Swyft, located in the heart of Kent, CT, is a delightful restaurant that combines rustic charm with culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the vibrant dishes, from fresh salads to mouthwatering pizzas, each meticulously crafted with locally-sourced ingredients. The standout item for many has been the smash burger, made from grass-fed Randall cattle, acclaimed for its exceptional flavor and juicy texture, enhanced by expert cooking techniques. Diners also laud the seasonal menu, which ensures a rotating selection of flavorful options, including exquisite pasta and delicious small plates like scallops and pork belly. These dishes not only promise aesthetic pleasure but also deliver a balanced taste experience. The inviting atmosphere, with warm earthy tones and rustic decor, complements the culinary offerings and adds to the overall comforting vibe. While service has received mixed reviews, with some guests wishing for a friendlier demeanor, many appreciate the attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu. The outdoor patio is a local favorite, providing a perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal. Celya Dahmani sums it up perfectly, stating that Swyft is a place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and create memorable experiences. Swyft is undoubtedly a gem worth visiting for food lovers in Kent.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Swyft
Cesar Losada
May 18,2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Swyft, and it was a memorable experience. The salad was top-notch—fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. The pizza didn’t disappoint either, with a great crust and delicious, well-chosen toppings that really hit the spot. The decor at Swyft leans towards rustic, and it works beautifully. The warm, earthy tones and natural materials create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and enjoy your meal. My only critique would be the service. While the waitresses were professional, they could be friendlier. It’s not about tipping; it’s about recognizing that when people spend money, they expect a welcoming attitude to match the quality of the food and setting. A bit more warmth from the staff would go a long way in enhancing the overall dining experience. Despite that, Swyft’s food and ambiance are enough to recommend it, especially for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a charming, rustic setting.
Jennifer Flores
May 6,2025
Delicious pasta and wonderful staff! Stop by the bar and spend time with Sarah, Maddie and Griffon. Can’t wait to return for more pasta, drinks and great laughs!
William
Apr 26,2025
burger good Edit: I have since returned to this restaurant for an updated review as follows: I recently had the pleasure of trying the smash burger made from the rare breed of grass-fed Randall cattle from the local Rock Cobble Farm at Orehill & Swyft, and I can confidently say that it was one of the best burgers I've ever had. Not only was the burger itself exceptional, but the cocktails were also top-notch, and the service provided by Kaitlynn was truly phenomenal. And to top it off, there was even a cozy fire in the room that added to the delightful ambiance, which was started by the ever-helpful Robert. From the moment we walked in the door, Kaitlynn went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. She greeted us warmly, gave us great recommendations, and was attentive throughout our meal without ever being intrusive. Her friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for the food and drinks on the menu were infectious, and it was clear that she truly cared about making sure we had a great time. The burger itself was nothing short of amazing. The perfectly toasted bun was paired with a juicy, flavorful patty that was cooked to perfection. The beef had a depth of flavor that can only come from using high-quality, grass-fed meat, and the smashing technique used by the chef resulted in a crusty exterior and tender interior. The simplicity of the ingredients allowed the true flavor of the beef to shine through, making for a truly satisfying burger experience. But what really took the experience to the next level were the cocktails. The bartender at Orehill & Swyft is clearly a master of her craft, and each drink was expertly crafted with unique and unexpected flavor combinations. From the classic old fashioned to the signature house cocktail, each drink was a work of art. The cozy fire in the room, which was started by the ever-helpful Robert, added an extra layer of warmth and comfort to our dining experience. It was a welcome addition to the already fantastic ambiance of the restaurant, making us feel right at home. Overall, I cannot recommend Orehill & Swyft highly enough. The exceptional food and drinks are matched only by the phenomenal service provided by Kaitlynn. And with the added coziness of the fire in the room, you're in for a truly unforgettable dining experience. If you're looking for a top-notch burger and cocktail spot, Orehill & Swyft is the place to be.
