Restaurant Reviews
Greenwich doesn’t take its dining scene lightly. With recent additions from Jean-Georges, James Beard Award-nominated chef Brian Lewis, and an Omakase spot with outposts in NYC and the Hamptons, the Avenue has seriously stepped up its game to meet the demands of the incoming city crowd. Don’t miss the gluten- and dairy-free bakery that tastes even better than the real thing…you won’t be disappointed.
The owners of Le Penguin, Orienta, and Le Fat Poodle did it again with their second installment in Old Greenwich, Siren. This Mediterranean “restobar,” which draws influences from Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia, is a welcome addition to a town that’s been lacking in this cuisine. The chic interior, lively atmosphere, and fresh seafood have the town talking already. It wouldn’t be right to start a Mediterranean tapas meal without the mezze platter - while the chickpea hummus and red pepper “Muhammara” are tasty, the spicy feta cheese spread takes the cake. Don’t miss the whole catch of the day (branzino the night I went) - it’s not as large as it sounds, so if you’re hungry, you may want to hoard it for yourself. Reservations are encouraged, but at certain hours you can find a window to walk in. Otherwise, sit at the bar and sip on a fancy cocktail while taking in the scene. Snag an open-air table by windows for maximum people-watching.
Drink of Choice: “Holy Basil”
Dry gin, basil syrup, muddled basil, fresh lemon juice, club soda
Menu Highlights:
Mezze Platter
Greek salad
Fried cauliflower, green tahini, sumac, pine nuts
Short ribs, roasted Greek style, honey glaze
Fresh catch of the day
As the third venture from the duo behind HINOKI and MIKU, MŌLÌ brings a modern and creative twist to Chinese cuisine. With just one step inside the elegant space, you are immediately transcended to a different era - one inspired by the glamor of 1940’s Shanghai. Smooth electronic beats pound through the speakers as you are welcomed through the speakeasy-style bar and lounge. The chef’s unique and upscale take on Chinese classics will resonate with even the most sophisticated palates. Sharing is encouraged as the portion sizes allow you to try a mix of everything - from dumplings, spring rolls, and tempura shrimp to wok stir-fry, chili peanut chicken, and even a whole Peking Duck if you’re going for the full experience. Don’t leave without sampling one of their signature cocktails - even if just for the eye candy. Watch as your Red Lantern goes up in flames as the bartender takes a blow torch to a dehydrated lime, or if you’re not a pyromaniac, opt for the Dragon Dance where your server will squeeze perfectly precise droplets of mint oil on top of your cucumber-infused gin. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted at the bar and lounge. Pro tip: allergens are labeled and while the majority of the dishes are not gluten free, most can be modified to be GF if you ask.
Drink of Choice: “Dragon Dance”
Cucumber & lime zest infused gin, mint, lime, Rockey's
Menu Highlights:
Honey Glazed Shrimp
Wagyu Potstickers
General Tso’s Chicken Wings
Coconut Braised Short Ribs
Kung Pao Chicken
Peking Duck (Whole or Half)
The Avenue's newest restaurant does not disappoint! Experience Jean-Georges’ Latin fare in a lively, jungle setting that gives out major Tulum vibes. Fresh and locally sourced, the tapas-style dishes provide the right amount of variety in manageable portions so you can order everything on the menu without feeling guilty. Though it may sound boring, the "Arroz con Pollo" (chicken and rice) might just be the best thing on the menu...I'm still trying to figure out the recipe to recreate it at home. If you’re looking to live a little, try one of their 7 different Margaritas or pretend you're on the beach with a Piña Colada. Reservations book up far in advance, but early walk-ins can post up at the bar or grab a table in the lounge area to get the full Happy Monkey experience.
Drink of Choice: “Basil Jalapeño Margarita”
Dulce Vida Añejo Tequila, basil
Menu Highlights:
Grilled Maitake Mushroom with Goat Cheese
Sizzling Shrimp with Garlic
Crispy BBQ Pork Tacos
Arroz con Pollo
Sweet Potatoes w/ Chili Garlic & Cojita Cheese
After visiting The Cottage, there's no question why Brian Lewis was nominated for two James Beard Awards. In fusing standard American fare with Asian and other global influences, Lewis has created some of the most interesting and flavorful dishes of any restaurant on the Avenue. Just take one bite of the Miso Black Cod Crepe or Butternut Squash Agnolotti and you'll get it. The chic decor is Instagram-worthy while still feeling warm and welcoming. Reservations can book up in advance, but if you walk in and sit at the bar, the gregarious bartenders will keep you company as you sip on their beautifully crafted cocktails. If you still can't manage to snag a seat, go for lunch and sample the freshest tuna & avocado poke in town. Don't miss The Cottage's sister restaurant in Westport or Brian Lewis' newest Japanese venture, OKO, with locations in both Westport and Rye.
Drink of Choice: “Fresno Way”
chipotle tequila - mezcal orange oleo - fresno
Menu Highlights:
Duck Fried Rice
Miso Black Cod Crepe
Butternut Squash Agnolotti
Nantucket Bay Scallops Meunière
Escape to Paris for a night at this cozy bistro serving traditional French fare. The close quarters and colorful décor are warm and inviting, just like the staff. Sip on a crisp Chablis while you read through the specials scribbled on a blackboard in true francophile fashion. Order the Mussels just so you can dip your bread in the hot buttery broth, or opt for the Magret de Canard because there's really nowhere else to get a good crispy duck breast in town. No matter what, the pommes frites need to be on your table, whether truffle or plain. Reservations can book up in advance as the space is small, so plan accordingly. Don't be alarmed if the table next to you is so close that you could steal their fries…it's all part of the authentic French experience.
Don’t forget to try their sister restaurants - Orienta next door for Asian fusion and Le Fat Poodle in Old Greenwich, which has the best boozy brunch in town.
Drink of Choice: Pinot Noir, Flowers, Sonoma Coast, CA
Menu Highlights:
Endive Salad, Roquefort, White Balsamic, Candied Walnuts
Foie Gras, Toast, Mustard, Onion Jam
Cajun Chicken, Beurre Blanc, Pommes Frites
Crispy Duck Breast, Potato Galette, Blueberry & Green Peppercorn Sauce
Pan Roasted Trout, Brown Butter, Green Beans, Fingerling Potatoes
This has been a staple of Greenwich Avenue dining since I was a kid. From dinners with high school friends growing up, to business lunches and anniversary dinners with my husband as an adult, Mediterraneo fits the bill for any occasion. The fresh Mediterranean cuisine covers all bases - from thin-crust pizzas and decadent pastas to perfectly cooked meats and creative takes on fish. Contemporary décor fills the always-buzzing interior, but the outdoor dining is really where it's at. The open-air people watching mixed with trendy beats will almost make you feel like you're in a Mediterranean beach town…almost.
Drink of Choice: "East Side"
Brooklyn Gin, Cucumber & Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime
Menu Highlights:
Margarita or Parma Pizza
Goat Cheese “Blintz” with Beets
Parmesan-Crusted Halibut
Chicken Milanese
Beef Bourgignon
Penne a la Vodka
Mediterraneo's sister restaurant and one of many in the Z Hospitality Group, Terra's ambiance is reminiscent of a classic Italian trattoria. The thin crust pizzas will have to be your appetizer so you can make sure to try the Penne alla Vodka or Spicy Lobster Fettuccine. Trying to lighten up on the carbs? Opt for the "Zoodles" - zucchini noodles with chicken and spinach meatballs. The braised short rib should also make it onto your table to add a little protein. Many of the menu items are similar to the other restaurants in group, so be sure to try something new here to get the full experience. Reservations shouldn't be too hard to come by and walk-ins are accepted. Lunch is also a great option, especially during a warm sunny day when you can sit outside on the terrace.
Drink of Choice: Brunello di Montalcino, Coldisole, Tuscany
Menu Highlights:
Chopped Greek Salad
Pizzas - margherita, pepperoni, San Daniele prosciutto, wild mushroom with burrata & truffle
Penne alla Vodka
Zucchini spaghetti "Zoodles," chicken and spinach meatballs, cherry tomatoes
Chicken Milanese, marinated tomatoes, baby arugula, fresh mozzarella
Braised short rib "Osso Bucco," roasted Brussels sprouts & carrots, balsamic onions
Missing your favorite NYC sushi spot? Hinoki will take you right back there! Choose from an Omakase experience or share everything tapas-style at this always packed hotspot. Choose from the freshest sushi and sashimi or go the cooked route with miso black cod or a ribeye. With its dimly lit ambiance, lively bar scene, and exceptional food, Hinoki has all the vibes you're looking for. Reservations can book up quickly, so if you can't manage to snag one, sit at a high-top table in the bar and enjoy the creative cocktails and people watching.
Drink of Choice: "A Drop of Jupiter"
Japanese haku vodka, Casamigos blanco, cucumber, juniper & lavender syrup, & fresh lime juice
Menu Highlights:
Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna
Duck Bao Buns
Godzilla Roll
Miso Black Cod
MIKU means “beautiful moment.” As Hinoki’s predecessor and sister restaurant, MIKU has a very similar menu of traditional Japanese cuisine using only the best quality fish from the world famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh sashimi and creative rolls or want to play it safe with some teriyaki and fried rice, you’re bound to find something you like here. The atmosphere is more subdued than Hinoki, but the minimalist space makes for a great business lunch or date night when you actually want to hear what your partner is saying. Sit at the bar for a solo meal if you just need some “me” time.
Drink of Choice: Lemongrass Martini
Menu Highlights:
Crispy Rice Bites w/ Spicy Tuna
Yellowtail Jalapeno
Duck or Pork Bao Buns
A La Carte Sushi & Sashimi
Fancy Roll
Hibachi & Teriyaki Meat or Fish
Searching for your go-to cozy restaurant? You don't have to drive too far down Greenwich Avenue to find the answer: Ruby & Bella's. After briefly sharing a space with the now-defunct "SaksWorks," this contemporary American restaurant outlasted its neighbor - and for good reason. The cuisine provides a unique twist on classic American fare in a chic yet comfortable setting. Don't miss the Whole Roasted Baby Cauliflower sweetened with tahini-pomegranate syrup and twelve seed dressing or the Prime Skirt Steak with quail egg-topped fried rice. If the Seasoned French Fries just happen to end up on your table, you won't regret it. Reservations are fairly easy to come by, so it can be a last minute decision, but it'll undoubtedly be a good one.
Drink of Choice: "Celine"
Tanteo jalapeño tequila, tarragon, lemon juice, pineapple juice
Menu Highlights:
Burrata with prosciutto, piquillo peppers, aged balsamic, charred country bread
Shishito Peppers
Whole Roasted Baby Cauliflower
Prime Skirt Steak with Fried Rice & Quail Egg
Seasoned French Fries
Short Rub special if they have it!
When the weather changes, so does our appetite for what kind of restaurant will draw us out of the house on a Friday night. If you're looking for casual and cozy, Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant is the place to go. The extensive menu mixes cold weather comfort food like Gnocchi Bolognese with creative innovations like Brussels Sprout Salad with Parmesan Risotto Cake. For all you discount lovers, don't miss their wine specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Reservations are easy to come by and walk-ins are allowed, so you don’t need to plan too much in advance to make a cold night out feel like a cozy night in.
Drink of Choice: “Scorpion”
tito’s vodka / basil / jalapeno / fresh lime / sugar
Menu Highlights:
Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Parmesan Risotto Cake
Truffle Burrata
Gnocchi Bolognese
Wood Fire Grilled Salmon
Everything Spice Fries
If you venture off the beaten path to the western part of town, you'll find this buzzy Italian restaurant that does not disappoint. Whether you stick to the classics (meatballs and pappardelle bolognese) or explore a more creative side (melon with ricotta salata, lemon & honey), the menu has something for everyone - even those of us who've given up gluten! They can make any of their pastas GF, and as a former gluten addict, I can confirm they are just delicious as the real thing. Don't forget, pasta is only a mid-course, so you can sandwich your Rigatoni with a pizza to start and finish it off with some Veal Parm. You'll probably need a whole bottle of Barolo to wash it all down, but it'll be worth it. If you don't yet feel like you've absolutely OD'd on carbs, the warm Bomboloni with Nutella and powdered sugar should do the trick. Whether you sit at the bar or one of the many tables, the atmosphere will be lively, the music will be bumping, and the food will hit the spot.
Drink of Choice: "Rico Tubbs"
Casamigos blanco, salted grapefruit juice, black sea salt
Menu Highlights:
Arugula with candied hazelnuts, pecorino & lemon vinaigrette
Burrata with brown butter, figs & hazelnuts
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Crispy Potatoes with bagna cauda & pecorino
My recent venture into the world of gluten- and (partially) dairy-free led me to find arguably the best bakery in town - regardless of if you have food allergies or not. As an ex-gluten fiend and ice cream addict, I never thought any substitutes would compare. Luckily, I was terribly wrong. You’d never know that these treats are missing the two ingredients that are most attributed to flavor and deliciousness, but BTW has found the secret recipe. The "Amy Cake," a mini funfetti bundt cake, has become a staple in my afternoon snack routine - a dangerous habit I’m going to have to break at some point. Believe it or not, the thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies are better than Tate’s, and the birthday cakes will please even the most discerning birthday boy or girl. Whether you have food sensitivities or not, after one bite, you won’t think twice about making this your go-to bakery in town.
Menu Highlights:
“Amy Cake” - mini funfetti bundt cake with vanilla glaze
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Red Velvet Cake or Bundtlet
Classic Chocolate Cake
For anyone coming from NYC, this should need no further introduction. With a substantial selection of regular and vegan ice creams (on a properly labeled allergen-friendly menu), there’s truly something for everyone here. Aside from the adorable pink exterior, my favorite part is the sign on the wall that says, “Counting calories is easy if you just stop.” If you’re coming here, you deserve to indulge.
Menu Highlights:
Honeycomb
Cookies & Cream
Brown Sugar Chunk with Cookie Dough & Brownie
Chocolate Fudge Brownie