13 Best Restaurants in Danbury, Connecticut

Best Mexican: La Zarza Ecocina

In a laid-back cantina atmosphere, La Zarza Ecocina offers Danbury vivacious Mexican flavors. Hanging lanterns, vibrant Mexican tiles, and exposed brick walls create an atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City. A specialty are sizzling fajitas, which are served in a cast-iron skillet with your choice of beef, peppers, and onions.

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Their delectable tacos, packed with the freshest salsa verde, onions, cilantro, and seasoned meats, also impress. Other favorites are the soft camarones al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp) and enchiladas suizas drenched in green tomatillo salsa. Savor the festive atmosphere while sipping on a margarita, sangria, or Mexican beer to wash it all down.

Address: 5 Delay St, Danbury, CT 06810

Signature Dishes: Sizzling Steak Fajitas, Tacos al Pastor

Best Vegan & Vegetarian: Sweet Pea Vegetarian Bistro & Lounge

Sweet Pea Vegetarian Bistro & Lounge serves inventive vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a stylish downtown environment using organic products that are sourced locally. Its fresh salad bar allows you to design bowls full of nutrients with over 60 topping options.

Lighter appetites are satisfied by little servings like General Tso’s cauliflower or Vietnamese summer buns. More substantial dishes like tofu tikka masala, buckwheat soba noodles, or Sweet Pea’s famous veggie burger served on a homemade multigrain bun were all delicious. It serves thoughtful food in an elegant, romantic setting that is suitable for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

Address: 97 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801

Signature Dishes: Buckwheat Soba Noodles, Veggie Burger

Best Seafood: Fish Tale Oyster Bar

Fish Tale Oyster Bar is well-regarded for having the best seafood in the neighborhood. For ocean-fresh cuisine, this laid-back New England-style restaurant receives daily fish deliveries. Littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and oysters from both the East and West coasts are the star of their raw bar.

Next, sample their renowned clam chowder, which is thick, creamy, and packed full of real clam meat. Seared sea scallops, traditional fish and chips, lobster rolls, and other seafood mainstays are delicious options. It’s a great choice for seafood any night of the week, with welcoming service and a nautical décor.

Address: 77 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801

Signature Dishes: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll

Best Breakfast & Brunch: The Pantry

For freshly prepared breakfast favorites, cozy neighborhood favorite The Pantry is a top choice. Their selection of pancakes, French toast, and egg dishes shine, using high quality ingredients.

Hearty omelets bursting with fillings, eggs Benedict crowned with silky hollandaise, and fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes satisfy morning cravings. For lunch and dinner, they also plate up soups, salads, sandwiches – including juicy burgers. With friendly service in a relaxed setting, the Pantry is the perfect local spot for any meal.

Address: 25 Padanaram Rd, Danbury, CT 06811

Signature Dishes: Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Best Coffee Shop: Cafe Aurora

Danbury’s greatest artisan coffee drinks are brewed at Cafe Aurora, a sleek, contemporary space right in the center of downtown. While creating made-to-order lattes, cappuccinos, pour overs, cold brews, and other beverages, their friendly baristas like engaging in conversation about various coffee beans and brewing methods.

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They sell freshly made light snacks including bagels, pastries, soups, and pressed sandwiches in addition to their skillfully crafted espresso drinks. Cozy couches, complimentary wifi, and occasionally live acoustic music create an ambiance that begs you to stay around. Cafe Aurora provides great coffee, delectable appetizers, and a lively social hub.

Address: 67 Main St #1, Danbury, CT 06810

Signature Drinks: Vanilla Latte, Cold Brew Coffee

Best Winery: Jones Family Winery

The Jones Family Winery is a destination and a mainstay of the neighborhood, including a wine shop, tasting area, and production facility. They grow European vinifera grapes and are the first vineyard in Connecticut to do so. They make award-winning small-batch wines on site.

Samples of dry Rieslings, crisp Pinot Grigios, and oak-aged Cabernet Francs are available in their tasting room. Tastings are informal rather than stuffy or pretentious, thanks to the building’s attractive rustic charm and friendly, knowledgable staff. Beyond their wines, attendees are drawn to their exciting events with food trucks, live music, and breathtaking vineyard vistas.

Address: 606 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT 06811

Signature Wine: Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

Best Gastropub: The Blind Rhino

The Blind Rhino entices guests with its speakeasy atmosphere and serves up sophisticated pub fare, with 19 rotating taps serving artisan beers, whiskeys, and wines. Creative delicacies like duck confit poutine, butternut squash purée-seared diver scallops, street corn chowder, and their stacked Rhino burger oozing with applewood smoked bacon are served at this downtown gastropub.

