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New Canaan
Baldanza Market and Cafe: This new kid on the block (opened at the end of summer) offers delicious, mainstream “what you’d make at home” organic food. Their Melt Down tuna melt can’t be beat.
17 Elm Street
203-966-4000
Le Pain Quotidien: Quick service and a varied menu make this place an easy choice for that midday meal. Try their Organic Black Bean Hummus Tartine.
81 Elm Street
203-920-4143
Farmers Table: Book early here! This little spot fills up almost daily for lunch. Dish of choice would be the lentil quinoa salad.
21 Forest Street
203-594-7890
Rosie: Rose Nammack’s healthy, creative cuisine has a cult following. We are obsessed with her chicken tacos.
27 Elm Street
203-966-8998
Chef Luis: Diners come in droves for calamari, a variety of salads, sandwiches and other delicious dishes with Guatemalan undertones.
129 Elm Street
203-972-5847
Sole: Traditional Tuscan and Mediterranean fare. Their quick $15 Express Lunch is great if you’re pressed for time.
105 Elm Street
203-972-8887
South End: Lunch is served Wed-Saturday at this neighborhood favorite, with a menu inspired by seasonal comfort food. We love the spicy tuna poke.
36 Pine Street
203-966-5200
Rowayton
Rowayton Pizza: Great old standby. Perfect pizza every time, and fans love their salads, sandwiches, calzones and soups.
98 Rowayton Avenue
203 853-7555
Rowayton Market: Sit for a quick bite in the back, and choose from a variety of soups, salads, and wraps.
157 Rowayton Avenue
203-852-0011
Sails: This American Grill offers soups, salads, fish and burgers at lunchtime, plus an amazing Sunday Brunch.
148 Rowayton Avenue
203-853-7245
Darien
Aux Delices: Gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches abound at Debra Ponzek’s foodie mecca.
25 Old King’s Hwy North
203-662-1136
The Sugar Bowl: Old school, diner-style fare is their thing, and the restaurant is decorated to the nines for every holiday of the year.
1033 Post Road
203-655-1259
The Goose: Great big salads, and specialty seafood dishes like linguine and clams make this a local favorite. Don’t miss their Sunday brunch.
972 Post Road
203-656-2600
Bodega Taco Bar: Described as a “Cal/Mex inspired Taco/Tequila/Bar. The guacamole is a must-have, and if you’re carb-averse, their Lady Tata tacos come with fixings of your choice in a lettuce cup.
980 Post Road
203-655-8500
1020 Post: A big hit with the corporate crowd, this place boasts everything from tasty salads, to burgers to fish, and a great raw seafood bar.
1020 Post Road
203-655-1020
Darien Social: This relatively new gastropub “pays homage to the American classics” like pizza, burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, and other casual fare. Offers an extensive spirits bar and a variety of 31 draft stouts, ales and lagers.
10 Center Street
203-614-8183
Rory’s: Locals love this old-school joint known for its burgers.
416 Post Road
203-655-9453
Good Food, Good Things: Diane Browne’s cafe never disappoints with her delicious salads, soups and sandwiches that you can eat at a window seat in the adjoining home store.
865 Post Rd
(203) 655-7355
Uppercrust Bakery and Café (UCBC): Their yummy chopped salad bar, plus hot and cold sandwiches are a hit at this casual, fun bakery and café.
980 Boston Post Road
203-655-7566