Submitted by DSammy93 t3_11qq4dd in StamfordCT
Hi all! I want to get a gift card for a restaurant for my brother and SIL who live there. I don’t live there so I am unfamiliar with the area. I’m thinking of spending around $200-250. What restaurants would you suggest that fit that budget for two people to have a nice dinner?
Thanks in advance!!
That’s a great budget. A gift card for Prime, which is on the water and has great marina views and a fab menu, would be an upscale option that also says “ enjoy your gorgeous meal and water view as we go into spring time!” More of an upscale outing vibe! https://stamford.restaurantprime.com/
If you were looking for something more darkly, lit, and cozy, with a tucked in corner booth etc then maybe I’d go a different direction.
Def agree on Prime! Could also do Terra Gaucha the new Brazilian steakhouse if they’re into that.
Maybe Siena would fit something darkly lit and cozy if they like Italian?
I agree, Prime is probably the best bet in Stamford. L'Ostal (Darien) or Cottage (Westport/Greenwich) could be options. I don't know the NY scene as well, but something like Inn at Pound Ridge might work if they are in North Stamford.
Capital Grille maybe? It’s also a chain so they could use the card somewhere other than Stamford if desired
They are in north Stamford, that place looks great! Thank you
La Cremaillere is also supposed to be good up there, and not too far from the CT border. 250 is hitting the top of the range in this area without just splurging on a really expensive bottle of wine to pad the bill out. Of course, nothing wrong with that, but it feels less special occasion-y than a really nice menu, in my opinion.
cafe silvium is a stamford favorite!
Are they real foodies?
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If they really like good food and nice restaurants then they probably won't like Prime. You have to leave Stamford. NYC, Norwalk, Darien, Westport, all have options. And if you're willing to drive there are some real gems in CT (Chamard Vineyards, Aresula Farms)
If going to nice restaurants isn't something they do a lot, then they will probably like Prime.
Lol, simmer down
La Cremaliere closed a few years ago.
Would recommend if they re in North Stamford at that budget you go for The Inn At Pound Ridge : https://www.theinnatpoundridge.com/menus/dinner or if you choose to spend a little less try North Star also in Pound Ridge: https://www.northstarny.com/ both are far better than any Stamford spots with the exception of Cafe Silvium. If you prefer a very high end spot go with Valbela in Riverside CT https://www.valbellagreenwich.com/
Blackstone's Steakhouse
I like The Wheel. https://www.thevillagewheel.com/
They reopened last year with a different team. They still seem to be getting good reviews and the executive chef seems to have an excellent fine dining resume, but I haven't been, so I can't honestly comment. It just seemed the right vibe for a couple having a nice dinner out.
200-250 would get them a feast at Pelliccis. That would cover their food drinks and dessert
Daddy’s Deli
North Stamford to the Inn at Pound Ridge is a very easy backroads drive of about 25minutes each way, and the food is delicious there. They have valet parking most of the time, a good drinks menu, and the brunch has a crispy rice squares w salmon item that is interesting and tasty. It is a bit more upscale than most of what we have in Stamford (it is a Jean George).
Without leaving North Stamford, you might consider (newer in the last 2 years) The Farmhouse at The Crossroads. https://www.farmhouseatthecrossroads.com/
I have been three times now and found the food to be delicious. Their seafood supplier is really hooking them up (the shrimp cocktail was magnificent). They have a great drinks menu, and the interior has a nice fireplace ambiance on brisker nights. They have a big outdoor area that they are ready to trot out for outdoor brunch w drinks once it is a tad warmer. It is more like a 5min drive from anywhere in North Stamford, so a quick/easy one. But menu is large and upscale decor, and it feels splurgy when you are there.
Oh thanks for this! I previously enjoyed it, and checked not long ago and was sad it was closed. Good to get this update :)
Agree on Capital Grill. Head and shoulders above Blackstone.
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Did Prime hurt you?
In the sense that it overcharged me for food.
Why are people so defensive about it? It's just not a great restaurant and not worth what they charge.
Thank you - I appreciate the update!
Prime
This is the best answer. Also consider going to south norwalk, they have a fun night out scene
Here to defend you. Prime is a premier chain that makes you feel good about getting decent food for a not-so-decent price.
Yeah plus they make you build your own plates so it feels like you're being nickle and dimed. Don't tell me I'm paying $30 for french fries, lol
The_Dutchess-D t1_jc4iihf wrote
That’s a great budget. A gift card for Prime, which is on the water and has great marina views and a fab menu, would be an upscale option that also says “ enjoy your gorgeous meal and water view as we go into spring time!” More of an upscale outing vibe!
If you were looking for something more darkly, lit, and cozy, with a tucked in corner booth etc then maybe I’d go a different direction.