ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Northeast-Region.png”>Traveling north from the Mid-Atlantic region, Think Tasty now moves to the Northeast region.  Covering New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, we are sharing our top ten choices from the many that were submitted.  For the next ten days, readers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite restaurant.  Voting will end at 4:00 pm EST on Monday, January 17th, and the winner will be announced at that time.

1. 1785 Inn & Restaurant, North Conway, NH
1785 Inn & Restaurant is known as one of the finest restaurants in northern New England. In its 2006 year end review NECN TV’s “TV Diner Show” had them as one of the top six restaurants in New England. 1785 Inn is especially known for its spectacular mountain views (7th most photographed nature scene in the US), innovative appetizers & entrees, rich desserts, and tableside service (tableside Caesar salads, flambe desserts, and signature flaming drinks — French Connection, Cocoa Lava, Liquidator, Spiced Apple Pie).

2. Haruki, Cranston, RI
Great sushi, wonderful atmosphere – HUGE fish tank, Japanese art everywhere, and SPOTLESSLY clean.  With a menu that offers sushi, teiryaki, tempura, bento boxes, and more, there are many fabulous options.  The sushi bar seats sixteen patrons, allowing many diners to enjoy both the visual beauty and delightful tastes of the sashimi, sushi, and more that are being prepared.

3. Il Punto, Manhattan, NY
Il Punto is one of the best in New York. It’s upscale Italian, moderately priced with excellent cuisine, attentive service, elegant surroundings. No attitude just attention to detail. What more could you want?

4. Little Pub, Ridgefield, CT
On the corner of Route 7 and Route 102, the location is traditionally the “Bermuda Triangle” for restaurants. Tough location and difficult navigation and parking. However, the parking lot has been packed during meals times since day 1. Why? The food is excellent, well priced and service is wonderful. They change the menu often and have a great beer selection. In the winter, they have cozy fireplaces burning and in the warmer months an outdoor deck.

5. Pangaea Restaurant, North Bennington, VT
Located in a quiet Vermont town filled with art, theatre, and more, this is a restaurant worth the drive.  A menu filled with many locally sourced ingredients is tempting.  Including items, such as Vermont Boar and Brie Wellington and Torchon of Tilldale Farm pork shoulder and Burgundy lingonberry sauce, choosing your meal is difficult.  A quaint atmosphere and beautiful artwork complete the dining atmosphere.

6. Pizzeria Lauretano, Bethel, CT
The owner flew in a special wood burning oven from Naples, Italy, and yeah, the pizzas are *that* good. And at Lauretano’s they make everything there–the soup, the salads, the ricotta pie dessert, the lasagna-it’s all heaven!  Known for using excellent ingredients, a fabulous crust, and delicious breadsticks, it is a favorite among locals and a dining destination for out-of-towners.

7. Prezza, Boston, MA
Prezza, located in Boston’s historic North End, was opened in 2000 by Chef and Owner, Anthony Caturano.  Named for a town in the Abruzzi region of Italy, the home place of the Caturano’s grandmother, the upscale Prezza features an inviting lively atmosphere and boasts an exceptional wine list with over 800 bottles. Chef Anthony Caturano, known for his Old-World-style and overflowing dishes, creates a discerning seasonal Italian menu, which features naturally robust ingredients with sumptuous flavor and rich portions. Each Sunday, Caturano hosts “Gravy Sundays,” a series with traditional Italian fare and a rotating weekly special, an homage to his grandmother.

8. Robert’s Maine Grill, Kittery, ME
Located amidst hundreds of outlet stores, you might expect mediocre food that preys upon hungry shoppers.  However, this restaurant delivers delicious food in a casual atmosphere.  From their infused vodkas to their sweet potato fries to their raw bar, this restaurant (and not the stores) should be the reason to visit Kittery.  Make sure you come hungry- the portions are amazing.

9. Swifty’s, Manhattan, NY
Swifty’s, 1007 Lexington Avenue in New York, offers an exceptional dining experience. The intimate, 60 seat, 11-year old restaurant is a local favorite that has become a destination for all who want the joy of home-cooking with an international flair. Don’t take my word. Gael Greene, Liz Smith, Glenn Collins, Frank Bruni, David Patrick columbia and Bob Lappe are a few believers. So are Mayor Bloomberg, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Sienna Miller, Paul Dano, Renee Zellwegger, Lance Armstrong and Tory Burch to name a few.

10. Wentworth Dining Room, New Castle, NH
Wentworth Dining Room at Wentworth By the Sea Hotel is so outstanding I sat trying to figure out how they’d orchestrated everything one night. A summer evening — twilight slipping over the incredible back-harbor view as candlelight started to glow, lights turned down. Sound level (dynamics shaped under hand-painted ceiling dome) registered just enough laughter. Enticing scents from beautiful passing plates in hands of deft waitstaff. Wine exactly right – in generous stemware. Seasonal menu emphasizing locally grown fruit/vegetables, locally caught seafood. No wonder WBTS is ONLY NH hotel on the CN Traveler and Travel + Leisure ‘best hotels’ lists.

[poll id=”10″]