50 Best American Restaurants near Darien

“Great food and friendly people. Plus, live music on Wednesday nights“

“Great food, welcome atmosphere, great service, fair prices….what’s not to love?!?“

“A great spot. Delicious food, live music and fantastic bartenders!“

“a great place, food is always fresh and delicious, the staff is the best!“

“Really good! Affordable and a really cute place!“

“I’ve been to Greer twice now. First for dinner summer of 2024 and for brunch last week. My partner had celiacs so we need to be careful about cross contamination with gluten. The first time we went was a great experience. The server was knowledgeable and made us confident in his and the kitchen’s understanding of our allergy restrictions and the food was very good. This made the experience we had last weekend much more of a disappointment. We called ahead to ensure that there were safe gluten free options on the brunch menu and had a good idea of what we planned to order as a result but as is our usual practice we still asked our server when he greeted us to verify that we were ordering safely. He unfortunately didn’t have a good understanding of the menu or allergens so he had to check with kitchen staff (again this is proper practice and I’d always prefer they ask to be sure than risk glutening us). He didn’t return to take our food order for over 20 minutes and appeared to forget about us as he tended to other tables. When he finally returned he had forgotten to ask and had to go to the back again. We weren’t in a rush so we would have happily sipped our coffees while we waited but the cappuccino and latte we were served were undrinkable. I don’t know if the espresso machine was malfunctioning or the person who made it wasn’t familiar with it but it was very watery and stale with no foam on my cappuccino. We asked to change them out for regular drip coffee which tasted great so that was the right move. We ordered a starter and entrees and everything dropped at our table at once at varying temperatures. By this point it was starting to get busy but it was still disappointing after such a long wait. We let our server know our frustration and he was apologetic and absolutely made it right but it was a stark decline in experience from our first visit so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that it was just an off day but I’m not sure we will be back for brunch because the gf options were limited. The pimento cheese is delicious!

Dietary restrictions: Some gluten free options but the staff was not very knowledgeable about celiacs and the fryer is not gluten free.“

“I recently dined at this restaurant and had an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely amazing—each dish was better than the last. We tried the meatballs, the pasta special, the beet salad, and the burger, and everything was cooked to perfection. The flavors were rich and balanced, and the presentation was spot on. What made the night even better was the outstanding service. Mario, our server, was the best—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. He made us feel welcome and helped make the evening truly enjoyable. Highly recommend this place for a great meal and top-notch service. We'll definitely be back!“

“love it .kind,friendly staff,GREAT specials,creative ,yummmy.(easy to park)“

“Wow! Talk about a hidden gem hiding in plain sight. Have passed by this place a million times and just got to discover it with my hubby for ‘date night’. Wow. Good was amazing, and service was outstanding. Angelica, you are a star. And Chef, not sure your name, but our sea bass and pork chop were incredible. We will be back.“

“Best breakfast sandwich I’ve had!!! Fabulous soups, wonderful menu and lovely people!!!“

“We both had the caesar salad and the flank steak sandwich, which was delicious. Thank you for supporting Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week. We will be back soon!“

“Awesome old school bar-style burgers done right! You can tell they care and use quality ingredients. Cheeseburger with caramelized onions, pickles, and their house sauce (it’s kinda like a chipotle mayo) is the perfect combo. The staff and owners are as nice as can be too.“

“Everything! The staff is so helpful and knowledgeable!“

“As a former Norwalk resident, I was thrilled to rediscover the local food scene during a recent visit. I stumbled upon Capuli, a gem that apparently opened last spring. If only I had known about it before moving away!

The staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, making me feel right at home. But it was the food that truly stole the show. I opted for the taco sampler, and every single bite was a flavor explosion. The chicken tacos, in particular, were a standout. Juicy, flavorful, and far superior to any I've had in the area.

I also couldn't resist trying the grilled steak and Birria tacos. Both were absolutely delicious, with a comforting, homemade taste. I can't wait to return and explore more of the menu“

“Dined here two nights in a row while visiting Connecticut. Bar and management was very friendly. Of course, there is always one annoying drunk at the bar. Food is fantastic!“

“The best French Onion Soup in CT.“

“Party of four. Everything from apps to Coffee was delicious. Highly recommend.“

“My go to place for breakfast every time. Cute convenient spot with great omelettes and piping hot dinner coffee served in a thick white mug just as god intended.

