With the crisp fall weather on the way, and the rainbow of October foliage colors beginning to unfold, our fireplace becomes a weekend morning ritual.

There's just that something about sitting around a cozy fireplace on a chilly morning in New England, pretending you're the Waltons. It brings on a welcome feeling of contentment and calm in a messed up world. Whenever Mindy and I get an opportunity to make dinner plans with friends on a frosty fall or winter evening, fireside dining is usually our first choice, which is one of the many benefits of living in New England. With some help from ctvisit.com, depending on your going out to dinner budget, these ten restaurants are some of the best in Connecticut if you're looking for that cozy fireside dining experience.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    G.W. Tavern - Washington Depot

    The G.W. Tavern is located at 20 Bee Brook Road in Washington Depot, CT. For reservations, call 860-868-6633. Three words -- Sticky Toffee Pudding

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Redding Roadhouse - Redding

    The Redding Roadhouse is located at 406 Redding Road in Redding, CT. For reservations, call 203-938-3388. Three words -- French Onion Soup

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Whitehorse Country Pub - Marbledale

    The Whitehorse is located on Route 202 between New Milford and Litchfield - For reservations, call 860-868-1496. Three words -- Crock of Mussels

  • Credit: Google
    Credit: Google
    loading...

    The Olive Tree Restaurant - Woodbury

    The Olive Tree is located at 1204 Main St. S in Woodbury. Call 203-263-4555 for reservations. Three words -- Lobster Bisque Soup.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Little Pub - Ridgefield

    The Little Pub is located at 59 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7) in Ridgefield. For more info, call 203-544-9222. Adventurous menu and awesome craft beer selection.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Bernard's Inn and Sarah's Wine Bar - Ridgefield

    Bernard's is located at 20 West Lane (Route 35) in Ridgefield. For reservations, call 203-438-8282. Three words -- Crispy Lamb Tenderloin.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Union League Cafe - New Haven

    Union League is located at 1032 chapel St. in New Haven. For reservations, call  203-562-4299. Dressy, expensive, delicious and worth it.

  • Credit: Google
    Credit: Google
    loading...

    Mayflower Grace - Woodbury

    The Mayflower is located at 118 Woodbury Road, Rt. 47 in Woodbury CT - For reservations, call 860-868-9466. Five star restaurant with impeccable service, incredible food, and very expensive.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Thomas Henkelmann Homestead Inn - Greenwich

    The Homestead Inn is located at 420 Fieldpoint Road in Greenwich. For reservations, call 203-869-7500. Another 4 star French Restaurant with beautiful ambiance, great food and service, and quite expensive.

  • Google Instant Streetview
    Google Instant Streetview
    loading...

    Cava Restaurant - Southington

    Cava is located at 1615 West St. in Southington. For reservations, call 860-628-2282 - Impressive decor, high class Italian restaurant and used by many as their special occasion restaurant.

More From The Wolf