The Lime Restaurant Norwalk CT: Health Food, Vegan, & Cozy Dining

The Lime Restaurant Introduce

For over four decades, The Lime Restaurant has been a beloved institution in Norwalk, Connecticut, establishing itself as one of the area's first dedicated health-conscious eateries. Since 1979, this establishment has consistently offered a vibrant, globally-inspired menu focusing on fresh, natural ingredients, successfully navigating Norwalk's dynamic restaurant scene. Located conveniently on Main Avenue, The Lime provides a genuinely unique dining experience, combining a cozy, intimate, and trendy atmosphere with a diverse selection that caters to a wide spectrum of dietary preferences, including numerous robust options for vegan, vegetarian, and health-minded diners. The Lime is renowned for its steadfast commitment to quality and service, making it a reliable and cherished destination for local residents, whether stopping for a quick, healthy lunch or a relaxed, intimate dinner.

This restaurant is celebrated not only for its longevity but also for its ability to deliver healthy, flavorful fare without sacrificing taste or variety. The atmosphere is described by patrons as casual, cozy, and even intimate, with a friendly, family-owned vibe that encourages repeat visits. It successfully bridges the gap between quick-service accessibility and the warmth of a traditional sit-down establishment, making it popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. While the space maintains its historic charm—including painted tin ceilings—the dedication to fresh, contemporary, and flavorful food keeps it relevant in today's demanding market.

Location and Accessibility

The Lime Restaurant is centrally situated at 168 Main Ave in Norwalk, CT 06851, USA. Its location offers excellent accessibility for both local Connecticut residents and travelers passing through, being noted as just a short drive—approximately seven minutes—off the Merritt Parkway. This makes it an ideal stop for those looking to avoid typical highway rest-stop fast food in favor of something substantial and healthy.

The accessibility features of The Lime are thoughtfully addressed to welcome all guests. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating. Parking is conveniently available, with options for both a free parking lot and free street parking in the immediate vicinity. These amenities, coupled with the restaurant's location on a main thoroughfare, ensure that visiting The Lime is a hassle-free experience for patrons across the region.

Services Offered

The Lime Restaurant provides a variety of service and dining options to suit any occasion, time of day, or preference. Their commitment to customer convenience is evident in the range of services offered:

Dining Options: Available for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable seating and table service.
Service Types: Patrons can choose between traditional Dine-in, convenient Takeout, and an enjoyable Outdoor seating option, weather permitting.
Reservation Acceptance: Reservations are accepted, which is a key advantage for planning visits, especially during peak dining hours.
Beverage Service: A full range of offerings, including Coffee, Wine, Beer (Stella Artois, Leffe Belgian Ale, Fat Tire, Stone I.P.A., Saint Peters English Ale), and Non-Alcoholic options like Natural Carrot Juice, Coke, Diet Coke, and Still Bottled Water. They also boast a “Great tea selection,” according to patron highlights.
Payment Options: Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction experience.
Amenities: Includes a Restroom for customer use.

Features / Highlights

The Lime Restaurant shines due to several distinctive features that have cultivated a loyal customer base over the years in Connecticut:

Exceptional Menu Diversity: The menu goes far beyond typical "healthy food," offering Comfort food alongside an extensive list of Healthy options, Organic dishes, Vegan options (such as Vegetable Samosa, Falafel Satay, Tofu Croquettes, and the Quinoa Loaf/Salad without cheese), and Vegetarian options (like Black Bean Chili, Zucchini Loaf, Hummus Platter, and numerous pita sandwiches and roll-ups). Protein sources range from traditional beef and turkey to chicken, seafood (Salmon, Shrimp, Crab Cakes), and plant-based alternatives (Tofu, Quinoa, Black Bean, Veggie Burger).
Commitment to Quality: Reviews consistently praise the "consistently great quality" of the food. Specific popular dishes include the homemade white bean soup, Blackened Chicken Roll-Up, Barbecue Shrimp, Quinoa Loaf, Zucchini Loaf, and the Key Lime Pie with vegan whipped cream.
Atmosphere and Vibe: The restaurant provides a "Casual, Cozy, and Trendy" atmosphere, often described as an intimate, family-owned gem with attentive, friendly service.
Speed and Efficiency: A key highlight is the “Fast service,” ensuring quick bites are available without compromising quality, making it excellent for busy professionals or lunch crowds. It is popular for Quick bites and Small plates.
Beverage Variety: Features a well-curated beverage list with varied alcoholic selections (multiple wines by the glass and bottle—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon—and a selection of beers) alongside unique natural juices.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or make an inquiry, please use the following contact details for The Lime Restaurant:

Address: 168 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA

Phone: (203) 846-9240

Mobile Phone: +1 203-846-9240

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing The Lime Restaurant is choosing a piece of Norwalk’s culinary history combined with a forward-thinking approach to health and flavor. This establishment is particularly worth choosing for Connecticut locals who prioritize the ability to dine out healthily without feeling restricted. The extensive menu is not merely an afterthought; it is a meticulously crafted selection of entrees, roll-ups, salads, and appetizers designed to please everyone from the strictest vegan to the dedicated omnivore.

