Best Local Restaurants

This is a list of my local favorites that I update as I go along. Don't forget to check back for updates! Also, let me know if you think there is something I should add!

*outdoor dining available

Sushi

Tsuki - New on the Avenue! Incredible sushi with a fantastic Omakase Bar. I haven't tried one thing in that restaurant that I didn't like.
Tengda* – my favorite spot for sushi; don’t miss their pork dumpling appetizer with Shitake mushrooms! Their salmon pizza is mouthwatering. They have a small front patio for outdoor dining with heat lamps and a retractable awning.
Miku – if you’re looking for top-notch sushi or the best ramen in town, look no further. While I think the ramen at Mecha in Norwalk (and new location in Stamford) is worth its weight in gold, Miku does a pretty fantastic job as well.
Bambou* – if it’s nice out, grab a seat on the terrace at Bambou! They have a large terrace and the sound of the waterfall in the back is majestic. They have an extensive menu and make a decadent display of their special sushi rolls.
Asiana – happy hour at Asiana is a must; great prices and the food is amazing! Don’t miss their spicy rock shrimp – heavenly! Their noodle dishes are well-seasoned and very satisfying.
Abis – surprisingly good sushi for a Hibachi restaurant! I love their mini udon soups and salmon tartar. Don’t forget to order a Japanese soda for the kids!
Pokemoto – if you don’t feel like cooking, order in from Pokemoto and get a tasty poke bowl or sushi burrito with endless options for toppings and sauces. The variety of choices is remarkable. Try to the salmon poke bowl with creamy miso sauce, kani salad and crispy onions.
Peter Chang – while this doesn’t exactly fall into the sushi category, I highly recommend Peter Chang in Stamford if you’re looking for soup dumplings, dim sum, and some fabulous Szechuan food (think bottomless mountain of spicy Dan Dan noodles). It’s hard to find good soup dumplings outside of NYC, but Peter Chang in Stamford nailed it.

Pizza

Grigg Street - if you’re missing NYC pizza, look no further. Walk into this unassuming pizza by the slice shop right off Greenwich Ave and indulge! Just like you would find in the city, there are a few tables, but most are anxiously in line awaiting their celestial smelling pizza box to take home. Parking is tough, but it’s worth it.
Arcuri’s – I’m a fan of the cheesy, gooey pizza, and I just can’t get enough of Arcuri’s cheese pizza. Their crust could be improved, but their perfectly cooked cheese and fresh toppings get me every time. They are prompt with their deliveries, so the pizza arrives hot and ready to go. Just check it out, and order a large. You’ll thank me later!
Fairfield Pizza* - I was blown away by quality of the pizza and calzones at Fairfield Pizza! The buffalo chicken pizza and the four cheese pizza were delicious, and the calzones were divine! You can order a pie or by the slice to be delivered, and there are also little tables and chairs outside if you're looking for a slice on a sunny afternoon.
Coal House – right off High Ridge Rd. in Stamford, this place literally has it all. I get exhausted reading their menu, but admittedly, my mouth is watering before I’m halfway through the list. Their pizza crust is phenomenal, but I would recommend eating in person (vs. delivery). You can literally find any type of pizza on this menu that you’ve ever dreamed of. So go ahead and start trying them out, I highly recommend!
Glenville Pizza – Aside from Grigg Street pizza, this is the closest you can get to NYC pizza in Greenwich. They also have a great salad pizza (I was skeptical at first, but highly recommend it!). This is for pick-up or delivery only.
The Clydesdale Pub – looking for a pizza place that’s perfect for your kids? Check out The Clydesdale Pub in Port Chester. Start with some nachos or fried calamari and choose from a variety of brick-oven pies!

Mexican

Salsa Picante – this is the best Mexican food around and it’s just a quick drive to Port Chester. Starting with the perfectly salted tortilla chips served with a variety of salsas to the fresh guacamole prepared at your table, these guys know what they’re doing. The queso fundido wrapped in a warm tortilla is to die for. Try their burritos stuffed with shrimp, you can’t go wrong.
Boxcar Cantina – a local favorite in Greenwich, this restaurant prides itself on high quality ingredients, using locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible. However, one the cheesier side of things, you could make a meal out of those “Tee Pee Nachos”, which I highly recommend with a frozen mango margarita!
Bartaco* - talk about outdoor dining! If you’re lucky enough to grab a spot on the terrace, you can enjoy high quality tacos overlooking the water! This is an energetic and vibrant scene that explodes with crowds when the weather is nice. No reservations, so get there early and enjoy a variety of yummy tacos under the sun.

Italian

Terra* – whether you’re celebrating something special or just want some really great Italian food, stop in at Terra. The menu is always changing, so I can’t recommend anything specifically, but I usually begin by ordering a few appetizers and don’t make it to the entrees. Their appetizers are incredible, and if you get a seat at the bar, you can watch them make pizza in the wood burning oven over a dirty martini. Perfection!
Doppio* - best Italian outdoor seating in town, and the pasta is worth its weight in gold. The tortellini with black truffle carpaccio is heavenly. I also recommend the gnocchi and you must get your hands on the spaghetti and meatballs as well.
Polpo* - I really like the atmosphere inside this restaurant – great bar and nice white tablecloth tables set up in the back with dim lighting. As their name suggests, they have fabulous grilled octopus with arugula, and the ravioli with truffle cream sauce is superb. This is a great date night spot!
Lugano – great bar scene and the food is scrumptious. I go straight for the Primi at an Italian restaurant, so I can confidently say that the linguini carbonara is well worth the calories. Any chance you get to have a poached egg on top of your food, go for it. The tapas are a nice way to kick off the meal. Don’t miss the baby lamp chops, goat cheese cakes and the truffle mac and cheese!
Pomodoro – instead of pizza, I would highlight their fantastic pastas! Pomodoro in Riverside has a tasty lobster ravioli, carbonara, and white clam sauce. Choose your own noodles and get in on that sauce!
Pastaficio – recently opened in Cos Cob, this restaurant serves fresh pasta for pick-up or delivery only. All their pastas are fresh and made daily, and you can buy sauce in the container for later. They also have a variety of ready-made meals. With organic ingredients and pasta as fresh as it comes, this is a slam dunk.

