The Dilly Duck Shop

- 666 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851

The Dilly Duck Shop, located in Norwalk, CT, is far more than a typical restaurant; it is a New England kitchen and culinary workshop inspired by the region's craft and spirit. Founded by the mother-and-son team of Chef Russ Zappala and Phyllis, this establishment brings fine-dining technique to scratch-made comfort food in a warm, welcoming setting. The philosophy is simple: blend solid cooking technique with a touch of creativity to deliver an atmosphere of discovery and festive cheer. The “Dilly” in the name, derived from British slang for something excellent, perfectly encapsulates the quality of the food and experience, while the “Duck” is an affectionate homage to the industrious and refined spirit of Connecticut.

The menu spans from hearty breakfasts to robust lunches, focusing heavily on house-rotisserie roasted meats that are the foundation for many of their signature sandwiches and platters. Every item, from the moist rotisserie pork to the delicious baked goods and signature lemon fizzes, is crafted in-house, ensuring an unparalleled level of freshness and quality. This dedication to craft has made The Dilly Duck Shop a beloved local specialty destination for Connecticut residents seeking genuinely good food served with heartfelt hospitality. Patrons often rave about the personal greeting from Phyllis and the spotlessly clean, charmingly decorated interior that evokes classic New England coziness.

Whether you are a Norwalk resident or a traveler passing through Fairfield County, The Dilly Duck Shop promises a memorable and high-quality meal experience, embodying the pride and culinary artistry of its local roots. This is a place where every detail is thoughtfully considered, from sourcing local coffee to making nut-allergy-friendly pesto.

The Dilly Duck Shop is conveniently located at 666 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA. This highly accessible location is situated in the Town Line Center Shopping Plaza, right off Route 7 and near the border of Norwalk and Wilton. Its placement makes it easy to find for both locals and those traveling through the busy Route 7 corridor, with convenient access from major highways like I-95 and the Merritt Parkway.

The restaurant places a high emphasis on accessibility and convenience for its guests:

• Parking: Guests benefit from a large, free parking lot available within the Town Line Center Shopping Plaza, supplemented by free street parking options, ensuring a hassle-free visit whether dining in or picking up an order.
• Accessibility Features: The premises are fully equipped to welcome all patrons, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating.
• Pet-Friendly: A unique feature for local dog owners is that dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it easy to enjoy a meal after a walk.
• Child-Friendly Amenities: The Dilly Duck Shop is highly good for kids, offering high chairs and a selection of children-appropriate meals, though a formal 'kids' menu' is not listed, the atmosphere and comfort food offerings are ideal for families.

Its location is purposefully designed to be a community hub, serving the needs of the Norwalk, Wilton, and broader Fairfield County area.

The Dilly Duck Shop provides a comprehensive suite of services that cater to various dining preferences throughout the day.

• Dine-in: Available for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, offering comfortable indoor seating and table service within its casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
• Outdoor Seating: A highly desirable service option, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in the fresh air, with the added benefit of being dog-friendly.
• Takeout & Curbside Pickup: Excellent options for busy Connecticut users, allowing for quick, pre-ordered meals via phone or online, with the convenience of curbside service.
• Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Full service delivery, including a no-contact option, ensuring that the restaurant's scratch-made meals can be enjoyed at home or the office throughout the local area.
• Catering: Comprehensive catering services are available for groups and events, leveraging their signature rotisserie meats, fresh salads, and baked goods.
• Full Meal Service: Dining options span from early morning breakfast (until 10:30 AM on weekdays and 1 PM on Saturday) and brunch to lunch, with offerings that can easily serve as an early dinner.
• Beverage Service: A selection of beer, wine, and alcohol is available to complement meals, alongside a full coffee and tea menu featuring locally roasted espresso and signature house-made fizzes.

The quality and creativity of the menu, combined with the restaurant's unique ethos, create several standout highlights:

• In-House Rotisserie Meats: The foundation of the menu, featuring house-roasted beef and pork, which are utilized in highly-praised sandwiches like the Roasted Beef Sandwich with 24-hour onions and the tender Roasted Pork Sandwich. These are considered the local specialty.
• Scratch-Made Comfort Food: Nearly every item is made from scratch in the open kitchen, including soups like the highly-rated Tomato Cheddar Soup, fresh salads, and specialty bakery items. This commitment to fresh, raw ingredients is a major draw.
• Unique Breakfast/Brunch Offerings: A vibrant breakfast menu featuring the spectacular Pork Stack, Veggie Stack, and specialty items like Oatmeal - Brulee and the 'Banzo Breakfast, complemented by Mimosa (For 2!) and Moet Split options.
• Signature Baked Goods and Coffee: A selection of house-made bakery treats like Brownie Cookies, Monkey Bread, and Cornbread, paired with locally roasted espresso and coffee from Connecticut roasters like BonJo and Saccuzzo.
• Specialty Beverages: Known for their signature house-made fizzes, such as the refreshing Lemon Fizz and the delightful Fizzy Palmer (iced tea, lemon fizz, and mint syrup), offering a unique, not-too-sweet alternative to traditional soda.
• Exceptional Hospitality: Customers consistently highlight the fast service, the warm and genuine welcome from the co-owner Phyllis, and the overall cozy, family-like nature of the mother-and-son-run business.
• Dietary Accommodation: The menu includes readily available healthy options, vegetarian options, and is known for catering to dietary needs, such as a nut-allergy-friendly pesto made with pumpkin seeds.

For Connecticut users looking to place an order, inquire about catering, or confirm the daily specials, the following information provides direct access to The Dilly Duck Shop in Norwalk:

• Address: 666 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
• Phone: (203) 956-0040
• Mobile Phone: +1 203-956-0040

The restaurant operates on a convenient schedule for breakfast and lunch, but is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Current operating hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It is always recommended to call or check the website for the most current operating times and to place quick orders.

The Dilly Duck Shop is exceptionally worth choosing for Connecticut users because it successfully marries gourmet culinary standards with the comfort and accessibility of a neighborhood spot. The single most compelling reason to visit is the dedication to scratch-made, high-quality New England-inspired food. Unlike mass-produced dining, the house-rotisserie roasted meats, such as the celebrated pork and beef sandwiches, offer a depth of flavor and tenderness that sets a new local standard for comfort food. The chef’s background in fine dining ensures that even a simple breakfast sandwich or side of fries is prepared with meticulous care and superior technique.

Furthermore, the human element of this mother-and-son establishment creates an atmosphere that is genuinely warm and welcoming, transforming a meal into a truly enjoyable experience. The personal touch from Phyllis and the emphasis on fast service, as noted by local customers, make this restaurant an ideal stop for busy professionals on their lunch break or families looking for a relaxing weekend brunch. The ability to cater to various needs—from excellent coffee and pastries to start the day, to full lunch entrees, healthy options, and even pet-friendly outdoor seating—demonstrates a strong commitment to the local community's diverse demands.

For those in the Norwalk, Wilton, and broader Fairfield County area, The Dilly Duck Shop represents a true culinary gem: a place where the food is spectacular, the service is genuine, and the atmosphere is cozy. It is the perfect choice for users seeking an authentic, high-quality, and locally-inspired meal that feels both refined and comfortably familiar. The availability of outdoor seating and comprehensive takeout/delivery services further cements its status as a convenient and essential Connecticut dining destination.

The Dilly Duck Shop

666 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA