Antonio's Italian Bistro Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For residents of Connecticut, finding an exceptional, locally-owned Italian restaurant that seamlessly blends a cozy atmosphere with a trendy, upscale feel can be a true delight. Antonio's Italian Bistro, located on the historic Boston Post Road in Darien, CT, is precisely that destination. This Italian eatery provides a vibrant and welcoming culinary experience that captures the heart and flavor of Italian cooking. It is a highly-rated spot where locals can reliably enjoy classic Italian dishes, innovative specials, and an ambiance that is both inviting and elegant.
Antonio's Italian Bistro is more than just a place to eat; it's a true dining experience popular for both **lunch** and **dinner**. Whether you are planning a special gathering, enjoying a solo meal, or having a relaxed evening with a group, the bistro’s warm and attentive service—often highlighted by enthusiastic staff like 'Juan'—ensures a memorable visit. Customers frequently praise the speed and efficiency of the **fast service**, a significant benefit for both lunch crowds and busy evening diners. The menu is robust, featuring everything from delicious **antipasti** and fresh **salads** to homemade **pasta**, expertly prepared **main** courses, **carne** (meat) selections, and an excellent selection of **pizza**.
The atmosphere is described as being simultaneously **casual, cozy, and trendy**, creating a versatile space that’s appropriate for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend celebration. With high praise for not only the delicious food—such as the rich **Penne Vodka** and perfectly cooked **Halibut**—but also the quality of the **great coffee**, **great dessert**, and an impressive **great wine list**, Antonio's Italian Bistro is a standout culinary gem in Fairfield County.
Location and Accessibility
Antonio's Italian Bistro is conveniently situated at a prime address in Darien, CT, making it easily reachable for residents throughout the lower Connecticut region. The address is 971 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA. This location on the Boston Post Road (US Route 1) is central to the area, ensuring effortless access whether you are traveling from Stamford, Norwalk, or other surrounding towns.
The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests, a crucial detail for inclusive local businesses. The facilities are fully **wheelchair accessible**, including the **entrance**, **parking lot**, and **seating** areas, ensuring comfort and convenience for every patron. For those driving, the bistro offers both a dedicated **free parking lot** and **free street parking**, which is a highly valued amenity in a busy commercial district.
Services Offered
Antonio's Italian Bistro is committed to providing flexible and comprehensive service options that cater to every need of the Connecticut customer:
- Dine-in Service: Featuring comfortable **seating** and **table service**, the bistro offers a wonderful environment for a full, relaxing meal.
- Takeout and Delivery: For the utmost convenience, customers can opt for **takeout** or have their meal delivered, with the added option of **no-contact delivery**.
- Catering: The restaurant offers **catering** services, perfect for local business functions, family parties, and events where authentic, high-quality Italian food is desired.
- Reservations: The bistro **accepts reservations**, allowing patrons to easily plan their dining experience, especially for larger groups or during peak hours.
- Private Dining: A dedicated **private dining room** is available, making Antonio’s an ideal choice for celebrations, meetings, or intimate gatherings.
- Counter Service: For quick orders or simple transactions, **counter service** is available.
- Full Meal Service: They specialize in serving both **lunch** and **dinner**, complete with full appetizer, main course, and **dessert** menus.
Features / Highlights
Antonio's Italian Bistro stands out in the competitive Fairfield County dining scene due to several key features:
- Exceptional Food Quality and Variety: The menu is extensive and focuses on authentic Italian cuisine, with highlights including:
- Fresh Seafood: Signature dishes like the perfectly cooked **Halibut**, **Salmone**, **Frutti Di Mare**, and **Calamari Fritti** are frequently praised.
- Classic Pasta & Meats: Delicious renditions of **Penne Vodka**, **Gnocchi Bolognese**, **Spaghetti & Meatballs**, and premium cuts like **Filet Mignon**, **Costata Di Manzo**, and **Veal Marsala**.
- Unique Offerings: Dishes such as **Crispy Gnocchi**, **Lamb Lollipops**, and a variety of gourmet **paninis** like the **Caprese Burger** for lunch, showcase culinary creativity.
- Beverage Excellence: The bistro holds a reputation for a **great wine list** and a selection of **creative cocktails**, along with **beer** and **hard liquor** options, making it a perfect spot for social dining.
- Dessert and Coffee Focus: Known for **great dessert**—including homemade **Tiramisu**, **Pistachio Cake**, and **NY Cheesecake**—and excellent **great coffee**, the conclusion to any meal is always satisfying.
- Family and Dietary Accommodations: The restaurant is **good for kids**, offering **high chairs** and a dedicated **kids' menu** with favorites like **Kids Pasta** and **Kids Chicken Tenders + Fries**. They also provide **vegetarian options** on the main menu.
- Modern Convenience: They accept all standard forms of payment including **credit cards**, **debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, and offer **Wi-Fi** access for guests.
- Pet-Friendly Patio: Patrons are allowed to have their **dogs allowed outside** in the outdoor dining area.
Contact Information
To experience the authentic Italian cuisine and excellent service at Antonio's Italian Bistro, or to inquire about reservations or catering, please use the following contact details:
Address: 971 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA
Phone: (475) 328-9854
Mobile Phone: +1 475-328-9854
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Antonio's Italian Bistro is choosing one of Fairfield County’s finest examples of contemporary, authentic Italian dining. For Connecticut users searching for a reliable, high-quality Italian meal, this bistro offers an outstanding combination of excellent cuisine and exceptional service. It is a place where every element—from the staff's engagement and energy to the presentation of a dish like the **Sesame Tuna**—is executed with care.
