8 Best Restaurants in Southwestern Connecticut, Connecticut

Match

$$$ Fodor's choice

A SoNo fixture since 1999, Match's high ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial fixtures provide a sleek, urban look. Indulge in one of the signature wood-fired pizzas straight out of the oven or savor the light-as-air gnocchi tossed in brandy-truffle cream, blackened swordfish, or steak frites.

98 Washington St., Norwalk, Connecticut, 06854, USA
203-852–1088
Known For
  • something delicious at every price point
  • creative wood-oven pizzettes, including bacon-potato-egg, shrimp fra diablo, and "forest"
  • "New School" raw bar, featuring Norwalk oysters
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.-Tues.; no lunch

Elm Street Oyster House

$$$

Locals come here for outstanding oysters and the freshest fish in town; expect an especially lively crowd on weekends. Menu standouts include the fresh oysters, of course, along with classic lobster rolls, and fish tacos.

11 W. Elm St., Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, USA
203-629–5795
Known For
  • seafood, seafood, seafood—and a cheeseburger or steak for landlubbers
  • colorful artwork adds cheer to the rather cramped dining room
  • friendly, efficient service—but you're never rushed

Hudson Malone

$$$

Mainly a chophouse, where you might choose a 40-ounce Tomahawk steak, 10-ounce filet mignon, double-cut pork chop with a choice of sauce or herbed butter; but the rather extensive menu also includes grilled fish, burgers, and several small plates. 

323 Main St., Westport, Connecticut, 06880, USA
203-635--7400
Known For
  • emphasis on local, natural, sustainable, and organic products
  • long list of cocktails, wines, and beers
  • popular bar

Recommended Fodor's Video

Luc's Café

$$$

A cozy French bistro set inside a stone building with low ceilings and closely spaced tables, Luc's takes full advantage of its handy location in Ridgefield's iconic downtown. The place charms patrons with carefully prepared food—salade niçoise, croque monsieur, or the classic steak au poivre with a velvety Roquefort sauce and crispy frites—and low-key, friendly service. There's an extensive wine list, plus a range of aperitifs and single-malt whiskies. Enjoy live jazz on some evenings.

3 Big Shop La., Ridgefield, Connecticut, 06877, USA
203-894–8522
Known For
  • nonstop service from 11 am until closing
  • special plat du jour offered daily
  • all dishes prepared à la minute
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Spotted Horse Tavern

$$$

The theme for this neighborhood favorite is horse, of course; the atmosphere reflects the historic building (circa 1808), and the menu offers old-fashioned comfort foods with modern flourishes. The grilled pork chop has a whole-grain mustard glaze, chicken Milanese includes a side of lemon yogurt sauce, steak frites comes with Parmesan fries—and items on the Pony Menu will delight the kids.

Tarantino Restaurant

$$$

One of several area restaurants operated by the Marchetti-Tarantino family over the past four decades, Maria Marchetti still makes all of the restaurant's homemade pasta and ravioli. You'll also find traditional Italian fish (il pesce) meat (la carne), and poultry (il pollo) dishes on the menu, along with a full roster of antipasti.

30 Railroad Pl., Westport, Connecticut, 06880, USA
203-454--3188
Known For
  • nice local vibe
  • tasty, reasonable, and consistent
  • friendly atmosphere
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., no lunch Sat.

The Whelk

$$$
This upscale seafood restaurant serves straight-from-the-sea clams, oysters, and fish inventively prepared and exquisitely presented. The clean lines of the dining room give the nearly always crowded restaurant a maritime feel that perfectly complements the food.
575 Riverside Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880, USA
203-557–0902
Known For
  • extensive raw bar
  • seafood, of course, but also roast chicken or a burger
  • outdoor seating in nice weather
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs., Sun.

Westport Garden Café at Terrain

$$$

Within the Terrain garden store, you'll find a bright, cheery café that offers exquisitely prepared dishes using locally sourced organic produce so fresh you'll want to become a gardener yourself. Enjoy brunch all afternoon; dinner entrées like line-caught Atlantic halibut with barley risotto or the duck breast with braised endive come with a delicious (and, frankly, adorable) terracotta pot of baked bread.

561 Post Rd. E, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, USA
203-226--2732
Known For
  • creatively presented dishes
  • artisanal cuisine (like the grilled avocado snack)
  • browse the store and its eclectic home accessories, plants, and garden supplies while awaiting your table