Stamford, CT

[roy]

Anyone know any good places in Stamford, CT.? Recent relocation from NYC and need help.

Thanks

[cteats]

What're you looking for? Stamford and environs have plenty to eat, not on the scale you're used to in NYC, but probably a decent version of just about anything. Except pizza, unfortunately.

A few worth considering (addresses and phones found on Internet or elsewhere on this site):

Dakshin: excellent Indian
Myrna's: casual Lebanese
Telluride: good eclectic American, good wine list, half price wine on Sundays
Rolando's or Casa Villa: pretty good authentic taco's, etc., takeout
Scotty's Fish & Chips: Jamaican takeout
Galangal: Thai/Vietnamese

There's lots more ... some direction regarding what you are looking for will get more responses.

And, welcome to town!

[cjmz]

Ecclisse - Italian
Pellicci's - Italian
Columbus Park - Italian
Crabshell - Seafood (on the water)
Fiesta - Peruvian * my personal favorite

[mommaj]

I live in Stamford and have never tried Fiesta (not sure I even knew it existed). Tell me more! What's the menu, atmosphere, don't miss dishes?

[cteats]

There are 2 Fiesta's in Stamford: one on Atlantic and one (Fiesta Cove) on Shippan Avenue, behind the Fish & Chips place. I don't know for sure that they are related, but one would think so. They are similar in menu and ambience.

They are casual restaurants serving Peruvian specialties. In my experience, the Cove version has mostly Peruvian customers, the Atlantic restaurant more of a mix. I think overall the Cove version is a little more interesting.

Menu includes a lot of seafood dishes, like Shrimp and Rice, Fried Fish platter, various mixed seafood versions. They are hearty meals. I like the ceviche appetizer very much, in both versions (mixed seafood and fish). We've had a few other interesting things there, such as an appetizer of sliced, boiled potatoes covered in a thick, mayonnaise-like sauce, served cold.

There are also other typical Peruvian dishes (or so I've been told) like lomo saltado (sauteed beef, vegetables mixed with french fries), fried chicken and the (to my palate) strange, Chinese-inspired dishes.

Prices are ok, generally $6 or so for appetizers, the mid to upper teens for entrees. They've got wine and beer, and a sangria that we always get. Caution is advised with the sangria, it sneaks up on you.

[Chuck]

I second the recommendation on Pellicci's!!!! I moved from CT to TX about 8 years ago and if there's one thing I miss down here, it's good Italian food. On a job interview not too long ago, dinner at Pellicci's reminded me what I was missing out on and almost made the decision a no-brainer.

Then I compared real estate prices between here and there again and realized that I might not be able to afford eating at Pellicci's unless they sweetened the offer a bit.

But I digress - - the moral of the story is EAT AT PELLICCI'S!!!

[PaulaT]

I had a bad experience at Ecclisse and wouldn't recommend it, but for Italian
Mona Lisa, Emmri of Capri or even Ill Falco. I have heard that Ferrantes is good, but have not been.

[louuuuu]

Eclisse is the triumph of quantity over quality. For families with kids, probably a good value. But certainly not memorable taste treat. Combine value with taste at Pizza Bistro. Try Columbus Park for more upscale fare . E of C has no liquor license and NY prices. il Falco is classical Italian and, while not adventuresome, they do what they do as well as anyone in Stamford. Their Zabaglione is perfection (but off the menu) Don't regard Mona Lisa as highly as others.

[gillyweed]

Completely agree about Eclisse. Works well for large group meals, but I would never choose to go there otherwise.

I don't agree about Emme of Capri - find their prices quite reasonable, especially compared to some of the recent additions to the Stamford restaurant scene. Almost all of the entrees are in the $18 - $24 range. I'm not sure about their liquor license situation, but they do have a decent wine list (not a huge selection, but enough to keep us happy) and I believe they serve beer as well.

[luv2eat]

Luna Rosa is fabulous! They have delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere, don't be put back by the pizza parlor store front. The room in the back is beautiful and they have innovative Italian dishes! Hope you try it and enjoy! They are located on 2107 Summer Street in Stamford, 203-358-9590.