The core reasons this restaurant is a must-visit are twofold: **the remarkable quality of the menu** and **the welcoming, full-service experience**. Where else can you find a full spread of classic comfort dishes, such as **Spaghetti & Meatballs** and a rich **Penne Vodka** 'made with love,' alongside gourmet options like **Lamb Lollipops**, **Veal Marsala**, and the perfectly balanced **Halibut**? The ability to accommodate special events with a **private dining room**, combined with the convenience of a **free parking lot** and robust **delivery/takeout** options, makes it a highly practical choice for any occasion.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast looking for a sophisticated pairing from the **great wine list**, a family needing a **kids' menu** and high chairs, or a local professional seeking a fast, delicious lunch, Antonio's Italian Bistro delivers. Its blend of a cozy-yet-trendy atmosphere solidifies its status as a premier destination on the Connecticut culinary map, offering a taste of Italy right here in Darien.
Antonio's Italian Bistro Food & drink
Lunch
- Blackened Chicken $18.00
Sautéed chicken breast, avocado, cherry peppers, romaine, pepper jack cheese
- Tuscan Chicken $16.00
Grilled chicken, Fresh mozzarella, roasted pepper, basil pesto
- Burger Panini $17.00
Beef patty, , mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic
- Parmesan $18.00
Choice of traditional eggplant meatball or chicken parmesan
- Italiano $19.00
Sopressata, mortadella, prosciutto di parma, romaine, tomato, provolone
- Bistecca $21.00
Filet mignon, caramelized onion, gorgonzola
- Caprese Burger $25.00
ANTIPASTI
- Burrata E Prosciutto $22.00
Creamy burrata, San Daniele prosciutto, roasted peppers
- Polpette Manzo $16.00
Meatballs, marinara
- Crispy Gnocchi $19.00
Goat cheese, frisee, grapes, lemon vinaigrette
- Caprese $20.00
Fresh mozzarella, steak tomatoes, balsamic glaze, EVOO
- Calamari Fritti $21.00
Lightly battered calamari, served with cherry peppers and fra diavolo
- Vongole Oreganata $20.00
Little neck clams, seasoned breadcrumbs, lemon
- Rotondetta $19.00
Chicken burrata dumplings, sweet chili sauce
- Goat Cheese Fritti $19.00
Roasted marinated beets, walnuts, balsamic glaze, baby arugula
- Polpo $21.00
Grilled octopus Roasted heirloom tomatoes, pewee potatoes, spicy chorizo
- Cozze APP $19.00
PEI Mussels, spicy tomato sauce or garlic white wine
- Burrata Fritta $19.00
Breaded burrata golden fried, served over pomodoro sauce with prosciutto and crostini
- Lamb Lollipops $27.00
New Zealand lamb chops grilled with balsamic glaze
- Zuppa Del Giorno $16.00
Soup of the day. Please ask your server
- Garlic Bread Parm $15.00
SALADS
- Caesar Salad $18.00
Organic romaine, caesar dressing, parmesan tuile, focaccia, croutons
- Beet & Burrata Salad $20.00
Fresh beets, burrata, pine nuts, arugula, lemon vinaigrette
- Mixed Baby Lettuce Salad $17.00
Balsamic vinaigrette, heirloom tomatoes, shaved parmesan
- Baby Arugula Salad $20.00
Roasted almonds, apple, shaved parmesan cheese tossed with lemon vinaigrette
PASTA
- Gambaretto Toscana $37.00
Pappardelle. shrimp, spinach, creamy garlic sauce, sundried tomatoes
- Penne Vodka $29.00
Tomato sauce, vodka cream, pancetta
- Linguine Alle Vongole $35.00
Little neck clams, garlic, white wine, parsley
- Tortellini $30.00
Cheese tortellini with Prosciutto and peas in a light creamy alfredo sauce
- Frutti Di Mare $40.00
Homemade squid ink linquini, sautéed with jumbo shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, calabrian peppers in a fra diavolo sauce
- Cavatelli $31.00
Cavatelli with crumbled sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, EVOO
- Gnocchi Bolognese $33.00
Bolognese sauce, homemade fresh gnocchi, Pecorino
- Nonna’s Sunday Sauce $31.00
Rigatoni, beef braciole, meatball and sausage
- Spaghetti & Meatballs $27.00
- Cacio Pepe $28.00
- Fettucini Tartufata $33.00
MAIN
- Pollo Parmigiana $32.00
- Salmone $39.00
Hidden Fjord salmon served with butternut squash, broccoli rabe, red wine reduction
- Halibut $42.00
Parmesan crusted, baby spinach, chopped tomatoes, beurre blanc, chives
- Parmigiana Di Melanazane $30.00
Traditional eggplant parmesan, fresh mozzarella, basil
- Pollo Scarpariello $35.00
Boneless chicken, hot sausage, hot cherry peppers, pee wee potatoes
- Sesame Tuna $37.00
Heirloom tomatoes and avocado salad, lemon ginger vinaigrette
- Pollo Milanesa $32.00
- Chicken Paillard $32.00
- Chicken Marsala $32.00
Filets of chicken in a marsala sauce with broccoli and roasted potatoes
CARNE
- Veal Marsala $48.00
Veal Scaloppini, mushroom, marsala wine, potatoes, broccoli rabe
- Costata Di Manzo $53.00
Prime ribeye, asparagus, roasted potatoes, aju steak sauce
- Agnello $51.00
Pistachio pesto crusted lamb chop, brussel sprouts, roasted cauliflower, pomegranate sauce
- Filet Mignon $45.00
Center cut Filet Mignon, mashed potato, asparagus
PIZZA
- Margherita Pizza $20.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, EVOO
- Prosciutto Parma Pizza $25.00
Parmigiano, baby arugula, mozzarella
- Quattro Formaggi $26.00
Blend of four cheeses
- LA BARESE $25.00
White pizza, broccoli rabe, sausage and cherry peppers
- TARTUFATA $23.00
Wild mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella
- Build Your Own - Cheese Pizza $20.00
Cheese Pizza add toppings
- Carne Amore $27.00
Italian sausage, meatballs, pepperoni
SIDES
- Side Sautéed Garlic Broccoli Rabe $14.00
- Side Roasted PeeWee Potatoes $14.00
- Side Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts & Pancetta $14.00
- Side Wilted Spinach $14.00
- Side Truffle Parmesan Fries $14.00
- Side Asparagus $14.00
- Side French Fries $14.00
- Side Pasta & Butter $15.00
- Side Grilled Chicken $12.00
- Side Shrimp $18.00
- Side Steak $18.00
- Side Salmon $18.00
- Side Broccoli $14.00
DESSERTS
- Tiramisu $13.00
Lady fingers, marscapone, rum, coffee liqueur, cocoa
- Pistachio Cake $15.00
- NY Cheesecake $15.00
- Biscotti $13.00
KIDS
- Kids Pasta $16.00
- Kids Chicken Tenders + Fries $17.00
- Kids Grilled Chicken + Fries $17.00
Antonio's Italian Bistro Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Antonio's Italian Bistro Photos










