Mama Carmela&#x27;s Deli

(66 reviews)

2.2 mi

Fantastic family owned and run Restaurant. Creative menu with always fresh Baked bread. Pizza is…read moregreat, salad, fantastic, wonderful desserts.

Good food, prices are pretty good, 4 of use under $100. Salads are fresh I like the eggplant parm!read more

One of the half dozen baked clams

Veal Parm Wedge

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Papa Joe's Ristorante Italiano

Food is always excellent and wait staff are friendly, efficient and helpful. Always a great dining…read moreexperience!

I have always enjoyed Papa Joe's. Moderately priced- a great value for excellent quality! The…read moreatmosphere is comfortable, spacious and conducive for talking. The service is excellent and the food is consistently delicious! If you want to enjoy a really nice meal with good service in a comfortable setting, go to Papa Joe's, you won't be disappointed!

Short rib ravioli special

Amazing fried calamari

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Strawberry & Pear salad - must become a regular item - AMAZING!!

Scena

Finding a spot that nails the "high-end" vibe without the suffocating stuffiness of a traditional…read moresteakhouse is rare, but this place manages to pull it off perfectly. The first thing you notice walking in is the atmosphere. It's gorgeous--lots of natural light during the day and soft, moody lighting in the evening that plays off the wood floors and exposed recovered beams. It feels organic and warm, yet the white tablecloths and pressed-leather menus let you know you're in for a serious meal. The service was impressively discreet; they were always there when we needed something but never interrupted the flow of our conversation. They started us off with some incredibly fresh bread, which was a great sign of things to come. For starters, do not skip the Mussels Fra Diabolo. The broth has a perfect hit of garlic and basil, and the crostini is essential for soaking up every drop of that marinara. We also tried the Parmesan Brussel Sprouts--the candied walnuts add a crunch and sweetness that balances the savory sprouts perfectly. For the mains, the Chicken and Wild Mushrooms Pappardelle was a standout. The truffle oil was fragrant without being overpowering, and the presentation tied the whole dish together. I also have to mention the Roasted Chicken. It's rare to find chicken this flavorful and juicy with such a distinct, crispy skin. The combination of spicy sausage and cherry peppers gave it a nice heat, balanced out by the whipped potatoes and spinach. We finished with the coconut and blood orange sorbet, which was the ideal light, refreshing conclusion to the meal. If you're looking for a place where you can actually hear your companions speak while enjoying top-tier presentation and food quality, this is it. A total culinary delight.

I came here for the infamous brick oven pizza, which did not disappoint!! I recommend trying this…read morespot if you want high quality Mediterranean fushion that doesn't go greasy. The staff is so helpful when choosing a wine as well. I can see myself quickly becoming a regular here

Mussels Fra Diablo

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Beverages

Paparazzi Italian Restaurant

(34 reviews)

2.5 mi

Paparazzi is a remarkable addition to Darien's dining scene. The food is elegant, deeply flavorful,…read moreand beautifully executed, offering exceptional quality at surprisingly approachable prices. Every dish reflects care, precision, and a clear respect for ingredients. What truly elevates the experience is the warmth of the service. The owners are present and personally attentive, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and genuinely welcoming. Despite being newly opened, Paparazzi already feels established--most guests are locals and many are clearly returning, which speaks volumes. The chef and owner brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens in Greenwich, and that pedigree is evident throughout the menu. Paparazzi has all the elements of a restaurant destined for notable recognition. An essential stop for anyone in the area or visiting Connecticut.

I met three friends who have lived in Darien for over 30 years and surprisingly two of them didn't…read moreknow about this gem of a restaurant. We all had different dishes; sole, salmon, haddock and shrimp and we all devoured our plates! Food was spectacular, service excellent! Can't go wrong dining at Paparazzi!!

Tagliatelle w/Truffle & Burrata

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Molto Darien

3.3

(52 reviews)

0.7 mi

Great service, the waiter was very nice to my aunt who wanted help with her order. The food was…read moredelicious. I loved the pesto sauce. The ambiance was nice considering we came early and there weren't many people. The music added to the atmosphere. Overall, 5 stars!

Sitting at the bar at 7:00 on a Saturday the service was so slow that we canceled our dinner order…read moreand left. Just 2 bartenders working the long bar & full restaurant, it was 8:45 when we left having had only the fried artichokes- which were very disappointing- for an app. We flagged the manager down to complain & he blew us off. A very disappointing experience start to finish.

