When I heard that one of my favorite NYC restaurants was opening on Greenwich Ave, I got so excited and tried it right away. The food is phenomenal but just a heads up that they seem to still be working out the kinks in their service. My personal favorite things to order include the kale and cucumber cocktail (made with tequila), the sheep’s milk ricotta, the crispy spirulina rice bowl, and the chili-glazed octopus.

Kawa Ni is a Japanese restaurant but it’s not sushi-focused. They make Japanese pub food and it’s heavenly. The lamb dan dan, miso cucumbers, tofu pockets, and the scallop nigiri are must-haves. They also make my favorite cocktail in all of Fairfield County (true story), The Kyushiki, an Old Fashioned made with smoked soy sauce. If you’re really feeling crazy, get a sake bomb!

The Whelk is, without a doubt, my favorite local restaurant. Anel and I go here for anniversaries, birthdays, date nights, and everything in between. I’ve never once eaten anything there without loving it and the vibe always feels like The West Village on a Saturday night. If you go to one restaurant in FFC, make it The Whelk. And don’t miss the green goddess deviled eggs with fried oysters and the crab toast.

Whenever I meet a girlfriend in Westport for lunch, I pop into the Spotted Horse for the Chinese chicken chopped salad. It’s one of those always-there-for-you type of restaurants. It’s not the best food in Westport but it’s always a solid choice. It’s also really cozy in the winter with a big fireplace.

Southend’s farm-to-table menu is surprisingly good compared to what the restaurant looks like from the outside. I like to sit outside in warmer months for cocktails and apps with girlfriends. I recommend the little gem Caesar salad, the burger, and the local burrata.

Rowayton Seafood is a local hotspot and always packed to the brim. Make a reservation in advance or sit on their outside deck in the summer. We go for lobster rolls (cold, not hot), rosé, and the amazing view.