Area Eateries
What has happened locally over the last ten years is a phenomenal culinary revolution. Ridgefield is an outstanding restaurant town. Restaurants feature superior cuisine, eye-pleasing interiors, and a variety of tastes at all price levels. The editors of Ridgefield Magazine have compiled a listing of area establishments. Along with a brief description, we provide the address, phone number, and price key. Enjoy.
E = expensive M = moderate I = inexpensive
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Ridgefield
Ancient Mariner
This eatery just behind Main Street is comfortable and kid-friendly, with a sports bar. The menu is long, the specials good, but the main problem is—which burger to choose? Really tempting is the Nick burger on rye. 451 Main St. (438-4771) M
Bailey’s Backyard.
An American bistro with a fresh décor—a picket fence against colorful salmon walls plus a patio usable in all weather—and popular food. 23 Bailey Ave. (431-0796) M
Bernard’s
With owners Bernard and Sarah Bouissou, this restaurant continues to surpass all expectations—fine French food, elegant surroundings, and professional service. The signature foie gras trio and tuna prepared three ways are not-to-be-missed starters. Choose entrées at will, with fillet of black sea bass and crisp roasted chicken among the current stars of the show. Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or merely to enjoy fine fare, this is the place to be. 20 West Lane (438-8282) E
Caputo’s East Ridge Café
The dining room is welcoming, the bar bustling. Food is fine; salads are excellent; service spotty. Lunchtime servings are substantial, especially quiches and wraps. Outdoor dining. 5 Grove St. (894-1940) M-E
The Catch
A welcome new addition to the Ridgefield restaurant scene and Route 7. The inviting dining room and spacious bar perfectly complement the superb food, from a wide variety of seafood dishes to turf fare as well. Open breakfast, lunch, dinner. 967 Ethan Allen Hwy. (438-4422) M-E
Chez Lénard
This umbrella-topped food cart—a longtime Main Street fixture—offers more than a wide selection of hot dogs, with more toppings than owner Chad Cohen has hats. There’s also restaurant advice, driving directions, and a good laugh. About 452 Main St. I-M
Common Grounds
A new and delightful place for a latte, cappucchino, or a steaming cup of tea together with a freshly baked sweet. In what was J&J’s Gathering place, next to the new home of Ironwood, it is under the direction of owner Guy Bocchino, who promises unique soups and salads as well. Open for breakfast and lunch. 103 Danbury Rd. (431-4433) M
Country Diner
Serving hearty breakfasts and lunches seven days a week until 4 p.m., this diner features both American and Greek specialties, such as meatloaf and spinach pie. 199 Ethan Allen Hwy. (431-3561) I
Dimitri’s Diner
Newly expanded, Dimitri’s has an extensive menu that kids of all ages love. Presenting Greek dishes, such as souvlaki and gyros, plus favorites like spaghetti and hamburgers. A good family destination. Nice tables outdoors. 16 Prospect St. (438-5338) I
Early Bird Café
Open for breakfast, lunch, and now dinner, there are few places better for meeting the townsfolk. The coffee is hot, the food is hearty, the waitstaff friendly and fun. 88 Danbury Rd. (438-1395) I
Elms Restaurant & Tavern
A modern zing to Colonial-era cooking at this Main Street establishment set in an 18th-century building. A range of meals is served in the period formal dining room, the tavern, or on the porch. 500 Main St. (438-9206) M & E
Empire Szechuan
Chinese-food lovers will remember Dragon Palace—its owner Robert Siew opened this smaller version complete with a Sushi bar. Very ordinary, unremarkable. 113 Danbury Rd. (431-0488) M
Gringo Café
Authentic Mexican food in a fun and lively setting. Jessica Wilmot, owner of the Ancient Mariner, is bringing South-of-the-Border flavors to her new restaurant in both food and décor. A new chef is providing an extensive and pleasing menu, and Erin Nazzaro is providing the art. 231⁄2 Catoonah St. (438-7400) M
Koo
A spare and muted setting with perhaps the most unusually beautiful ceiling in town, this neo-Japanese restaurant has both the tried and the true offerings—from chicken teriyaki to sushi and sashimi. Sushi bar and spirits bar. Owner Alex Poon has done this before. 470 Main St. (431-8838) E
Luc’s Café & Restaurant
A carefully honed French bistro with consistently outstanding food, good service, and lively atmosphere. Owner Hervé Aussavis is always welcoming. Tucked away in a cozy cavelike setting. Occasional live music. 3 Big Shop Lane (894-8522) M-E
Mannen Japanese Restaurant
Serving Japanese and Chinese food, both in the traditional style and with a western beat. A sushi bar and takeout, hidden away in a not-so-quaint complex off Danbury Road. 15 Danbury Rd. (438-8727) M
Piccolo Pasta & Pizza
Has pizza ever been so enticing? Choose from a list of gourmet pizzas or a variety of delectable Italian dishes and sandwiches. Jazz three nights weekly. BYOB. Daily specials. Delivery. Rarely disappoints. 24 Prospect St. (438-8200) I
Planet Pizza
The latest in a chain of five stores, it sports a full menu with appetizers, subs, and pasta dishes, both gourmet and traditional. 411 Main St. (894-1200) I
Southwest Café
Whether it’s made with Hatch chilies straight from New Mexico or hails from the “Skinny Menu,” each dish zings with flavor. The salsa is fabulous. This colorful café offers both table and bar seating plus outdoor dining—good place for a fine meal on an early fall evening. Music on Thursdays and Saturdays. 107 Danbury Rd. (431-3398) M
Spagone Ristorante
Now in a new locale across the street, chef/owner Michael Spennato continues serving his signature foods, bringing the flavors of Tuscany to the palates of Ridgefield. Larger space, lively bar area. 90 Danbury Rd. (438-5518) E
Stonehenge Inn and Restaurant
It’s like dining at a country estate overlooking its own private lake. A romantic setting with memorable dinners served by an impeccable staff, with A-list guests. Great location for a wedding. Stonehenge Rd. (off Ethan Allen Hwy.) (438-6511) E
Thai Pearl
This relative newcomer to the scene offers excellent Thai food at fairly reasonable prices. 113 Danbury Rd. (894-1424) M
Thali
This popular New Canaan eatery was unable to duplicate its elegant interior design, but did bring along its pan-Indian cuisine. Bad location. 296 Ethan Allen Hwy. (894-1080) M
Toscana
A large, attractive dining space has gone through management changes, but hung onto its standard but pricey Italian fare. Nice bar area. 43 Danbury Rd. (894-8995) E
Upstream
The late-night hot spot (dubbed Manhattan on Main Street) offers eclectic dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Imaginatively created food—but people mainly go for the drinks (like the $11 martinis!). 426 Main St. (438-1456) E
Venice Restaurant & Pizzeria
Continues to provide good, solid, southern Italian food. 3 Copps Hill Plaza (438-3333) M
Wild Ginger
An express alternative to a formal dining environment, this is a singularly original take on Asian food in all its variety. Not as popular as it has been in the past. 461 Main St. (431-4588) M
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