Margherita Pizza

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Emilio's Stone Fired Pizzeria

3.5

(10 reviews)

1.7 mi

So far we had the pepperoni pizza and it was good! The dough tasted homemade and had flop but also…read morecrunch in the crust. The pepperoni was cup and char but that's not for everyone.

This newer pizzeria in Darien really impressed us with the variety on their menu! In addition to…read moremore traditional pizzas, they had unique toppings, like baked ziti, as well as several kinds of pan pizzas. Plenty of entrees and appetizers with locally sourced gelato for dessert. The staff couldn't have been nicer! Our only critique is we thought the crust was missing something flavor-wise. Very clean and a great spot for casual dine-in or takeout!

Some of the by the slice selection.

Pepperoni Hot Honey with Pepper flakes

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Emilio's Stone Fried Pizza

Cafe Silvium

I can see why this spot is so popular. The food was amazing. The only thing I didn't like was the…read morewild boar lasagna. As a person who doesn't like cheese, it's funny that I found that lasagna in desperate need for more cheese. I loved my squid ink pasta dish. Tiramisu was very good too. They had so many food options here. Highly recommend it.

I've been dying to try Cafe Silvium and it certainly lived up to the hype! It was absolutely…read moredelicious. Our server was super kind and attentive to the. You will likely have to wait quite a while if you're there at prime time on a weekend, but don't let that deter you, it's worth it. I had to get the fettucine mascarpone (sub shrimp for chicken cutlet) after seeing it all over social media and it was sooo good. My boyfriend got linguine with clams and it came with so many clams! The other couple we were with got rigatoni vodka with cutlet and fish francese. Everything was delish, and so were the big pours of wine haha. I will be back!

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Ponza Italian Kitchen & Pizza

4.0

(46 reviews)

3.0 mi

I enjoyed my food here! Only issue I had was with the serving size of the Pollo Limone. There was…read moreonly one cutlet which was a bit surprising but it still had great taste and flavor. Would have gotten 5 stars had the portion been a bit more generous. Not a deal breaker though. I'll be back. The service was great and the waitress was a real sweetheart.

They charged me twice for a large takeout order and wouldn't rectify it. I bought about 10 pizzas…read morefor a large family and friends gathering. I swiped my card. The machine said it went through. They said it didn't and to do it again so I did. They didn't fess up (like I ordered the same order twice in a row?) Will never go there again.

Bam. Bam.

Deliciousness

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Rory's

We stopped in for lunch and had a great experience -- friendly staff, fast service, and portions…read morethat definitely don't leave you hungry. The Crock of Chili came out piping hot with melted cheddar, jalapeño, sour cream, and tortilla chips, rich and hearty from the first spoonful. The Breaded Popcorn Shrimp was crisp and well‑seasoned with a wasabi dipping sauce that added just the right kick. We ordered the Peremech Sandwich twice -- Tut's spiced ground beef wrapped in pastry with bouillon, sour cream, soy sauce, and sautéed onion -- unique, savory, and surprisingly filling. The soft‑shell crab sandwich was the standout, fresh and cooked perfectly. Overall, great staff, very good service, and large portions make Rory's a dependable spot for a solid lunch.

We were coming southbound on I-95 and wanted a quick bite to eat so decided to hit the Darien…read moreDiner. For a Sunday at 1pm, It was packed- 20 minute wait so we ended up at Rory's just down the road. My sister got the eggs Benedict, father and I both started with the French onion soup and we split a crab sandwich. The waitress was super kind and they even split the crab sandwich on two plates with fries which was nice as some places just give you the meal and an extra plate. I would definitely recommend going to Rory's if you feel like skipping the line at the diner and the diner-esque food. It wasn't packed, service was great, we didn't feel rushed and the food was very good.

Crock of Chili CD's recipe, served piping hot with melted cheddar, jalapeño, sour cream and tortilla chips

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Pastrami Reuben

La Taqueria, Darien

4.3

(43 reviews)

1.2 mi

Didn't realize this place existed until hubby was looking up a place for dinner…read more It was quiet here when we got here, only 1 other group. You have order when you arrive then you sit down at the table.

The tacos are excellent! The fish taco is perfectly fried, and the short rib taco was amazing. The…read moreplace isn't too big, with a ordering style where you walk in and place your food order before being seated. The restaurant is clean, and the staff is always checking on you. The vibe is chill and less stuffy than many spots in Darien. The prices are fair as well for a taco spot.

