From newly-coupled to happily married, or anywhere in between, this is where Fairfield County diners love to celebrate love. Chef curated menus in swoon-worthy spaces, sparkling rosés poured by sommeliers and celebratory sweets on dessert menus abound for Valentine’s Day. Romance, no doubt, is being served.
Romantic Restaurants in Fairfield County
Greenwich
The Cottage
Chef Brian Lewis has crafted a decadent Chef’s Menu for Valentine’s Day, with the option of a wine pairing, at his modern American restaurant. The meal is a perfectly executed crescendo of flavors as Lewis so masterfully achieves at his portfolio of restaurants. The meal begins with an amuse bouche, a deviled egg with caviar—need we say more? The first course is the start of a beautiful progression, with a choice of beet-cured hamachi crudo or wagyu beef tartare followed by a second course of potato ricotta gnocchi with burgundy black truffles. The third is a choice of duck roasted in coriander, wagyu ribeye au poivre, chanterelle mushroom risotto or seared dayboat scallops. Our selection to finish the meal is the lovers chocolate cake for two which just sounds utterly irresistible.
49 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich
203-769-1220
thecottage.kitchen
Elm Street Oyster House
It’s a vibe. This chic, cozy spot known for its fresh seafood and extensive wine list sounds pretty romantic to us. The longevity of this award-winning spot, just off of Greenwich Avenue, does not come as a surprise. Just like your date (utterly irresistible), the crab meat and guacamole stack on tortilla chips is Instagram worthy. The signature pan fried oysters and wasabi and sesame crusted seared yellow-fin tuna are outstanding, as are the beautiful seafood platters. The raw bar features six varieties of oysters daily. And you know what they say about oysters!
11 W. Elm St., Greenwich
293-629-5795
elmstreetoysterhouse.com
MIKU Sushi Bar and Restaurant
MIKU, which means beautiful moment, sounds like the perfect spot for you and your one-and- only. The experience of dining on sushi combines exotic flavors and textures with simple presentation. Guests rave about MIKU’s cooked dishes, craft cocktails, extensive sake menu and unforgettable appetizers, but it’s the sushi and sashimi from highly trained chefs that consistently garners the restaurant accolades. While MIKU will be serving its February special menu to benefit the YWCA Domestic Abuse Center (the nonprofit partner for the month), keep in mind the signature passion and sweetheart rolls.
68 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich
203-900-7676
mikugreenwich.com
Valbella
It goes without saying that the romantic setting of Valbella makes it one of our favorite restaurants all year long, but it’s especially noteworthy on Valentine’s Day. No matter how long your love has been blooming, a cena per due in one of the three elegant dining rooms is perfect for this quintessential date night. From the antipasto and seasonally driven insalata to the house made pastas, Valebella has been serving classic Italian food for over twenty-five years. The cheeky cocktail menu and show-stopping desserts simply add to the celebratory flair.
1309 E. Putnam Avenue, Riverside
203-637-1155
valbellagreenwich.com
New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton
Elm Restaurant
Chef Luke Venner’s menu focuses on a nod to the East Coast with influences from his travels abroad. Fresh, vibrant first course dishes to share, like the Beau Soleil oysters with a crisp apple mignonette or the burrata with nasturtium set the stage for entrees from the plancha, smoker and grill. Venner’s Valentine’s Day specials will honor his passion for seasonal American fare. Bonus points for scoring a reservation at this buzzy, well-appointed restaurant in the heart of New Canaan.
73 Elm St., New Canaan
203-920-4994
elmrestaurant.com
Restaurant L’Ostal
Ostal’ refers to the warmth of hospitality and that act is so perfectly achieved at this Provençal restaurant celebrating the traditions of Southern France. Chef Jared Sippel and master sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s collaboration showcases L’Ostal’s cuisine by thoughtfully pairing dishes—from appetizers (dubbed ‘beginnings’) to dessert—with wines indigenous to the area. The restaurant’s famed escargot en coquielle, fois gras maison and Hudson Valley duck confit are classic dishes to partage avec ton amour.
