Le Penguin

- 61 Lewis St, Greenwich, CT 06830

For Connecticut residents searching for a truly authentic, charming, and upscale European dining experience without traveling far from home, **Le Penguin** in Greenwich stands out as a premier destination. More than just a restaurant, this establishment is a classic French bistro, a beloved fixture in Fairfield County that transports its patrons straight to the heart of Paris or the French Riviera with its delightful atmosphere and meticulously prepared cuisine. Since its transformation in 2013 by veteran restaurateurs Antoine Blech and Anshu Vidyarthi, the location at 61 Lewis Street has continued a fabled tradition of fine dining, promising to remain a key culinary destination in the Northeast United States.

Le Penguin is celebrated for perfectly embodying the bistro concept: an intimate, cozy, and slightly trendy space that serves traditional, high-quality French food with impeccable service. The menu focuses on delivering French classics with a contemporary twist, emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients to ensure farm-to-table freshness. Diners can expect the full breadth of French culinary artistry, from tantalizing appetizers designed to be shared to hearty, memorable main courses featuring fish, chicken, and beef. The focus on well-being and freshness, combined with the classic culinary techniques, ensures that every dish is both delicious and satisfying.

The entire vibe of the restaurant—described by many as romantic and upscale—is carefully curated. The clean and colorful décor, often featuring whimsical touches, allows guests to dine in comfort and style. Whether you are seeking a special occasion dinner, an elegant lunch, or a cozy spot for solo dining, Le Penguin delivers an exceptional experience that has earned it a loyal following among Connecticut locals.

Crucially, the management team brings a wealth of experience from famed international and New York City establishments, including L'Orangerie, Le Bec Fin, and Le Bilboquet, ensuring that the standards of service and culinary execution are consistently top-tier. This professional pedigree underpins the entire operation, making a visit to Le Penguin a reliable choice for a superb meal in the Greenwich area.

Le Penguin is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Greenwich, Connecticut, a location highly accessible to residents across Fairfield County and beyond. The exact address is 61 Lewis St, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Being on Lewis Street places the bistro in a prime, sophisticated area known for high-end retail and dining, yet its specific location allows for a slightly more intimate feel compared to the main avenue. Its strategic positioning makes it an easy destination for those traveling from Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, or even New York state.

Key accessibility features for Connecticut locals:

• The restaurant is easily reachable via major roads and is only a short drive from I-95, the primary coastal artery connecting much of Connecticut and New York.
• For those using public transportation, the Greenwich Metro-North station is conveniently located nearby, making it a viable option for commuters.
• Parking is well-supported for the local crowd, with various options including free street parking, paid street parking, and paid parking lots available in the vicinity. This is a significant convenience in a busy downtown area.
• The intimate dining room and upscale setting make reservations highly recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring guests can plan their visit seamlessly. The restaurant accepts reservations and encourages booking, particularly for groups of five or more.

Le Penguin provides a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services tailored to meet the expectations of its sophisticated Connecticut clientele, ensuring flexibility and convenience for a variety of occasions.

• **Full Table Service:** Professional and attentive table service for a complete and refined dining experience during both lunch and dinner.
• **Lunch and Dinner Service:** Open for both mid-day and evening meals, catering to various schedules and dining preferences.
• **Takeout:** Convenient option for guests who wish to enjoy the high-quality French cuisine in the comfort of their home or office.
• **Full Bar & Beverage Program:** Offers a superb selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and a highlight-worthy, extensive wine list.
• **Great Wine List:** Features a curated collection of French wines, including Baron de Seillac Rosé, Sancerre, and a proprietary Le Penguin 'Reserve' St. Emilion Bordeaux, alongside selections from Italy and California, available by the glass (Au Verre) or by the bottle.
• **Dessert Menu:** Dedicated dessert offerings, noted for their quality, to complete the meal.
• **Reservations Accepted:** Encourages guests to make dinner reservations to guarantee seating, especially given the restaurant's popularity and cozy atmosphere.
• **High Chairs:** Available amenities for families dining with children.

The core appeal of Le Penguin lies in its mastery of classic French bistro fare, delivered in an atmosphere that is both intimate and lively. The following highlights showcase the best of the experience:

• **Quintessential French Cuisine:** The menu is a celebration of time-honored French dishes, providing a genuine European dining experience. Starters include classics such as Escargots de Bourgogne, Foie Gras Terrine, and Salade Frisee aux Lardons.
• **Signature Main Courses:** The restaurant is particularly famous for certain perfectly executed entrees:
  • Steak Frites 'Bearnaise': A beloved bistro standard, featuring a juicy steak paired with perfectly crispy French fries (Pommes Frites), often highlighted by customers as a menu standout.
  • Magret de Canard à l'orange: A rich and tender duck breast served with a classic orange sauce, noted by patrons as being cooked to perfection.
  • Moules Frites 'Le Penguin': Mussels served with French fries, a traditional and satisfying main course.
  • Filet au Poivre: A classic pepper-crusted beef filet, offering a rich and sophisticated option.
• **Cozy, Upscale Atmosphere:** The interior design creates a delightful atmosphere—cozy, romantic, and trendy—making it ideal for date nights, celebratory dinners, or an upscale lunch. It is known to be a favorite among locals.
• **Exceptional Beverage Program:** Features a thoughtfully curated wine list with excellent French options available by the glass or bottle, alongside creative cocktails, perfect for pairing with the rich cuisine. The bar service is a noted highlight.
• **Outstanding Service and Hospitality:** Reviews consistently mention the staff's professionalism, accommodation, and great service, even during busy periods, contributing significantly to a memorable meal.

For Connecticut residents planning a visit, booking a reservation, or making an inquiry, the direct contact information for Le Penguin in Greenwich is essential. Given the restaurant’s popularity, it is advisable to call ahead for dinner seating.

Address: 61 Lewis St, Greenwich, CT 06830

Phone: (203) 717-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 203-717-1200

This information provides the clearest path to experiencing one of Greenwich's finest French bistros. The management encourages direct contact for reservations, especially for groups, ensuring personalized service and confirmation of availability.

Le Penguin is truly worth choosing for Connecticut locals because it offers an escape to European elegance without leaving the state. It provides a consistently high-quality experience that blends classic French cooking mastery with a comfortable, stylish environment. You are not just paying for food; you are investing in a sophisticated, memorable evening. The restaurant's appeal is rooted in its dedication to French tradition while sourcing the freshest ingredients.

The number one reason to choose Le Penguin is its phenomenal execution of bistro classics. Specifically, the **Steak Frites 'Bearnaise'** is a must-try. Customer reviews frequently praise the steak for being juicy and perfectly cooked, with the frites achieving that difficult balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior—a hallmark of a great French meal. If you prefer poultry, the **Magret de Canard à l'orange** is a close second, praised for its rich flavor and perfect preparation, demonstrating the chef’s technical skill.

For starters, you should not miss the **Escargots de Bourgogne** or the **Foie Gras Terrine** for an authentic, indulgent French beginning. Furthermore, the extensive wine list is a major highlight, curated to perfectly complement the savory, rich French flavors on the menu. Choosing a glass of the proprietary Le Penguin 'Reserve' St. Emilion Bordeaux or the Sancerre is a fantastic way to elevate your dining experience.

In summary, Le Penguin in Greenwich offers Connecticut diners an authentic, romantic, and upscale French bistro experience, making it the perfect choice for a celebration, a special date night, or simply to indulge in some of the finest traditional French cuisine available in the region.

Le Penguin

61 Lewis St, Greenwich, CT 06830, USA