushi bar. The menu includes dishes from China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand-orange chicken and pork à la Bali are favorites. - 27 Temple St., New Haven, (203) 562-8844. Open daily. Best Sushi (runner-up)-Statewide. L D, $$, WA [** 10/07]

L'Orcio - Classic Italian This upscale restaurant features outdoor dining and a menu of house-made pastas, grilled whole fish and steaks. - 806 State St., New Haven, (203) 777-6670. Closed Mon. L (Tues.-Fri.) D, $$

La Luna Ristorante - Classic Italian An elegant spot serving authentic Tuscan cuisine. Favorites include sautéed shrimp with sweet roasted red peppers, portobello mushrooms and angel hair pasta topped with mozzarella cheese. - 168 North Main St., Branford, (203) 483-9995. Open daily. Best Brunch-New Haven County. L (Mon.-Sat.) D SB, $$, E, R, WA

Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale - Seafood This Connecticut institution serves all manner of fresh seafood, from classic hot lobster rolls to fresh salmon to fried whole-belly clams. - 1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison, (203) 245-7289. Open daily. Best Family Dining-New Haven County. L D, $, WA

Leon's of New Haven - Italian Leon's is located in a prime waterfront location providing great views and food to match. - 501 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven, (203) 562-LEON. Open daily. L D, $$, E, WA

Mango's Bar & Grille - Caribbean Mango's features Key West decor with Havana influences and "Branforibbean" cuisine. Key lime scallops, Cuban calamari and coconut shrimp are tops. - 988 Main St., Branford, (203) 483-7700. Open daily. L D, $$, WA

Michael's Trattoria - Classic Italian In a setting reminiscent of an Italian courtyard, Michael's serves up veal, steak, seafood and pasta. The swordfish over penne is a house favorite. Extensive wine selection. Catering and private room available. - 344 Center St., Wallingford, (203) 269-5303. Closed Sun. L (Tues.-Fri.) D, $$, E (Fri.-Sat.), WA

Miya's Sushi - Sushi Standouts at this cutting-edge spot include dim sum-kanibaba, Tyger Tyger and French Kisses-as well as out-of-this-world sushi and house-made sakes. - 68 Howe St., New Haven, (203) 777-9760. Closed Sun.-Mon. Best Sushi-Statewide; Best Asian-New Haven County. L D, $$$, WA

Nini's Bistro - Continental A cozy, quirky bistro serving a variety of great dishes including seared tuna and strip steak. Features a prix fixe menu that changes every two weeks. - 40 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 562-6464. Closed Sun.-Tues. D, $$$, WA [** 2/09]

Pacifico - Nuevo Latino A vibrant Nuevo Latino restaurant serving shrimp ceviche, paella, black sea bass, tapas and dulce de leche cheesecake for dessert. - 220 College St., New Haven, (203) 772-4002. Open daily. L (Tues.-Fri.) D, $$, WA

The Place - Seafood Features only outdoor seating, and all the seats are tree stumps (bring cushions). The menu includes corn, clams, chicken, steak, shrimp and lobster, all cooked tableside on a large grill. Bring sides such as chips or a salad. BYOB. - 901 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, (203) 453-9276. Open Apr.-Oct. Best Barbecue, Best Outdoor Dining-New Haven County. L (Sat.-Sun.) D, $$

Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar - American Take in waterfront views at Historic City Point while enjoying fresh seafood and certified Angus prime rib and steaks. - 100 South Water St., New Haven, (203) 787-3466. Open daily. D SB, $$, E, WA

SBC Restaurant & Brewery - American Features a wide-open dining area and a menu of thin-crust pizzas, huge salads and tasty specials. - 850 West Main St., Branford, (203) 481-BREW; 33 New Haven Ave., Milford, (203) 874-BEER; 1950 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, (203) 288-HOPS. Open daily. Best Bar (runner-up), Best Value (runner-up)-Statewide. L D, $, WA

Señor Pancho's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican A festive spot serving up terrific fresh salsa and margaritas to go with your mole poblano, steak ranchero and fajitas. - Union Square Mall, Southbury, (203) 262-6988; 280 Cheshire Rd., Prospect, (203) 758-7788. Open daily. L D LS, $$, E, R (for 6 or more), WA

Su Casa - Mexican The fireplaces, soft lighting and Aztec art and artifacts enhance the fajitas, Mexican egg rolls and pulled pork quesadillas. Be sure to try a margarita, made with fresh lime juice. - 400 East Main St., Branford, (203) 481-5001. Open daily. Best Mexican/Latin American-New Haven County. L (Mon.-Sat.) D, $$, E, WA

Thali Regional Cuisine of India - Indian Chic, exotic and fun. Unique Thali dinners-using imported spices and served on silver platters-include konkan crab, lamb chops and andhra chicken curry. - 4 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 777-1177. Open daily. Best Indian/Middle Eastern (runner-up)-Statewide. L D SB, $$, WA

Thali Too, Vegetarian Cuisine of India - Indian A unique modern restaurant on the Yale campus serving delicious vegetarian Indian dishes for $10 or less. Try masala dosa, steamed idlis, the rice bar and lassi bar. - 65 Broadway, New Haven, (203) 776-1600. Open daily. L D, $, WA

Tropical Breeze Jamaican Kitchen - Jamaican Eat in or take out at this small spot featuring a big menu of authentic Jamaican jerk chicken and pork, curried goat, red snapper escovitch, spicy beef and vegetable patties, soups and fried plantains. - 423 Campbell Ave., West Haven, (203) 931-7115. Open daily. SB L D, $, E, WA

The Union League Café - French Reminiscent of a Paris brasserie, with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu features contemporary French cuisine inspired by the seasons along the Connecticut coast. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 1032 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 562-4299. Closed Sun. Best French, Best Service, Most Romantic (runner-up)-Statewide; Best Overall, Best Desserts-New Haven County. L (Mon.-Fri.) D, $$$, WA

USS Chowder Pot III - Seafood The Chowder Pot's clam chowder, baked stuffed shrimp and prime rib are tops. - 560 East Main St., Branford, (203) 481-2356. Open daily. Best Bar-New Haven County. L (Mon.-Sat.) D, $$, WA

Westbrook Lobster - Seafood Westbrook Lobster offers the freshest fish possible in dishes ranging from baked stuffed lobster and teriyaki-grilled salmon to broiled fresh sea scallops and seafood paella. - 300 Church St., Wallingford, (203) 265-5071. Open daily. Best Seafood-New Haven County. L D, $$, WA

Zinc - New American Against a chic city backdrop, enjoy vibrant seasonal dishes such as smoked-duck nachos, beef lettuce wraps and grilled sesame tuna with fried spinach. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. - 964 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 624-0507. Open daily. Best American-New Haven County. L (Tues.-Fri.) D, $$