22 Center St., Darien
475-328-9629
restaurantlostal.com
Rowayton Seafood Restaurant and Market
Pouring a glass of Rowayton Water rosé sets the stage for a sublime evening on the water with views of Five Mile Harbor. This chic eatery specializes in seafood, and even during the winter, dining on the waterfront is simply too romantic for words. The smoked salmon flatbread with crème fraîche, incomparable daily selection of oysters, miso- marinated cod or their signature lobster roll to share are perfect date night fare. Guests can order from the à la carte menu or the chef’s choice prix fixe which has an optional wine pairing selection. Looking for a gift, but can’t quite get there? Their newest cookbook A Touch of Salt has arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day gifting.
89 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk
203-866-4488
rowaytonseafood.com
Tavern at GrayBarns
Is there anything more romantic than a stay with your paramour at GrayBarns on the Silvermine River? Possibly having the experience on Valentine’s Day! Book the King Suite, pick up floral bouquets from Ridgefield-based Wild Iris Flower Co., on-site that day, and book a table at the Tavern followed by an in-room champagne surprise. The rustic-beamed dining room is a stunning setting for dinner pour deux. The menu reflects the region’s agriculture and farming community with salads inspired by local lettuces, homegrown herbs and proteins from nearby farms. Dinner, without the stay, is just as lovely. We promise!
190 Perry Ave., Norwalk
203-580-1900
tavernatgraybarns.com
Stamford
The Americano
Nestled near Columbus Park in Downtown Stamford sits newcomer The Americano, a clear pick for our Valentine’s Day restaurant edition. The mashup of the masculine historic Frank Martin building dating from 1890, mixed with feminine floral wallpapers and antique fixtures, is a fun play for the most iconic date night evening. Fine dining is fused with craft cocktails in the contemporary brasserie style menu. A shareable charcuterie board or soupe à l’oignon gratinée are classic dishes pour toi et ton amour. The butcher’s cuts selections, decadent seafood preparations and homemade pastas are all ideal for sharing, and what’s more romantic than that?
261 Main Street, Stamford
203-276-8918
theamericanobar.com
Farmhouse at the Crossroads
As Farmhouse at the Crossroads approaches its 150th anniversary, it is a testament to any good relationship that longevity matters most. What an appropriate setting then for Valentine’s Day. The menu at this historic establishment intertwines food and love quite beautifully. The evening begins with appetizers ranging from lobster burrata to tuna tartar or the CT. Gem Caesar, which celebrates local seasonal greens. The courses progress into richer, fuller flavors like duck confit, braised lamb shank, and scallops paired with creamy risotto. The loveliest part of the evening: The meal commences with a complimentary glass of rosé.
2635 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford
203-329-7818
farmhouseatthecrossroads.com
Olio
Chef Steve Costanzo is filled with passion and his Valentine’s Day dinner will encompass that to the fullest. The recent addition of locally grown microgreens from Gilbertie’s of Easton is infused into the Olio fall salad, along with candied walnuts, Bosc pears and blue cheese. The main courses are inspired by seasonal flavors like the pork chops with regionally sourced apples and a house made ricotta gnocchi with a shallot brandy truffle cream. Sipping an aperitif with Olio’s classic flourless chocolate cake is a luxurious ending to an intimate dinner.
934 Hope Street, Stamford
203-817-0303
oliostamford.com
Table 104 Osteria-Bar
Liken your Valentine’s Day dinner at Table 104 Osteria-Bar to a visit to Tuscany, by way of Westover. In addition to the regular menu, the chef is presenting highly curated specials for the evening starting with a seafood platter comprised of local oysters, shrimp cocktail and house made mignonette along with a selection of entrées including seared duck breast with a maitake mushroom sauce and baked lobster with a lemon beurre blanc. The rum-soaked “Neapolitan Baba” is the perfect decadent, classic Italian liqueur-infused dessert to celebrate the holiday with.
