

About Swyft
Swyft is a warm, pine-clad spot in Kent focused on wood-fired cooking and seasonal, farm-sourced ingredients.
Pizzas are a centerpiece, baked in a Pavesi oven from naturally leavened sourdough and topped with produce from nearby Rock Cobble Farm.
Small plates, pastas and a smash burger round out the menu, and desserts like panna cotta and toffee pudding show the same attention to balance.
Service is consistently praised for friendliness though a few reviewers note variable pacing.
The bar program draws its own crowd—creative cocktails and an extensive beer selection make Swyft as much about drinks as it is about food.
Indoor coziness and a lively patio keep it popular with locals and visitors alike.
Location & Contact
- Address3 Maple St, Kent, CT 06757
- Websitehttps://orehillandswyft.com
- Phone(860) 592-0404
- Links Order online · Get directions
What to Expect
Wood-fired pizza is the signature: naturally leavened sourdough dough baked in a Pavesi oven yields a light, chewy crust with leopard spotting that several reviewers rave about.
Also notable are the Swyft Smash Burger made from local grass-fed beef, seasonal pastas like bucatini and vodka-style dishes, small plates (scallops, pork belly, beet salad), inventive cocktails, and desserts such as vanilla panna cotta and toffee pudding mentioned by guests.
Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Pizza's Comforting Grip on America
In America, pizza is more than a dish; it's a cultural phenomenon, with 1 in 8 Americans eating it on any given day. This equates to an astonishing 350 slices consumed every second, making it the go-to comfort food for millions. Pizza's ability to unite and satisfy is evident in its role at gatherings, from casual family dinners to large-scale events like Super Bowl parties, solidifying its place in American life.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Swyft in downtown Kent has become a go-to for neighbors and daytrippers who want bright, farm-forward flavors in a comfortably rustic setting.
Pizzas are a headline attraction: made from natural sourdough and baked in a Neapolitan-style Pavesi oven, they earn repeated praise for their texture and char.
As Daniel Avery observed, "Crust was light and chewy sourdough with leopard spots on the bottom." The kitchen leans on nearby Rock Cobble Farm for tomatoes, cheeses and seasonal toppings, which keeps the menu shifting with the harvest.
Beyond pizza, the menu includes a well-regarded smash burger made from local grass-fed Randall cattle, shareable small plates, and pastas that can swing from comforting to spicy—one diner called the vodka bucatini "a little spicier than expected, but still delicious." Cocktails are a frequent highlight; one longtime fan exclaimed, "Good god the cocktails," and brunch regulars point to standout dishes like French toast and an avocado toast that Aurora Raboin said "will now forever be the avocado taste all others will be compared to." Reviewers note friendly staff, a cozy fireplace, and a beloved outdoor patio, though service pace can vary.
The combination of wood-fired technique, local sourcing, and a lively bar program keeps Swyft feeling both familiar and carefully crafted.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"My family has been here a few times for brunch. We are always very happy with the food. Staff is always friendly, though a tad bit slow at times. The drinks are thoughtfully concocted. Beautiful interior. You will not regret ordering the French toast. Just do it."




"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."




"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."




"Had such a wonderful experience at Swyft in Kent! The food was lovely — I tried the pasta a la vodka which was a little spicier than expected, but still delicious. The drinks were absolutely amazing — we ordered two sour watermelon shooters and had them made into full cocktails, and they were so good! On top of that, the service was excellent and made the whole experience even better. Such a pleasure to dine here — I’ll definitely be back!"




Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Neapolitan Pizza: An Intangible Cultural Heritage
In 2017, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizzaiuolo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating the centuries-old craft of making traditional Neapolitan pizza. This acknowledgment highlights the skill and social rituals surrounding pizza-making in Naples, where the pizzaiolo's techniques have been passed down through generations. Such recognition underscores the cultural significance of pizza within Italian heritage and its enduring global influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pizza at Swyft wood-fired?
Yes. Reviews describe pizzas baked in a Pavesi oven, which gives a wood-fired finish with charred spots and a chewy, airy crust.
What is the pizza crust like?
The crust is naturally leavened sourdough from a long starter. Guests describe it as light and chewy with leopard-style charring on the bottom, giving a mix of crisp and tender textures.
How do the cocktails taste?
Cocktails get high marks for creativity and balance. Reviews call them exciting and well-crafted, ranging from sweet-sharp bourbon drinks to bright, seasonal mixes.
Is the smash burger really special?
Multiple guests praise the Swyft Smash Burger made from local grass-fed beef. It's described as juicy with a crisp crust and a soft brioche-style bun, focused on pure beef flavor.
What are the pasta dishes like?
Pastas are seasonal and can be comforting or a touch spicy. A bucatini or vodka-style dish was noted as slightly spicier than expected but still delicious—bold, saucy, and pasta-forward.
Do they have vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes. Reviews and the menu indicate vegan and vegetarian dishes are available, including a vegan pizza that guests specifically enjoyed.
Are the small plates flavorful or just pretty?
Reviewers say small plates like scallops, pork belly and beet salad are both well plated and packed with flavor—balanced combinations of savory, sweet and bright notes.
Does Swyft feel like a Kent, CT restaurant?
Yes. Reviewers note a rustic, pine‑lined interior and a seasonal, farm-driven menu using nearby Rock Cobble Farm produce, which gives the food a local, homegrown character.
What pizzas are most popular at Swyft?
From the menu, people often pick Beer, Lobster Roll, Burger and Fries, Pizza Squashed, Espresso Martini, Randy Savage. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.
Is the crust thin and crispy?
Yes. Reviews describe a thin, crisp bake (noted by Aurora Raboin).
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Swyft
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