Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Salem

11 restaurants available nearby

1. North Star Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(648)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pound Ridge

Booked 5 times today

North Star Restaurant in Pound Ridge stands out as a beacon of delectable Comfort Food cuisine, crafting dishes that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Celebrated for its cozy ambiance reminiscent of a living room, this restaurant attracts diners with its "friendly service" and expertly prepared meals that make it a "special local place." Patrons rave about the "delicious" House-Made Ravioli and the creamy, yet cream-free soups. The standout lobster roll is hailed as a "true work of art," reflecting the chef's commitment to quality and freshness. Reviews consistently praise North Star for its "amazing" food and "warm banana sauce," making every dining experience not just a meal, but a comforting escape to culinary bliss.

2. Roger Sherman Inn

4.6

Exceptional(819)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Canaan

Booked 6 times today

Experience the charm and culinary brilliance of the Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan, where French-inspired American cuisine takes center stage. Owners Joseph and Nes Jaffre have perfected an ambiance that marries classic French elegance with modern flair. Guests rave about the "exquisite dining experience" and the consistently "outstanding" French dishes such as Foie Gras and Duck A L’Orange. With glowing reviews like "the food was so well prepped, best steak and egg brunch I have ever had," it's clear that the Roger Sherman Inn offers a truly authentic and high-quality French dining experience. Whether it's the legendary brunch or a special dinner, this inn remains a beloved gem for a classic French meal within an hour of New York City.

3. The Cottage

4.7

Exceptional(1628)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Westport

Booked 31 times today

The Cottage in Westport is a beacon of American cuisine, where Chef Brian Lewis's passion for local, artisan ingredients transforms into a dining experience described as "absolutely the best" by patrons. Celebrated for its warm, cozy atmosphere, The Cottage offers a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in American traditions, often enhanced with a global twist. Guests rave about dishes like the Wagyu brisket bao buns and the Berkshire pork tenderloin, noting that "the flavors were mind-boggling good." The service is consistently highlighted as "outstanding," making it not just a meal, but a memorable event. The glowing reviews underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of American dining in Fairfield County.

4. Elm Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(889)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Canaan

Booked 28 times today

Elm Restaurant in New Canaan, CT, is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. Praised for its inventive and seasonally inspired dishes, Elm has captivated diners with its "consistently delicious" food and "excellent service" (Reviewer). The restaurant’s atmosphere is as inviting as its menu, with options to dine near the lively kitchen or in the elegant dining room. Highlights include the "best burger in CT" and a "fantastic" cheddar pull-apart rolls with maple butter, ensuring a memorable experience. Reviewers rave about the "phenomenal" dishes and "fantastic" service, making Elm a must-visit destination for authentic and high-quality American dining.

A photo of 1920 Bar and Bistro restaurant

5. 1920 Bar and Bistro

3.6

Very Good(87)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • East Norwalk

Booked 5 times today

At 1920 Bar and Bistro in East Norwalk, the essence of Global and International cuisine is brought to life through the inventive culinary prowess of Chef Lazaro Alvarado. Drawing from his Mexican heritage and passion for Italian flavors, Chef Lazaro crafts a menu that seamlessly blends diverse culinary traditions, creating an authentic global dining experience. Guests rave about the "unique offering" and the quality of ingredients, with one noting, "the food was absolutely amazing, very unique offering and you can just taste high-quality ingredients." The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a menu that pays homage to its eclectic influences, makes 1920 Bar and Bistro a cherished destination for those seeking a genuine taste of international cuisine right in the heart of Connecticut.

6. Match

4.8

Exceptional(1528)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • South Norwalk

Booked 36 times today

Match, a gem in South Norwalk's vibrant dining scene, has been delighting guests with its exquisite Global, International cuisine for over two decades. Celebrated for its innovative approach to New American dishes, chef/owner Matt Storch masterfully incorporates high-quality local ingredients, creating plates that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with global flavors. Patrons rave about the "beautifully seasoned calamari with a kick" and the "perfectly cooked and amazing texture" of each dish. The award-winning wine list complements the diverse menu, ensuring a culinary journey that spans the globe. Enthusiastic reviews frequently highlight the "consistently amazing and inspired dishes" and the "professional, friendly service," making Match an essential destination for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience with a global twist in Norwalk.