American

Eastend - likely the best food I've had in a while. Just looking at the menu will make your mouth water. Go crazy and order the Eastend burger with beer cheese! You'll be happy you did. The fried chicken sandwich is also mouthwatering. This is a must.
Harvest – one of my favorites for special occasions. There isn’t one thing on this menu that isn’t amazing. Try the short rib mac and cheese, or the truffle barrata to start. The seared scallops are incredible, and the mushroom risotto just melts in your mouth. Treat yourself to this top notch menu, it’s a must.
Little Pub* – if you live anywhere nearby, you must try Little Pub. This is a menu laden with comfort food with everything from stuffed spring rolls and seafood bisque to buffalo mac and cheese, cheesy fries and fried chicken wraps. There is definitely a menu for the healthy eater, so don’t worry about the salad eaters in your crew. Just get yourself there, and if it’s winter time, snag a table by the fireplace!
Lenny’s – bagels to perfection! I’ve also been so happy with their ability to deliver an omelette! Who can deliver an omelette without it arriving cold and hard? Very impressive. So if you wake up and realize you’re out of eggs, just order from Lenny’s! They have an extensive menu, so you’ll be sure to satisfy everyone’s morning breakfast requests.
Old Greenwich Social Club* - great food, great outdoor seating, great bar, and great happy hour. What more could you want? While I’ve never ordered it, I’m always tempted to try that all American sounding “bacon chicken ranch pizza”! I can report that the truffle mushroom pizza is delicious as well as the fish tacos. Don’t forget to take advantage of their happy hour menu, too!
Trips – if you’re looking for good steak, look no further. Also, you can’t miss their short rib mac and cheese. This is a fabulous menu, so definitely check it out.
Tony’s - lively atmosphere and festive dishes! If it's your first time, you might want to order "The Meatball" just to take in. the sight of a meatball the size of your head! The food is rich and delicious, so take it slow and easy and enjoy the people watching, too! It's a great date night spot.

Sandwiches

Something Natural* – this Nantucket sandwich shop really hit the ground running when it opened in Greenwich. Famous for its house-made Portuguese bread, Something Natural offers a wide variety of sandwiches and literally every single one that I have tried has been fantastic. From the roast beef to the chicken salad sandwich, they really hit the mark for an all around good sandwich.
Greenwich Prime Meats – opened after the longtime Greenwich steakhouse Manero’s closed their doors in 2006, this butcher shop offers much more than select cuts of meat. Their sandwiches are generous and delicious. Try the meatball parm sandwich or the pulled pork with BBQ sauce. It’s delightful!
Ada’s – a Riverside staple, Ada’s offers home-made sandwiches from grilled cheese to fried chicken and peppers, as well as a variety of breakfast dishes and lattes to go. Grab some sandwiches at Ada’s before heading over to the beach at Tod’s Point!
Golds – not necessarily nearby, but I have heard on good authority that Golds Deli in Westport has some of the best pastrami and corned beef around (think Katz’s Deli from the city). They make everything themselves on site, so it’s worth the drive to beautiful Westport to check it out!

Other Ethnic Food

Chinese - Looking for delicious food carts brought right to you table? There is a fabulous Dim Sum restaurant closer than you think. Find your way to Aberdeen in White Plains. It is well worth the drive. I highly recommend the shrimp noodle crepes, and mini soup dumplings.
Indian – India Avenue serves my favorite Indian cuisine in town. They have a limited menu, but absolutely everything on there is great. Once you start reading through the list, you’ll want to try one of everything. Start with a samosa and a side (or two) of warm Naan bread, and you’ll find yourself ordering another round of Chicken Tikka Masala in no time.
Thai – check out Thai Basil and Little Thai Kitchen, both are local favorites!
Greek* – Famous Greek Kitchen is worth every penny; love their hummus platter and the watermelon salad in the summer! They also have a great outdoor patio with festive lighting.
Ethiopian – Teff in Stamford is awesome. My favorite is the yellow lentils rolled in their seasoned injera (Ethiopian flatbread). With a little white wine, you’ll wish you had ordered another side of injera to keep the party going!
Moroccan* - Argana - the only Moroccan restaurant in Westchester and Fairfield County, and they hit the nail on the head! Lovely outdoor tables on the terrace and they even have a place in. the back to throw horseshoes! Don't miss the saffron couscous and the slow cooked short rib!
Turkish – The Turk is the real deal. It delivers from Mt. Kisco and offers everything from spinach pies to lamb gyros, beef kebabs and mussakka. They even have a kids menu with spaghetti and cheeseburgers if your little ones aren’t feeling so adventurous.