The 5 Best Tuscan-Inspired Restaurants in Connecticut

Kristen Bell and Dax ShepardPhoto bykristenanniebell/instagram

Connecticut residents love Italian food! What I love most about our area of the country is that we have some of the best Italian restaurants on the East Coast. Tuscan cuisine, especially is so huge now. It is based on the love and beauty of the 'Hills of Tuscany' in Italy and the food is known mainly for its simplicity, freshness and it's seasonal flavors from the local markets.

Tuscan cooking's origins come from cucina povera, or "poor cooking", which originated with the farming peasants of Tuscany, Italy. Some of these authentic Tuscan dishes are Florentine Steak, Pappa al pomodoro Soup, Potato filled Tortellini, Panzanella Salad, Tordelli Versiliesi Ravioli and Ribollita, a Vegetable and Bread Soup.

Here is a list of five Tuscan-inspired restaurants in Connecticut that I put together.

Let's start off with a gorgeous restaurant that has a true Italian vibe, that specializes in authentic Tuscan cuisine Luce Restaurant, located on 98 Washington Street in Middletown, Connecticut. ''Luce Restaurant in Middletown specializes in Tuscan inspired cuisine with a modern American flair. Our dishes are award-winning and are comprised of only the finest ingredients from all over the world. Enjoy modern Italian cuisine at the highest level.''

There is also a place that will take you taste buds to a new level with Tuscany-infused dishes and that is Il Palio Restaurante, located at 5 Corporate Drive, in Shelton, Connecticut. ''At Il Palio, every dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. Margherita’s passionate cooking will arouse your senses and transport you to the beautiful Italian countryside. Come and experience the pure simple joy of the new Il Palio by Margherita Aloi, the jewel of Enterprise Corporate Park.''

Next is the Northern Italy centric experience, with a gorgeous outdoor pavillion and you will fgind that at Gusto Trattoria Italian Restaurant, located at 255 Boston Post Road in Milford, Connecticut. ''An Italian restaurant, convenient from both I95 and the Merritt Parkway. Visit Gusto and treat yourself to an afternoon or evening in Northern Italy. Gusto is great for entertaining clients, anniversaries and other romantic evenings. The NEW Outside Pavillion! Music is BACK! Fri.- 7PM-10 PM Sun.- 4PM-7PM (Weather Permitting) / Outside Pavillion''

The last two are popular Tuscan-inspired restaurants that offer an upscale experience. Both restaurants are located at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville at 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard in Montville, Connecticut. The first is a beautiful place where you can get truly authentic Italian cuisine and that is Ballo Italian Restaurant ''Inspired by San Galgano in the hills of Tuscany, BALLO Italian Restaurant brings to life all the majesty of an Italian cathedral coupled with exceptional service and a fresh, authentic menu of Italian favorites.''

The last restaurant will actually make you feel like you are on a scenic Italian tour of Tuscany, and that is Todd English's Tuscany. ''Celebrity Chef Todd English brings the flavor of Tuscany, Italy to Mohegan Sun whether dining out on the terrace in front of the Taughannick waterfall, in our rustic dining room or at our full-service dining room bar. The brunch buffet will feature items such as an eggs benedict, scrambled eggs, assorted pastries, bacon, sausage, omelet station, carving station...''