I am a storyteller with nearly fifteen years of experience writing about restaurants. In doing so, you have to love food, dining and people. I grew up in the hospitality industry, so to me, restaurants are much more than places to eat and drink. They represent home. A destination to come together, share a meal and a conversation. Restaurants house snapshots of our lives. Hubs to congregate, connect and make memories. The dining scene in Fairfield is plentiful. Being a Fairfield resident, I’m honored to share some of my favorite places. Some are relatively new, while others are established institutions within the community. Think of my recommendations as a guide for your next foodie adventure—a road map to inspire you to explore your culinary journey in our beautiful town.
Ever find a restaurant so charming and unique that you almost don’t want to share it out of fear it might get too crowded? Joanne’s Table is that restaurant. Joanne Monroe was a server at Liana’s Trattoria for fourteen years. When Liana retired it was serendipity that gave her the opportunity to open her own business. Now, family owned, Joanne’s Table run by Joanne, her daughters, Asher and Cassidy and Executive Chef, James Agoglia are a winning team. The restaurant just celebrated its one-year anniversary in May. In a short period of time, the community has grown to know and love this hidden gem. Serving Italian cuisine in a bistro setting with a revolving seasonal menu and daily specials, Joanne’s Table is a must add to your dining list. The staff have created an intimate dining experience with only twelve tables focusing on the true meaning of hospitality. You walk in the door, everyone says, 'Hello' and within minutes, you feel like family. On my visit guests were greeted by name. One couple who have been married for fifty-five years visit for dinner four or five times a week. The welcoming atmosphere is only highlighted by their impressive menu. You can’t go wrong with anything that you order whether it be the Sea Scallops over wild mushroom risotto, Chicken parmesan or Brussels sprouts. Each dish is just as exceptional as the next. I consider myself an octopus lover so whenever it’s on the menu I always order it. Let me tell you, all octopus dishes are not created equally. The Pulpo Picante appetizer is by far one the best. The perfectly charred pan roasted octopus served with broccoli rabe, cherry peppers, crispy potatoes and lemon aioli is incredible. Chef Agoglia has an almost intuitive ability to pair ingredients and textures. I savored every bite.
The next stop on our epicurean adventure is Molto. The word “molto” means “many” and
Pizzeria Molto Mozzarella & Wine Bar lives up to its name with generous Italian fare options. The menu comprises traditional pasta favorites, classic entrees, Italian tapas, mozzarella,
brick oven pizzas, salads, paninis and desserts. Located in the Brick Walk Promenade, the
atmosphere couples a trendy NYC restaurant with a retro 1950s Roman trattoria. Dim lighting, upbeat music, contemporary furniture designs and photographs portraying Mediterranean landscapes combine to create a fun, yet elegant environment. Black and white films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita project on the wall, giving guests a window into an iconic era of Italian culture that stirs romance and nostalgia. It’s safe to say that I’ve tasted every single Italian tapa on their menu. And honestly, with such an extensive menu there is something for everyone. The Potato Gnocchi in a butternut squash cream sauce is a standout. Also, the Scallop tapa with spaghetti squash, lemon butter, capers and red grapes is another one of my go-tos. As far as pizzas are concerned, my all-time favorite picks are the Bianca and Arugula di Parma. There are five types of mozzarella on the menu. Why commit to one when you can taste a little bit of everything? I recommend opting for The Sampler, which allows you to try the rich Bufala, Local Farm, sweet Burrata, smoked Affumicata and the creamy Stracciatella accompanied by olives, roasted peppers, prosciutto and crostini. Who doesn’t like a good special? Don’t miss half-off bottles of wine every Monday.
