Restaurant Guide: Downtown

Downtown Stamford has recently been the site of a major food scene explosion, with new places popping up seemingly every day. While some of our favorite restaurants have been a staple since we moved to Stamford almost 20 years ago, others are brand new and have quickly found themselves to become a part of our repertoire. The options seem endless, so we are going to help you out, and share a few of the places that have become our go-to choices when we are in the Downtown area. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the go, out with friends, or are looking for an amazing family vibe, because we’ve got you covered!

One of our favorite places to grab a casual lunch, Kouzina has the warm ambiance that combines both the elegance of the Greek and Mediterranean food coming from the kitchen, and the modernity of the light wood architecture. The hummus and spicy feta dip are fresh and are mixed with the bitter Greek olive oil, while the pitas filled with different things like chicken shawarma and falafel are light yet perfect. 

223 Main St, Stamford, CT 06901
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(203) 588-0110

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This spot is located right next to the movie theatre, and tons of other lively restaurants and bars on Summer Street. Bar Taco is known for its take on small tacos with options like spicy chicken verde and pork belly. All of the small plates are the perfect combo with the insane drink menu at Bar Taco, and we never skip a mojito or spicy margarita with a salt rim when we come in. 

222 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06901

(203) 323-8226
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After years of frequenting the Mecha branch in South Norwalk, we were ecstatic to welcome the opening of the flagship Stamford restaurant on Bedford Street. Not only is the spiked boba unreal (spiked Thai Tea is our fave!), but the appetizers (the pork belly bao buns and the spicy dumplings are necessary) and the larger-than-life bowls of their versions of traditional Japanese ramen are always 10/10. My son has recently become a pho addict living in New Orleans, and the Mecha pho ga is clear and radiating with flavor. 

151 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06901

(203) 801-7577

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This recent Downtown Stamford edition has rapidly become one our favorite restaurants of all time. The environment is warm and cozy, perfect for a family dinner, date, or a friends night out. Traditional Italian dishes fill the menu, each crafted with skill and care for flavor. Each pasta dish (definitely try the carbonara or the gnocchetti!) was cooked to the perfect al dente, and paired with the extensive wine and cocktail list (the options for Aperol Spritz are delicious), you will never be disappointed when you go to Quartiere. 

51 Bank St, Stamford, CT 06901

(203) 892-6757

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Before Love Meat opened their doors a couple of years ago in Downtown Stamford, we would have to drive to Flushing, Queens to get authentic Korean BBQ. Now, whenever we are craving crispy galbi (short ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef or pork), or grilled pork belly, we drive down the street to Love Meat! Regardless of what you are in the mood for, the list of options to grill at your table are all amazing, and the stews and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are divine. Not only is it engaging to be able to cook with your friends or family, but Bullpan curates a dining experience that is unmatched anywhere else in Stamford.

485 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06901
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(203) 569-9618

My two kids have been hooked on Peruvian food for years now, and I have very quickly started to become obsessed too! When we are downtown and want home-cooked, freshly made authentic Peruvian food, we go to Fiesta. The aji sauce served with most of the dishes is one of the best things I have ever tried in my life, and the rotisserie chicken, fried yucca, and yellow rice and beans are always superb. Of course, you can’t leave without trying the lomo saltado, the famous Peruvian staple that includes cuts of beef, pepper and onions cooked with french fries over rice. It is hard to beat Fiesta’s lomo drizzled with aji sauce, because it is as close to a perfect dish that I have tried. 

249 Main St, Stamford, CT 06901
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(203) 323-4300

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