Without Reservation

On its website, Stamford Downtown offers a comprehensive list of where you can go for culinary experiences. It’s a catalog that proves its motto—This is the Place!—and confirms what we already know: That when it comes to dining, there is no better destination than our very own town. Not only do we have so many eateries to choose from, there is also something for everyone, from casual to sophisticated, affordable to prepare-to-spend, dished out by places offering cuisines from every corner of the globe.

Your job, if you accept it, is to go out and discover. That does not mean you should ditch your tried-and-true, but with so much out there, why not give something new a try? Our guide fills you in on what we think are the best places to start your adventure.You can chew on that!

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

BOOZY BRUNCH
Your weekend guide to places worth visting after sleeping in

For brunch to be a hit, it should include a great combination of comfort food and adult beverages that set the tone for the rest of the day. First up is relative newcomer to Bedford Street’s restaurant row, Bedford Hall Craft Kitchen & Bar, if only for its Crab Benedict with poached eggs, or Shrimp & Grits—with or without eggs. The braised beef short rib with sweet potato hash is also worth a tasting, with a Bellini, of course.

Across the street is trendy Hudson Grille, the place to check out when you wake up hungry. Love, love, love the burrata and fig jam appetizer followed by huevos rancheros. Might as well throw in a side of applewood smoked bacon to soak up two hours of unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Over on Summer Street is Cask Republic, the always hot, perennial fave for lazy weekends and tempting dishes like the B.L.A.T (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) to go with a seasonal brew. Sweet tooth? Consider the Belgian waffles with blueberry compote. Better yet, just call it dessert.

A couple of doors down is Noir, a sweet French bistro that serves a lovely menu with lots of small plates to share, like the mussels in a coconut curry, with white wine and spicy pomodoro. Craving something more substantial? The Noir omelet, prepared with caña de oveja cheese, caramelized onions and bacon, is a must-try, as is Monica’s French toast with challah bread and Grand Marnier. Do as the French do and pair your meal with a glass of Sancerre.

Next pick is Mexicue, because it has it all: harbor views, a lively scene, great casual food and interesting drink combos. We recommend the breakfast bowl with a fried egg, black beans, brown rice, avocado and herbs, mostly because it is a welcome healthy alternative. But if you’re not feeling it, try burnt ends quesadilla with chili, scallion, cilantro, a fried egg, jack cheese and guajillo sauce. Wash it all down with a Grapefruit Paloma or a Bloody Maria (think tequila instead of vodka).

Across the way is Sign of the Whale, another popular go-to for its extensive not-one-to-mince-words brunch menu and bottomless drink deals. So many choices, but if we had to narrow it down, we’d say try the breakfast pizza (scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, sweet sausage, cheddar and mozzarella) or Hangover Hash (Berkshire pulled pork, sweet sausage, English peas, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, a fried egg and cherry pepper).

Up in Springdale is Amore Cucina & Bar. Sure, it’s known for its round and square pizzas and Italian faves like lasagna and chicken scarpariello. But this location rallies on weekends with a deejay, specialty cocktails, a Bloody Mary and Bellini bar, and a variety of breakfast pizzas and sandwiches.

We close back on Bedford Street at Tigín Irish Pub, a Stamford fixture. Considered one of the friendliest places you’ll ever visit, it is a neighborhood gem where the service and food are top-notch. There’s usually several European soccer matches showing on various screens, so go ahead and order yourself a pint, cheer on your favorite team and order the Irish breakfast or the banana pecan pancakes.

COFFEE MATES

fast break
For when you are in the mood for something quick and tasty to go with a caffeine fix

CAFÉ OO LA LA
Breakfast meeting? Consider this Ridgeway location, serving a variety of toasts, yogurts, quiches, baked goods and bagels with assorted cream cheese spreads. The French toast is quite good, too. And don’t forget to add one of their signature espresso drinks.

TURNING POINT COFFEE ROASTERS
Offering organic fair-trade natural-process coffees from Africa and South America, all roasted on-site, this latest addition to the café scene already boasts devoted fans. And with a small menu of pastries, toasts, bowls and sandwiches—OMG you must try the porchetta sandwich—make time for lunch.

GRANOLA BAR
Though technically take-out, this Harbor Point outpost welcomes visitors to sit outside for a quick nosh of granola parfaits, eggs, avocado toast, and breakfast sandwiches and wraps. It all goes so well with a turmeric latte.

LORCA
Bedford Street is complete now that this café has established itself as the go-to place for premium Counter Culture Coffee drinks. But its breakfast and lunch menus are special, and nowhere else can you find such perfect churros and alfajores. If you haven’t tried them yet, put this issue down and head on over. You’ll thank us later.

VERDE GALERIE
This cute little spot, new to Atlantic Street, is a breath of fresh air. Enjoy house-made, organic salads with a cappuccino while taking in the floral and botanical designs on display. Yes, it is part florist, part yummy rest stop. Plus, you can grab a smoothie to go.

FAMILY TIME

happy meals
Save money on the babysitter—a definitive list of destinations where the clan is celebrated

CASA VILLA
Head to the East Street location, a casual spot for authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas and nachos for the kids, and some special dishes for mom and dad, including camarones a la diabla (sautéed shrimp in a spicy red chile sauce) and bistec a la Mexicana (steak with sautéed onions, tomatoes and fresh jalapeños). After dinner, the whole family can share the churros con dulce de leche.

CAPRICCIO CAFÉ
Here, on Bedford Street, pizza, paninis and spaghetti always appeal, and if the kids are adventurous gourmets, there are meatballs and tortellini, too. Come summer, enjoy outdoor dining under one of the bright lime umbrellas. Plenty of people-watching to be had.

LUCKY’S CLASSIC BURGER & MALT SHOP
If the name is not a hint, this classic joint, also on Bedford Street, knows how to make the kids smile. The interior, with its old-school lunch counter and colorful booths, will take you back. And what will have you coming back for more are the burgers, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, hot dogs, quesadillas, chicken and spaghetti.What else do the kids need? Maybe a float, shake, malt or egg cream. Adults can have theirs spiked, by the way.

REMO’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA COMPANY
This enduring favorite serves traditional Neapolitan pizza prepared in a brick oven, the better to create those lovely, doughy pie edges the little ones love. With a menu offering numerous topping choices and combinations, everyone at the table will be clamoring for the last slice. Oh, and don’t skip dessert: Fans of fresh-stuffed cannolis are in for a treat.

ELM STREET DINER
Head to the South End and find out why this landmark has been around for thirty years. Like all great diners, this one has a million offerings, including all-day breakfast. We are of the firm belief that breakfast for lunch or dinner works, especially if you can order chocolate-peanut butter or strawberry-banana pancakes. We’ve heard their doughnuts are also worth a visit.

TRIED AND TRUE

LOCAL TRADITION
A quick review of some outstanding standards, founded years ago and still going strong

Who remembers the Ground Round? The Sittin’ Room or Chimney Corner? Those dining fixtures of years past have long been gone but others continue to draw fans, including BV’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. Last year, Stamford’s own Bobby Valentine moved his bar from Columbus Park to an expanded space on Atlantic Street, where all sports fans can enjoy game day and a menu of all-American greats. Bring the kids—they eat for free, as long as you’re eating too.

Ah, Columbus Park Trattoria. Just typing the name makes us feel warm inside. Walk in and you’re met by a friendly staff and Italian aromas that start your mouth a-watering. Our only advice is to bring your appetite and eat like you’re abroad, enjoying many courses, each paired with wine, at a leisurely pace.

Want casual? Head to the Crab Shell, across the bay from Harbor Point. Once one of the only spots on the water, it delivers a seafood menu and a big bar scene, especially in summer when there’s live music five nights a week. On your next visit, try the lobster bisque and the Maryland crab cakes with a nice cold one, or two.

A perennial favorite is Eos Greek Cuisine, a small and homey location on Summer Street that evokes the Mediterranean. Start with a three-dip combo platter, each different and authentic. In cold weather, avgolemono, a chicken, lemon, egg and rice soup, is the comfy choice. This food is the real deal, with lots of Greek specialties, salads and entrées.

At F.I.S.H., start with an order from its extensive raw bar. Then try the Naked Fish Dinner: You pick the filet, then have it pan-seared, grilled or blackened. Then select a crusting preparation: sesame rice cracker, pistachio, and honey mustard Dijon pretzel, among others. Add a sauce—eight options— and a veggie. What also makes this Bedford Street mainstay special is its marble bar, perfect for dining.

Ever since Olio opened in Springdale four years ago, it has reigned as a neighborhood must-visit for a simple reason: The food is a delight. And though it might not fit neatly in this category, we believe it is here to stay for years to come. Like all great restaurants, its menu changes seasonally and relies heavily on local and organic products. On our last visit, we enjoyed the braised short ribs. Sheer heaven. But then, we’ve never been disappointed. You won’t be either.

