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Locali ico

Locali
- 32 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Italian restaurant, Bar ★4.0 (28)·$20–30

32 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA

4.0
Restaurant Review: Locali Restaurant, New CanaanI recently had the pleasure of dining at Locali Restaurant in New Canaan, and it was a truly delightful experience. The menu offers a fantastic selection of dishes, and everything I tried exceeded expectations.One standout appetizer was the Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta—a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that was both innovative and delicious. The Goat Pizza was also fantastic, featuring fresh ingredients and a perfectly baked crust.The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Famous Locali Clam Pizza—by far the best pizza I've had in a very very long time. Crispy, flavorful, and expertly crafted, it’s a must-try for pizza lovers. I grew up in Brooklyn and have had pizza literally all over the world. This is the real deal.For the main course, I ordered the Crispy Chicken Milanese, which was simply amazing. The chicken was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection with a satisfying crispy crust.Locali Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with top-notch dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for exceptional food and great service.Rating: 5 stars all day long. - Frederick B.
Locali Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 28 people$10–20$20–30$30–50

Locali Introduce

Locali, nestled right on New Canaan’s bustling Restaurant Row, is more than just a place to grab a slice—it is a beloved Connecticut destination that masterfully blends the authentic warmth of an Italian restaurant with the lively, innovative energy of a modern pizza and tapas bar. Serving the Fairfield County community, Locali has earned a reputation for its phenomenal food compositions, cozy atmosphere, and stellar service, establishing itself as a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.

The culinary philosophy here centers around simple yet beautiful ingredients, which are transformed into a diverse menu of high-level artisanal pizzas, creative small plates, and classic Italian main courses. The centerpiece of the operation is a beautiful, hand-crafted wood-fired brick oven—a testament to their commitment to Neapolitan-style pizza excellence. This oven produces thin, chewy, and perfectly charred crusts that serve as the foundation for both traditional favorites and exciting, inventive toppings.

While the wood-fired pizzas are undeniably a major draw, with the Famous Locali Clam Pizza receiving high praise as a must-try masterpiece, the menu’s depth extends far beyond the pie. Guests can explore a vibrant selection of small plates, perfect for sharing and sampling the kitchen's innovative flair, alongside classic Italian mains like Garganelli Bolognese and Chicken Milanese. Locali provides a dining experience that caters equally to a quick, gourmet lunch, a fun night out for groups, or a cozy, solo dinner.

Location and Accessibility

Locali boasts a prime location in the heart of New Canaan, Connecticut, making it easily accessible for residents across the region. Situated on the corner of Locust Avenue and Forest Street, it’s a central point within the town’s popular 'Restaurant Row,' offering excellent visibility and convenience.

The full address for the restaurant is:

32 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840

The commitment to customer experience extends deeply into accessibility. Locali is designed to be welcoming to all patrons, featuring a comprehensive set of accessibility amenities. Visitors will appreciate the availability of a free parking lot and free street parking nearby, making arrival stress-free. Furthermore, for guests with mobility needs, the venue offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, parking lot, and designated seating areas, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive dining environment.

Services Offered

Locali offers a full spectrum of dining services designed for flexibility and convenience, whether you plan to dine in or enjoy their food at home:

  • Full Dine-In Service: Offering both lunch and dinner with table service in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. Dinner reservations are recommended, particularly for peak times, as the indoor dining area is known for being intimate.
  • Outdoor Seating: A popular feature, the pleasant outdoor patio provides a lovely setting for enjoying meals, particularly during warm Connecticut evenings.
  • Takeout and Delivery: For maximum convenience, Locali provides full takeout and local delivery service options, allowing customers to enjoy their artisanal pizzas and Italian mains at home.
  • Full Bar Service: The venue includes a bar onsite and is known for great cocktails, a wide selection of beer, hard liquor, and an impressive, curated wine list.
  • Artisanal Pizza and Diverse Menu: Specialties include a wide array of wood-fired pizzas, such as the famous Locali Clam Pizza, the Mac & Cheese Pizza, and a Gluten Free Queen Margherita, alongside substantial Mains, Small Plates (Tapas-style offerings), and Salads.
  • Kid-Friendly Options: The restaurant is welcoming to families and offers a dedicated Kids Menu featuring favorites like Organic Mac N Cheese and Meatballs And Pasta.
  • Flexible Payments: Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for seamless transactions.
Features and Highlights

Locali is celebrated in the Connecticut dining scene for a number of standout features that elevate the overall guest experience:

  • Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza: The use of a hand-crafted, imported Stefano Ferrara wood-fired brick oven ensures an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with a perfectly blistered crust, consistently praised by pizza aficionados.
  • Famous Signature Dishes: Highlights like the "Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta" small plate and the unique "Locali Clam Pizza" are highly reviewed and considered must-try items, showcasing the kitchen’s blend of creativity and quality.
  • Exceptional Beverage Program: Known for having a "Great cocktails" and a "Great wine list," the bar is a focal point, providing perfect pairings for any meal, from a glass of Italian red to a refreshing signature cocktail.
  • Fast Service and Cozy Atmosphere: Patrons frequently comment on the "Fast service," making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, while the "Casual," "Cozy," and "Trendy" atmosphere—featuring organic materials and an inviting interior—makes it a relaxing place to linger.
  • Comprehensive Accessibility: Offering wheelchair accessible seating, restroom, entrance, and parking, Locali demonstrates a commendable commitment to ensuring its services are available to the entire community.
  • Excellent Dessert Program: Beyond the savory items, the restaurant is known for having "Great dessert," with indulgent options like Brownie W/ Vanilla Ice Cream and the fun, signature S'mores Pizza providing a perfect end to the meal.
  • Varied Menu Appeal: The blend of Italian restaurant, pizza bar, and tapas bar means the menu offers something for every taste and dining style, from small plates for sharing to hearty pasta and rice bowls.
Contact Information

For Connecticut locals planning a visit, a reservation, or a takeout order, Locali's contact information is:

Address: 32 Forest St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: (203) 920-1440 or +1 203-920-1440

What is Worth Choosing

Locali is worth choosing for Connecticut residents because it offers a truly superior and multi-faceted dining experience that hits all the right notes for quality, atmosphere, and variety. The quality of the food—from the perfectly textured, wood-fired dough and fresh Italian ingredients to the inventive small plates—is consistently rated on an "extremely high level." For pizza enthusiasts, the authenticity of the Neapolitan-style crust and the unique, locally-famous creations like the Clam Pizza are reason enough to visit.

Moreover, the entire package at Locali is designed for enjoyment: the staff is frequently described as friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is laid-back yet stylish, and the availability of great cocktails and a superb wine list elevates any meal. It is a restaurant that understands the diverse needs of the Connecticut crowd, welcoming families with a dedicated kids' menu, providing accessible amenities for all patrons, and offering flexible dining options from casual outdoor seating to quick takeout and delivery. Whether you’re looking for the “best pizza you’ve had in a very very long time,” as one customer put it, or a lively, cozy spot for great Italian fare and creative tapas, Locali delivers a memorable and highly satisfying culinary experience right here in New Canaan.

Locali Food & drink

  • Artisinal Pizza

  • Cheese Pizza $15.00

    san marzano, parmesan, mozzarella

  • Locali Clam Pizza $25.00

    manilla clams in the shell, fior, di latte, pecorino, garlic, parsley, lemon

  • Mac & Cheese Pizza $20.00

    baked mac n' cheese on a pie "not just for the kids"!

  • Wild New England $23.00

    wild mushroom, taleggio, reggiano, fior di latte, wild porcini oil

  • The G.O.A.T $20.00

    goat cheese, mozzarella, pecorino, caramelized apple, toasted pistachio, honey drizzle

  • French Onion Pizza $24.00

    wood fired onions, thyme, mozzarella, brie cheese, aged balsamic, roasted onion powder

  • Sicilian Godfather $22.00

    san marzano, soppressata, red onion, cherry peppers, sharp provolone

  • Queen Margherita $18.00

    organic san marzano, fior di latte, basil, pecorino, new canaan olive oil

  • Gluten Free Queen Margherita $20.00

    organic san marzano, fior di latte, basil, pecorino, new canaan olive oil, GF crust

  • White Pizza (Plain) $16.00

    plain cheese pie w/ no sauce

  • Dough $9.00
  • S'mores Pizza $22.00

    nutella, crushed graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate drizzle

  • Pretty Kale Leopard $20.00

    mozzarella di bufula, kale-almond pesto, pecorino sardo, crispy kale

  • Snake Oil $21.00

    san marzano, capicola, fior di latte, pecorino, garlic, sriracha, honey, scallions

  • Fat Chicken $20.00

    chicken sausage, mozzarella, fontina, scallions

  • 3 AM $20.00

    san marzano, pepperoni, calabrian chili, smoked mozzarella, sliced garlic

  • Truffle Shuffle $23.00

    artichokes, mushrooms, arugula, taleggio, truffle oil

  • Old School $20.00

    san marzano, butcher's sausage, olives, cherry peppers, pecorino, "no cheese"!

