Fine Dining - Fairfield County
RESTAURANTS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
AMERICAN
Bobby Q’s Barbecue & Grill
42 Main Street, Westport
203-454-7800
“Tender pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket as well as homemade sausages, Texas toast and fried shrimp po’boys. Moderately expensive.”
Cobb’s Mill Inn
12 Old Mill Road, Weston
203-227-7221
“Weston’s only restaurant (unless you include “The Lunchbox”) is in a very romantic setting, looking out onto a waterfall. Escargots, lamb and shrimp l’Arlesienne are among the offerings at this 200-year-old former mill. Voted “most romantic in Fairfield County” by CT Magazine.”
Sarabande
12 Unquowa Place, Fairfield
203-259-8084
“I loved this restaurant. Nice and small and quiet enough to enjoy conversation with friends yet everything we ate was delicious! I had a delicious salad with lobster and crabmeat. The food is sophisticated, yet tasty. There are a variety of gourmet pizzas and homemade breads and desserts are among the treats.”
Silvermine Tavern
194 Perry Avenue, Norwalk
203-847-4558
“Located in the quaint Silvermine section of Norwalk is this old inn and restaurant. I love their Sunday morning buffet brunch-but the menu is good for other meals as well. In the evenings on the weekends they often have bands. It is elegant and romantic with views of the waterfalls. A little tricky to find at first-a few turns on country roads-but really charming.”
Gates Restaurant & Bar
10 Forest St., New Canaan
203-966-8666
“Gates is a family friendly, large restaurant, bright (lights as well as décor). (There is sometimes a bit of a wait.) Food is good; menu is varied-American fare: Interesting salads, sandwiches, entrees. If I remember correctly-they have mashed sweet potatoes and sweet potato fries (both very could) (but I could be wrong-I haven’t been there in awhile.) $$”
ASIAN
Tengda Asian Bistro
1330 Post Road East, Westport
203-255-6354
“The menu is broad and appealing with a mixture of delights from Thailand, Japan and Vietnam…truly blending the best of Asia in a delicious and attractive presentation. Surroundings are high-tech/hip with a Far Eastern Flair. Make a reservation…this place is busy.”
BREAKFAST
Westport Pancake House
520 Post Road East, Westport
203-454-9709
“The Westport Pancake house has great kid friendly breakfast foods. It has waffles to omelets and the best bang for the buck. Also, kids eat free on Weds. and Sunday night with an adult entrée.”
CHINESE
Ching’s Table
64 Main Street, New Canaan
203-972-2830
“Chings Table in New Canaan is the best chinese restaurant around because of the variety and freshness.”
“Really good Asian-style food…(I think you can choose different styles…kind of Nouveau Chinese). It’s usually very crowded (sign of a popular eatery) & can get loud. In many Chinese restaurants we usually order several dishes & share; here you order your own dish(es)…(you can still share if you want.) $$-$$$”
Hunan Café
1233 East Putnam Ave. Greenwich
203-637-6634
“Hunan Café at exit five has the best and maybe only dim sum in Fairfield county…the rest of the food is ok…but go for dim sum on Saturday and Sunday morning.”
Hunan Café
101 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
203-761-8998
“This is a small Chinese restaurant across from the Wilton Post Office. Not much atmosphere, but really good food. (I think they do a lot of take-out.) They serve typical Chinese fare, but the vegetables (in the dishes & the dishes themselves) seem more “gourmet” than the other Chinese restaurants. Try the “ Chicken and Shrimp with 2 sauces & candied walnuts” (I’m not sure what it’s called)-it’s delicious (but it’s better IN the restaurant because otherwise the sauces can mix.) Black Bean anything here is also good; so is the Chicken Lomein (which also has fancy veggies). And I don’t know why-but the rice (and the tea) always tastes better to me here than in other Chinese restaurants.$$”
Little Kitchen
423 Post Road East, Westport
203-227-2547
“Little Kitchen has the best barbeque ribs in town.”
Shanghai Gourmet
1715 Post Road East, Westport
203-256-8188
“Shanghai Gourmet in Westport has the freshest ingredients for Chinese food in Westport and they have the best soup noodle dishes and dumplings and scallion pancakes.”
CONTINENTAL
The Red Barn Restaurant
292 Wilton Road, Westport
203-222-9549
“Conveniently located right off of exit 41 off of the Merrit-sits this charming barn with continental food. I loved their duckling with chutney and their rack of lamb. Their bruchetta is yummy. They are terrific for hosting large banquets. They have a seafood buffet on Friday nights, and also a Sunday champagne brunch.”
Skybar and Grill
239 Danbury Road, Wilton
203-761-7700
“Moderately Priced: NYC vibe, great Spanish influenced cuisine (go figure in Wilton).”” “The Sky Bar & Grill in Wilton (on 7), is also very good-I’m sure others will mention it-it seems to be very popular. The menu is eclectic-it was hard to make a choice-many things sounded great. The bar is crowded, as is the small dining room. Seating is rather close & the lighting is very low (I won’t say “poor”); the food is very good & so is the service-our waitress was super. $$-$$$ (I remember it being reasonable, but it could me $$$ if you order more food & drinks.)”
DELIS
Oscar’s Deli
159 Main St. Westport
203-227-3705
“A terrific deli located right on the main street in Westport. As close as we come to real NY delicatessen. Yummy deli, kosher foods, and sandwiches. My favorite thing is there heaping bagels with smoked salmons and creamed cheese-ummm; my mouth is watering just thinking of it. You can always also get Dr. T’s Celray and matzah ball soup. Fun for people watching too.”
DINERS
Circle Diner Restaurant
441 Post Road, Fairfield
203-255-9177
“The best diner is Circle Diner in Fairfield (they have the same owner as Sherwood) but much better food! It’s spacious, clean and has great soups, salads, and the best prime rib (only on the weekends) around! The sandwiches and wraps are good too…”
FONDUE
The Melting Pot
www.meltingpot.com/darienct/home.html.
14 Grove Street, Darien
203-656-4774
“The Melting Pot is pretty dark inside. The tables are set up with the burners built inside so there are tables for 2 and larger tables for 4. It’s pretty pricey, but it all depends on how you order. You can order ala Carte, or do a prix fixed that includes everything. We did a price fix that included a nice selection of salads, then a choice of a cheese fondue appetizer, then a meat/seafood fondue with either a broth or oil flavor (highly recommend the basic oil fondue) and then (if you have any room left), a choice of a dessert fondue. We had the ‘Smores’ and it was fantastic! If I went again, I would just have the salad, the main meal fondue, and then maybe a dessert. The cheese appetizer is quite filling. Others might like that and just do that for an entrée. There’s a lot to choose from and they were really good about bringing extra sauces, and even meats/cheese/desserts with no charge. Reservations were hard to get. Had to book a few weeks in advance, but it was new so I don’t know how it is now.”
FRENCH
Bernard’s
20 West Lane, Ridgefield
203-438-8282
“High End: Bernard and his wife are both from the renowned Le Cirque in NYC, his talent is as a creative chef and she is the quintessential pastry phenomena.”
Figaro Bistro
372 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich
203-622-0018
“This French bistro is intimate, and beautifully decorated with lovely dark stained molding and etched glass windows allowing one to see into the kitchen. The service is excellent. The food was absolutely delicious. I loved the French onion soup, and their fish was perfectly cooked. My husband tried the beef bourguignon and it was wonderful. Pricing was moderately expensive-better than most French restaurants in Greenwich.”
Homestead Inn
420 Field Point Road, Greenwich
203-869-7500
“High End: Chef Thomas Henkelmann and his designer wife Theresa. You can’t get a finer commitment to freshness. Another husband-wife team that has achieved a rating by the NY Times as ‘extraordinary’.”
L’Escale
www.lescalerestaurant.com
500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich
203-661-4600
“On the water in Greenwich Harbor with a wonderful chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo (he worked with Wolfgang Puck for over 16 years), an innovative Provencal menu in an atmosphere that captures Southern France.”
Ondine
69 Pembroke Road, Danbury
203-746-4900
“In a residential section of Danbury in a small house is this intimate French restaurant. Once inside one feels just like they are really in France. The food is terrific and the prix fixed menu is reasonably priced for French food.”
Versailles
315 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich
203-661-6634
“has the best French desserts and bread rolls in the area, but we do not care for the food at all.”
INDIAN
Coromandel Cuisine of India
25 Old King’s Highway North, Darien
203-662-1213
“This is my all-time favorite Indian restaurant. The atmosphere is intimate, and artful. The foods are different than those typically served in Indian restaurants and are also delicious. For appetizers, the calamari, eggplant, and spicy potato in a crepe are just wonderful. They have a fabulous lamb in a cashew paste, and also one in an apricot stew that are amazing. Definitely make a reservation!”
Thali Regional Cuisine of India
87 Main St. New Canaan
203-972-8332
“This is an absolutely beautiful restaurant. All sorts of bronze colors, waterfalls coming from the ceiling, welcoming bowls of oranges by the hostess. The food is also wonderful. Everything I tried there was delicious and it’s nice to walk around New Canaan Center afterwards.”
