By Chadwick Ciocci
Greenwich is a gorgeous and sought-after town and has long been home to distinguished families, but it is now too becoming a destination. With the rise of the Greenwich Film Festival and now the first annual Greenwich Art Gala, Greenwich is becoming a quick, easy and chic destination, especially for those based in New York City.
It is also a fantastic alternative to the Hamptons for a summer home, but we will talk about that later.
For now, we’ve curated some of our favorite restaurants here in Greenwich so when you visit you won’t leave hungry.
420 Field Point Road
The Homestead Inn is a fantastic, New York Times four-star French restaurant located in the Belle Haven section of Greenwich. The Homestead Inn, as its name suggests, is also a luxury boutique hotel. The entire property is run by Thomas and Theresa Henkelmann – a husband and wife team that have created something truly special at their property.
Thomas himself oversees the kitchen, and while there are many wonderful dishes to choose from, our favorite is by far any of his takes on duck, especially his Long Island duck served with pommes croquette, poached apple, cranberries, baby vegetables and cranberry duck sauce.
Chef Henkelmann spent years working in 3-Michelin star restaurants in France, Germany and Switzerland and the quality of his work reflects that experience.
366 Greenwich Avenue
Mediterraneo is a fun, upbeat and sophisticated Italian / Mediterranean restaurant. It is good for a quick bite or a long and enjoyable dinner. Their wine list, although not extensive, has several enjoyable options, including a Puligny-Montrachet, Louis Jadot, 2011. Their gregarious staff, while certainly not understated, makes you feel warm and welcome.
We particularly enjoy their chicken Milanese and their yellow-fin tuna.
Mediterraneo is located at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue – what some call the Rodeo Drive of Connecticut – which means after your meal you can walk up and shop at the likes of Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Tiffany & Co. and more.
376 Greenwich Avenue
The National is the brainchild of restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian who has made a name for himself as a chef, television host and culinary consultant. He has opened Town, Country (awarded a Michelin star as well as three stars from the New York Times), The Lambs Club as well as The National in New York City. In short, it is a treat to have his newest venture on Greenwich Avenue.
The décor is chic and sophisticated, and whereas the Homestead Inn feels like proper Greenwich, the National feels more metropolitan, in all the best ways.
The National is heavy on grilling, so we suggest their Scottish salmon or organic Amish chicken. But the reality is you are likely to be happy with anything you order here.
We aren’t much one for a cocktail, but when in Rome, do as the Romans. Try their Greenwich Means Thyme, which has Plymouth gin, lime juice, honey syrup, fresh thyme and thyme sprig as a garnish. But if you would like to stick to wine, we would choose a Puligny-Montrachet, Olivier LeFlaive, 2013 as a white Burgundy or a Chateau Margaux, 2003 as a left bank red Bordeaux.
61 Lewis Street
This French bistro is small but comfortable and located just off of Greenwich Avenue. They are strict with their reservations, and for good reason. Seating is limited and at a high demand.
Start with their foie gras terrine and enjoy their filet a poivre. If you are in the mood for something simpler and lighter then their lobster cobb salad is a fantastic choice.
As for wine, their Chablis, William Fevre, 2012 is an excellent, less expensive option while a bottle of the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Dom. Latour, 2007 is certain to impress. If you prefer a red Bordeaux then enjoy a bottle of Pichon Lalande Comtesse, Pauillac, 2000.
500 Steamboat Road
No list of Greenwich restaurant recommendations would be complete without mentioning L’Escale. Located within the Del Mar hotel on Greenwich Harbor, L’Escale is everything you should expect in a Greenwich restaurant. The service is impeccable, the food divine and your experience is all but guaranteed to be first rate. Their main dining room tends towards the traditional but the interior bar is wonderful for grabbing a pre-dinner drink and their outdoor bar – with views of Greenwich Harbor – is an incredibly fun place to lounge and enjoy a cocktail.
For dinner we recommend the bouillabaisse Provençale, which includes branzino, monkfish, scallop, rock shrimp, mussels saffron potato and rouille croutons.
Pair with Corton-Charlemenge, Grand Cru, Bonneau du Montray 2006 for a white Burgundy, or for a red Bordeaux, we recommend Saint-Julien, Les Fiefs de Lagrange 1995.