Antonio's Italian Bistro Location
Antonio's Italian Bistro
971 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA
Antonio's Italian Bistro Reviews
winefood and servicehalibutappetizerscalamarieggplant parmigianawalkingmanagementlimoncello martinipistachio
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1It was very inviting as soon as we walked in. Eye contact with a smile from every staff member. The elegance of the restaurant to the music, great staff, and delicious food had me enjoy every moment. Juan was so engaging and energetic as he added the great customer experience to have you come back! My colleagues and I enjoyed trying one another's dishes. The Halibut was cooked perfectly with the right amount of flavor, as I will definitely order again! The Sesame Tuna had such a vibrant display and had a perfect balance 👌🏼 The Penne Vodka was a rich taste made with love ❤️ Thank you, Antonio and staff for the welcoming experience!
May 01 · lynn perezCreative cocktails. Delicious food 😊 We stopped by for lunch and had the halibut and strip steak with were both prepared perfectly! Wine accompaniment was excellent (Sancerre and Cab Sauv by the glass) Finished with cappuccino and desert including complementary almond biscotti which wrapped up the entire meal wonderfully! Thank you for an excellent early weekend meal 😊🙏
September 20 · Angela VickThis was the first time having lunch at Antonio’s. The place is very cozy, the service was excellent, I had lunch with my Sister. We loved the food. The food was very fresh and delicious. We enjoyed the food. Excellent. Very friendly. Will definitely going back.
March 15 · Claren DesThe food, atmosphere, and service at Antonio’s Italian Bistro are excellent! You will experience upscale dining at a cozy and welcoming place.
August 18 · John GalvezInconsistencies across the board. There were dishes that I absolutely loved and really impressed me (the focaccia, Brussels sprouts, both gnocchi dishes, the lentil soup, and toffee cake which is a must!). There were also some dishes that I really didn’t care for. The sole was bland and left much to be desired. The margarita pizza and calamari were both mid. Finally, the eggplant dish was so bitter it made me feel like my mouth was tripping on acid. Also they ran out of vanilla ice cream and gave us pistachio instead- not a suitable substitute. What a let down. I guess another hit and a miss.xoxo foodie girl
March 28 · Foodie Girl
More restaurants near me

42 Center St, Darien, CT 06820, USA

117 N Main St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

125 N Main St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

103 Adee St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

46 N Main St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

73 Poningo St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

10 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

1 Westchester Ave #326b, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

26 N Main St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

147 Irving Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

14 King St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA

118 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