Of course, we would be remiss in omitting Pellicci’s Ristorante. It’s been on Stillwater Avenue for seventy-one years! How can this be? Eat here and you’ll understand why: white tablecloths, a staff that knows how to serve food, and a kitchen that consistently turns out traditional Italian-American fare, including a red sauce that elevates everything it touches. Newcomers to Stamford: Check it out. It’s an institution.

GLOBAL PALATE

CULTURE MASH-UP
Reasons why fusion is quickly becoming a defining factor of the local dining scene

It’s no secret that Stamford’s eateries hit every corner of the globe, but the depth of representation continues to surprise us, beginning with Bedford Thai on, you guessed it, Bedford Street. This pretty, casual place serves large portions but the dishes are authentic and appropriately spiced. And all food is cooked to order, which you’ll be able to taste at first bite.

Over on Summer Street, also serving authentic fare, is the new Bull Pan Korean BBQ, a welcome addition to the scene, as authentic Korean food is hard to find. The menu is heavy on beef and pork, including its signature Wagyu steak, but tofu stews and rice bowls are also offered, giving newbies a broad selection of options to experience the zestier flavor profile of Korean cuisine.

Up for Latin fusion? Head to Cilantro on Atlantic Street. It’s small and popular— we love when outdoor seating doubles the tables—and worth the wait, especially when you get an impressive complimentary basket of plantain chips with salsa as soon as you are seated. Everything here sings with flavor. If you don’t know what to order, ask the waitstaff what they suggest. Our vote is for traditional Cuban ropa vieja (stacked, stewed shredded beef) or the huachinango, (red snapper) over fava beans and wild mushroom risotto. Yum!

If authentic Latin, particularly Peruvian, is calling your name, check out Fiesta on Main. Start with ceviche if you want to learn the origin of this marinated fish dish, and follow it with a lomo salteado. Also, try a pisco-based drink. What’s pisco? It’s a clear spirit distilled from grapes, which here is made into all types of intriguing drinks.

We were thrilled when Flinders Lane opened last year. Different? You bet! This top choice serving modern Australian dishes with Southeast Asian influences is next to Summer Street’s Majestic Cinema, easy for a quick bite and a movie, although we suggest you sit a spell and savor some delicious food and inspiring cocktails. Some musts: pulled pork steamed buns, bondi burger with Swiss cheese, and kangaroo loin. Remember our challenge? Maybe start here.

Next stop on our global tour is Navaratna, which serves up authentic vegetarian, kosher cuisine from India. Plan a group dinner here, order some curries and share. The preparations are authentic, the spicing precise, all of it a sensory treat. We say you include the ennai kathrikai (baby eggplant in tamarind, peanut and sesame seed gravy) and the dal makhani (slow cooked black lentils in an onion, tomato sauce) in your order. Want heat? Try the vegetable vindaloo, prepared in traditional Goan style.

Another stopover for Indian food is Tawa, in Glenbrook. A large appetite is de rigueur for the weekday lunch buffet or the weekend grand buffet. We suggest you don’t pass up on the kebabs or the biryanis. A recent revelation worth every bite: the Hyderabadee Sukha goat chops, slow braised baby goat masala with southern Indian spices and roasted coconut.

New to the scene is Peter Chang, named after its James Beard Award-winning chef who specializes in Szechuan cuisine. After sampling the chef’s well-known specialties like fermented bean paste beef tenderloin, jade shrimp with crispy rice cracker and Furong chicken hot pot, we already can’t wait to return. Stamford has long craved this elevated, authentic style of cooking. We are thrilled we no longer have to travel far for the real deal.

At press time, the soon-to-open La Perle promises a gorgeous and comfortable space designed in shades of gray with pops of red. We hear it will offer American cuisine heavily infused with flavors of the Caribbean, which will translate into some exciting food like Cajun rib eye steak with bourbon sauce, stewed conch in Creole sauce and Mango BBQ ribs. Feeling bold? Stewed goat and braised oxtail will also be on the menu. Word on the street is that this will be a classy spot, just what Bank Street needs.

UTENSILS OPTIONAL

finger-licking good
A collection of eateries where getting your hands dirty is socially acceptable

BAREBURGER
A Harbor Point spot that’s a favorite for burgers, sandwiches and shareables like cheesy fries, onion rings and chicken bites, all screaming, pick me up! Ingredients come from sustainable farmers and partners; even the building materials were made with reclaimed and recycled products.

BARTACO
One word: tacos. Made with corn tortillas or Bibb lettuce shells, you have your choice of typical Baja fish, chicken pastor, pork belly and crispy rock shrimp to veggie delights like cauliflower with romesco, falafel and portobello mushroom. Head to Summer Street and order your own selection or make it into a feast for the table.

BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ
Known for its Southern-style ribs smoked in Brother Jimmy’s Memphis-style rub, this Bedford Street locale is also known for shareables like popcorn shrimp, pulled pork quesadillas and BBQ wings, and sandwiches: Carolina pulled pork, pulled chicken and sliced brisket. That’s a lot of mess, y’all.

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE
This Harbor Point mainstay is part of a chain that started life on the road, serving barbecue to the masses at motorcycle fairs and festivals. It’s rooted in the many styles of Southern barbecue, complete with secret recipes. For something different, try the Drunken Spicy Shrimp Boil and the BBQ chili nachos.

PIEOLOGY
A pizza joint at the mall where “have it your way” is given new meaning. First, choose your crust—traditional, whole wheat, cauliflower, gluten-free—and the thickness you prefer: regular, thin, thick. Then choose from seven sauces, six cheeses, and assorted meat and vegetable toppings. Can’t decide? Chef-inspired offerings—consider fire grilled bbq chicken or zesty artichoke—are also on the menu.

SALT BAR
This is the rebranded Boothbay Lobster Company, and with the name change also comes a new menu. What hasn’t changed is its Harbor Point location. They also still serve the freshest seafood, and we say thank-you to that. Must-eats include tempura fish sandwich, crispy calamari, lobster roll, Maine scallops, mussels al diablo, gulf shrimp, the list goes on.

TEFF
The first and only Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant around, where eating with your hands is elevated to an art. Teff is a grain found in these countries, full of iron, calcium, protein and amino acids, and a basis for many of the dishes found here. There are no utensils. If you’ve never experienced this cuisine, found on West Main Street, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. We bet you’ll return.

TOMATO TOMATO
Serving a modern Italian-American menu, this Shippan hot spot is known for its pizza, twenty-two specialty pies using fresh ingredients in appetizing combinations. There’s the Saddle Rock (eggplant, onion and roasted garlic), the Lanell (feta, Kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers) and, for the old-school crowd, the Old World Margherita (fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil). This just in: The owners are behind the new Greek restaurant currently under construction at the former Bobby V’s on Columbus Park. Stay tuned.

GUILTY PLEASURES

SIN CITY
Where comfort marries decadence and rules about portion control are best left at home

Sometimes occasions call for indulgence. We are all for following a healthy eating plan, but there are times when periodic servings of comfort food are the only things that will hit the spot. The pizzas and shareable plates at Fortina in Harbor Point do this, and its bread pudding, topped with a mascarpone whip, is to die for.

Judy’s Bar & Kitchen is nothing like its sister, Tabouli Grill. Here it’s all about Southern cooking right down to the ribs, chicken and waffles, pulled pork sandwiches, sweet tea and cheesy grits. It’s fun and casual and as chef/owner Judy Roll likes to say, it’s “food your mom would cook if she had the time.”

Find time to join the regulars at MacKenzie’s Bar & Grill on High Ridge Road, who keep coming back for its chowders, sliders, sandwiches—pulled pork po’ boy, Cuban, Philly cheese steak, lobster BLT, to name a few. Also worth checking out is the Burger Bar, a menu of classic preparations each served with fries which, we can tell you, are impossible to resist.

Speaking of burgers and fries, check out Plan B Burger, where its signature no-hormones/antibiotics, ground-in-house meat is prepared exactly as requested. There are thirteen beef burgers to choose from and nine non-beef burgers. If that’s not enough, there’s a whole section on how to customize a burger, including “in the grass” options for the carb-adverse. One added suggestion: Sriracha curly fries.

There’s also Coalhouse Pizza, where a whole lot more is served beyond the coal-fired pizza its name describes. Sure, we love the pies, but also the St. Louis style ribs, chicken wings with fifteen BBQ sauce selections, hot dogs and burgers on the menu (try the Keith Richards, with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, romaine and chipotle aioli). Another must? One of the seventy-two craft beers on tap.

And finally, there is Kano Noodle Bar on Summer Street. Offering Asian fusion with an emphasis on Vietnamese specialties, this new small but worldly locale will introduce you to dishes you will savor for days. First time? Try the pork belly baos followed by the beef pho. We also hear the ramen and the pad thai are stellar.

