Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar

- 32 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

For Connecticut residents seeking an authentically Italian culinary journey, Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar stands out as a distinguished establishment in the heart of downtown New Canaan. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination that captures the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Italy, drawing inspiration directly from the traditions of the island of Ischia. The establishment has quickly earned a reputation for excellence, combining high-quality ingredients, classic recipes, and an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Lombardi's is celebrated for its commitment to true Italian cuisine, featuring dishes that range from timeless classics to contemporary interpretations. Diners consistently rave about the food, with patrons describing their experience as "incredible." Menu highlights often singled out include the house-made beef meatballs and the remarkably light and crispy Calamari Fritti. The pasta selection, in particular, receives high praise; one customer noted the Tonnarelli alla Carbonara with fresh shaved truffle, prepared table side, was the "most delicious carbonara style pasta I’ve ever had." The menu’s depth is also appreciated, offering everything from fresh seafood like sea bass and lobster ravioli, to premium meats such as the Tomahawk steak and Cotoletta alla Milanese.

Beyond the plate, Lombardi's succeeds in crafting a complete dining atmosphere. The "ambiance is spot on," featuring beautiful, tastefully understated decor with indirect lighting, classic white linen tablecloths, crystal stemware, and hammered flatware. The seating, including comfortable, padded-backed bar stools, is designed for comfort. The restaurant’s attention to detail even extends to subtle soundproofing on the ceilings and walls, ensuring a cozy and quiet dining environment despite being a popular, often packed, spot. The service is uniformly lauded as "excellent," being attentive but not intrusive, which contributes significantly to the overall high-end experience.

Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar is ideally situated in a high-traffic area, making it a prominent and convenient dining spot in New Canaan. Its address places it squarely in the town’s vibrant downtown center, ensuring ease of access for local patrons and those visiting from surrounding Fairfield County communities.

The specific location details are as follows:

Address: 32 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Accessibility is a notable feature, especially regarding parking and convenience:

• Central Downtown Location: Located on Elm Street, it is easily found across the street from key downtown landmarks like the New Canaan bookstore and Rosie’s.
• Convenient Parking Access: The restaurant offers a highly convenient back entrance that leads directly onto Morse Court, where ample public parking is available. This is a significant advantage in a bustling downtown area.
• Ambiance and Comfort: The interior design is elegant, offering an elevated atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. The chairs are noted for being "very comfortable," enhancing the dining experience.
• Reservations and Planning: While a popular destination, the restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended given how packed the venue can become, especially on weekends and busy evenings.

As a full-service Italian Ristorante & Bar, Lombardi's offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet various dining and event needs, reinforcing its status as a local favorite.

• Dinner Service: The primary service focus is dinner, with opening hours from Monday to Saturday at 5:00 PM. The kitchen remains open until 10:00 PM on these evenings. Some web sources indicate limited lunch hours on weekdays and Sunday hours, suggesting potential availability for midday dining.
• Full Bar Service: The onsite bar is a highlight, offering a carefully curated wine list featuring both renowned Italian vintages and boutique gems. They also craft signature cocktails and classic Italian aperitivos. The bar seating is noted for its comfort and elegance.
• Private Dining and Events: Lombardi's is exceptionally well-equipped to host private functions. The venue includes dedicated private spaces, such as the 'Ischia Room,' which seats up to 40 guests and has its own private bar, and the more intimate 'Prada Room,' perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 18 people. These spaces are ideal for rehearsal dinners, birthday celebrations, or corporate events.
• Takeout Service: The restaurant offers Take Away service, allowing patrons to enjoy the high quality of Lombardi’s Italian cuisine in the comfort of their homes.
• Authentic Italian Menu: The menu structure includes a full range of Italian courses: Appetizers (Polpette Classiche, Calamari Fritti), Crudi (Tartara di Tonno, Carpaccio di Manzo), Insalate, Pasta (Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, Lobster Ravioli), Secondi (Cotoletta alla Milanese, Tomahawk Steak), and Dolci (Desserts).
• High-Quality Ingredients: The kitchen uses a mix of fresh, locally sourced produce and premium ingredients imported directly from Italy to ensure authentic flavor.

Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar distinguishes itself from other Italian options in Connecticut through several key features that elevate the dining experience from a simple meal to a memorable occasion.

• Authentic Ischian Heritage: The restaurant's foundation is rooted in the rich traditions of the Italian island of Ischia, a heritage brought to New Canaan by the Lombardi brothers, Andrea and Daniele, ensuring the authenticity and passion behind every dish.
• Exceptional Signature Dishes: Specific menu items consistently receive high praise and are considered must-try highlights. These include the house-made Beef Meatballs, the non-greasy Calamari Fritti, and the incredibly rich and traditional Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, which features fresh shaved truffle prepared table side—a unique touch.
• Private Event Versatility: The dedicated private dining spaces, including the 'Ischia Room' with its own bar, make Lombardi's a prime location in New Canaan for hosting significant personal or professional events. The spaces are described as bright, open, and elegant.
• Upscale Ambiance and Comfort: The atmosphere is a key feature, noted for its "tastefully understated" and elegant decor. Elements like white linen tablecloths, crystal, and comfortable padded seating contribute to a high-end, yet warm, energy. Soundproofing is a thoughtful amenity that ensures a tranquil dining experience.
• Diverse Premium Menu Items: The menu caters to luxurious tastes with items such as Tomahawk Steak for Two, Sea Bass, and the aforementioned Lobster Ravioli and truffled pasta, all prepared with the highest quality standards.
• Superior Service: The service is frequently described as "excellent"—attentive, knowledgeable, and professional—even when the restaurant is at maximum capacity, ensuring a seamless and pleasant visit.

To arrange a private event, secure a reservation, or inquire about their menu and wine list, patrons can use the following contact information for Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar:

Address: 32 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: (203) 594-1209

Mobile Phone: +1 203-594-1209

Private Events Email: events@lombardisnc.com (for inquiries about the Ischia and Prada Rooms)

For Connecticut residents, particularly those in the Fairfield County area, Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar is worth choosing when the desire is for truly authentic and high-quality Italian cuisine served in a sophisticated setting. The value proposition here is in the fusion of "classic Italian at a fair price" with an ambiance and service level that feels like fine dining. It is a restaurant that succeeds because of the dedication to authentic Italian flavors, as highlighted by the fresh, non-greasy appetizers and the superb, traditional pasta dishes—a rarity in many American-Italian establishments.

Choosing Lombardi's is an investment in a complete, refined experience. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or any major celebration where the food, wine, service, and atmosphere must all be "just right." The availability of dedicated, fully-equipped private event spaces also makes it the superior choice for hosting upscale gatherings, providing a beautiful, intimate environment for rehearsal dinners or corporate celebrations. When seeking to indulge in the rich, vibrant flavors of Italy, Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar delivers an exceptional culinary experience that is consistently praised by the local New Canaan community.

Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar

32 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA