Stamford, Ct- Solo Midweek Dining

[sherry f]

I will be staying at the Hilton in Stamford, Ct and would appreciate a rec for solo dining, on the casual side, close to the Hilton around 8:00 pm. Many thanks.

[lillydaisy]

Aria- nasty egomaniac owner.
Paradise- more for cocktails and water view.
Napa- best in town.
Barcelona- good but very noisy.
Stamford is limited, Greenwich or New Canaan are better bets.

[adamclyde]

maybe it's just me, but if I had to choose one eating town over another of the ones you listed (which I'd prefer not to do), Stamford would get my bet. A much broader array of options across cuisines and price points...

[tonylazzeri]

Definitely Barcelona. Great food and wine, terrific service and ambience. Best value in the area. We always park in the lot by the theatre.

[louuuuu]

Aria, a downtown Italian restaurant with excellent food (esp. their pastas,l burrata and the best vitello tonnata in Stamford), great Italian "country side" space, has own free, private parking lot for customers.

The entrance to this lot, is on Washington right past the dirveway to the Summer St. Parking Garage. (the driveway between Aria and the SSPG exit lane. ) You'll be steps away from the front door. And you can eat at the beautiful bar and a good by the glass list. The too personal service and ego of the owner have come under attack, but the last time we were there it was a very pleasant and relaxed experience, no egos.

Call ahead, ask for Stephano, and tell him you want him to save a parking space for you since you're flying solo.

[tgseaver]

If you were my wife, I would strongly suggest Paradise Bar & Grill on Southfield Ave. a short drive from your hotel,why? On the water, Easy parking and decent food.

[jfood]

The food at Paradise is a far cry from the other restaurants posted It is more a bar scene with food than a restaurant that serves liquor. Just a head's up

[tgseaver]

jfood you are 100% correct about the food, The op seems a little concerned about finding parking and we know downtown Stamford parking can be hard. As I said if it were my wife, I would choose Paradise, tell her to enjoy the view,have a cosmo and you may get lucky with the food.

[jfood]

understood but courtyard marriott has indoor valet for <$10. Choice 2 would be cab.

[gillyweed]

How casual is casual? Layla's Falafel is a good option downtown, but nothing fancy. Parking would be in the Bell Street garage (or on-street parking if you get lucky).

On Bedford Street is Cappricio's, a casual, european-ish cafe. Panini's, pastas, and pizzas. Usually packed on the weekends, but easier to get a table mid-week. Most of their seating is outdoors, providing some good people watching/distractions while you're dining.

If you don't mind eating in a bar, Bradford's Grill & Tavern (couple doors down from Capriccio's) has surprisingly good food. Definitely casual, but a solid option. Parking for restaurants on Bedford Street is in a large lot behind the main strip.

-----
Bradford's Grill & Tavern
83 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06901

[amanda3571]

Do you have a car? The Hilton is set away from downtown, in a corporate park. Its not exactly pedestrian friendly to get into town from there.
Would recommend Barcelona (tapas), Fin II (sushi), Napa & Co (farm to table - pricey, but fabulous and casual).

[sherry f]

Thanks Amanda. I have a car. I have been to Napa (and thought it was great- I sat at the bar) , but found it hard to find parking. Since I am alone, and it will likely be dark, I would like to be able to park closeby.

[amanda3571]

Barcelona is right across the street from Napa. There's next to no on-street parking in that area. You will likely have to pay to park in one of the lots. Napa (or the Marriott) has valet parking, and down the block right past the movie theatre is another big lot.

[jfood]

Napa has parking in the building it is located in, Courtyard Marriott. They also validate for $8 for the night. Do not need to even get wet if raining