Best Restaurants in Stamford (2025)

Stamford’s Eritrean and Ethiopian standard-bearer moved downtown in May 2024 and remains a community favorite for sharable injera platters and warm hospitality. Covered by CT Insider and praised by local food writers for genuine, family-run cooking.

Brothers Nick and Vincenzo Petrafesa’s trattoria is beloved for handmade pastas, Pugliese recipes, and a lived-in dining room full of regulars. Spotlighted by Connecticut’s official tourism site and praised by regional critics for consistent, heartfelt Italian cooking.

A West Side landmark since 1947, still family-run and famous for baked chicken, red-sauce classics, and celebratory portions. Frequently cited by the Stamford Advocate and cherished by generations for its old-school Italian-American spirit.

Çka Ka Qëllu - Review - Stamford - Fairfield County - The Infatuation

With its Medieval-esque stone walls, flickering candelabras dangling from double-height ceilings, toe-tapping accordion soundtrack, and display case of antique Balkan weapons, Çka ka Qëllu in Stamford has the unique vibe of “last good supper before going off to war.” Fortunately, it’s only good times ahead when dining here, particularly if you go with a group, get a round of cocktails, and order any sort of meat sitting in or drizzled with white sauce. No table at this Albanian restaurant is complete without the creamy sausage dip, fasul (a savory white bean and sausage stew), mantia (browned, pillowy veal dumplings in yogurt sauce), and the mixed grill, which includes variously shaped ground meats that push the boundaries of acceptable levels of salt, in a good way. While the vast quantity of animal products across the menu might scare a vegan away, pescatarians will be more than satisfied with the crispy and not-too-chewy octopus served with a peppery arugula salad. Stave off the end-of-meal meat sweats by ordering the creamy trileche cake and pair it with a delicious cereal milk cocktail, which tastes exactly how it sounds. photo credit: Sam Schwab - Chloe Zale

A boisterous Main Street taverna channeling the Greek islands with meze, slow-braised lamb, and plate-smashing Opa energy. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and embraced by locals for festive, generous dining.

Downtown’s vegetarian, VAAD-certified Indian stalwart excels with crisp dosas, Bombay street snacks, and South Indian thalis. Lauded by Connecticut Magazine contributors and celebrated in a Jane Stern column for depth beyond the usual curries.

A locally operated seafood house known for a raw bar, creative plates, and one of downtown’s most popular happy hours. Actively bookable on OpenTable and praised by area diners and bloggers for lively service and fresh catch.

Family-owned since 1999, this nuevo Latino pioneer blends Latin American flavors with polished service and strong cocktails. Regularly recognized by Connecticut Magazine readers and local critics as a Stamford essential for vibrant, pan-Latin plates.

Chef Jean Gabriel Jr. serves soulful Southern plates with Caribbean touches—fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and fine sides. Named a top pick for Southern and soul food by Connecticut Magazine and embraced for generous portions.

A longtime, family-run favorite for Puebla-style dishes, handmade tortillas, and spirited margaritas. Profiled by CT Insider and validated by years of loyal local following; the East Main dining room anchors Stamford’s Mexican scene.

Waterfront dining that’s pure Stamford culture—dock-and-dine slips, summer live music at The Shack, and New England seafood classics. Frequently highlighted in Connecticut Magazine roundups; its longevity and lively scene keep it essential.