ITALIAN
Arthur Avenue
539 Riverside Ave., Westport
203-221-1551
“Arthur Avenue is the best Italian take out place in Westport with homemade pasta and meat dishes. Their Caesar salad is awesome with homemade salad dressing and when John’s wife makes the tiramisu, it’s unbeatable.”
Da Pietro’s
36 Riverside Ave., Westport
203-454-1213
“ A very, very small Italian Restaurant with amazing food! Pretty pricey, but worth it! A terrific place to go when you want to enjoy a really special evening. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time, as there are very few tables.”
Lianna’s Trattoria
591 Tunxis Hill Road, Fairfield
203-368-1235
“Lianna’s Trattoria in Fairfield is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fairfield County because she has homemade pasta, and the best ORGANIC coconut cake in the tri state area. The atmosphere is very neighborhood friendly and Lianna is there most of the time and is an amazing hostess.”
Positano’s
233 Hillspoint Road, Westport
203-454-4922
“Positano’s is located overlooking Long Island Sound in Westport. The Italian food is good, but the real reason for going here are the views. Try to go early and ask for a table next to the windows. Afterwards, stroll along the Sound.”
Quattro Pazzi
245 Hope Street, Stamford
203-964-1801
“I also like Quattro Pazzi, in Stamford (on Hope Street). Décor is funky & colorful (jesters & clowns). Many different pasta dishes & yummy Italian entrees…&they give you lots to eat. $$”
Tuscan Oven a Trattoria
www.tuscanoven.com
544 Main Street, Norwalk
203-846-4600
“Moderately priced: great wine list.”
“Love this restaurant. Nice, warm environment and delicious foods. Their short ribs are amazing. Also, they have a nice room if you are having a small function (min. 12 people) and can offer a delicious and reasonably priced banquet menu.”
JAPANESE
Matsu Sushi
33 Jesup Road Westport
203-341-9662
“Matsu Sushi is really the best place to go for sushi in Fairfield County. Every thing on the menu is very different and if you go during lunchtime, they have really nice bento boxes, which include chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, chicken tempura, beef tempura, or many other dishes. Then you get some California rolls, salad, miso soup, fruit, and white rice along with it. It’s a little on the pricey side but if you consider the quality of the sushi and the unique aroma of the restaurant, it’s a reasonable price. Great munchables. –Sara Elkins (is cool)
MEXICAN
Viva Zapata
530 Riverside Avenue, Westport
203-227-8226
“A terrific Westport Mexican Restaurant with a nice, authentic ambience. House specialties include Mexican chicken, vegetable quessadillas and seafood chimichangas. This was voted “Best Latin American in Fairfield County” by CT. Magazine and well worth this designation.”
NEW AMERICAN CUISINE
Match
98 Washington Street, South Norwalk
203-852-1088
www.matchsono.com
“Has everything from gourmet Pizza to fantastic continental entrees (daily special) and fabulous desserts. The menu changes 3-4 times a year, but there are permanent dishes such as the roasted chicken, great sirloin steak, and salads. The ingredients are always fresh and the dishes taste as good as they look. Reservation is a must on a weekend (which starts on thurs. Night and it’s always packed in the evenings, but you can eat at the bars too! It’s hard to describe the dishes, because the Chef Matt Storch creates and combines unique ingredients…one of my seasonal favorites is lobster ravioli, so light! The steak is always superb as well as the ossobucco…he has everything from foie gras to pizza…”
Rebecca’s
205 Glenville Road, Greenwich
203-532-9270
“Greenwich has Rebecca’s which I love…the food is amazing and innovative (lobster with truffle!)…But the atmosphere is totally too stuffy…” “French technique with American ingredients.”
Splash
260 Compo Road South, Westport
203-454-7798
“Splash is great in the summer and fall when you can sit on the deck and gaze at the water…very beautiful and peaceful, great place to have a drink. Inside the décor is casual and you can sit by the window and see the water…the bar is a scene especially from Thursday night on, I believe that is when all the singles/divorcees come to meet men…the best dish there is their calamari salad and they do have a great cod dish!”
“My husband and I loved the food here, but found it to be a very noisy restaurant-hard to have a conversation with anyone at the table.”