Their cuisine strikes the ideal balance between approachable pub food and inventive taste combinations. It’s a laid-back place to share plates, beverages, and good times with friends because the cooks and bartenders are pleasant and make everything from scratch.

Address: 15 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810

Signature Dishes: Duck Confit Poutine, Rhino Burger

Best Italian: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club

The intimate lighting, white tablecloths, and dark wood décor of Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club instantly transport guests to Italy. This Danbury institution, owned and operated by the Ballo family since 1969, offers excellent regional cuisine from northern and southern Italy.

Start with house specialties like chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, or seafood fra diavolo over linguine, then indulge in bruschetta or a Caesar salad. Make room for dessert, such as canoli or spumoni ice cream. With its large wine list, attentive service, and live music on weekends, Ballo provides a great Italian dining experience.

Address: 21 Padanaram Rd, Danbury, CT 06811

Signature Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala

Best Steakhouse: Ethan Allen Inn

For the finest steaks in town, head to the historic and elegant Ethan Allen Inn. Set on an estate built in 1732, this Danbury steakhouse has formal service and charming décor with a rustic timber-beamed ceiling and fieldstone fireplace.

USDA Prime dry-aged steaks are expertly prepared, such as the melt-in-your-mouth 24 oz bone-in ribeye. Seafood like grilled salmon and jumbo shrimp also shine, alongside classic sides like creamed spinach and crispy onion rings with rémoulade. For special occasions or date nights, the contemporary American menu and exceptional service make Ethan Allen Inn the top pick.

Address: 21 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury, CT 06811

Signature Dishes: 24 oz Bone-in Ribeye, Creamed Spinach

Best Diner: Richter’s Ordinary

Richter’s Ordinary is a beloved neighborhood restaurant offering straightforward diner meals and burgers at reasonable costs. The Formica countertops and stray trinkets give this downtown restaurant a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the 1950s. The building, which used to be a historic bank, has a lot of eccentric charm.

Richter serves big quantities, so come hungry. Their half-pound Char Burger, which is loaded with onions, peppers, bacon, cheddar, and barbecue sauce, their Reuben sandwich, which is heaped high with corned beef, their turkey club, which is stacked with fresh roast turkey, and their vegetarian options, such as the Garden Burger, are customer favorites. Discover why, since 1990, Richter’s Ordinary has been a Danbury staple

Address: 15 E St, Danbury, CT 06810

Signature Dishes: Char Burger, Turkey Club

Best Thai: Pantana Thai & Noodle House

Pantana Thai & Noodle House is the best place to get colorful Thai cuisine. This little eatery astonishes with intricate delicacies made using family traditions. Start with the scorching green curry, pad Thai, drunken noodles, or chicken satay skewers served with spicy peanut dipping sauce.

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Chef’s specialties like fried half duck or grilled hog neck are equally impressive. Pantana offers great meals at reasonable costs, bringing the tastes of Thailand to Danbury. The chefs take care to customize the amount of spice to suit individual tastes, so there’s always a new favorite.

Address: 77 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801

Signature Dishes: Pad Thai, Panang Curry

Best Indian: Tawa Indian Cuisine

Offering a wide variety of traditional dishes, including fluffy naan breads and fragrant curries, Tawa Indian Cuisine provides excellent Indian food in a modern eating area. Anticipate elegantly garnished dishes, subtle seasonings, and skilled culinary artists crafting heirloom recipes.

Highlights of the menu include the spicy lamb vindaloo, crispy samosas, delicious chicken tikka masala, shrimp biryani, which combines rice with juicy shrimp, and more. It’s simple to discover new favorites with such a wide selection of traditional Indian fare. Don’t forget to indulge in the handmade chutneys and creamy mango lassi. Tawa is a great place to get great Indian food and service.

Address: 8 Delay St, Danbury, CT 06810

Signature Dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo

Conclusion

Danbury provides a diverse range of dining options, including inventive gastropub meals at The Blind Rhino and classic Italian fare at Ballo. At Fish Tale Oyster Bar, seafood enthusiasts can indulge in freshly caught seafood, and Sugar Hi Bakery offers visually appealing cakes and pastries to satisfy sweet tooths.

Richter’s Ordinary is the perfect place to get hearty servings of comfort cuisine. In addition to modern American food, the region’s diversity includes true Thai, Indian, Mexican, and other cuisines.

Danbury offers a wide range of high-quality, reasonably priced cuisine options across the city, whether you’re celebrating over steak at Ethan Allen Inn or meeting friends for coffee at Cafe Aurora. Discover your new favorite restaurants among the best in Danbury, Connecticut, by using our guide!