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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Southwestern Connecticut - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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.
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.
Just south of the Ridgefield town line on U.S. 7, you'll see a huge ice-cream cone on the roadside marking Heibeck's Stand, where you can choose a made-to-order burger or hot dog with a variety of toppings or a sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, lobster roll, taco, salad---even a house-marinated portobello mushroom "burger." Best of all is the ice cream, which is rich, creamy, and deee-licious—in midsummer, try the fresh peach ice cream.
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.
A modern take on a classic (and classy) French bistro, you'll find the usual French standards on the menu like steak frites, along with international dishes such as Madras lamb curry, Peking duck, and San Francisco cioppino. As for decor, you'll find potted palms, ceiling fans, a partially open kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the bright, airy dining room.
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.
Enjoy a full view of the waterfront while partaking of USDA Prime dry-aged steak, chops, or seafood with classic steakhouse sides and enhancements such as horseradish cream, Bearnaise, blue cheese, or Bordelaise sauce. Start with a selection from the raw bar, wagyu meatballs, octopus carpaccio, or caramelized figs, among other options—and end with a "movie theater" sundae.
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.
Heading north from Fairfield County toward the Litchfield Hills along rural Route 53, definitely stop at the Sycamore Drive-In in Bethel for a burger, fries, milkshake, and authentic 1950s atmosphere. During the summer, Saturday "Cruise Nights" (5-8 pm) see classic cars and "hot rods" fill the parking lot (more parking across the street) and rock 'n' roll music fills the air.
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.
Come for lunch when shopping along Greenwich Avenue, brunch on Sunday, dinner anytime, or just liquid refreshment, as The Ginger Man has a long, friendly bar and casual seating up front, a cozy dining room with a fireplace in back, and formal dining upstairs via a grand curved staircase. Whether you order a burger and fries, fish-and-chips, or a NY strip with roasted fingerlings, you won't leave hungry—or thirsty.
The menu at this art deco–style diner, alive with bright colors and shiny chrome, runs the gamut from griddle cakes to smoked salmon Benedict at breakfast, classic sandwiches to Greek specialties at lunch, chicken in a basket to rib-eye steak at dinner—or anything you'd like at any time of day or night. If that's not enough, the diner hosts occasional musical, comedy, and kids' events.
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.
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