Outdoor Dining in Fairfield County?

[lunabug]

The evenings have been so beautiful the past few days. We would like to come down from the hills and celebrate our anniversary al fresco. Any suggestions for special spots in Fairfield County?

[sfoss17]

Skip Sunset Grille. Last few times we ate there it was just terrible. The best way to describe my supposedly grilled fish was a piece of leather with some slop on it. Brutal.

[steve h.]

rowayton seafood. casual but not cheap. great views of the five mile river out to long island sound. happy anniversary. deb and i just celebrated our 33rd.

[amanda3571]

Totally agree on Rowayton Seafood...

Other ideas are Splash up at the Longshore Inn in Westport.
http://www.decarorestaurantgroup.com/...

OR for simpler fare & less pricey choices, try Sunset Grille, Harbour Lights, even Sono Seaport....all in Norwalk.

[lunabug]

Thank you both! Can I ask - given the fact that my husband is a chef (meaning we have high standards AND don't get to eat out very often) and that we'd be driving an hour - would you recommend Splash or Rowayton?

[steve h.]

i enjoy both but i have to give the nod to rowayton seafood. oysters are fresh, the lobster roll generous and the string fries tasty. bartender makes a decent vodka gimlet. fancier fare is available but these basics are noteworthy. as an aside, avoid the silly valet parking and just drive up rowayton avenue until you spot a space.

one final note: rowayton seafood is pricey. lots of movers and shakers call it home. i find it convenient and friendly. dress is casual (khakis and boat shoes work for me). i think you'll like this place.

[jfood]

rowayton seafood hands down over splash. both have water views. if water is not a requirememt and only al fresco then aloi in new canaan is fantastic for sidewalk dining. Margherite Aloi was trained by Piero Luongo and has some incredibloe foods. so water = rowayton and sidewalk = aloi in jfood's opinion.