Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Darien

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of 1920 Bar and Bistro restaurant

1. 1920 Bar and Bistro

3.8

Excellent(86)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • East Norwalk

Booked 2 times today

At 1920 Bar and Bistro in East Norwalk, the essence of Global and International cuisine is brought to life through the inventive culinary prowess of Chef Lazaro Alvarado. Drawing from his Mexican heritage and passion for Italian flavors, Chef Lazaro crafts a menu that seamlessly blends diverse culinary traditions, creating an authentic global dining experience. Guests rave about the "unique offering" and the quality of ingredients, with one noting, "the food was absolutely amazing, very unique offering and you can just taste high-quality ingredients." The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a menu that pays homage to its eclectic influences, makes 1920 Bar and Bistro a cherished destination for those seeking a genuine taste of international cuisine right in the heart of Connecticut.

A photo of Sono Wood Fired Pizza restaurant

2. Sono Wood Fired Pizza

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South Norwalk

Booked 3 times today

At Sono Wood Fired in South Norwalk, the cocktail bar is a standout feature, offering an innovative drinks menu that perfectly complements their acclaimed Neapolitan pizzas. The craft cocktails are expertly mixed, showcasing both creativity and respect for classic flavors. Patrons rave about the ambiance and the quality of the beverages, with one reviewer exclaiming, "Great service, phenomenal food, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend this restaurant for a great experience!" The bar at Sono Wood Fired provides a cozy, inviting setting where every cocktail is crafted with precision, making it a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking a superb drink experience in Norwalk.

3. Hatter Piano Bar

new

4.7

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Norwalk

Welcome to **Hatter Piano Bar** in Norwalk—a timeless experience with a modern twist. Housed in a beautifully restored historic hat factory, Hatter brings the charm of a classic piano bar to life with live music, crafted cocktails, and an elevated late-night menu. With performances every Thursday through Saturday, Hatter showcases skilled pianists, soulful vocalists, and DJ sets that add a contemporary vibe, creating an inviting ambiance that blends the nostalgia of Norwalk’s first piano bar with today’s energy. Sip on iconic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and seasonal specialties, crafted to perfection. Choose from elegant dining and cozy lounge areas ideal for special occasions or casual nights out. Make your reservations and join us at Hatter Piano Bar for an unforgettable night of music, flavor, and history reimagined.

4. Divina - Stamford

4.5

Awesome(54)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Stamford

Booked 12 times today

Divina in Stamford is a gem offering a taste of the Mediterranean that is both authentic and innovative. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this venue dazzles with its modern Italian fare, from homemade pasta to freshly prepared branzino. Praised for its "flavorful, fresh food with that unique touch of love on every plate," Divina stands out for its quality and creativity. Patrons rave about the atmosphere and service, noting the "heavenly" pistachio gelato and "beautifully presented" dishes. As one reviewer exclaimed, "Enjoy every morsel and don't forget seconds!" Divina is the perfect spot to relish in Mediterranean delights that truly capture the essence of the cuisine.

A photo of The Waters Edge at Giovanni's restaurant

5. The Waters Edge at Giovanni's

4.6

Exceptional(541)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Stamford

Booked 2 times today

The Waters Edge at Giovanni's in Stamford and Darien is a top destination for steak lovers, celebrating over 35 years as a premier steakhouse. Known for its Certified Angus Beef® steaks, this award-winning venue consistently impresses with its high-quality, perfectly cooked steaks. Diners rave about the "5 star filet mignon so tender and cooked to perfection," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service complement the culinary experience, making every visit memorable. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, The Waters Edge at Giovanni's stands out as a must-visit for authentic and exceptional steakhouse cuisine.