To satisfy all my Taco Tuesday dreams, I chose Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill. Not only do they have a beautiful space, but the food and drinks are consistently on point and the staff is well-versed. They have a generous-sized deck remodeled to include an outside bar. This Southwestern cuisine restaurant is the brainchild of Executive Chef/Owner Arturo Franco-Camacho. The menu isn’t just tacos. Geronimo offers an eclectic selection of New Mexico inspired dishes like Frito Pie, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Mac & Cheese and Navajo frybread. Hands down, my favorite cocktail is the cucumber margarita. This light, refreshing cocktail is made with all-natural juice, infused cucumber and organic blue agave tequila. Give yourself permission to drink all the margs and eat all the tacos. You owe it to yourself to try the Birria Tacos, which is at the top of my personal taco hall of fame. The Birria Tacos made with slow-cooked beef, melted Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheese and Salsa Verde within a pressed tortilla served with Consommés or the “soup” left over from cooking the beef used for dipping is sensational. These savory, rich tacos have earned their place as my favorite menu item.
Onward, to Blackstones, one of my favorite local steakhouses, so much so that I’m there a few times a month. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or a dinner with friends. The vibe is classy, yet comfortable with a red and black color scheme, artsy décor like Jack Nicolson smoking a cigar and a bull that I’m tempted to ride but have controlled my urge for fear of being escorted out. They have an incredible happy hour with great specials and half off drink prices. The steak quesadilla is hands down one of the best items on the happy hour menu for the taste and value. This high-end steakhouse promises a truly exceptional dining experience. I always order the Seafood Tower because it’s a showstopper. The presentation is impressive and satisfies my shellfish cravings with sweet Maine lobster, Maryland lump crab meat, fresh, briny Blue Point oysters, little neck clams and Jumbo, succulent shrimp. By far the menu item that keeps me coming back is the Tomahawk Steak for two. The bone-in 48oz steak is presented on sizzling plate sliced and served with the meat drippings. The meat melts in your mouth like butter making the Tomahawk inarguably the best steak you will ever order.
Next stop, Little Goose. A cozy, neighborhood spot with a big heart. I was immediately intrigued when a friend asked me to meet her there for
for brunch. The place was packed and for good reason. Brunch is every Sunday from 11 AM-3 PM with live music. This American Gastropub is a hub where friends and family gather for a casual lunch or dinner. Little Goose will celebrate their tenth anniversary this fall. The owner, Karen Conroy, attributes the restaurant’s longevity to the regular clients who have become family. The unassuming menu is a nice balance between comfort food and lighter options. Think: patty melt meets sesame-crusted tuna. They have staple selections and rotate seasonal offerings periodically. All of the desserts are homemade. I tried the apple cake served with ice cream and was immediately taken back to my grandmother’s kitchen. From Arthur Avenue Spring Rolls to Vegetable Panini, there is a generous assortment of menu items to choose from that will satisfy any palate. My favorite dish is the Grilled Salmon with miso-mango glaze topped with a papaya mango cucumber pico served with coconut sticky rice and bok choy. The colors are beautiful, and the flavors complement one another perfectly. It’s a light and healthy dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Add this charming café to your list of must-visits.
Lastly, let’s take a trip to Spain without having to leave the country. Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant is a welcome addition to Fairfield. I’ve loved Tablao in South Norwalk for years, so when they recently opened their third location in the center of Fairfield, I knew that I would be a frequent visitor. From Spanish Tapas to Paella, every dish is consistently satisfying. Some of my favorite Tapas are the Tortilla Espanol and the Short Rib over Polenta. A short walk from the Fairfield train stop, Tablao is conveniently located within walking distance of the green and downtown shops. They have a generous dining area and an extensive bar. The perfect place to grab a craft cocktail, glass of wine or an intimate dinner. Check out Paella Night every Thursday for a special menu that includes one tapa, paella and dessert. Apart from their amazing Paella, I always get the Mussels. Sautéed Diablo style, the mussels are prepared with garlic, hot peppers, olive oil, parsley, marinara sauce and white wine served with toast points. The flavors are spectacular. The seafood is fresh. Save the toast points to dip in the sauce and if you get bold like me, you might even pick the bowl up and drink it like a soup.
Thank you for accompanying me on our foodie tour. I hope you enjoyed exploring the Fairfield dining scene with me as much as I did tasting everything.
Dana Buckmir showcases delicious local restaurants you won’t want to miss. Follow @danaliciousreviews on Instagram and Facebook or www.danaliciousreviews.com for more delicious dining experiences.