MEATY TOPICS

STEAK SUPPERS
Add sizzle to your night out—dining destinations for when you’re craving something meaty

A great steak is guaranteed to impress, be it a special occasion or a corporate event. So we decided to come up with some of our city’s best places to “steak” your claim. First up is Acuario, another astounding locale serving Peruvian food. Because this South American cuisine is partly known for its flavors from the sea, start with ceviche, any kind, as this lovely marinated fish is native to Peru. Then order the skirt steak from the parilla section. Ask that it be prepared rare for flavor, juiciness and tenderness.

Brasitas, known for its Latin-fusion food, which includes mouth-watering chicken and fish preparations, makes some mean beef dishes. Our picks are carne asada (flat iron steak served with crispy yucca Brussels sprouts, roasted mushrooms and sun-dried tomato chimichurri) and costillas de res (herbs and Rioja-braised beef short ribs with manchego risotto, oven roasted tomatoes and squash peas). Leave room for dessert!

The Capital Grille might be a chain, but it has the best service, a lovely atmosphere with dark wood and soft lighting and positively terrific food. Pricey, yes, but worth every cent. We say go often to sample everything, but be sure you try the lobster and crab cakes, the wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon—a time-honored classic—and the porcini-rubbed rib eye with balsamic glaze. The sharing plates (creamed spinach, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, parmesan truffle fries) are also worth a try, which is why only one visit is not enough.

Prime arguably has the best location in town. It sits on the harbor, and its bright décor and open floor plan guarantee that every seat has water views. Its menu offers something for everyone (including lots of sushi), but we go for the 21-day, dry-aged prime beef. Steaks here are served in all sizes so if you have a healthy appetite, the 40-oz. rib eye is for you. It’s tasty with a good fat ratio so it cooks up tender, while still maintaining the chew we crave. Plus, it’s fun to gnaw on the bone.

Have you experienced Gaucho, the Argentinian steakhouse? Steaks are cooked over a wood fire, giving a smoky quality that is irresistible. Hands-down, our favorite offering is the Argentine mixed grill for two: skirt steak, short rib and two types of sausage. Or go out on a limb and opt for the Brazilian mixed grill, which also includes picanha, the popular Brazilian cut of beef with tenderness and flavor similar to sirloin.

You probably heard the news: We no longer must travel to Greenwich or Norwalk to sample the offerings at Blackstones Steakhouse. Having recently taken over the space once housed by Del Frisco’s Grille, this eminent dining destination serves all your favorites: bone-in New York strip, porterhouse for two, bone-in rib eye and filet mignon. The expansive menu includes other pork, lamb and chicken dishes, plus a raw bar. Whatever you opt for, include the beef carpaccio in your order. It is incomparable.

PAIRING NOTES

DINE TO WINE
Certain occasions call for pairing vino with every course. Here are some places that can claim bragging rights to impressive wine lists

Nothing gets a celebration started like a nice glass of bubbly. And once the appetizers come out, some wine to wash each bite down. As you read this, you probably thought of the always-consistent and popular Barcelona Wine Bar on Summer Street. With a list that numbers almost 300, representing major vintages from around the globe, especially Spain, your biggest challenge will be to narrow down your choices to go with the tapas and small plates your table shares (please try the chorizo with figs).

Cotto Wine Bar on Bank Street calls itself a contemporary enoteca “with an impassioned wine identity.” Its menu is replete with authentic Italian ingredients and its wine list boasts more than 400 labels divided between the main wine regions of Italy and the rest of the world. Too many choices? The selection served by the glass is also impressive, and the sommelier is available to make suggestions.

Up in North Stamford is the lovely Madonia Restaurant and Bar. This is a perfect place to go for a special occasion. It boasts an intimate bar, a dining room with a fireplace and a seasonal menu filled with offerings guaranteed to perk up your taste buds. The wine list, evenly split between Italian and Californian specialties, with a few samples from elsewhere, is bound to have a Barolo vintage you’ve been dying to try with the spaghetti alla chitarra and New York strip, house specialties.

Down at Harbor Point is one of our favorites, Harlan Social. It is known for its elevated pub fare—hello Harlan Burger and Crispy Chicken—and some of the most interesting cocktails—Devil Wears Nada is a fave. Thanks to owner/chef Stephen Lewandowski, we can indulge in charcuterie and cheese boards with shared plates that are always inventive. But we were happy to recently discover its wine list, made up of a modest yet impressive collection of Champagne, prosecco and sparkling rosés from Provence.

