Estia’s American: Exceptional Food and Service

Chef Colin Ambrose opened the first location of his restaurant, Estia's American, on the East End of the Hamptons. It was such a success that he opened a second location in Darien, and it quickly became one of the hottest restaurants in town with a reputation for exceptional food and service.

The restaurant place is cozy, with a brick patio outside to enjoy during warm weather. The portion sizes are generous, the ingredients are sourced locally, and the preparations are innovative. Breakfast is the most popular meal here, with some favorites including the huge omelets – try the Cajun – and the crab and eggs with avocado on an English muffin.

Estia's American
1020 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-7051
estiasamerican.com

Read the reviews on Yelp.

Ten Twenty Post: Delicious, Fresh Fish

The bounty of the Atlantic Ocean drew many settlers to Connecticut, and one place where you can really taste it is at Ten Twenty Post. Housed in a historic brick building, regulars say this is one of Darien’s best eateries.

When you take your seat, you’ll be greeted by a basket of excellent fresh-baked bread and butter to nosh on while you pore over the menu. Don’t miss the steamed mussels with thin-cut French fries – you can choose from spicy tomato sauce, red Thai curry, or white wine sauce to simmer them in. Some of the best appetizers include the fresh-shucked oysters, the classic shrimp cocktail and the French onion soup. For large plates, regulars rave over the excellent pan-seared fish, caught fresh, as well as the New England lobster rolls. The daily specials are always worth perusing, and the desserts are highly recommended, so make sure you leave room.

Ten Twenty Post
1020 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-1020
www.tentwentypost.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/ten-twenty-post-oyster-bar-and-bistro-darien

Savor Authentic Indian Fare Flavors at Coromandel Cuisine of India

Savor the flavors of India with a visit to Coromandel Cuisine of India. This Darien restaurant is a favorite among locals, and for good reason: its many slow simmered sauces and braised meats are well-spiced and tender. To sample them all, try the lunch buffet, where it's easy to try new dishes—and then to go back for more when you find something you like. Try the chicken madras, which gets its distinctive flavor from a hot curry sauce made with red chilis and mustard seeds, or dig into a plate of beef vepudu with its onions, herbs, coconut, and peanut masala sauce.

Don't forget to order some naan to wipe any last bits of sauce from your plate (both regular and garlic naan are favorites at Coromandel) and consider getting some spiced vegetable samosas, too, to round out your meal. Wash it all down with a refreshing mango lassi or stick with a large glass of water if you want to focus solely on the flavors of the food.

Coromandel Cuisine of India
25 Old Kings Highway North
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 662-1213
coromandelcuisine.com/darien.html
www.yelp.com/biz/coromandel-cuisine-of-india-darien

Expect Authentic Italian Cuisine at Cesco’s Trattoria

Celebrate a special occasion at Cesco’s Trattoria in Darien, one of the region's best kept secrets for authentic, rustic Italian cuisine. Chef and owner Aldo Chiamulera grew up in northern Italy and named the restaurant after his grandfather.

A Certified Green Restaurant, Cesco's relies on local, organic and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Start with the baked clams or the tortellini soup. Pasta is available in full and half portions for those that want a traditional Italian meal of pasta and a main course. Try the Chianti Spaghetti with broccoli rabe and sausage. Favorite main courses are the braised short ribs with polenta, halibut beurre blanc with spinach and artichoke hearts, and veal ossobuco. Cesco’s is known for satisfying portions that won’t leave you feeling stuffed.

Cesco’s exudes charm with old world-inspired decor like brick archways, ladder back chairs, and hardwood floors. White linen table cloths add elegance and sophistication.

Cesco’s Trattoria
25 Old Kings Highway North
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-9985
www.cescostrattoria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cescos-trattoria-darien

Darien Seafood Market: Ocean Fresh

If you’re looking to eat some awesomely fresh fish, locals will steer you towards the Darien Seafood Market. First opened in the 1980s, this place has been an institution for more than a generation. The owners source their product from the best regional fishermen and sell it at a fair price, even giving you tips on how to cook it.

If you dig lobster, you can get great ones here in season. If you don’t feel like sweating in the kitchen, there are chefs on-site who will fry up your choice expertly. Th market even sell pre-made meals that you can heat and eat later. Go for the great clambake in a box, the shrimp platters, or the stuffed clams. Darien Seafood Market also sells high-grade sushi and sashimi, depending on what the daily catch is. If you feel like dessert, it even has ice cream.

Darien Seafood Market
1941 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-9124
www.facebook.com/pages/Darien-Seafood-Market
www.yelp.com/biz/darien-seafood-market-darien

Burgers Shakes and Fries: Just The Classics

If you're looking for a great burger near Darien, local diners will steer you towards Burgers Shakes and Fries, a two-restaurant Connecticut chain that has been dominating the local burger rankings. Owner Kory Wollins has been in the restaurant and hospitality business for fifteen years, and his bright idea to open a high-quality burger joint has paid off. The burgers here are served on toasted white bread rolls, not the usual buns, and that extra oomph pays off. The first bite is savory, crunchy and delectable, and the roll holds up through the entire burger. The patties are hand-formed at the perfect thickness and cooked expertly. The choice of toppings is pretty good, with a fried egg and bacon a popular (if not exactly healthy) choice. Sides are also excellent, with the sweet potato tater tots winning raves.

Burgers Shakes and Fries
800 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-9401
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burgers-shakes-and-fries-darien

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