Each year we poll Fairfield County residents for the Best of the Gold Coast awards. For 2024, you cast nearly 100,000 votes in 170 categories to pick your top restaurants, shops and services across the county.
Here are our readers’ picks for the best restaurants along the Gold Coast. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly vibes or an al fresco spot with a view, take your neighbors’ word for it with these local favorites.
The Best of the Gold Coast 2024 – Top Restaurants in Fairfield County
BARCELONA WINE BAR
Spanish + Tapas
With a focus on tapas-style Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, Barcelona serves up its small plates in a lively and stylish atmosphere that’s nearly as big of a draw as the sangria and charcuterie.
4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
(203) 255-0800
515 West Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 854-5600
222 Summer Street, Stamford
(203) 348-4800
BARTACO
Mexican
Bartaco has locations in 14 states but the local outposts, in Westport and Stamford, still manage to feel thoughtful thanks to creative—and mouthwatering—menu offerings. Rotating taco entries like warm buttered lobster sit alongside staples like chicken verde and chili lime. Both locations offer a vibrant atmosphere, plus plenty of tequilas and refreshing cocktails.
222 Summer Street, Stamford
(203) 323-8226
20 Wilton Road, Westport
(203) 222-8226
THE BENJAMIN
New Restaurant
This Ridgefield newcomer has been welcoming a steady stream of diners from all over Fairfield and Westchester counties since it opened in June 2023. Named For Benjamin Franklin with a wink at his role as the first ambassador to France, the restaurant reflects that transatlantic connection in its approach. The little gem Caesar salad and roasted half chicken (above) are top reader choices from the tightly curated, seasonal menu. Executive Chef (and serendipitously monikered) Benjamin Traver joined fromNYC’s The Modern and Cafe Boulud, while Pastry Chef Melissa Knauer hails from Litchfield bakery fave Arethusa a Mano
20 West Lane, Ridgefield
(475) 275-6001
CAFÉ SILVIUM
Italian
This longstanding trattoria, operated by brothers Nick and Vincenzo Petrafesa, focuses on traditional Italian cuisine, serving whisper-thin fettuccine, classic scaloppines and a wine list to match, all generously portioned in a warm, family-friendly environment.
371 Shippan Avenue, Stamford
(203) 324-1651
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
Business Lunch
Part of a renowned national chain, Capital Grille offers an upscale dining experience with expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list, all in a convenient downtown-Stamford location.
230 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford
(203) 967-0000
COLONY GRILL
Family-Friendly Restaurant + Pickup/Delivery Option
If you’ve ever placed a takeout order at Colony Grill on a Friday night, you won’t be surprised to find it on our list. Locally famous for its Irish-style pizzas, Colony Grill is a Fairfield County staple offering a casual dining experience with a classic pub atmosphere.
1520 Post Road, Fairfield
(203) 259-1989
515 West Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 866-5252
172 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford
(203) 359-2184
COROMANDEL
Indian
Dining at Coromandel is marked by its indulgent Indian flavors, quality ingredients and high attention to detail, plus friendly service and an inviting atmosphere.
25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien
(631) 837-2419
THE COTTAGE
Creative Menu
Known for its American cuisine with a twist, The Cottage offers seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing both taste and presentation.
49 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich
(203) 769-1220
256 Post Road East, Westport
(203) 557-3701
THE INN AT LONGSHORE
Event Space/Weddings
Gorgeous coastal views and open event spaces make The Inn at Longshore our readers’ top choice for celebrating special events. Furthermore, its tastefully crafted menu is sure to elevate all occasions.
260 Compo Road South, Westport
(203) 226-3316
KOUZINA
Greek
The spot for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, Kouzina showcases traditional flavors with modern flair in a relaxed and inviting environment inspired by the Greek islands.
223 Main Street, Stamford
(203) 588-0110
LAYLA’S FALAFEL
Mediterranean
A Middle Eastern delight, Layla’s offers traditional dishes like falafel, shawarma and other regional specialties in a fast-casual setting. It’s a must for any takeout night or UberEats delivery.
2088 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
(203) 384-0100
926 High Ridge Road, Stamford
(203) 461-8004
1535 Post Road East, Westport
(203) 955-1583
LE PENGUIN
French
Jean-Louis Gerin has served elevated French cuisine at 61 Lewis Street in Greenwich since 1985. His first endeavor, Restaurant Jean-Louis, shuttered in 2012. It reopened a year later as Le Penguin, named after a sobriquet for French waiters, and has been a go-to for bistro fare and a convivial scene ever since.
61 Lewis Street, Greenwich
(203) 717-1200
LITTLE KITCHEN
Chinese
Little Kitchen is our readers’ top pick for Chinese food staples like Peking duck and egg-drop soup, but this Westport restaurant also offers a wide range of Pan Asian dishes. Think: Soto Ayam, pad thai and a full sushi bar (the Caterpillar Roll is a standout). The lunch specials are especially popular for takeout.
423 Post Road East, Westport
(203) 454-5540
LITTLE PUB
American
Known for its neighborly atmosphere, this pub provides an extensive menu packed with American fare (including a kids’ menu), beer and wine, making it a local default for casual gatherings, easy family dinners and drinks with friends.
2133 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
(203) 612-4567
531 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob
(203) 717-1147
10 Washington Parkway, Stratford
(203) 612-7523
41 Saugatuck Avenue, Westport
(203) 227-0511
26 Danbury Road, Wilton
(203) 762-1122
LITTLE THAI KITCHEN
Thai
Our readers who can’t shake their cravings for drunken noodles and coconut curry chicken choose Little Thai Kitchen, a small and simple Thai restaurant with sought-after lunch specials and a long menu of Thai classics.
4 West Avenue, Darien
(203) 622-0038
21 St. Roch Avenue, Greenwich
(203) 622-2972
MECHA NOODLE BAR
Asian/Asian Fusion
Winning Best Asian Fusion is your sign to go beyond steaming bowls of pho and ramen and explore the rest of the menu at youthful chainlet Mecha Noodle Bar. Edamame is seasoned with garlic confit, rosemary, sage and sea salt. Pork and shrimp dumplings in spicy red chili oil are a top order, but we’re also suckers for the roasted mushroom dumplings. Of course, no one is disputing Mecha’s noodle primacy. Beef Noodle is a bowl of brothless rice noodles tossed to perfection in a sweet, umami-rich sauce that get rave reviews.
1215 Post Road, Fairfield
(203) 292-8222
116 Washington Street, Norwalk
(203) 295-8718
151 Bedford Street, Stamford
(203) 801-7577
NORDIC FISH
Sushi
While Nordic Fish is primarily known as a premier fish market, discerning locals know it as a hidden gem for exceptional sushi. With a menu of over a hundred rolls and an expert staff, Nordic Fish stands out for its inventive, ultra-fresh fare.
1499 Post Road, Fairfield
(203) 292-8400
THE RESTAURANT AT ROWAYTON SEAFOOD
Outdoor Dining + Seafood
Views don’t get better than the ones from The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood’s outdoor dining deck, which overlooks the Long Island Sound. Enjoy a delectable spread of shrimp cocktail, fried calamari and buttery lobster rolls while sitting seaside at this fan favorite. Hungry after a long day on the water? The restaurant offers limited docking spots to boaters.
89 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton
(203) 866-4488
SAKURA
Japanese
Our readers say arigato to Sakura, the Westport staple, for offering up both kid-friendly hibachi and a more elevated dining experience that parents look forward to. Dining options range from sushi to hibachi, from sukiyaki to shabu shabu. There’s also an array of options to park yourself for the night from belly up to the bar (sushi or otherwise) to outdoors on the patio, from the main dining room to more intimate tatami rooms. Few area restaurants have the staying power of this Japanese standout, in business since 1982. On the occasion of its opening, The New York Times called it “winning.” More than 40 years later, we still agree
680 Post Road East, Westport
(203) 222-0802
TAVERN AT GRAYBARNS
Hotel Restaurant + Private Dining/Intimate Venue + Special Occasion/Date Night
By clinching both Intimate Venue and Date Night, it seems like perennial favorite Tavern at GrayBarns might be this year’s choice for romantic evenings out. Local ingredients star on hyperlocal, lifelong Fairfield County resident Chef Joseph Wabshinak’s New American menu. For truly special occasions take full advantage of the transported-to-the-countryside vibe and book an overnight at the Inn. There, the Glazer family (Marsha and daughter Nikki, above) welcomes you to the property they’ve owned since 2017. Their discerning redesign transformed the old Silvermine Tavern into the epitome of quiet luxury, all warmth and refinement.
TONY’S AT THE J HOUSE
Best Service
It’s no surprise that the restaurant known for its namesake founder’s penchant for making the rounds to personally greet guests—whether newly arrived NYC transplants or boldfaced naked celebs—would get the attention of our readers who voted Tony’s at the J House this year’s Best Service winner. The entrance sign reads “Right this way, my friend” and is the welcoming mantra reflected through every detail of this always-popular steakhouse that is so much more than just a steakhouse
1114 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside
(203) 698-6999
WASHINGTON PRIME
Steaks
The only tough thing about a night out at Washington Prime is deciding which of its six signature steaks to order. Regulars love this expansive, trendy spot for its perfectly cooked cuts and tender tartares, complemented by attentive service and an impressive wine list.
141 Washington Street, Norwalk
(203) 857-1314
314 BEER GARDEN
Event Space
314 Beer Garden has solved the party planning predicament with a variety of event spaces to choose from, a delicious and extensive menu with something for everyone, and an onsite event coordinator to help your celebrations run smoothly.
314 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 857-1516