Inside bar

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Paparazzi Italian Restaurant

(34 reviews)

2.5 mi

Paparazzi is a remarkable addition to Darien's dining scene. The food is elegant, deeply flavorful,…read moreand beautifully executed, offering exceptional quality at surprisingly approachable prices. Every dish reflects care, precision, and a clear respect for ingredients. What truly elevates the experience is the warmth of the service. The owners are present and personally attentive, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and genuinely welcoming. Despite being newly opened, Paparazzi already feels established--most guests are locals and many are clearly returning, which speaks volumes. The chef and owner brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens in Greenwich, and that pedigree is evident throughout the menu. Paparazzi has all the elements of a restaurant destined for notable recognition. An essential stop for anyone in the area or visiting Connecticut.

I met three friends who have lived in Darien for over 30 years and surprisingly two of them didn't…read moreknow about this gem of a restaurant. We all had different dishes; sole, salmon, haddock and shrimp and we all devoured our plates! Food was spectacular, service excellent! Can't go wrong dining at Paparazzi!!

Tagliatelle w/Truffle & Burrata

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Ten Twenty Post Oyster Bar & Bistro

Popcorn shrimp app - ok…read more Hamburger -good sweet potato fries- excellent Short ribs said to be needing of more flavor/seasoning Onion soup - excellent Chef salad w shrimp - good Very nice ambiance Service good.

Excellent service and delicious food from start to finish! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and…read moreserved perfectly. We were especially happy to see our server Eli is back -- always so welcoming, attentive, and friendly. They truly make the dining experience even better. Looking forward to coming back again soon!

2026 WC - NED v JPN with oysters/clams/champagne

Oysters and Littleneck Clams

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Oysters

Burgers Shakes & Fries

My sister and I frequent this restaurant whenever we're craving a delicious, filing burger. This…read moreplace never disappoints! The casual atmosphere always makes us feel super comfortable whenever we're having a lazy day but crave a satisfying burger! All of the servers are also very attentive, with our food being ready fairly quickly. I definitely recommend trying this burger joint out whenever you are out and about in the local area.

A friend and I went here for dinner because we haven't eaten here in years. Ambience is simple but…read morenice, waitstaff is friendly and the food is just as excellent as it's always been. I started out with a veggie burger. I always get this burger with a side of avocado cream sauce because it's a game changer. This sauce tases amazing with the veggie patty. Randomly, they have a Japanese side dish of pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and they have a sharp, gingery flavor that I love. I also got their BLT Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which was equally delicious, although they could've put a little more ranch on it. I paired that with their onion rings which were crispy and satisfying. I dipped them in my leftover avocado sauce as well. This restaurant has been a staple of the community for a long time by consistently using high quality ingredients to make incredible food. It's good to know that they haven't changed after all this time. You'll love it here.

Dining area

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Menu

Bareburger

What happened to this place?…read more It started with a young hip, family friendly vibe with premium priced burgers and a lot of kid food. Tonight on a Thursday night, the place was understaffed... running late with a slew of phone and Uber orders... and seemed to be teaming with screaming children, whose parents were somewhat frustrated that their little ones were not getting their fries. The sun blazing in the western window which has no screen to protect people facing in that direction. Why? It's been this way since they opened and despite numerous requests, management has done nothing. Dinner for two with a burger and a wrap and two soft drinks and one order of fries came to $50 with tip. Sorry. Not worth it.

Consistent spot with a solid menu, just skip the rings lately…read more We've been coming to Bareburger at Darien Commons (right off exit 10 on I-95) for a while now, and it's easily become one of our reliable go-tos. Parking is always plentiful, which already takes the stress out of heading there. The vibe inside is cozy and casual with a spacious dining area and plenty of booths. Plus, they have a full bar and a vintage video game console that always makes a big kid like me happy while we wait. The manager and the staff here are consistently great--super welcoming and attentive every single time. When it comes to the food, we pretty much have our order down to a science: Four Smash Burger & Fries: You can't go wrong with this one. Paired with a side of French fries, it's a hit every time and you save a few bucks. The Southwestern Bowl: It comes with the all-natural grilled "wham bam" chicken, avocado, cauliflower rice, black beans, pickled red onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, greens, and tortilla chips, but we skip the jalapeño ranch. It's fresh, filling, and always hits the spot. They also have a really good vegan selection on the menu if you have dietary preferences. The only real downside lately has been the onion rings. We used to absolutely love them when they first opened, but the last few times we ordered them, they came out overcooked and rock-hard, so we've stopped adding them to our order. Stick to the fries instead. Bonus points for the outdoor dining area! It's great when the weather's right, especially if you have fur babies like us and want to bring them along. Definitely recommend checking this location out.