Parking: Pull right to the back and park. In the summer time you can grab a cold Greek frappe coffee and walk to the back dock to the boats and crew practicing.“

“We came from Maine for the Soundside music festival and stayed in Norwalk. We ate here twice while in town for the weekend! We left our credit card on accident the first night and they held it for us! We’d forgotten coffee creamer for our air BnB so we asked the bar tender if we could buy a cup of cream. He gave it to us! Melissa was our waitress and she was great! Super friendly and great service. Over all AMAZING food and service!!! If we ever travel to Norwalk again we will definitely be back for some grub!“

“Tremendous meal Wedge salad. Chicken parm. Penne vodka. All delicious. First time visitor. Expect to be back soon. Nice service. Thanks chef“

“fantastic food hands down“

“Wonderful service, food and cocktails. Had a bit of everything and it all was exceptional. Highly recommend.“

“Wings Robs way and Thai salmon salad“

“great food, location and service“

“always welcoming - love them all❣️“

“If you want top quality food and service this is the place to go. Cozy warm atmosphere and such friendly and inviting staff makes for such a perfect and memorable night !“

“Fabulous place fabulous food fabulous staff fantastic time“

“We hadn't made a reservation but Lucia was super accommodating. We love eating here as it has a bustling vibe, like a New York bistro. Food, as always outstanding and atmosphere first class. Cannot wait to return.“

“I "cried" when my fave VEGAN or VEGETARIAN "GO-to" eat-in place closed all their locations around Boston. That was sadly & formerly GrainMaker .. (gone now) However DiG has grown on me as their deFACTO replacement for all FRESH VEGGIES and otherwise ALL FRESH MEAL VEGAN or VEGETERIAN eats and eat-in place! This is becoming my greatly reccomended "hidden vegan and veggie gem" in Boston with LOTS of locations. They have 3 locations thus far in Boston and 2 in Cambridge. I hav ONLY visited their downtown location thus far! Just as formerly with GrainMaker, DiG is as close to authentic home cooked! & genuinely HEALTHY! AND fresh meals that you can get to. Always fresh veggies, steamed & otherwise. --(they also serve a variety of proteins, as in variety of meats and fish, but i stay vegan. I have NEVER tried any of their meats or fish here.. ONLY their veggies and seasoned TOFU on occasion.. more oft than not, i do not even get their TOFU as a protein and opt to feast on JUST their steamed or boiled or baked veggies, bases. like rice and excellent mixed veggie salads sides!) Have been frequenting it for about 2 years since 2023 now, but held off on reviewing it until i was SURE of my experiences here. Decided to review it today bcs "it's time". I spoke to the very customer service oriented and responsibve supervisor here at this location, his name is DiJuan and was served by Adonis today and he was also very accommodating (after i explained i eat vegan) and on showing me my MANY fresh veggie choices, bases, proteins (including delish prepared Tofu) and PLENTY of heavenly veggie sides, all preped like you'd expect to find in a Thanksgiving grand day family meal. (AND they do this EVERY DAY!! ) This is HEALTHY eats and quite tasty and delish! See my posted pic w this review of my choice of eats today. In short, just today, i started with very little brown rice as my base and added 2 types of their fresh salad, Cannellini Beans w dill & greens along with their steamed or boiled Kale greens and added also a sweet potato that had been steamed & also steamed brocolli. I LUV eating fresh, healthy, TASTY and "homemade style" (as in NOT processed!!). I added their Garlic dressing to top it off. It came to something like 10+ bucks (B4 tax)! Unheard of !! for a BIG & FULLY portioned full veggie plate like this! BIG PORTION of a FULL PLATE! -- i declined, as usual to get any protein with my meal today, is why, STiLL i got a HUGE portioned plate! ( I normally HAVE2 order 2 - 3 separate orders and combine them, at HoneyGrow, anuther fave local "vegan" franchise in Boston, in order to get filled up if i'm only eating OMAD, as in One-meal-a-Day, in order to get full elsewhere usually!). They have a FAMILY (feeds4) option after 3pm every day that feeds 4-5 people (adults not kids) for like $43. QUITE A BARGAIN for something like this. AND it look like a Thankgiving day meal to top it off! --(formerly anuther non-vegan place "had this", now gone, called Boston Market. However they LOADED their side protions and even base meal with SO MUCH SALT, yuck! so that was ALL you could taste. THEY supposedly made home made, but found out NOT SO!!, theirs was loaded with processed sh*t, like their supposedly home-made mashed potatoes were the powder kind, loaded with pseudo milk and SALT, YUCK!!) NOT SO ! with this place.. DiG is 180 degrees fr tht.. This is truly GREAT tasting REAL and "home-prepped" veggies. They are winning me over from my other 2 "go-to's" "vegan-ish" franchises in Boston whcih have steadily been declining for various reasons, those being Bon-Me (their employees, over at Bon-Me for last 2-3 years it seems at ALL locations i have tried, simply do not undertsand nor speak english for the most part, their food WEN i can get it ordered the way i want it, is generally good, oft times its taken over 2 returned plates in order to get it prepared the way i orderd it.. v“

