Whether you’re craving a juicy steak or a giant bowl of homemade pasta, the best downtown Greenwich CT restaurants have so much to offer.

From fine dining on the waterfront to comfort food classics at casual taverns, you can enjoy a different culinary experience each time you order.

Here is our downtown Greenwich dining guide. Our restaurant recommendations are complete with mouth-watering meals that will make you want to visit again the next night.

And yes, we also consider this our list of the best restaurants in Greenwich.

Top 26 Best Restaurants in Greenwich CT Downtown Edition

The best part of staying at our downtown Greenwich bed and breakfast inn is that we’re within walking distance of all the best Greenwich restaurants.

Do you need some help picking a meal based on the vibe or ambiance of the restaurant? Check out our guide for date night ideas and the best things to do at night in Greenwich, CT, if you need more direction.

We also offer afternoon tea on our patio in the summer months and in our tearoom in the colder months. Click the link to learn more about our afternoon tea room in downtown Greenwich, CT, and sign up to get an invite to our soft opening coming soon!

In order of walking distance from Stanton House Inn, here are our top picks:

1. Asiana

The closest Greenwich restaurant to us, Asiana is a local staple. And its proximity makes it a standard recommendation for “restaurant near me” options.

Locally owned and operated by a kind and hardworking family, Asiana is this writer’s go-to for Thai, Chinese, even sushi. And has been since high school sneaking out for lunch.

Their grilled shrimp salad is popular, though this writer is too allergic to have tried it.

It’s in the same shopping center as Whole Foods, if you need to pick up a few to-do list items while you’re out.

2. Blackstones Steakhouse

This upscale steakhouse is only a half mile from Stanton House Inn on Post Road.

Enjoy one of their fine cocktails, steak, or seafood in their contemporary dining room.

Blackstones has been a consistent hit with our Argentinian guests, and they know a thing or two about steak!

3. The Ginger Man

A burger at the Ginger Man on Greenwich Avenue is one of the best burgers to be found in town. That being said, they always have some new and innovative dishes on their menu. They also feature one of the most extensive beer lists on the Avenue!

5. Miku Sushi

Right next to the Ginger Man sits a sushi restaurant with the honor of opening for the first time shortly before the pandemic’s start.

Fortunately, Greenwich not only survived but thrived through the worst of 2020.

Miku Sushi, meaning “beautiful moment,” offers a menu focused on inspirations from traditional Japanese fare. The cozy and classy vibe of the modern interior makes the exquisite food, amiable service, and decent sake menu much more appealing.

6. Orienta

First opening in 1995, Orienta called itself a French Asian Bistro. It recently reopened right next to Le Penguin, owned by the same family. The menu is a delightful mix of French and Vietnamese food, with guests raving about the pho and pistachio-encrusted salmon.

7. Le Penguin

Le Penguin had big shoes to fill when it took over Jean-Louis’s former space. But it certainly has staying power. The casual dining space can be a bit loud when packed, but a busy restaurant is typically a good sign, regardless of what food is served. At a little over half a mile from the inn, this is one of our typical recommendations for French cuisine.

8. Terra Ristorante Italiano

Another mainstay on Greenwich Ave sits between Saint Mary’s Church and Tiffany’s is Terra Ristorante Italiano.

With swanky dining and limited outdoor seating, Terra’s Northern Italian bistro fare has been getting rave reviews from guests that have stopped by recently for Italian cuisine.

9. Elm Street Oyster House

Located right off Greenwich Avenue on Elm Street (as the name implies), this critically acclaimed seafood restaurant features six different oysters daily in addition to their mouthwatering signature dishes. Paired with an extensive wine list, Elm Street Oyster House allows guests to have the perfect bite every time.

10. Versailles Bistro & Patisserie

This restaurant has been a presence on Greenwich Avenue for several decades.

A casual alternative to the formal style of French dining in the area (the most famous being Jean-Louis, which closed last spring), Bistro Versailles offered authentic French pastries and cuisine with charming bistro-style decor.

And their casual breakfast and brunch options are worth a visit. And if live music is your jam, Sunday morning brunch on Greenwich Ave is a great time to visit.

Without question, it was (and still is) one of the best French restaurants in Greenwich, CT.

11. Greenwich Flavor by Myrna’s

Embrace the values of Mediterranean flavors at Greenwich Flavor by Myrna’s at the heart of downtown Greenwich, CT. The dishes embellishing the menu are made from scratch. Each recipe is packed with flavors and crafted with a combination of tastes from traditional cuisine. The eatery offers such fabulous meals as pita wraps, salads, hummus, beef kibbe, and more. Be sure to try their kalamata olives.

12. Doppio

If all you’re looking to enjoy on your visit to Greenwich is Italian, you’ll have plenty of options from which to choose.

Doppio offers a relaxed ambiance. And with its location just off Greenwich Avenue, its prices are still fairly reasonable.

13. Méli-Mélo Creperie

Méli-Mélo is another restaurant on Greenwich Avenue that has been around forever. Marc Penvenne and his team have worked hard over the years to expand the creperie from a tiny space into a local institution at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Grigg Street.

Meli-Melo Creperie is a perfect choice for a quick, casual bite to eat for lunch while shopping at Greenwich Avenue stores. Typical fare includes salads, soups, paninis, and, you guessed it, crepes. But they also offer baked goods, smoothies, and much more.

This top-hitter on the casual restaurants in Greenwich, CT, list is ideal for brunch, as well.

14. Mediterraneo Restaurant

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Mediterraneo Restaurant has everything from yellowfin tuna and Prince Edward Island Mussels to pan-roasted sea bass and grilled Atlantic salmon. You’re sure to get your fix of the salty sea at this restaurant. From its elegant ambiance to its delicious entrees, a meal at Mediterraneo is worth enjoying simply to see why this eatery has such fantastic staying power!

15. Harvest Restaurant

This wine bar near Mediterraneo on Greenwich Avenue has an exceptional Brussel sprout salad, but Harvest’s food and wine selection can’t be beaten.

16. Putnam Restaurant

Putnam Restaurant is situated down at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue in the same building they first opened.

This classic New England diner is family-owned and operated (I went to school with the family member who currently runs the restaurant). The staff is always friendly and regularly serving-up American fare, with plenty of Greek options (the family is Greek-American).

17. Steam

One of only three Asian cuisine options in downtown Greenwich, Steam offers upscale Chinese food at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue. For the price and quality, it cannot be beaten. Even Californian guests claim they can’t find anything better where they’re from.

18. Eastend

Everyone still misses the outdoor patio of Thataway Cafe. However, once a developer converted the outdoor seating area to a bank, the rest of the restaurant didn’t last much longer.

After a couple of fits and starts with unsuccessful businesses (including one that lasted only six months, then sat empty, silverware and dishes still on the tables), Eastend took over and has been able to maintain staying power.

The modern eating area and outdoor seating are perfect for enjoying their New American dishes and craft cocktails.

19. Thai Basil

The team at Thai Basil starts early and prepares classical Thai cuisine using the tastiest and freshest ingredients. Scarf down a big bowl of pad Thai, indulge with a spicy curry dish, or pucker up with a sweet and sour stir fry.

20. L’Escale

This waterfront eatery draws diners into the beauty of Greenwich Harbor, with extensive outdoor seating and an ambiance that captures the essence of Southern France. A wood-burning fireplace, sunset views, and 200-year-old stone flooring are the perfect backdrop to a delicious and authentic French meal at L’Escale. The ambiance also makes this hot spot one of the most romantic restaurants in CT.

Downtown Greenwich Restaurants with Outside Dining

Greenwich, Connecticut, obviously does not have the climate year-round for outdoor dining. But that shorter period in which it’s appropriate is sublime.

