The Spanish word ‘Al Fresco’ translates to ‘outside, at a fresh temperature’. Outdoor dining is a special treat for those who live in northern climates and is especially popular in the warm summer months when the weather is most favorable. This style of dining is often casual and party-like in its atmosphere. In order to accommodate and promote the ever popular outdoor dining, many communities including the town of Fairfield have passed ordinances permitting them; many restaurants have seized the opportunity.
The Artisan Restaurant, Tavern & Garden, aka ‘Southport’s secret oasis’, 275 Old Post Rd, offers Al Fresco dining New England Style as Chef Kieffer promotes sustainable agriculture through seasonally inspired interpretations of classic New England dishes as he works closely with the best local farmers and fishermen.
The Old Post Tavern, 1418 Post Rd, is based on the concept of a classic American Tavern. A Tavern is defined as a ‘place for patrons to gather for the purpose of eating food and consuming beverages’. This family style steak house offers a half price wine list on Tuesday nights, a Surf and Turf special on Thursdays and a Sunday brunch from 11:30 – 4pm.
The Brasserie, 52 Sanford Street, this restaurant, largely of French cuisine, offers prix fix menus, daily specials, tapas and a fabulous dessert menu.
A hot spot, Molto Mozzarella and Wine Bar, 1215 Post Road, aims to provide a fun and energetic atmosphere paired with great Italian cuisine and an adventurous wine list. Enjoy true Italian comfort foods, 1950’s classic Italian movies, a 40 foot long Carrera marble bar, tapas and more.
Martel Bistro & Bar, 2316 Post Road, offers an American Bistro with a French flair, where the food is outstanding but not pretentious’, a casual, lively atmosphere, Buck a Shuck $1 oysters, clams and shrimp sun-fri 4-6pm and daily ‘Beach Blanket delivery to Fairfield’s beaches.
Also try: Café Madeline, 1603 Post Rd – Italian, 55 Degrees, 55 Miller St. near the train station – American style foods and Wine Bar. Osianna, 70 Reef Rd – excellent Greek Mediterranean and Seafood fare. Avellino’s, 1813 Post Rd, Italian fare. The Chelsea, 12 Unquowa Place, Posto Café, 937 Post Rd – Italian, and Café Lola, 57 Unquowa Rd – French.
Centro Ristorante & Bar, 1435 Post Rd, offers delicious Italian & Mediterranean cuisine, a colorful upbeat atmosphere, homemade pastas, a kids menu, Sunday brunch and a Centro’s to go menu.
The Gray Goose Cafe, 246 Old Post Rd, serves traditional American foods in a warm, lively setting complete with reclaimed barn siding walls and a fieldstone fireplace. Here you will find a delicious culinary realm from healthful, organic ingredients to a juicy hanger steak with crisp parmesan shoestring frites.
Ponte Vecchio Trattoria, Cucina italiano, 1275 Post Rd, is a Chef-owned Italian restaurant where ‘guests are welcomed like family and treated like royalty’ as they enjoy a true trattoria experience and flavorsome traditional fare.
Also try: Barcelona, 4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Wild Rice’s Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar, 1612 Post Rd., Fin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar – 1253 Post Rd., Sweet Basil Asian Fusion 284 Black rock turnpike, Quattro Pazzi Café, 1599 Post Road – Italian, Mancuso’s Ristorante and Bar – 601 Kings Highway East, Mecha Noodle Bar, 1215 Post Road (offers a delicious vegetarian ramen), Wilsons BBQ, 1851 Post Rd – authentic southern style bbq fare (& an winning pulled pork sandwich), Joe’s American Bar & Grill, 750 Post Rd – consistently good Traditional American fare, Flipsides burgers and fries – 1125 Post Rd, Fairfield Café, 770 commerce Drive – American fare, and the always popular Southport Brewing Co., 2600 Post Rd. – where you’ll enjoy ‘ culinary excellence and brewing expertise’ as 27 home brews are processed on site, made from the finest natural ingredients, many of which are available on tap.
Sound Views
Enjoy Kings Kitchen – beach cafe, 1505 Pequot Avenue, who boasts the best view in town and serves farm fresh foods ranging from lobster rolls to organic chicken nuggets. Shoes not required….
Quick & Easy
Firehouse Deli – 22 Reef Road, the Seagrape Café, 1144 Reef Road ‘a great place for darts and beers’, Tomato & Basil Café, 1876 Black Rock Turnpike – pizzeria and Italian fare, Bon Appetit Café and Creperie, 1879 Black Rock Turnpike – good authentic French cuisine.
Bon appetite!
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