This group would be incomplete without Chez Vous Bistro. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for? It is like a breath of Parisian air on the corner of Bedford and Spring, with soft French music playing in the background, a chic bar, lots of exposed brick and wood, an attentive staff and all the perfectly prepared French staples you’d expect, along with a wine list to match. No French attitude here.

Our wine tour ends at the trattoria Bar Rosso, an open-concept, two-story eatery on Spring Street serving Neapolitan pizza prepared in its wood-fired oven. Also on the menu are house-made pastas, market-fresh fish, top-grade meats and a Sharers section that includes all the antipasti you can expect. Imagine pairing all that with samples from its all-Italian wine list. Saluti!

GRAB-AND-GO

home plates
Perfect meals for evenings when you can’t bear the sight of your kitchen

KIKU SUSHI
This is a sushi place where the fish is always fresh and the bites are never overwrought. Its menu is hard to beat, and if you’re like us, you’ll be ordering from this Springdale gem once a week. And they deliver!

KOTOBUKI JAPANESE CUISINE
Another sushi place worth noting as it is the one many point to as the place where they were turned onto Japanese cuisine. Chef and owner Masanori Sato has been at the helm at this Summer Street location for almost thirty years, and he uses only the highest quality fresh fish for his classic preparations.

KYUSHU RAMEN
New to the scene, this great Japanese noodle shop on Bedford Street is no-frills but their offerings so delicious, we’ve been slurping our way through the menu.

LAYLA’S FALAFEL
Serving some of the best food from the Middle East, such as chicken shawarma and fattoush salad, this High Ridge Road spot is a dependable go-to. Getting a cold? Its lentil soup works miracles.

OLE MOLE
Insiders rely on the authenticity of the Mexican dishes prepared at this High Ridge Road spot. The tacos and burritos are delicious and fresh, and deservedly popular, but we suggest you try from the Platillos menu, starting with the Mole Poblano (chicken with mole sauce) and the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (grilled shrimp in a marinade of lime, garlic and spices).

TABOULI GRILL
The menu for this Bull’s Head mainstay specializes in Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine, and ordering is made easy with an online food glossary of each ingredient and dish. Be sure to order Foul, a combo of hummus and fava beans that is too good to pass up. Oh, and they also deliver.

NOW THAT’S ITALIAN

PASTA PERFECT
An all-star collection that proves Stamford locals never tire of having too much Italian food

We love our Italian heritage. It has always been strong here. Just look at all the evidence that invites you to mangiare. Bar Zepoli on the corner of Summer and Broad has many singing its praises. There are several must-have orders: Nonna’s meatballs, gnocchi arrabbiata, seafood risotto and chicken scarpariello. There’s more but we’re sure you’ll check it out for yourself.

Down in Shippan is the neighborhood favorite, family-owned Café Silvium, the place we go to be pampered. Winner of this year’s Best of the Gold Coast award for Best Italian, it’s lovely, with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Prepare to wait; the place is popular and doesn’t take reservations. But it will be worth it, especially if you order the Rigatoni Gnact Gnact, prepared with prosciutto, pancetta and sausage. It’s up to you to find out what the name means.

Bring a healthy appetite to Quattro Pazzi; the portions at this Bedford Street spot are huge. A few suggestions: pasta e fagioli, pesto flatbread, papparedelle with butternut squash, cavatelli Marco Polo (with chicken, sundried tomatoes, broccoli and garlic), four cheese tortelloni and braised beef in Barolo with gnocchi. Anyone hungry yet?

We add Table 104 Osteria & Bar on Long Ridge Road to this list for several reasons: valet parking; cocktails that ranked high in our Best Bartender competition; starters that include Sicilian arancini and steak tartare; organic greens; and pizza and pasta inventively prepared. Last time we were here, the table shared the Hell and Mission pizzas: the former made with sopressata, long hots, plum tomatoes and mozzarella, and the latter with figs, prosciutto, gorgonzola and honey-truffle oil. Check out the wine list, too.

Villa Italia Ristorante & Bar, is a genuine culinary experience in authenticity. Currently it faces Mill River Park but once lived on East Main Street. Also family-owned, its menu reflects the flavors of the owners’ native island of Ponza, off the western coast of Italy. You’ll find standards like pizza and pasta here, but look for dishes made with flavors of the sea. You’ll be glad you did.

Our last stop is Zaza Italian Gastrobar on Broad Street, a welcoming and playful spot that is popular because of its tapas. We usually make a meal out of these small plates, especially the roasted truffle sprouts, shrimp scampi and Tuscan beans, although the very thin and crispy pizza and the mozzarella bar are hard to pass up.

PLACES TO EAT!