299 Long Ridge Road, Stamford
203-388-8898
table104stamford.com
The Wheel at The Village
Set on the water in Harbor Point, The Wheel at The Village, true to its live music roots, will have a jazz duo on Valentine’s Day. From flowers on the table by Norwalk-based Arugula and Tango Florist, to a selection of curated menu features focusing on fresh ingredients from 40 local farmers, fisherman, and purveyors of craft beer and spirits; the evening is all about love for its local community.
4 Star Point, Stamford
475-270-1300
thevillagewheel.com
Westport, Weston & Wilton
Allium Eatery
Love is in the air! We’re smitten with Allium’s Valentine’s Day approach to dining care of chef and owner Michelle Greenfield. The restaurant has four time slots; 5:30PM and 7:30PM at the tables and 6PM and 8PM at the bar. From starters to sweets, the prixe fixe menu is representative of what Allium does best, serve super fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients with an equal balance of flavorful dishes for vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores and a range of other diets. The sunchoke soup, duck confit raviolo and halibut in orange-sage beurre blanc sound as special as this spot is.
54 Railroad Pl., Westport
203-557-3060
alliumwestport.com
Baldanza at The Schoolhouse
Focusing on the finest, organic ingredients from local farmers and producers is core to the DNA of Baldanza. The core of Chef mission to serve honest food, a mission of importance on a day celebrating relationships. Their menu, driven by owners Angela and Sandy Baldanza and executed by chef Rodrigo Pacheco, is farm-to-table seasonal fare paired with rich stouts and vibrant Sauvignon Blancs. Baldanza is toasting their third anniversary in a space built in 1872 after the civil war. Its historic roots paired with the owner’s current vision for the future is honorable, and undeniably romantic.
Baldanza
34 Cannon Rod., Wilton 203-309-5777
baldanzarestaurants.com
Casa Me
Love is always on the menu at Casa Me. Authentic cooking and craft cocktails, a boutique wine list and a menu of spuntini, antipasti, pinsa, house made pasta, farm fresh vegetables and grilled fish and meat dishes all hint, quite delicately, at different regions of Italy. Chef Emiliano Miglionico helms from Milan and what have emerged as our go-to dishes seem entirely perfect for a dinner date with a loved one. We’re in love with the insalata di mare or the burrata with pistachio pesto to start followed by the mafaldine al limone or the bucatini cacio e pepe for a pasta course and then Milanese di polo or tagliata di manzo. A sure fire way to impress your date? Order the truffle pinsa, you’ll seem really in the know. It’s by request only and not listed on the menu.
7 Sconset Sq., Westport
203-571-3230
casamecafe.com
Nômade Westport
Is there anything more romantic than globetrotting to the far reaches of South Africa and Tulum with ton amour? Dining at globally inspired Nômade, nestled into a banquette with Moroccan rugs, under wicker lights in Westport is a very close second. From the Mediterranean to the Pacific, the menu pulls inspiration from French bistros, Italian cucinas and Greek kitchens. The menu will be supplemented for the evening with several specialty cocktails for you and your sweetheart to sip and celebrate with.
150 Main St., Westport
203-557-9577
nomadewestport.com
OKO
Special occasions call for sweeping romantic gestures and securing a near impossible to score reservation at Oko on Valentine’s Day is just that. This cozy and romantic Japanese restaurant housed in the historic Vigilant Hose Company firehouse is one of the few places that is solely offering an a la carte menu, versus a limited specialty selection for the evening. Chef Brian Lewis’ ability to fuse together fish from the Tsukiji market in Japan, with ingredients from local farms and waters here in Connecticut, is masterful. The chef’s nigiri sushi selection is always plated to perfection like an artist’s palette. We’re partial to the 16-course omakase menu which represents Lewis’ personal style of Edomae sushi and Japanese inspired cuisine with a wide range of fish and shellfish from both local waters and Japan.
6 Wilton Rd.,
Westport 203-557-8404
okokitchen.com