Indoor dining

Soft drinks

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Hunan Kitchen

(31 reviews)

1.7 mi

Came here on Christmas Eve and it was super delicious. I really enjoyed everything that we had. We…read moregot miso soup as an appetizer. Then we got the sticky short ribs as another appetizer and then we shared family style the beef and broccoli, the pad Thai and the sesame chicken. Everything came out super fast for how busy the restaurant was but everything was absolutely delicious. The restaurant does get pretty loud if it's pretty busy, but nothing too crazy and they have a lot of tables for small parties and also large parties The restaurant is very clean and comfortable, and the bathrooms are very spacious as well

I went to a Hunan Taste years ago in Wilton and found it greasy. Today I went to this new(er)…read morelocation in Darien and it was delicious and surprise- not greasy at all! I only got a lunch special of ginger chicken with broccoli. The rice was perfectly cooked and chicken tender - good quality. Sauce actually had a perfectly strong flavor of ginger! The lady working there was so nice- even saw me coming back from the lot and ran out with my takeout bag. I don't return to many, if any, Chinese restaurants, but I will give this one a try for dining in since it is so nice inside!

Inside of restaurant, midday

Dining area

Miso soup

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Roots Steakhouse

4.2

(38 reviews)

1.3 mi

My wife and I had dinner there & told them we were due to have a son in August. At the end of the…read moredinner they surprised us with an ice cream sundae and a teddy bear. The manager Chris and server Danielle could not have been nicer people. That aside, food was also A+.

Bigger than it looks from the outside Seated on time…read more Not rushed Good food. Poppers (Yorkshire pudding instead of bread) was an interesting twist and very nice I had wagyu dumplings (wasn't hugely keen but overall ok) and yellowfin tuna with salad which was great My spouse and friends has a variety of dishes - beef wellington, salads, wagyu steak. All excellent Some good wine selections - we had a nice bottle of French wine and other drinks Good deserts and coffee Easiest way too sum up Roost is that it's like going to a far superior 1020 at a price that is higher but not hugely so. Easily the best food offering all round in Darien (and yes it's better than the French place which has food that is hit and miss)

Open Face Crab Cake Sandwich

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Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Jake's Place

This is for those people who like a small diner, with a hands-on touch. I was in the mood for a…read moregreat traditional breakfast, and that's what I got. I followed my instincts and ordered the homemade corned beef hash, with one scrambled egg and hash browns, and was very pleased with everything (except the bottled grapefruit juice, which was mostly corn syrup). As you can see from the photo, the chef had a generous hand! The service was friendly. A lot of workers came in to order breakfast sandwiches. I think there were nine small tables in the whole place. Parking was easy, but pulling out from the parking area to go home can't be done in a rush, as it's on the corner of Ledge Rd. and Noroton Ave. It was morning rush hour.

The owner is always incredibly nice and remembers us each time we come in. The food is amazing--we…read morecome from Cali originally so it's hard to find food comparable to the great food in Cali/NY. But this diner matches that quality and service. Everything's always clean. It's a small place but that doesn't matter when the food is great, the service is quick, and the atmosphere is lovely. Random thing we also enjoy is the fact that the toast is always buttered already when it's served to us.

Corned beef hash under scrambled egg, hash browns

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1 review that is not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ben E.

0

2

0

9 years ago

$tay away from this highly mediocre, processed-GMO ingredient filled slop-house of culinary doom: reason being, your options in the area are better by FAR. If you are looking for a great deli and not more mediocre heartburn inducing artery sludge, then go down the post road another two miles to the number 1 rated deli on the "Gold Coast," Uncle's Deli. If you are driving back to 95, go to Vavala's instead. Better yet, if you are looking for cheap slop, as per mama's ingredients and atrocious burning technique (I wouldnt deign to call it cooking per se), down the post road another two miles towards Stamford is a VERY VERY VERY good and super cheap local secret/crowd pleaser called Sergios. Go to Sergios. ALL of the people who know better go there to find the kind of crap mama's tries desperately to achieve, but let's face the facts, the Greeks and Albanians do it WAY BETTER. My uncle stops there on out of state drives and he eats at the finest restaurants, so his options for crap food would have to be selected very carefully. mama's is another culinary letdown monopolizing prime real estate that COULD be taken up by an actually enticing culinary operation; lest it be a sad current reality that it is presently occupied by food on par with the first microwaved meals of the 1950's. read more

Mama Carmela's Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

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