Zagats Connecticut 2011/2012 Winners are Announced

Zagat released the results of the 2011/12 Connecticut Restaurants Survey today. The Survey covers 902 restaurants reviewed by 4,146 local diners. Highlights are as follows:

CT Winners: Le Petit Cafe in Branford (Top Food) with a near-perfect 29 for Food on Zagat's 30-point scale; PolytechnicON20 in Hartford (Top Decor & Service); Frank Pepe Pizzeria (Most Popular).

Top Newcomer: Boathouse at Saugatuck in Westport, serving "fabulous, fresh" "locavore" New American cuisine 

Most Popular: 1. Frank Pepe-New Haven, 2. Barcelona, 3. Union League, 4. Coromandel

Other Noteworthy Newcomers: Bar Bouchee – Madison, The Brasserie – Fairfield, Cafe d'Azur – Darien, Fez –Stamford, Gabriele's – Greenwich, Millstone Cafe – Kent, Red Lulu – So. Norwalk, Sails – Norwalk and Tappo –Stamford.

Best Buys: 1. Shady Glen diner (Manchester), 2. "hot-dog temple" Super Duper Weenie (Fairfield), 3. Isabelle at Vincent, 4. Sycamore Drive-In, 5. Louis' Lunch, Burgers Shakes & Fries

And a few other interesting facts:

The Average Cost of a meal remained flat at $37.73 – just a two cent rise from $37.71 in 2009.

Main Complaints: Service (63%), Noise (19%), Food (9%) and Prices (5%).

Favorite Cuisines: Italian (33%), American (15%), French (15%) and Japanese (10%).

Mobile Manners: 71% say it is "rude" to text, tweet, call or e-mail at the table.

Green: 61% of surveyors say locally sourced, organic or sustainably raised food is important.

Cash-Only: 45% say they avoid "cash-only" restaurants.

Battle of the Sexes: 25% think male diners are treated better; only 5% say females are favored.