Have a taste for the best? New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton’s restaurant scene has you covered. From farm-to-table fresh to gorgeous coastal views, there is a restaurant to satisfy every craving.
For the best restaurants in New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton, keep reading. Each year, we survey our local community to gather the consensus on the top dining options in town. We get thousands of responses, so we’re confident that our list is the most relevant, up-to-date one you’ll find.
To make your search for a delectable dining experience easier, we’ve given each restaurant a superlative, whether you’re in the mood for some seafood while seaside, or some Thai takeout while staying in.
The people of New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton have spoken, and these are their favorite spots to grab a bite.
The Best Restaurants in New Canaan, Darien & Rowayton, According to Our Readers
ARDEN’S
Mediterranean
Sea and savor meet at Arden’s, a quaint café with a curated ambiance that’s owned and operated by a local. Its menu is packed with refreshing plates that creatively incorporate Mediterranean flavors.
158 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk
info@ardensrowayton.com
BODEGA TACO BAR
Mexican
From its guacamole and street-style tacos to its list of over 80 tequilas, this restaurant’s menu may leave you wondering how you’ll ever save room for churros. One thing for sure though is Bodega Taco Bar turns up the heat.
980 Post Road, Darien
(203) 655-8500
CHING’S TABLE
Chinese
Ching’s Table is a step above your typical Chinese takeout. Locals love the restaurant’s elevated ambience, masterful preparation and authentic and inspired menu.
64 Main Street, New Canaan
(203) 972-8550
COROMANDEL
Indian (BOGC Winner)
Dining at Coromandel is marked by its indulgent Indian flavors and high attention to detail. Its mix of traditional and inventive dishes landed it a top spot with our readers.
25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien
(631) 837-2419
FJORD FISH MARKET
Sushi
The lid is off the lobster pot: This local fish market makes some of the best sushi around, whether you’re looking for takeout for two or catering for a party of 20.
1015 Boston Post Road, Darien
(203) 202-9473
22 East Avenue, New Canaan
(203) 966-2200
HASHI SUSHI
Japanese
Alongside its extensive menu, this restaurant offers an impeccable ambiance. Choose from an array of traditional Japanese dishes, including assorted sashimi and hibachi-style plates.
11 Forest Street, New Canaan
(203) 920-1990
LA TAQUERIA
Spanish
Enjoy your choice of tacos with a side of salsa and spice up your dinner plans at this cute and casual eatery.
1077 Boston Post Road, Darien
(203) 202-9399
LITTLE THAI KITCHEN
Asian/Asian Fusion + Thai (BOGC Winner)
A small and simple Thai restaurant with sought-after lunch specials and a long menu of Thai classics. It’s a popular spot for dine-in and takeout.
4 West Avenue, Darien
(203) 622-0038
L’OSTAL
Creative Menu + French
Following the French multi-course dining tradition, L’Ostal’s curated menu fuses Southern French cuisine with intriguing flavors to create its innovative plates.
22 Center Street, Darien
(475) 328-9629
PAPA JOE’S
Family-Friendly Restaurant + Italian
With house-made pasta and artisan pizzas, this Italian spot wooed our voters with it’s always-excellent classics and crowd-pleasing menu.
1973 Post Road, Darien
(203) 655-1330
PESCA PERUVIAN BISTRO
Tapas
Pesca brings culinary excellence and a Peruvian essence to both its small plates and bigger bites in a coastal-themed open-spaced restaurant featuring nautical murals and plenty of outdoor dining.
70 Main Street, New Canaan (lower level)
(203) 594-7400
ROWAYTON MARKET
Pickup/Delivery Option
Rowayton Market is the perfect option for those looking to simplify their afternoon with one-stop shopping. This business not only offers food to go, such as sandwiches and salads, but also groceries and household essentials.
157 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 852-0011
ROWAYTON SEAFOOD
Best Service + Business Lunch + Outdoor Dining (BOGC Winner) + Seafood (BOGC Winner)
Views don’t get better than the ones from Rowayton Seafood’s outdoor dining deck, which overlooks the Long Island Sound. Enjoy a delectable spread of shrimp cocktails, fried calamari, and buttery lobster rolls while seaside at this fan favorite.
89 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 866-4488
SEAMORE’S
New Restaurant
Seamore’s, a new addition to Darien’s restaurant scene, focuses on serving up seafood in a sustainable. This beachy restaurant has bites from the land in addition to the ocean, making it perfect for groups with diverse tastebuds.
110 Heights Road, Darien
(203) 202-2648
TAVERN AT GRAYBARNS
Hotel Restaurant (BOGC Winner) + Private Dining/Intimate Venue (BOGC Winner) + Special Occasion/Date Night (BOGC Winner)
This restaurant inside the charming GrayBarns hotel applies the same principles of hospitality to serve up thoughtfully curated moments. Its gourmet plates feature an arrangement of local produce, which makes each bite all the more special.
194 Perry Avenue, Norwalk
(203) 580-1900
THE GRANOLA BAR
American
The Granola Bar is a go-to for its sweet smoothies and parfait bowls, but don’t sleep on the savory side of its menu, featuring an array of handhelds, pastas and shared plates, as well as an all-day breakfast spread. What’s more American than that?
1020 Boston Post Road, Darien
(475) 328-0994
THE WATER’S EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S
Steaks
For that perfect slice of filet mignon, check out The Water’s Edge. Steaks here come from grass-fed Angus beef that is butchered on-site for the freshest cuts.
2748 Boston Post Road, Darien
(203) 325-9979