7. Hatter Piano Bar

new

4.7

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Norwalk

Booked 4 times today

Welcome to **Hatter Piano Bar** in Norwalk—a timeless experience with a modern twist. Housed in a beautifully restored historic hat factory, Hatter brings the charm of a classic piano bar to life with live music, crafted cocktails, and an elevated late-night menu. With performances every Thursday through Saturday, Hatter showcases skilled pianists, soulful vocalists, and DJ sets that add a contemporary vibe, creating an inviting ambiance that blends the nostalgia of Norwalk’s first piano bar with today’s energy. Sip on iconic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and seasonal specialties, crafted to perfection. Choose from elegant dining and cozy lounge areas ideal for special occasions or casual nights out. Make your reservations and join us at Hatter Piano Bar for an unforgettable night of music, flavor, and history reimagined.

A photo of Taproot - South Norwalk restaurant

8. Taproot - South Norwalk

4.5

Awesome(174)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • South Norwalk

Booked 18 times today

Taproot, nestled in the vibrant heart of South Norwalk, is a culinary gem celebrated for its exceptional Tapas and Small Plates. Nominated for Connecticut’s Best Restaurant by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, Taproot is renowned for its chef-driven menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One glowing review applauded the menu as "varied and original," emphasizing that "everything is superlative!" Another diner highlighted the "unique and delicious" flavors, promising a swift return. Taproot's commitment to quality and its down-to-earth setting make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable tapas experience.

A photo of The Ridges Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant

9. The Ridges Seafood & Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(191)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Stamford

Booked 10 times today

The Ridges Seafood & Steakhouse in Stamford is a quintessential NYC-style steakhouse that prides itself on serving top-quality USDA Prime Dry Aged Steaks. Diners rave about the "best Porterhouse I've ever had" and the NY strip steak being "unlike any other." This gem, founded by a seasoned NYC restaurateur, Leon Pllumaj, ensures a memorable dining experience where "you walk in as a guest and leave as family." The vibrant dining atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from casual nights out to special celebrations. With consistently excellent reviews, The Ridges stands out as a premier destination for steak lovers in North Stamford.

A photo of Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar restaurant

10. Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar

4.7

Exceptional(37)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • New Canaan

Booked 11 times today

At Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar in New Canaan, diners are treated to a symphony of beautifully curated Continental dishes that are as authentic as they are delightful. The restaurant's Continental offerings are crafted with a global twist, ensuring each dish is both unique and deeply satisfying. One diner raved, "Still the best Calamari I’ve ever had," highlighting the quality of the ingredients and the culinary expertise. Another noted the innovative take on classics, mentioning, "They had a new take on Beef Wellington with mushrooms—we loved it!" Chef Luis Lopez's passion for fresh, clean ingredients and his ability to blend them into exquisite Continental cuisine makes every meal a celebration of international culinary art right in the heart of New Canaan.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great wait staff and service! Chestnut soup was amazing!
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The CottagePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Westport
•
4.7
M
Maria
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were greeted at the door and seated immediately. The ambiance was natural and magically perfect! The food arrived fairly quickly, fresh and tasty. The staff are all friendly and we didn’t feel pressured to leave. The cafe is situated within a beautiful store setting which works great in my opinion. I purchased nice faux candles in the store section before leaving. I can honestly say we had a wonderful time walking around and looking at all the items and plantings they had available before leaving. Would I recommend this restaurant? Absolutely!!!
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Terrain Cafe – WestportPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Westport
•
4.7
C
Claire
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a lovely place for Christmas dinner. There were some larger groups, but it was mostly tables of two, three or four people, so it wasn’t at all noisy. The Inn was decorated beautifully and the staff was friendly and efficient. There was a special menu, which included vegetarian options. It was the perfect place for us and we appreciate that they were open on Christmas day.
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Roger Sherman InnPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• New Canaan
•
4.6
J
Judy
New York City •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything about the evening was perfect. The half smoked chicken was tender and flavorful with delicious smokiness. The Bronzino was perfectly cooked. The brussels sprouts with pad Thai flavoring was rich and a treat. The smoked trout appetizer was wonderful, and the carrot cake at the end of our meal was spot on perfect. Merry Christmas. One of the best parts of the meal was the Prom Night mocktail. Wow!
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Elm RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• New Canaan
•
4.8
A
AliciaVIP
New York City •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We loved our meal of chicken pot pie, Chilean sea bass, & ny strip & spinach. Loved the pear salad too. We thoroughly enjoyed NorthStar and hope to be back in 2025.
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North Star RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Pound Ridge
•
4.8

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South Salem

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Salem

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. North Star Restaurant

2. Roger Sherman Inn

3. The Cottage

4. Elm Restaurant

5. 1920 Bar and Bistro

6. Match

7. Hatter Piano Bar

8. Taproot - South Norwalk

9. The Ridges Seafood & Steakhouse

10. Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar

See what locals rave about

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