Monday, December 28, 2015

Best of Fairfield County Food & Drink 2015

Looking back on 2015, I have so many great memories of fabulous meals, interesting people, fun food-centric festivals, and tempting Instagram posts.

Now it's time to share my picks for the best of what Fairfield County had to offer in 2015 - here's to another year of great eats ahead! If anyone has recommendations for where I should go in 2016, please let me know!


Best Pizza

Tie:

Frank Pepe's, Danbury, Fairfield, New Haven, Manchester
Obviously they're a gold standard in Connecticut, receiving accolades all over the place. Their white clam pic is the most famous, but I recommend chicken and spinach. Pepe's is the only place where I order that combination, and it's amazing.

Bar Sugo, Norwalk (pictured)
Obsessed. That is all. Check out any of their dishes; you won't be let down.


Best Cocktails 

Because what is food without a drink in hand?

Match, South Norwalk
Great vibe at the bar, too. Really friendly, engaging bartenders.

Best Beer

Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford
Awesome brewery space and tasting room, plus they have food trucks parked outside.


Best Happy Hour




Tie:

Barcelona Wine Bar (pictured)

Cheap tapas, cheap drinks - both their amazing cocktails and selections from their wine list, one of the largest Spanish wine collections in the country!

The Spread

Food and drink specials plus $1 oysters on Tuesdays. Need I say more?


Best Italian


Tie:

Strada 18, South Norwalk (pictured) Check out my review here.

Rizzuto's, Bethel, Westport, West Hartford

Solid, no frills Italian food. My first job in the hospitality industry was at Rizzuto's in Bethel. They have the BEST penne all vodka ever.

Best Seafood




The Whelk, Westport


Best French

Bistro Versailles, Greenwich
Attending a press dinner and was just utterly wowed by everything I tried. Click here for my review.



Best Spanish

Brasitas, Norwalk, Stamford


Best Brunch


Bar Sugo, Norwalk

Yep, they're a winner in two categories.


Best Sushi


Tie:

Toro, Newtown (pictured)

Ichiro, Danbury

From the outside, you'd not expect it to be good. It's not fancy on the inside, either, but the sushi really is delicious.


Best BBQ

HooDoo Brown, Ridgefield

Absolutely a hands down winner. Crazy good. These guys are the real deal. They also carry a nice selection of CT beers!


Best Outdoor Dining




bartaco, Westport (pictured)

Rowayton Seafood, Rowayton


Best Coffee Shop




Tusk and Cup, Ridgefield

Not only are the lattes great, but they serve the best coffee, Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters, which is the first organic roaster in Connecticut.


Best Casual Dining

Tie:

Little Pub, Ridgefield, Wilton, Cos Cob

Redding Roadhouse, Redding
Plus there's a lounge upstairs with a full size (free) pool table and fireplace.

Best Deli Sandwiches




Tie:

Tony's Corner Deli, Ridgefield (pictured)

O'Neil's, Bethel


Best Food Festival




Greenwich Wine and Food, Greenwich (I didn't take a picture this year; last year's will have to do!)


All photos copyright me, Adeline!