  • Mains

  • Garganelli Bolognese $24.00

    heritage pork, veal, beef ragu, sofrito

  • Grilled Salmon Rice Bowl $28.00

    grilled broccoli, basil pesto, pickled onion, crispy shallots, lemon, rice, BE tomato sauce

  • Chicken Milanese $27.00

    arugula, parmesan, artichokes, radish, olives, lemon & mustard vinaigrette

  • Spaghetti & Clams $27.00

    calabrian chili, tomato pomodoro, white wine, butter, parsley, lemon

  • Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl $22.00

    lemon zest, basil, crispy shallots, chili oil, spicy creamy japanese aioli (contains peanuts)

  • Desserts

  • Brownie W/ Vanilla Ice Cream $12.00
  • Nutella Not Doughnuts $13.00

    fried dough, nutella, hazelnuts, powdered sugar

  • S'mores Pizza $22.00

    for sharing! nutella, crushed graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate drizzle

  • Cinnamon Caramel Doughnuts $13.00

    malted cider honey, cinnamon sugar

  • Kids Menu

  • Organic Mac N Cheese $12.00

    farm-made cheese and milk, garganelli

  • Meatballs And Pasta $13.00

    organic marinara, parmesan, house-made meatballs (2 ct)

  • Kid's Pasta $11.00
  • Cheese Pizza $15.00

    san marzano, parmesan, mozzarella

  • Small Plates

  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts $15.00

    creamy mortadella, px raisin, pistachio, pickled shallots, sea salt

  • Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta $15.00

    oranges, grilled filone, crispy garlic & basil crisps

  • Truffle Fries $12.00

    parmesan, truffle oil, sriracha aioli

  • Crispy Crunchy Calamari $18.00

    amalfi aioli, lemon

  • Virgin Bread $5.00

    grilled filone, cracked pepper and evoo

  • Crispy Zucchini $16.00

    BE tomato sauce, calabrian chili aioli, lemon, mint & parmesan

  • Large Meatball $25.00

    (5 ct) stracciatella, creamy polenta, prosciutto

  • Crispy Baby Artichokes $17.00

    yuzu aioli, pecorino, mint

  • Crispy Crushed Potatoes $14.00

    garlic aioli, marinara, parsley

  • Crispy Cauliflower $17.00

    caesar vinaigrette, parmesan, lemon, black pepper

  • Crispy Garlic Knots $15.00

    stracciatella, roasted garlic oil, marinara, parm

  • Shaved Cauliflower $14.00

    medjool dates, cashews, white balsamic GF - Vegan

  • Locali Wings $16.00

    mike's hot honey & garlic, oregano OR house made sriracha, saba

  • Blistered Shishito Peppers $13.00

    san marzano tomato salt, lemon - GF

  • Crunchy Honeynut Squash $15.00

    cashew cream, px sherry, sea salt

  • Small Umami Meatball $17.00

    (3 ct) stracciatella, creamy polenta, prosciutto- GF

  • Salads

  • Pistachio Kale $17.00

    radish, orange, local goat cheese

  • Chopped Chopped $16.00

    romaine, tomato, grapes, onion, olives, egg, blue cheese, sunflower seeds, crispy prosciutto, mustard vinaigrette - GF

  • Farmhouse Salad $17.00

    romaine, arugula, avocado, charred asparagus, onion, tomato, chickpeas, beets, hummus vinaigrette

  • Mediterranean $17.00

    arugula, romaine, hummus, feta, kalamata olives, tomato, red onion, cucumbers, crispy chickpeas, zatar spiced vinaigrette

  • Warm Burrata & Chestnut $16.00

    grilled filone, sea salt, aged vin cotto, black pepper, malted brown butter

  • Caesar Salad $16.00

    shaved parmesan, cheese crunch

  • Baby Arugula $15.00

    shaved reggiano, date vincotto, lemon

  • Add-Ons & Sides

  • Avocado $3.50
  • Side Of Creamy Polenta $7.00
  • Side Chicken $9.00
  • Side Crispy Kale $6.00
  • Side French Fries $7.00
  • Side Salmon $11.00
  • Side Shrimp $12.00
  • Side Crispy Chicken $11.00

Locali Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking

Locali Photos

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Locali Location

Locali Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 227 user reviews.

clamwood-firedcalamarimeatballsareapatiococktailscrustkalehoney

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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