A photo of Zucca Gastrobar - Westport restaurant

6. Zucca Gastrobar - Westport

4.6

Exceptional(203)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westport

Booked 20 times today

Zucca Gastrobar in Westport is a contemporary Italian gem where authenticity meets modern innovation. Guests rave about the "absolutely delicious" food, highlighting dishes like the Bronzino and handmade pastas. The restaurant's commitment to using classic Italian ingredients in inventive ways shines through in their menu, which includes vibrant salads made with local organic greens and all-natural meats. Reviewers consistently praise the thoughtful service, describing Zucca Gastrobar as a place where they can "enjoy every bite" in a "beautiful setting." The variety of small plates, extensive wine list, and craft cocktails with a contemporary twist further enhance the dining experience, making Zucca a cherished addition to Westport’s culinary scene.

A photo of Harvest Wine Bar Westport restaurant

7. Harvest Wine Bar Westport

4.7

Exceptional(185)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Westport

Booked 6 times today

At Harvest Wine Bar in Westport, the Italian cuisine is celebrated for its authenticity and exceptional quality. The restaurant's commitment to seasonal menus and distinctive ingredients ensures every dish delivers a burst of Italian flavor that is both genuine and innovative. Diners rave about the "amazing service and delicious food," highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that Harvest brings to every plate. The ambiance and hospitality are consistently praised, with one customer noting, "Never a disappointment - from the greeting at the door, service, food, atmosphere to the reasonable prices." Whether it's the perfectly cooked filet mignon or the delightful salmon tartare, Harvest Wine Bar Westport is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Italy, making it a beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar restaurant

8. Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar

4.7

Exceptional(36)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • New Canaan

Booked 9 times today

At Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar in New Canaan, diners are treated to a symphony of beautifully curated Continental dishes that are as authentic as they are delightful. The restaurant's Continental offerings are crafted with a global twist, ensuring each dish is both unique and deeply satisfying. One diner raved, "Still the best Calamari I’ve ever had," highlighting the quality of the ingredients and the culinary expertise. Another noted the innovative take on classics, mentioning, "They had a new take on Beef Wellington with mushrooms—we loved it!" Chef Luis Lopez's passion for fresh, clean ingredients and his ability to blend them into exquisite Continental cuisine makes every meal a celebration of international culinary art right in the heart of New Canaan.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CarolVIP
New York City •182 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always good to go back to Giovanni‘s wish the salad was larger and the garlic bread wasn’t so wonderful that I ate the entire basket
More info
The Waters Edge at Giovanni'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Stamford
•
4.6
R
RanVIP
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We just moved to Westport in August of 2024. Drive by after missing a turn. Great food, traditional menu…but with a super clean, super modern and crisp feel. Not your stodgy white tablecloth type of restaurant. Our son upgraded from a chicken Milanese to chicken Frances and loved it. Good for dates or small groups. We will be back. Great service and friendly staff. Beautiful decor. This will be a staple for us.
More info
Zucca Gastrobar - WestportPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Westport
•
4.6
M
MichaelVIP
New York City •16 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food and service was very good. Had to wait 25 minutes for table to free up even though we had a reservation. Went to bar to have a drink, martinis. Not impressed with the experience. Only had 2 brand options, Tito's or Kettle One. Serving was rather ordinary, olives were rather ordinary, no blue cheese option, and very pricey for the end product ($22 each). Wine at dinner was good, though. But, will go back again, and omit the martinis.
More info
GioiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Oyster Bay
•
4.6
A
Ariana
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 Dec 2024
Great food, great service and even an better ambience.
More info
Sono Wood Fired PizzaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• South Norwalk
•
4.6
J
james
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Nov 2024
The owner Enzo and his crew do a fabulous job. We always enjoy our time there.
More info
Divina - StamfordPrice: Expensive• Italian• Stamford
•
4.5

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Darien

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Darien

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. 1920 Bar and Bistro

2. Sono Wood Fired Pizza

3. Hatter Piano Bar

4. Divina - Stamford

5. The Waters Edge at Giovanni's

6. Zucca Gastrobar - Westport

7. Harvest Wine Bar Westport

8. Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar

See what locals rave about

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