LITHOS
Now you can get authentic Greek food close to home at Lithos in Darien. This Mediterranean trattoria from Teddy and Olga Giapoutzis—who also own the Darien, Post Road and New Canaan diners—serves up classics such as moussaka, grilled lamb chops and baklava, as well as modern interpretations of Greek dishes. For dessert, there are Greek pastries and fresh yogurt with fruit. 319 Post Road, Darien, lithosdarien.com
DOUGH & CO.
Christina Mattison, the founder of Dough & Co. in Norwalk., is a young talent who has worked hard to win over discerning sweets fans with her exceptional crispy chocolate chip cookies. She has delicious new dessert offerings for the holidays, including bacon gingersnaps, spice cake and egg-free cookie dough. Her apple, pumpkin and chocolate pecan pies are at Neat. doughandcobaking.com
BRUCULINO
Taking the place of SoNo’s Pasta Nostra, Joe Bruno has just opened Bruculino, a bold new Italian in a contemporary setting. For those who adored the pasta at its predecessor, Bruculino won’t disappoint with dishes such as porcini ravioli, pappardelle with roast duck ragu and scallops with black linguini. 20 North Main, Norwalk, 203-854-9700
FJORD FISH MARKET
Get your sushi and seafood fix at the newest Fjord Fish Market, slated to open soon in Darien. You may be familiar with the company’s other locations in New Canaan, Westport and Greenwich. As always, Fjord’s focus is on premium, responsibly sourced seafood. To wit: Fjord only sells wild shrimp and always details the origins of its fish. Don’t miss the addictive smoked marlin spread and the sushi rolls made daily by a dedicated sushi master. 1015 Post Road, Darien,
fjordfishmarket.com
ESTIA’S BACK PORCH CAFÉ
Local favorite Estia’s has been recreated as Estia’s Back Porch Café. “The idea was to identify exactly where we are on the Post Road property with a new name,” says owner Colin Ambrose. The cafe designation provides a menu change, with new items at lower prices and the entree offerings regulars enjoy. Among the new dishes are a panko-crusted fried chicken breast finished in an agave, lime and chili sauce and served with mashed potatoes and avocado salad; and a California turkey burger with jack cheese and avocado; 1020 Post Road, Darien estiascafe.com
SE Uncorked
Building on the popularity of South End, chef-owner Nick Martschenko opened SE Uncorked, his second restaurant in New Canaan. The speakeasy-inspired eatery has a completely renovated interior with an open kitchen, brick-backed bar with lots of seating and high-top tables. Snacks and taps (yes, there’s wine and beer on tap) are a big focus at this casual spot designed for quick bites and late nights—food is served until 11 p.m. “I did this for me,” says Chef Nick of the format of the eatery, where you order cocktails by number. “We take the complication out of your life. You make decisions all day long; when you come out to eat, you don’t want to make any more.” Which snacks to try? Don’t miss the lobster pops (each one is half a lobster tail with chili-lime butter on a skewer), the outstanding Hamachi nachos, pork carnitas and shishito peppers with a creamy tonnato sauce. For lighter fare, try the Thai watermelon and radish salad or the zucchini carpaccio. When you have an appetite for a full meal, there are also “plates,” such as a super-fresh tuna panzanella salad, coconut-infused chicken breast, and a seriously juicy double cheeseburger. 15 Elm Street, New Canaan, seuncorked.com