[latingringo]

I just ate at Fiesta today and it was awful. I'm a frequent visitor of Lima, Peru (my gf lives there) and everything I ordered was bland. Aji de Gallina, no spice and was missing 50% of the flavor, Papa a la huancaina....the sauce was horribly boring, Cebiche de Pescado...this was the worst I've ever experienced...the fish had been sitting in the the bowl for a couple days no doubt when it should have been FRESHLY made. Choros a la chalaca...had a cheesy taste..mixed with diced tomates and red onions...should be NO TOMATES and chunky red onions for a authentic flavor. Lomo saltado....they used frozen french fries and really thinly sliced beef and canned tomatoes.

If you are going to open a restaurant to showcase the food of your origin i would suggest not cutting corners. I'm very proud of the Peruvian cuisine and was anxious to take my business counterparts to dinner and left feeling very let down. What a horrible experience.

I must add, the only Peruvian beer they have is Cristal (no Pilsen & Cusquena) and no Pisco Sours due to a lack of a liquor license. They claim to have authentic Peruvian food but it's nothing but a joke.

[debvil]

WOW - I've been going to Fiesta for a few years and have always found it to be very good (I prefer the Shippan locale) my parents are from Peru and this is where we go. HOWEVER we have been going to the Norwalk Location on Route 1 Fiesta Limena which has been great. I haven't been to the stamford location for about a year. Perhaps they have been concentrating more on the new location. Ordering suggestions: LOMO Saltado, Jalea Especial, yuca frita, ceviche mixto that's what we usually order. I've only seen cusquena at Macchu Picchu in Port Chester. Get an Inca Cola. Skip dessert I find them weak (except for the Lucuma ice cream which is a treat for me).

[hudsonvalleyfoodblog]

I second the Norwalk location. Does anyone know the name of the green dipping sauce they serve with the bread? That stuff is addictive.

[adamclyde]

The green sauce is aji.

[hudsonvalleyfoodblog]

Thanks, I love that sauce. To me that is the best part of the meal.

[elaroj]

It's called "aji", pronounced "ah hee"

[sibeats]

Market and Duo are both very good.

[louuuuu]

Ok an update from four years ago. Stamford has suddently become a destination food town, with over 50 restaurants in downtown alone.

Here are some of my personal faves

Italian -- Columbus Park, il Falco
Indian -- Daksin
Fusion -- Duo
Steak -- Steak Loft (above Ocean 211)
Seafood -- Ocean 211, Salt Water Grille
Pizza -- Colony, Pizza Bistro (also tuna pizza at Grand)
Diner -- City Limits
French -- Chez Jean-Pierre
Hamburger -- The Burger on Garlic toast at Tiernan's
Japanese -- Fin
Diner -- City Limits
Latin and SA -- Brazitas (don't be put off by exterior)
Eclectic, Interpretive, Pricey, Good -- Telluride, Market
Breakfast -- Margot's, City Limits
Bagels -- Liz Sue
Ice Cream -- Gofers
Soup, sandwiches -- Sundance Cafe, Katies
Thai -- Kits Thai Kitchen
Mex -- Ole Mole
Hot Dog -- Hebes at Costco in Darien
Deli-- Stamford has a long way to go. So, too, Ct
There's also a sizeable Carribean cuisine, but don't know it here

[nbermas]

Jamacian- Best Top of the Hill: The Breakfast is very good and it will last you all day before you need anything else. They are on Broad street next to Domino's near Stamford Hospital. I always have the liver with dumplings, bananas and yams. Lunch is very good too with anything from chicken to oxtails. Also try the cod fritters. Near by there going back towards Target on the left side is a great bakery spanish style with some yummy things.

[City]

I would stay away from the duck at Kit's in Stamford, the curry's ok. Personally the Curry is the only thing I would get there.

[lucandnico]

Try Columbus Park Trattoria for the best Italian in Stamford and Mitchell's Fish Market for decent fish and the biggest slice of carrot cake known to man.