Connecticut is a major player in the New England food scene, especially when it comes to pizza, hot buttered lobster rolls, and the state’s unique steamed cheeseburgers. It’s loaded with excellent mom-and-pop restaurants, many that have been around for decades, serving the most popular local dishes.

Author Mike Urban takes you by the proverbial hand and introduces you to dozens of these wonderful establishments, including Modern Apizza, considered one of the titans of the New Haven pizza scene and a regular contender for best pizzeria in the country; Lobster Landing, where the lobster meat is handpicked, bathed in melted butter, and served on a toasted Italian grinder roll; K LaMay’s, one of the top places to sample steamed cheeseburgers, which are found almost exclusively in the central part of the state; Coracora, an award-winning Peruvian restaurant housed in a former McDonald’s; and Mystic Fish Camp, where the future of New England seafood is served up every day.

Come along for the ride and check out these 85 unforgettable eateries that characterize the fine eats to be had in this unique culinary part of the country.