Thanks to the pandemic, many restaurants started to offer outdoor seating to comply with protocols. The good news is that many of these places still offer outdoor seating, even with the pandemic fading away.

It seems like every restaurant on Greenwich Avenue offers outdoor dining. Much of the sidewalk is full of tables in front of restaurants, and they’re limiting traffic on the avenue to permit more space for people over cars. Some of those restaurants include:

1. Blackstones Steak House

2. Pasta Vera

3. Terra Ristorante

4. Elm Street Oyster House

5. Versailles Bistro

6. Meli-Melo

7. Mediterraneo

8. Harvest

9. L’Escale

Cos Cob Restaurants

Little, avant-garde Cos Cob has a hidden gem or two hidden up its sleeves.

22. Little Pub Tavern

The best place to go for affordable American food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality is Little Pub. The popular neighborhood bar serves a wide variety of regional and popular beers, as well as generous portions of burgers, wings, soups, salads, and mac and cheese.

Restaurants in Byram and Western Greenwich, CT

While there are plenty of choices in downtown Greenwich, not every option is available. If you head west toward the New York state border, you can enjoy some more renowned restaurants.

23. Polpo Restaurant & Saloon

Situated in an old country home close to Post Road in western Greenwich, Polpo serves upscale Tuscan Italian food and seafood.

24. Rebeccas

Drive up to the old mill town neighborhood of Glenville to find Rebeccas. They’ve been in business for over 20 years and have a dining room as beautiful as the food. It seems to fit, with an owner trained as a designer and a chef.

25. Famous Greek Kitchen

Famous Greek Kitchen is a well-known Greek restaurant in Greenwich. It’s in Byram, CT, close to the border with Port Chester, New York. It started out as a diner serving both familiar American dishes and traditional Greek fare.

Old Greenwich Restaurants

On the other extreme of town, Old Greenwich has more than Greenwich Point Park and a cute beach town going for it. Here are some of those options.

26. Le Fat Poodle

There’s no question the owners of Le Fat Poodle in Old Greenwich focus first on serving fantastic food.

This French restaurant has become a mainstay for locals and visitors alike. While the dining area of Le Fat Poodle is lovely, the terrace is perfect for nice weather days.

27. Lugano Salumeria & Wine Bar

Another Italian restaurant in Greenwich, Lugano Salumeria & Wine Bar, offers a fantastic brunch on Sundays. It’s the only time I’ve been. Although considering the amount of local talk it gets, there’s no question any meal is superb there.

28. Applausi Osteria Toscana

This contemporary family-owned Italian restaurant in Old Greenwich was voted the best Italian restaurant in Fairfield County. And considering how many Italian restaurants there are here, that’s saying something for Applausi Osteria.

What about Mexican Cuisine?

I’m particular about Mexican food.

I prefer dining spots in Stamford, actually:

• Casa Villa, in eastern Stamford

• Puerto Vallarta is a local Connecticut chain that just opened in the Stamford mall

Ready for More Things to Do in Greenwich?

While the dining in Greenwich is phenomenal, there’s plenty more to do here to keep you busy.

All the above are perfect choices for food in Greenwich, be sure to see our guides to other nearby towns, or beyond:

• The most romantic restaurants across Connecticut

• Indian food and dining in Greenwich, Stamford, and nearby Port Chester, NY

• Spots for Japanese cuisine and restaurants in Greenwich, Stamford, and nearby

• Top restaurants in Stamford, CT

• South Norwalk restaurants

• Restaurants in downtown Fairfield, Connecticut

Or, if you’re ready to explore Greenwich, be sure to check out our guides to:

• Parks in Greenwich

• Shopping along Greenwich Avenue and the downtown shopping district

• Greenwich history

For more information about the best restaurants in Connecticut and other fantastic things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut, download a copy of our free Greenwich, CT, Visitor’s Guide.