In reviewing nearly 100 covers and three times that many feature stories to bring you this anniversary issue, one thing became crystal clear—Stamford (and this magazine) loves food. Savory bites and sweet treats pop up throughout our pages—and in conversations all over town. Here, a celebration of the classics, the truly in-the-know local culinary delights from North Stamford to the Sound. Author’s Note: I’d be remiss if I didn’t give an honorable mention to Sally Macari’s penne vodka—the best in town. IYKYK.
01 The Pork Chop at Columbus Park
If there’s something to celebrate, locals know Columbus Park is the go-to. One dish worth every outing is the pork chop served with cherry peppers which some say is the best in town. I happily agree.
02 Hot Oil Pie at Colony Grill
Stamford should just change its official seal to include a Colony bar pie at this point, honestly. Go for the restaurant’s signature hot oil pizza and stay for that laidback, neighborhood feel that defines the city’s community spirit.
03 Homemade Doughnut at Lakeside Diner
Nothing beats an early morning trip to Lakeside Diner up Long Ridge, with a cup of joe in one hand and a freshly baked classic doughnut made in-house daily in the other, especially in the peak of fall foliage around its backyard pond.
04 Baked Chicken at Pellicci’s
To savor a slice of Stamford’s “Old World” Italian heritage, head to Pelicci’s on the West Side. The signature Baked Chicken, a delightful blend of spicy and vinegary flavors, is the star of every family dinner. Pro tip: Dip a piece of buttered bread in the juices; thank me later.
05 #12 from Rinaldi’s Deli
Stamford has its share of top-notch delis, but few are as legendary as Rinaldi’s on East Main, especially for their signature #12—a thin and crispy chicken cutlet topped with fresh mozz, roasted red peppers and homemade Italian dressing.
06 A Slice from The Original Pappa’s Pizza Downtown
Stamford OGs reminisce about the perfect pairing of a few Pappas pies, with their classic, golden-brown Greek-style pizza, plus July 4th fireworks at Cove Island and also during picnics during the nostalgic days of Alive @ 5 in the old Columbus Park.
07 The Wings at Brickhouse
Brickhouse makes Sunday football losses easier to bear and wins even sweeter to savor with a plate of perfectly crisped up buffalo wings, a cold beer, a game of darts and good company.
08 Not-So-Secret Pasta at Cafe Silvium
Let’s face it, everything on the menu at Cafe Silvium is good—but for a taste of something new, the off-menu Fagottini, aka “moneybags” pasta with pancetta and peas in a cream sauce will have you saying “oh madon!” even faster than waiter Chris Petrafesa serves a “generous pour” of Cab Sav.
09 The Greek Salad from Hope Street Pizza
You might be asking yourself, “does a salad really deserve to be on this list?” and the answer is, definitively, yes. Hope Street’s Greek salad topped with fresh feta and chicken souvlaki is tasty enough to go solo as a meal main attraction—and that’s saying a lot for, “just a salad.”
10 A bag menu from reddi rooster
Not many eateries in Stamford are synonymous with a misnomer, but when it comes to The Number One (aka the “High School Special”) off the BAG menu, locals can’t seem to get enough. The 1/2 bag of specially seasoned chicken nuggets, fries and free can of soda combo is elite, but you can up the ante by adding cones. And if you don’t know what a cone is, do you really live in Stamford? (Potato puffs of honestly heavenly goodness.)
11 A marg at bartaco
When a flight to Mexico is cost prohibitive, or when Auntie Carol can’t decide between an AirBnb or a hotel, I head to bartaco for a classic and fresh margarita and enjoy an instant getaway feeling—sans family drama. Bonus slurp: People really sleep on the green sauce that comes with the plantains. I could drink it. Try it next you’re there.
12 Coffee and Churros from Lorca
Hump day no sweat with Lorca at hand. With just the right amount of cute and cozy, the coffee spot offers delish cold brews and seasonal lattes alongside churros with warm chocolate sauce.
13 Lomo Saltado at Fiesta on Main
For packed-with-flavor Peruvian, locals head to Fiesta on Main for Lomo Saltado. This beloved dish features tender steak strips over rice and fries, all topped with their cult-following yellow sauce.
14 The Steak & Cheese with Chili from the Wedge Inn
This landmark comfort-food joint is a must-bite, especially for its steak-and-cheese wedge, best enjoyed alongside their famous chili. Finish it off with a perfectly swirled Dairy Queen cone next door for a low-key perfect family outing.
15 A Perfect Vehicle for a Schmear from Liz Sue Bagels
No weekend morning is complete without a trip to Liz Sue Bagels known for its array of handcrafted savory and sweet bagels with all the fixings. The experience of seeing the staff make them in front of you offers a classic counter-style delight—perfect on Sunday mornings or post youth sports games.
Photographs: Lakeside diner by Thomas Mcgovern; pizza courtsy of restaurant; greek salad courtesy Hope Steet Pizza; bartaco by Thomas Mcgovern; lorca by Garvin Burke; bagels courtesy Liz Sue Bagels