“The food was amazing! I had the mafaldine Nero which is a seasonal selection and my fiancé had the beef Wellington and both were delicious. The Wellington was cooked perfectly and my pasta with braised octopus was to die for. We also had the creme brûlée which was delicious. The margarita was one of the tastiest margaritas and I’m not a big margarita fan. The old fashioned with hibiscus infused bourbon was unique in it’s taste but I loved it. It gave the bourbon a refreshing taste. Service was excellent!“

“I went here Last Night for my birthday dinner for the first time with my family and family friends our server Jay was very friendly and attentive he understood of an allergy that someone had in my group and the food was great and the rest of the staff were friendly and attentive would definitely come back here in the future!!!“

“Please follow @fairfieldfooddude on IG & FB

The Granola Bar is THE place to go for exciting, healthy and vibrant dishes that are on a whole different level than your average deli. The prices are a bit high in comparison but you get what you pay for. Whether you are vegetarian, paleo, keto or even on the “See Food” diet like me, the wonderful and charismatic staff are always willing to work with your food needs, preferences, allergies etc. From fresh warming granola to delicious eggs, Nutella coffees, wraps, sandwiches, Nutella Coffees, organic teas, deserts and and Nutella coffees, this place will satisfy your every nutritional need. And did I mention they have Nutella Lattes, Iced Coffees and more!!!!!!! They are open for pickup, delivery(via Uber Eats) and curbside takeout. DEFINITELY INDULGE IN THE GRANOLA BAR, located on Post Rd East in Westport“

“Excellent food and service! Perfect before seeing a show at the Palace!“

“I used to go here quite often many moons ago, but for some reason haven't been there in quite a while. But was meeting an old friend who lives in New Caanan, and we chose this place. I opted for the Fish-n-Chips which was pretty tasty, but somewhat oily. But I ate every bit of it. The atmosphere is very "dive" bar ish, which is a bit of a charm in itself. We were able to eat our food and enjoy a couple of beers with some good conversation without them trying to turn over the table. After all these years CSE still has tasty food, and I'm sure I'll be back.“

“We approve #PGH412Natives“

“Great food and atmosphere. The staff was awesome!!!!“

“I happen to stumble across this place on my way home from an event in New Canaan. Service was amazing everyone was so warm, welcoming, and attentive! I ordered the steak off the specials menu with the side of risotto it was hands down one of the top three steaks I’ve had.Definitely recommend“

“Good food and spiked shakes“

“Been coming here for a decade at this point, any time I am visiting family I stop in. This time I finally tried the Pickle Wings, and they were amazing! They fell right off the bone and were seasoned perfectly. Such a great vibe in there too!“

“Great… just like it’s been for going on 50 years!!“

“Love the LA Fit wrap, of course on a habanero tortilla. Great soups, too. All around a great option for a quick lunch.“

“First time we went here but not the last. We had the lobster mac and cheese, and the lamb chops. It was DELICIOUS! The mac amd cheese also has bacon, it was so good! Got salad to take home and also dessert, apple crumble, everything was so good, including the drinks.“

“Around CT & NY Elm reliably holds its place with Pound Ridge, L’escale, Skittleman, Union League, plus honesty the coolest professional staff, blessed to have Elm 🌳..“

“Awesome time always. Staff always super welcoming and helpful. Service... excellent! LETS GOOOOOO!!!“

“Fun, energetic bar with great margaritas and modern Mexican cuisine. The menu has traditional flavors but with some fun spins on preparation & presentation.The staff was friendly and attentive.It’s a great upbeat place that will be perfect destination as the weather gets nicer and we can enjoy the outdoor space.“

“Best cheese steak in town. Great beverage selection too.“

“My favorite burger spot in CT !!! I’ve been going here since 1996 when I lived on Summer Street as a child. Now as a 34 year old adult I STILL get just as excited about going as I did back THEN ! Maybe even MORE because now I have money for extra food !! 🤣🤣🤣. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. My favorite is the chili cheese burger on a wedge!“

“Every time I’ve gone to pinstripes in the past, the food and service have been top notch! (Their food is soooo delicious!!) Now I will be having my wedding rehearsal dinner at Pinstripes, next week. Sal Murano, the event coordinator, has been so gracious and helpful and I can’t believe that his response time has been faster than fast - even though I’ve been calling him multiple times on his DAY OFF! I’m so excited for next week…I know everything will be amazing ❤️“

“Amazing wings !!! Pickles are yummy!!“

“Handy near the train station so you can get shelled after work and not have to drive home to Fairfield or wherever.“