All mamas deserve a night out with the one they love. We have created a guide to the best date night restaurants throughout Fairfield County. We have included some of the most romantic spots and those more casual places where the food speaks for itself. No matter what type of cuisine you and your partner love, this guide will help you find your next favorite date night eatery. We hope you can use this guide, venture out of your comfort zone, and start tasting what Fairfield County restaurants have to offer. As always, please support our sponsors! Enjoy!
FLINDERS LANE KITCHEN & BAR
Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar prides itself on being one of the best restaurants in Stamford, CT. Their menu offers a wide selection for every taste bud, from pasta to seafood, steak, and more! They offer a selection of cocktails, beer, and wines to pair with their menu, which makes their happy hour one of the best. With live music entertainment, this is fine dining like no other.
Receive a complimentary dessert to share with the mention of Fairfield County Mom.
ELM RESTAURANT
Welcome to Elm. Here in the heart of New Canaan, CT, they believe that great meals start with the best ingredients, friends, family, (and, of course) favorite wines. In their charming neighborhood restaurant, they serve seasonal American dishes inspired by Elm’s farmers and fishmongers and, on occasion, a faraway place. Elm is the showcase for inventive and seasonally inspired cuisine. You can enjoy their daily changing a la carte menu in all distinct dining areas -their beautiful bar and elegant dining room, or they can customize a private dining event at their 18-seat chef’s table. Celebrate the bounty of the season with them.
VIA SFORZA TRATTORIA
If you’re looking for a romantic date night, look no further than Via Sforza Trattoria. Located in a beautiful stone cottage reminiscent of an Italian farmhouse on the Westport/Norwalk border, Via Sforza offers the perfect atmosphere to enjoy lunch, dinner, or your next special event. The aroma of freshly baked bread and focaccia will delight your senses the minute you walk in the door and await you at your table as you settle in for an unforgettable meal. Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, Via Sforza uses the freshest ingredients to create authentic dishes, including everything from brick oven pizzas to veal, salmon, many flavorful chicken and pasta dishes, and a variety of appetizers and savory sides, not to be outdone by their irresistible homemade desserts. Via Sforza is celebrating over 30 years as a family-owned and operated trattoria that assures whether you’re enjoying the architecture and décor of the main dining room, the charming all-seasons patio, tranquil al fresco dining, or rustic cantina room, you will feel as though you’ve been whisked away on an Italian getaway.
BARI167
If a romantic Italian getaway isn’t in the cards, then Bari167 is the next best thing. This gem in downtown Stamford comes from the family who has owned and operated Via Sforza Trattoria in Westport for 30+ years. Conveniently located on the popular “dining strip” of Bedford Street, Bari167 offers a generous menu of authentic Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, chicken, veal, salmon, and so much more, all influenced by the cuisine of the owners’ hometown in Bari, Italy. The homemade desserts and assorted pastries are so delicate and flavorful, and the panzerotti, a rare find in the area, is a must-try! Whether enjoying the impeccably designed dining room, or the lively outdoor seating, from grabbing a quick lunch to enjoying a romantic night out, planning a private event or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, at Bari167, you are sure to enjoy the authentic flavors and old-world charm reminiscent of the southern coast of Italy.
PORTOFINO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Portofino Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bethel, CT serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine and is a warm, relaxing destination for wining and dining with friends and family. They are the perfect location for lunch, dinner, date night, business gatherings, and special occasions. Catering is available, too. Enjoy cuisine with influences from Europe, the Mediterranean, and contemporary American fine foods. Portofino has a large selection of fine wines and a distinctive cocktail menu. Make sure to save room for one of their decadent desserts! Join them for Ladies Night every Thursday evening from 5-9 p.m. with buy one/get one free drinks for all ladies and dinner specials. They look forward to serving you soon!
LA DIFERENCIA RESTAURANT
La Diferencia Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business serving authentic Mexican cuisine for over three years. They take pride in using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes and preparing everything from scratch. The menu features various traditional Mexican favorites, such as tacos, mole poblano, and tamales. Their atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with rustic, authentic decor that transports you to Mexico. Their bar is well-stocked with a variety of tequilas and mezcals, and bartenders are experts in creating delicious margaritas and other Mexican cocktails. They are dedicated to providing our guests with an authentic and memorable dining experience, and they look forward to serving you soon!
Receive a 10% discount with the mention of Fairfield County Mom.
GERONIMO TEQUILA BAR & SOUTHWEST GRILL
Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill brings the authentic taste of Santa Fe, New Mexico to Fairfield (and New Haven!). With acclaimed Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho at the helm, Geronimo’s cuisine is 100% Southwestern, even sourcing its Chile peppers directly from New Mexico, with the menu including tableside guacamole, tacos with housemade corn tortillas, award-winning chile, salads, and more, as well as a kids’ menu and special vegetarian options. With over 400 tequila options, the bar also offers more than 40 varieties of Mezcal, an extensive wine and beer list, and top-shelf liquors. The restaurant provides in-house dining in its dining room (with a fireplace and special scorpion table!) or a covered, heated patio and takeout/catering options.
THE LITTLE KITCHEN OF WESTPORT
Westporters have adored this Indonesian-Chinese gem since it first opened in May 1987. Over 35 years, The Little Kitchen of Westport has become Westport/Weston’s favorite and won multiple awards, such as Best Chinese/Asian Restaurant, The Best Restaurants in the World for Wine Lovers, and Zagat rated. Enjoy their Pan Asian food, experience the Chinese culture-rich décor, and explore their great wine and sake selections! You’ll find a lot of great dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy a romantic and exotic evening and a complimentary bottle of Rosé ($36 value) with a purchase of $78 or more (week-day dine-in only!) with the mention of Fairfield County Mom and following on Facebook and Instagram.
PACI RESTAURANT
Paci set the benchmark for excellence, combining classic Italian cuisine and modern style in a historic Southport landmark. Blending seasonal and organic ingredients with an award-winning wine cellar and upscale ambiance, you have the perfect dining experience!
FAIRFIELD COUNTY MOM RESOURCES
Where to Brunch in Fairfield County
Headed East? New Haven Date Night Guide
My Favorite Asian Food Restaurants in (and around) Fairfield County
5 Must-Try CT Vegetarian Restaurants
Got Ribs? A Round-Up of Fairfield County BBQ Hot Spots!
Going Out to Eat with Kids: Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Fairfield County
Dine-In Date Nights
CONTRIBUTOR FAVORITES
Elisabeth :: Bodega & The Sinclair
Maria F. :: Tavern at Gray Barns
Jenna :: Don Memo’s & Oko & Kawa Ni & Spotted Horse & Barcelona
Jamie :: Marketplace & The Whelk
Caroline :: The Cottage & Bailey’s Backyard & Tavern at Graybarns
Marissa :: Tavern at Gray Barns
Rachel :: La Zingara
Gina :: Riverview Bistro Stratford
Lindsay :: Osteria Romana & Molto
Melissa F. :: Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill & Dockside