Stop by Gelatissimo for a sweet treat in New Canaan. The cozy ice cream shop serves up gelato so authentic (and tasty), you might be surprised it's in Connecticut and not Italy. The friendly staff is happy to let you sample a variety of the flavors before deciding which one to enjoy. And there's typically a varied selection, including some rotating, seasonal flavors. It's all adeptly made: smooth yet dense; sweet without overpowering the flavor.

Some of Gelatissimo's popular flavors include Vanilla, Pistachio, Hazelnut, and Watermelon, and whatever you choose can be enjoyed in a cone or cup. You can add toppings, too, but you may not want to mask the flavor of this delightful gelato. If you're planning to visit, be sure to stop by the ATM, as Gelatissimo only accepts cash.

Gelatissimo
26 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5000
gelatissimoartisangelato.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gelatissimo-new-canaan

The authentic tastes of Latin America are ready for you at Valencia Luncheria. While “Luncheria” is in its name, the Valencia serves terrific cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Come in to the Valencia Luncheria in the morning to start your day right, with traditional breakfast platters or Arepas, a Venezuelan corn cake, filled with traditional eggs, cheese and meat, or with interesting flavors like mango and brie. Check out the lunch specials, with soups, salads and platters, or go for a traditional burrito, empanada or sandwich. And it just gets better at dinner, with excellent small plates and large entrees so good; you’ll think that you’re dining in Venezuela! Try the fresh ceviche, always a big hit with the regulars. The atmosphere and service will make you want to come back.

Valencia Luncheria
164 Main St
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 846-8009
http://www.yelp.com/biz/valencia-luncheria-norwalk

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr logatfer

For all of the high-end restaurants in New Canaan, there are just as many old-school neighborhood favorites that get plenty of business. One of the most popular is the Cherry Street East Café, an unpretentious family restaurant that serves up some of the best burgers in town. Since opening in 1977, this place has drawn crowds every day for well-priced comfort food. Locals rave about the wide variety of burgers offered here – try the Brit, with horseradish sauce and Swiss cheese, or the Philly with sautéed onions, peppers and cheddar cheese. Get onion rings on the side – they’re spectacular. If you don't feel like burgers, there’s plenty of other good stuff on the menu. Regulars recommend the Cobb salad with turkey and the fish and chips, but everything’s good.

Cherry Street East Café
45 East Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 594-1515
www.yelp.com/biz/cherry-street-east-new-canaan

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack