Your Guide to Restaurants in Greenwich Connecticut
There’s no denying homebuyers like to scope out potential neighborhoods before deciding to purchase a home. It’s essential to get a feel for the area. One factor that’s definitely on the checklist is how are the nearby restaurants? One of the many reasons I love our communities is the top-notch choices on where to dine. There’s no reason to venture further out when we have such excellent options right in our backyard. Read on for some of my favorite local stops. So next time you’re facing the age-old question “What should we eat for dinner?” make sure to check back here for places you haven’t yet discovered.
Restaurants in Greenwich Connecticut
Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant
This upscale restaurant serves American cuisine with an Asian, Latin and Mediterranean influence. I love that their food is made from fresh and high-quality ingredients, typically sourced from local farms. Their wine list is varied and in-depth, offering an excellent accompaniment to their dishes. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time because their dining room can get busy most nights. Insider Tip: Don’t leave without trying the branzino. While I frequent the Greenwich restaurant, there are three other locations in New Haven, Westport and West Hartford.
Happy Monkey
This vibrant Latin restaurant from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has an energy all its own. Splashes of bright colors and playful murals line the walls while plants add a lively touch to the space. Dishes are served tapas style and vary in size. So take your large parties, share your dishes, order a margarita and don’t skip the tacos. Indulging in the churros at the end of the meal is a must.
The Cottage
A James Beard semi-finalist this year, The Cottage offers a creative take on classic American favorites. Dishes and techniques are inspired by cultures from around the world. And the ingredients are sourced locally with special attention paid to what’s available seasonally. This charming restaurant from Chef Brian Lewis was recognized with an “Excellent” review in the New York Times. Stop into either the Greenwich or Westport location to see why this restaurant is a neighborhood favorite.
Méli-Mélo
This cozy eatery brings the taste of Bretagne, France to our corner of the world. The menu offers savory crêpes and salads, but definitely don’t skip out on the soups. As a family-friendly, casual café, the space feels relaxed. They even offer outdoor seating! The “grab and go” section offers gourmet takeout – for those nights when timing is especially tight. Opened in 1994, Méli-Mélo is without a doubt a Greenwich staple.
Restaurants in Old Greenwich Connecticut
Le Fat Poodle
A local restaurant list isn’t complete without the mention of this beloved modern French spot. Service, atmosphere and food are all equally excellent – a testament to the tenacity of ownership. The space is well lit and there’s a lovely energy that flows through it. This is the place to meet your girlfriends for a boozy brunch. And if your sweet tooth obliges, try the heavenly tres leches for dessert. This spot continues to be my absolute favorite.
Lugano Wine Bar & Salumeria
Named after the only Italian-speaking town in Southern Switzerland, this chic space is known for its tapas and cured meats. Their housemade pasta is deliciously flavorful – favorites include Fettuccine Bolognese, Penne Alla Vodka with chicken or Linguini Carbonara. Don’t be surprised if you have a tough time deciding what to order, don’t worry, you really can’t go wrong. They also have one of the best local happy hours every day from 3 - 6 pm. Cheers to that!
Alpen Pantry
The sandwich shop that puts all other sandwich shops to shame. The magic is in the imported cheese and Schalle & Weber meats. AKA they’re not messin’ around with the quality of their sammies. The Rondale is my usual go-to but everything on the menu is worth trying. It’s also the place to head to for hard-to-find gourmet pantry items. We’re lucky to have this delicious eatery in our neighborhood.
Applausi Osteria
This is the place for authentic Italian food. Chef Maria makes handmade pasta daily sharing the hospitality of her hometown of Gravina in Puglia, Italy. The Marchetti family is serious about their food. They even grow their own olives in an ancient town near Assisi to serve a proprietary blend of olive oil tableside. And the staff always provides such warm hospitality, from the moment you walk in the door to excellent wine pairing suggestions. If you haven’t been in yet, it’s time to make your reservation!
Restaurants in Cos Cob Connecticut
Chicken Joe’s
It’s comfort food at its finest. Chicken Joe’s hits the mark for fresh, delicious fried chicken. They also serve up breakfast and a tasty selection of sandwiches from the grill or butcher block. Their catering offers a no-fuss solution to any backyard gathering. Because sometimes the best thing you can serve up is the childhood favorites.
Caren's Cos Cobber
This eatery offers a laid-back atmosphere with delicious food. Looking for late-night dining? It’s open until 1 AM. And right now they have local musician Michael Bram on Thursday evenings for live music entertainment. There’s a special place in my heart for east coast diners with local live music… and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Coast
This upscale seafood spot is a local favorite. From fresh oysters to lobster bisque to escargot this restaurant has all your seafood cravings covered. I recommend making a reservation because it does get busy on the weekends. Their outdoor space is one of my favorites – it’s even doable this time of year with the help of their outdoor heaters. Go check it out and start with a handcrafted cocktail.
Scarpelli's Sausage
You don’t have to head to the Bronx for a great Italian sausage when we have Scarpelli’s Sausage in our own backyard. In tune with an old-school sausage shop, their menu is simple. But their products are so good, it doesn’t need to be more complicated than that. Their sausages, available in loose or links, come in three flavors: sweet, medium and extra hot. They also have patties, dried sausage and Mancini peppers. They’re open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 AM - 2 PM and Sunday from 9 AM - 1 PM. Make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds.
Restaurants in Riverside Connecticut
Aux Délices
Looking to have a delicious French-inspired breakfast or lunch? This relaxed eatery is your best bet! I love stopping in for their fresh paninis. They also offer catering for corporate events and weddings. At a loss for what to serve for the holidays? Their selection of ready-to-go meals, with options like Berkshire ham, Salmon en Croute and ginger scones, are absolutely mouth-watering. Pre-order ahead of time online and enjoy the season stress-free.
Valbella
An all-around elegant venue, Valbella is the perfect special occasion or date night spot. From the moment you arrive, you’re well taken care of. They offer valet parking and a coat check, all the little details are covered. I highly recommend calling ahead of time to see if the wine cellar table is available – that’s a whole experience on its own! Splurge on a nice bottle of wine and save room for dessert.
Ada's Kitchen + Coffee
This historic house-turned-eatery has a charm all its own. And it’s hard to think of a local eatery that’s more universally loved. Stop in to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner to go or hang out at the nearby benches. All their ingredients are fresh and sourced from local farms when possible. A menu that focuses on seasonally available produce further adds to the allure. Stop in and try it out for yourself! Insider Tip: The housemade English muffins are a must.
Tony’s at the J House
This classy restaurant located inside the J House Greenwich hotel offers an ambiance all its own. With two cozy fireplaces to warm guests, it’s tough not to feel comfortable here. And restaurateur Tony is incredible at welcoming diners and entertaining them with his rounds of rapid-fire trivia questions. The menu offers fresh sushi, savory steaks and Italian favorites. You won’t be disappointed with the filet mignon. This dynamic space also offers outdoor seating with ivy-wrapped columns to give off a whimsical garden feel. And who doesn’t love that?
Did your favorites make the list? What other local spots are a must-try? Let me know in the comments below!