I have passed this place on the train twice a week for a year and truly did not know it was a restaurant. It's both in the open and hidden at the same time. I was taken here for a brunch date and was in shock when I walked in. The restaurant is beautiful, the lighting, the decor - it has an inviting and peaceful atmosphere. We made a reservation for 11am so it was pretty quiet and laidback. Everyone in the restaurant was very welcoming. Our food was so good. I got the bacon, egg and cheese with French fries. I also got a hot latte that although was not on the menu, they made which was so nice of them. A really cute restaurant to check out if you're in the area. read more

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This is a unique, must try dining experience near Ridgefield CT. It is an historic one room schoolhouse converted into a dining room with a beautiful patio. There is also a quaint setting with a general store, train station, etc. Service was friendly and perfectly on point, and our sandwiches were delicious! Would happily return and really want to try the dinner menu. read more

Best Italian food in Fairfield County. Quirky location but don't let it keep you away from them. I mean their bread cones from Balthazar. Nuff said. read more

Superb spot for a Brunch. Good variety within the menu, including traditional brunch items, like Eggs Benedict, and traditional lunch items too, like burgers. Offering brunch cocktails from a chalk board and an excellent printed wine list. Alcohol prices are as expected; wines by the glass of course. We picked a nice Gavi at $65 the bottle. Among the four of us we ordered the eggs Benedict and the panko breaded chicken sandwich. Well served; big portions. Atmosphere is schoolhouse nostalgic. Only caution: space is small. When the room is full, as it was for most of our midday visit, the noise level makes intimate conversations very difficult. Ordinary chatting requires some effort Service both attentive and prompt. I'd call this a true special occasion destination. (We did sing Happy Birthday to a nearby person.) It's not inexpensive. But if you plan for it, you get a good value and a nice meal. read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Eggs Benedict. - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

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We were longtime, loyal patrons of Baldanza at the Schoolhouse and had always loved it -- largely because of the incredible staff. They consistently went above and beyond, remembered our family, our favorite dishes, and took great care with my son's nut allergy. That level of service kept us coming back for years. Unfortunately, one interaction with the owner completely changed that. I called to book a table of 10 for my 50th birthday -- something we've done there before -- and was immediately shut down. I understand restaurants have limits, but what was unacceptable was the complete lack of effort to offer any alternatives. No suggestion of a different time, another day, or any attempt to accommodate a loyal customer. Just "no." The conversation itself was dismissive and condescending, and it ended with him abruptly hanging up on me. I followed up with an email expressing my disappointment and never received a response. It's incredibly disappointing because the staff continues to be excellent, but ownership clearly does not value long-time customers. There were many ways this could have been handled professionally and respectfully -- even if the answer ultimately remained no. Sadly, after years of loyalty, this experience was enough for us to walk away. read more

A special place in a quiet area. Good food, service, ambiance. One of the standouts in Fairfield County.

This restaurant is in a ye olde schoolhouse AND they have Maple Old-Fashioneds - it was always unlikely this was going to be anything less than a five-star experience. I came here with my mom yesterday for lunch. She grew up in this area and was familiar with the building (she thinks it was a real estate office when she was growing up) and the little shops surrounding it. I had a few friends recommend this place over the past few years, and I attempted unsuccessfully to secure a table for Mother's Day last year (which reminds me - this is probably right around when I need to start looking into that again). I bet in two months or so this area is just gorgeous. The windows to the right of the entrance where we sat overlooked the Norwalk River, and even in these desolate New England times, it was a pleasing visual. I strongly considered the Eggs Benedict option, but I've been loading up on that a lot lately and went lunchier with the Pappardelle Bolognese, one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes. Delicious and a very generous portion (not that it mattered - it was all demolished). I loved the plate that it came in, which had some depth to it verging on bowl-like. I might have to start prowling around Williams Sonoma trying to find one of its twins. My mother had the blueberry pancakes and was quite smitten with them - if memory serves, she was enormously pleased by the container that the maple syrup was delivered in, which was reminiscent of a mini milk jug or something. The Maple Old Fashioned was as advertised. It wasn't on the official brunch menu, but the waiter teasingly confirmed it was available, saying he'd already had one earlier in the morning. Perfectly made, with the maple strong but not overwhelming; it actually came off for me as a pretty brunchy drink with the maple, but I'm not sure I want to go on the record advocating bourbon on a brunch menu, even in CT. As an aside, their bar area is adorable; it's a very small spot to the left in the entrance/foyer section with just enough room for the bartender and no one else. I'm impressed they had the foresight and creativity to even have a bar here given their limited space. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very personable (as alluded to earlier), and other staffers stopped by very regularly to keep the water glasses full. The whole experience was pleasant from beginning to end. I would have advocated for eating in a schoolhouse regardless, but the fact that the quality of the food and service matched if not exceeded the novelty factor of the surroundings is a massive bonus. read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Maple Old Fashioned. - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