PIZZA
The Fat Cat Pie Company
9-11 Wall Street, Norwalk
203-523-0389
“The Fat Cat Pie Company is no ordinary pizzeria. Almost everything is organic, even some of the wines. The menu is simple. Appetizers include a selection of cheeses and a mixed salad. The entrees are thin-crusted pizzas with a choice of 7 toppings. The salad is not the usual pizzeria salad. It is terrific and has an unusual mixture of mizuna, arugula, tat soi, red oak, baby spinach, red mustard and a light olive oil balsamic dressing. The owners also have a wine shop and the owner drops by at tables and offers advice on wines. There is a cheese corner, which is supplied by Darien Cheese and Fine Foods. For dessert there is only one dessert-a platter of handmade chocolates. The atmosphere is funky and the noise level can be loud during the dinner rush hour.”
Martha’s
632 Post Road West, Westport
203-221-1253
“A more casual place I like in Westport is Martha’s, the new pizza place where old Paesano used to be. Carmine, the owner, is from Brooklyn originally and makes the best crispy crust pizza in our town. All others pale by comparison. Their shrimp pizza (number 10) and sausage and pepper (number 16) on the menu are favorites of ours. I think outside of New Haven’s this is the best pizza joint in town!”
SEAFOOD
Conte’s Market and Grill
540 Riverside Avenue, Westport
203-226-3474
“Conte’s market and grill is a neighborhood favorite for pleasant dining, good times, and great cuisine. Offers a casual friendly dining experience. Offers seafood and American cuisine. Seafood is nice and fresh.”
Ocean Drive
128 Washington Street, South Norwalk
203-855-1665
“This trendy restaurant is located in the hot location of South Norwalk. This delicious seafood restaurant boasts a 40-foot oyster bar and an incredible chandelier by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. Menu choices include salads, fresh fish and steaks. Moderately expensive.”
The Restaurant…At Rowayton Seafood
89 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton
203-866-4488
“This is such a lovely location…a seafood restaurant located on the water. In the summer one can enjoy a cocktail on the dock, in the winter one can dine by the fireplace. Rowayton seafood stew and grilled swordfish bruschetta are unusual menu items and quite tasty.”
SPANISH
Barcelona’s
4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
203-255-0800
“Barcelona in Fairfield is located right on the Merritt. If you’re someone that likes a little taste of everything, then this is the place for you. Go with friends and order great wines and small plates of tapas.”
“Moderately priced-sexy vibe, great Tapas.”
Habana Restaurant & Bar
70 North Main St., Norwalk
852-9790
“One of my favorite restaurants is HABANA in South Norwalk (near the Movie Theater). The food is really good-Cuban cuisine (interesting & authentic…I think?); the atmosphere is nice-small & intimate (low lighting), but can get loud. Great fancy drinks-try the “Juliet Colada.” I haven’t ever been disappointed in a meal. (I think they might have music on some nights, but I am not sure). Don’t bring your own cake-they will charge you an exorbitant “slicing” fee for your own dessert! I think they rate $$$ for the bill.”
La Paella
44 Main Street, Norwalk
203-831-8636
“La Paella is in downtown Norwalk. The house specialty is Paella, made four different ways, but other entrees are available. The interior is intimate, but not fancy. The paella is served family style, and with some plates of tapas as appetizers it’s a fun place to go with a crowd (provided you can agree on what to order).”
STEAKHOUSES
Giovanni’s Steakhouse
1297 Long Ridge Road, Stamford
203-322-8870
“My husband and I ate there and had the reduced menu, but the amount of food for the cost was incredible. It was extremely busy, but we were seated in under 10 minutes and the waitress still wore a smile. The Manhattan chowder was wonderful and the owner came around greeting everybody. That was a nice touch. I encourage others to try it.”
THAI
The King and I Thai Restaurant & Bar
260 Post Road, Fairfield
203-256-1664
“The King and I Thai restaurant in Fairfield is a great little place that we have always enjoyed. The menu choices are varied, but all are great and all can be served at varying levels of heat (spices). The service is good and they have some terrific Thai beers that go great with some of the spicier dishes. Most of the Asian restaurants in this area get the thumbs down from our son Ryan who goes to school in San Francisco where competition amongst Asian restaurants is brutal, but he gives the King and I high marks” “The King and I in Fairfield on the Post Road is a Thai restaurant that we have tried 3 times. It is always good. The portions are smaller than most, but the sauces are tastier and can very spicy. The cost is medium for the area.”
VEGETARIAN AND HEALTH FOOD
The Lime Restaurant
168 Main Street, Norwalk
203-846-9240
“I happen to love The Lime on Main Street in Norwalk. They serve a lot of vegetarian dishes, but serve meat as well. They focus on whole grains, brown rice dishes, and wonderful, unusual salads. This is not a ribs kind of place, but they do have very healthy meat entrees. The restaurant is tiny. Perhaps just 15 tables. Very casual. Jeans and children are welcome. I can not remember what the prices are, but I think it’s comparable to others in the area.”
