Connecticut i a little state with big heart.

There are many well-known wonders to be found here, but what about the less recognizable finds hiding in plain sight?

There's adventure around every corner if you're willing to find it.

Let's explore Connecticut's Hidden Gems.

Connecticut can feel seriously overlooked when it comes to foodie finds.

Any local will tell yo the best places to grab a bite are hidden gems.

Come along as we sample just three of Connecticut's most delicious, best kept secrets.

First up, a spot with a little something for everyone.

We're here in the Elm Cit to check out East Rock market.

This is a community hub, third space and food hall.

The first one in New Haven.

Home to five eateries and a bar.

I cannot wait to check out this Let's go.

Wow!

This is a part of New Haven that you wouldn't really spend a lot of time in if you're not in the know, I feel.

People always go to the Yale downtown area.

They just go right to those kinds of coffee shops and things.

But New Haven's quite expansive, I find.

All four years.

I went to school in West Haven, University of New Haven, and never did I hear mention of East Rock, except for maybe like a hiking experience.

This is really fabulous.

Cant be in New Haven and not try the pizza.

We stopped by Ozzys Apizza and spoke with owner Chris Wallace and head chef Louis Matteo So Ozzys Apizza started actually in Los Angeles when I was living there during the pandemic.

I got sober and I needed something to keep my mind good.

So I started making New Haven pizza just in my apartment.

So we had a underground pizza pop up in my apartment for a few months, and it's named Ozzys Apizza because Ozzys my dog and he would eat the crumbs off the floor.

So my friend said we should just call it that.

I was like, yep.

The marketplace, I just wish more people would know about it.

Right.

Like there's still people that come in here like that, live in New Haven, are like, oh, I've never heard this place even existed.

So we got to get that out there a little more.

Ozzys is a passion based business.

We all love what we do.

Just come here, get good pizza.

Talk to us about sports, about wrestling, about your life, about anything.

and we just want to, like, share our passion for food and pizza with people.

Ozzys from day one was always about building a community with people, whether it was sober people or comedians or artists or whatever.

It's just community.

And and Connecticut specifically is pizza community.

Like we've been named the pizza capital of the world now, right?

So if you can bring that to a market, especially in this neighborhood that's changed so much over the last 20 years, you have something special.

And we do.

And that's that's why I love this space so much.

All right, here we go.

I'm a I'm a harsh critic.

I was actually one of the Connecticut Pizza Trail judges for 2026.

2025?

2026.

I was one of the I had to select, helped them select one of the top 100 pizza places in the state.

So here we go.

The garlic first thing.

Delicious.

And the fresh basil makes such a big difference between the little sprinkle on that fresh.

I watch him take it out of the container, slice it up, clean hands.

Love that.

Sprinkle it on.

So good.

This is phenomenal.

What's a New Haven trip without a little pizza?

New Haven, you've been great, but now let's take things to the shore.

Next on our list is a seafood staple loved by locals and visitors alike.

We're here at Stowe's Seafood, a true southern Connecticut hidden gem With roots that date back all the way to the Great Depression, for decades, this seafood shack has been a delight to Connecticut families across the board.

This is going to hit.

It feels like we're on vacation and we're in West Haven, Connecticut.

These are big boxes.

Look at that.

And the fries, too.

Oh, there was a little bird around here that was like getting with the fries.

I can't wait.

And what's really great is we were just at Stowes got my food to go.

And you can always enjoy their lovely seating area.

Of course.

Or you can eat it on the beach.

Look at this view.

As much as we'd lov to spend the day at the beach, the food tour has one more stop.

Last but not least, what's a foodie adventure without dessert?

We headed to Limberia Tropical Algarete a Latina owned and operated frozen treat shop in Willimantic thats super sweet.

My name is Jacqueline Garcia.

I'm the owner of Limberia Tropical Algarete.

The limber is like Italian ice.

It's a fruit, froze, but it's homemade.

We make it so everybody can choose a flavor like Nutella.

It will be made with Nutella, and it's froze.

And you can serve it like that.

Yes.

Yes, a frozen treat.

My father, its his recipe.

He has all those flavors in Puerto Rico.

And he gave it to me.

We survived Covid.

A lot of businesses closed.

It was sad.

You know, The inflation.

Everything is pricey now.

But we want to keep something here for everybody.

I learned that all dreams are possible.

You just got to be strong and be there and believe in yourself.

And I did.

I believe in me.

Que rico!

We can't wait to come back to try more.

Hungry for more?

What's your favorite food spot in Connecticut and where should we visit next?

Let us know and thanks for joining us on Connecticut's Hidden Gems.