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Such charm and amazing service! This restaurant and the hospitality that came along with it was a real treat- this one room schoolhouse is large enough to seat about 40 people in total and is perfect for every table to receive perfect service. The homemade spaghetti carbonate was wonderful and everyone else at my table loved their dinner as well. There is an outdoor patio in the rear that nestled along the brook but it was not open when we dinedined. read more

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Our first visit here. This is literally an old schoolhouse & filled with charm- the owners greeted us like old friends. The fresh made artisan breads were served and were wonderful. We ordered the calamari & shrimp app that was topped with zucchini straws & 2 sauces that were outstanding. We ordered 2 of the specials for dinner: the homemade cheese ravioli w/cream lobster sauce (amazing!) & the homemade fettuccini w/shrimp, mussels & lobster w/lobster sauce (delicious). Also ordered the halibut & pappardelle bolognese from the menu; all dishes were abundant & the best we have ever had! It was a birthday celebration so we couldn't end the meal without trying the biscuit strawberry shortcake & carrot cake- both perfection! Great service, delicious food & reasonable prices for this level of fine dining! We will always return here. See pictures for proof of this fabulous meal! read more

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Love the patio in the summer. Great food and one of the best fries in the area. Wait staff are great read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Best apps and great patio great waiters - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

Wonderful food & warm hospitality. Service impeccable. Only negative is when restaurant is at its busiest, it can be quite loud. Addition of soundproofing would make a huge difference. Angela would do it in the most tasteful way, of that I'm sure. read more

The ambience, particularly if you go early, is lovely. (It can get a little noisy at the busiest times.) The two brothers, who have been there for 18 years, are attentive and a pleasure to see each time we come. The halibut was the star of the show this visit --definitely worth getting. The salmon was good but over cooked. Something was off about the dessert: the cream garnishes on the carrot cake were fizzy, and when I asked about them, I was told they weren't supposed to be fizzy. Despite that hiccup, the restaurant is a lovely date-night destination-- we will be back; we'll just avoid the carrot cake! read more

This small restaurant serves up great Italian food. Note it can get loud. If in season outdoor tables are great.

This place is a true hidden gem. If you are in the Wilton area, it's a must visit. Great food, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere in a centuries old schoolhouse. read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Croqué monsieur - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

Went for brunch. Such a unique venue in a one room school house. Spotless and charming. Best egg wrap I've ever had. The beet salad was so delicious and picture worthy. (I never take pics of my meals but I did this time.). Outstanding. read more

Delicious! Had heard a lot of great things about this place and visited the first time. Everything I had heard - the excellent food and attentive service - were confirmed. Can't wait to go back!! read more

Always worth a trip. Great service, fine menu, charming New England ambiance. Many lunches there. Must try dinner soon.

Creative menu. Best food I have had in a long time. One of my favorite restaurants in CT.

Loved the location, appreciated being given a nice table at the corner. Some little details like the warm and professional welcome really attracted us. The service is very good, one of the top on the area. The food is above average, with large portions. I personally found it a little on the heavy side. We were unluckily being surrounded with high pitch voice clients who literally ruined our experience. Not the restaurant's fault, but I would definitely recommend to book the last shift for dinner, by 8:30 PM, when the noise goes down. read more

Love Baldanza! The atmosphere is so quaint, the service was amazing, and the food was top-notch! We will be back

Awesome that they are open for brunch/lunch as we have always been wowed by their food but used to only go for special occasion dinners. Everything we have tried on the menu has been delicious. The food is innovative and always amazing. And the atmosphere is fun, love their space. We always pop in to the British product shop next door after lunch to grab treats which is an added bonus. read more

The venue was charming - a small white building -- the Schoolhouse -- next to the Cannondale train station. The Norwalk river -- really a stream -- burbles nearby. The service was prompt and responsive -- the dishes for all six of us arrived together. And the food was very good - the salad was fresh and the Tuscan bread used for the Eggs Benedict was a welcome change from English muffins. All in all, we would visit again. read more

Extremely impressed with this restaurant. I was concerned that the new owner would let go the excellent workers but not so. The new menu is outstanding especially if you like Italian. The one suggestion is they bring g back the pounded veal. Otherwise a terrific variety including the many pasta dishes. The meatballs are especially delicious. I fry my meatballs before putting them in the sauce. Obviously they drop them into the sauce raw so the sauce has a great flavor of the beef pork meat blend. Wines good and fairly priced. Terrific. read more

They no longer had available the items we wanted to order on the menu. So went with tuna nicoise salad and veggie burger. The burger was a letdown -- too many peppers and too strong of a perhaps- cumin? taste. The fries too salty. The salad was very fresh and good though. I'm thinking it was an off day. Perhaps would give it another try and dine on the lovely patio. read more

Great food. Amazing place for dinner. Outside patio on the Norwalk river is amazing on a clear night. Try it. You will love it

Very cool little schoolhouse converted to a restaurant. Great cocktails and the food was delicious. We had the calamari, meatballs and I had the steak frites entree. We sat inside because it was unfortunately very hot, but the outdoor garden seating was beautiful. If you get a chance take a look. Seems very much "out of the way" but if you are in the area definitely worth a try. read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Steak Frites - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

Still a favorite. Friendly. Cute inside. Warm. Great menu. Delicious food. Never rushed. Proper, grown-up restaurant!

fantastic mother's day spot. my wife and kids loved it. meatballs delcisious and the croque madam was the best i've had. others had the fresh pappardelle and were super positive. cute setting and the server was very nice and sincere and has worked there 10+ years read more

Just a great experience overall every time we go. It's best in warm weather when you can sit on the patio looking out at the surroundings and even the train station, which has a Petticoat Junction charm to it. Before it became Baldanza, my wife and I had difficulty navigating the menu but not anymore (we were big fans of Baldanza in New Canaan). Every thing I have eaten, over the course of multiple visits, has been terrific. My wife said the salmon she had in our last visit was among the best she ever had, and she orders salmon out very frequently. Bravo!!! read more

Very disappointing! Had heard a lot of good things about it. Everything was expensive which I don't mind if the quality is there. But unfortunately it was not. Service and ambiance are good. Value is not there. Cannot see ever going back. Prior ownership was a cut above. Not this incarnation read more

This place was absolutely incredible! Make sure to make a reservation! I've been here on several occasions now and it only gets better and better! I have taken my NYC foodie friends here and they are blown away! I would give it more than 5 stars if i could! read more

This was my second lunch at my mother-in-law's favorite local restaurant. The first was outdoors on a balmy September day and the second was indoors on a frigid January day. Both settings have their charms, with a gorgeous view of the creek that runs behind the restaurant. The service is professional and friendly and the lunch and breakfast dishes well made. The only downside on my last visit was a boisterous birthday party, which in the small indoor confines was a bit painful to my ears. I'll be going back, though, even if I have to sit indoors. read more

I would give Baldanza 10 stars if I could! It's not everyday that a restaurant blows you away the way Baldanza did for us. First of all, it feels like you're entering a Hallmark movie with how charming and quaint the schoolhouse is! We dined outside on the patio because it was a warm evening, and we loved that the train went by often during our meal, especially because trains have always been one of my fiancé's interests. The service from the staff was truly exceptional, from the salad we were sharing being split between the two plates, the fresh bread selection tableside, and the attentiveness for water refills, just to name a few. Farm to table, fresh food is served here, with a focus on what's in season on the menu for fall. I'm honestly still thinking about the butternut squash ravioli we had that night! Every dish was phenomenal, including the housemade desserts made by the owner. I want to return soon with my family, especially my mom, because this is totally her vibe! Such a refreshingly professional experience at Baldanza that you aren't able to find just anywhere! read more

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BALDANZA at the Schoolhouse consistently delivers amazing food, great service in a a beautiful early New England Schoolhouse. We haven't found better in CT! read more

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse - Logo - New American Near Me - Wilton, Connecticut

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YUM!! Our friends had a reservation and when we heard how good this spot is, we had to tag along! The calamari was truly the best I've ever had - so fresh. The meatballs were amazing, the corn salad was so fresh and summery. I had the halibut for an entree and it was light fresh and so tasty with the citrus sauce. Drinks were fantastic as well, I mean they really make some awesome cocktails. Check out the pictures, that really says it all. read more

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Highly recommend this restaurant! My wife and I go to this restaurant a lot for date night because the ambiance is great, the service is always wonderful, and the food is amazing. We've tried many dishes but our favorites are the beet salad, wedge salad, pork chops, gnocchi, carrot cake, and crème brûlée. read more

Worth the trip from anywhere. The food was incredible , the drinks to die for and the staff was so efficient. Had a great conversation with the owner. Such a small town feel with exceptional dining. Would highly recommend. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in all of Fairfield County. From the food to the atmosphere, everything felt special. Can't recommend Baldanza at the Schoolhouse enough, especially if you're celebrating something special. read more

We came here for 8pm outdoor dinner on a Friday night. It was on the cooler side so it was much appreciated that they have a couple of heat lamps on their patio (could probably use a few more to cover more area). The ambiance is very nice at night-numerous candles and the sound of the neighboring brook (it is not buggy either). The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly and made us feel at ease. We ordered the tuna appetizer which was very tasty, full of tuna and avocado and not too much onion. The potato fries were a nice touch of crispiness. For our entrees, the butternut squash ravioli (special) and pork chop were both very good. We also ordered the brownie ala mode for dessert. The brownie was rich and warm accompanied with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A really tasty meal with a great atmosphere for dinner. We will be back and hope this place does well. read more

I miss the "Schoolhouse at cannondale" that was in the same place before. It was charming, had a character New owners made a place more upscale, from interior to dishes, some of the servers are from old days, yet at the same time the place became too bland. Dishes are of a high quality, service is prompt, the view on the river is good, yet I would not come here again. It became too much of the same modem, boring places It's a good place to visit, just not a gem anymore read more