Geno Villafano
Apr 12,2025
Beautiful service, location, and food. I can't speak about consistency because I've only visited once, but we were able to try an array of dishes on that one visit. The staff was kind and helpful, but I would have liked to have been offered more descriptions and explanations of the dishes without having to ask. Perhaps it was a bit busy when we went so the waiter wasn't focuses on staying at our table for chat, but a quick explanation of what was being brought out on each plate would have been appreciated. The food was undeniably well crafted. All the small plates we tried--scallops, beet salad, pork belly--were plated beautifully and balanced themselves well. The beet salad lacked a savory protein though, preferably to my taste, in the form of an earthy goat cheese. The raw scallops were perfect, refreshing, floral and sharp. The pork was intensely savory sweet and salty. The grilled bread served with the sardines and anise butter was my favorite dish. The bread was a beautiful nutty sourdough and the grilled sardines went perfectly with the airy whipped seasoned butter. Despite all the other fantastic plates, the pizzas were/are the star. The presentation and cooking method is so perfectly orchestrated with the best notes from neapolitan pizzas, and it's paired with one of the best savory-tart airy yet chewsome naturally leavened doughs I've had since Lodge pizza in LA. The margarita is heaven, and shouldn't be overlooked for their more extravagant offerings.
Celya Dahmani
Feb 17,2025
Ugh I love this place. Situated in downtown Kent, this restaurant is so cozy and the outdoor patio is probably my favorite in the state. I love that their menu changes seasonally and the ingredients are fresh and locally-sourced. I highly recommend the cheese platter. I can never decide between pizza or an entree so we often order both and share lol. The waitstaff is always so kind and patient - and unpretentious! I know we can always come here to eat well, relax, and enjoy ourselves. P.S. I can't wait to try Ore Hill now that it's finally open!
Daniel Avery
Feb 15,2025
Absolutely delicious pizza. Crust was light and chewy sourdough with leopard spots on the bottom, sauce tasted bright but not too acidic mixed with the pork fat and fennel from the sausage. Perfect pizza for my taste. Burger was much bigger than expected. High quality ingredients, soft brioche bun, buttery beef fat.
Aurora Raboin
Feb 14,2025
This was a dream experience. I found this place on Tiktok looking for a brunch place to go to with my family, and it was quite a drive for my family to get to, over an hour away from my home, but I've been to the area before hiking at Kent Falls and decided it would be a nice day, after a long drive and a nice brunch to stretch our legs going for a hike before heading back home. After putting on a time capsule of a playlist that added to the perfection of this trip, we headed down or over to Kent, and enjoyed seeing the historical New England towns and houses. The old churches and cemeteries were mysterious, and driving by the surprising lakes and rivers was breathtaking, beautiful and relaxing. I knew we were getting close when the mountains and farms were filling the sides of the roads, it felt wonderful, like a town out of time, in a little bubble of what things felt like when you were a kid. Parking was easy, there were plenty of spaces in the little shop area. When we walked inside we were politely greeted by the hostess and I gave her my name for our reservation, which i recommend having, and we were seated. The space seemed small, but it was so cozy! It felt like a cabin, like a mythical pub as you pass through a town on a quest. it was toasty, and the music was relaxing, while the whole place smelled homey and delicious. Our waiter was amazing, very helpful and recommended a few items off the menu, service was fast, but not rushed. I ordered the avocado taste, which will now forever be the avocado taste all others will be compared to, the avocado was whipped, thick and creamy, the toast was crisp and flavorful, and the fries eggs and seasoning were just the right touch to complete this perfect dish. My son got the breakfast combo, a classic bacon, eggs, home fries, and toast breakfast, he cleaned his plate. And my husband got the french toast which was the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and a little tart with the fruit. I had the chamomile dream, knowing it would be a long time before we ventured back to this area, the drink was sweet and slightly sharp from the bourbon, with crunchy crispy camomile leaves on top, elegant and fanciful. We finished our experience with dessert, my son with fresh chocolate ice cream that was extremely creamy and rich, indulgent, while my husband and I had the special toffee pudding dessert with toasted pecans, the sweet pudding with the warm bread, and creamy whipped cream was a delightful experience. I recommend this place highly, it is memorable and elevating.
callahandsome
Feb 8,2025
I’d lived in Brooklyn for about 15 years before I started coming to Swyft, and despite having access so some of the best food in the nation, Swyft is consistently my favorite restaurant. The pizzas. The chicken. The fresh salads, even in winter. And the cocktails. Good god the cocktails.
Reviews For Swyft