For the health-conscious diner, menu favorites like the Quinoa Loaf, Zucchini Loaf, and the various Quinoa and Tofu Burger options are a testament to their macrobiotic, organic, and healthy food roots. The dedication to providing substantial, delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes—such as the Falafel Satay and Vegetable Samosa—ensures no guest has to settle for a side salad. Furthermore, for those looking for comfort or something heartier, the Blackened Chicken Roll-Up, Mixed Grill Sweet Fire, and Maryland Crab Cakes provide flavorful, high-quality alternatives.

What truly sets The Lime apart is the rare combination of a great variety of genuinely healthy options, the speed of service (a "Fast service" highlight), and the warm, “cozy” atmosphere characteristic of a long-standing, family-owned business. It’s a perfect option for a quick, nutritious lunch or an intimate dinner where you can easily find dishes for every palate at the table. Whether you are driving through the state and need a refreshing alternative to rest-stop fare, or you are a local looking for consistently good, quality food with a commitment to natural ingredients, The Lime Restaurant in Norwalk remains a superior choice. The fact that they accept reservations further highlights their dedication to a smooth, quality dining experience for all their valued Connecticut patrons.

The Lime Restaurant Vibe

Beverages
Natural Carrot Juice $6.95
Natural carrot juice made by order from fresh pressed carrots.
Diet Coke $2.95
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Coke $2.95
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Still Bottled Water $2.95
Still bottle water

Alcoholic Bevreages
Bottle Sauvignon Blanc $36.00
Bottle of Spier Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa, 2021
Stella Artois $6.95
Belgian Premium Lager 12 oz. bottle
Rose' $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Special Ale ( Special Beer ) $7.95
Special Crafted Beer, New Belgium Brewing Trippel Ale 12 oz. bottle
Pinot Noir $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Bottle Cabernet Sauvignon $42.00
Bottle of Mina Mesa Cabernet, Paso Robles, California, 2019.
Pinot Grigio $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Bottle Pinot Noir $36.00
Bottle of Cloud Break Pinot Noir, California, 2019.
Leffe Belgian Ale $7.95
Belgian Blonde 12 oz. bottle
Bottle Pinot Grigio $36.00
Bottle of Oak Grove Pinot Grigio, California, 2020.
Stone I.P.A $7.95
New Belgium Brewing 12 oz. bottle
Bottle Chardonnay $36.00
Bottle of Beyer Ranch Chardonnay, California, 2019.
Chardonnay $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Tempranillo $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Bottle Tempranillo $36.00
Bottle of Castillo Clavijo Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain, 2017.
Fat Tire $6.95
New Belgium Brewing Amber Ale 12 oz. bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon $11.00
6 oz. Glass
Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
6 oz. Glass
Saint Peters English Ale $10.95
Organic 16.9 OZ Bottle

Favorites
Quinoa Loaf Lunch $14.95
Baked quinoa with carrots, veggies, mushrooms and zucchini, in a loaf form served with or without cheese. Served with a salad and your choice of dressing.
Zucchini Loaf Lunch $14.95
Zucchini, carrots , cheese and tahini, served as a loaf with or without cheese on top. Served with a salad and your choice of dressing.
Black Bean Burrito Lunch $14.95
Our black bean chili rolled in a flour tortilla with cheese. Served with a salad and your choice of dressing.

Pita Sandwiches
Quinoa Pita $13.95
A healthy vegan burger. Add avocado and cheese if you like. Choice of dressing rice salad.
Black Bean Burger Pita $14.95
Mild-spiced chipotle black bean burger, oven baked over garden greens and chipotle-mayo sauce.
Cajun Sausage Pita $13.95
A hot and spicy chicken sausage with garden greens and a honey mustard dressing. Served in steamed whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes, and organic brown rice salad on the side.
Falafel Pita $13.95
Vegan. A delicious middle-eastern chick pea spicy patty, served with onions and tahini dressing served in whole wheat pita breed stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.
Salmon Burger Pita $14.95
Fresh salmon patty with garden greens and honey Dijon dressing. Served in steamed whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes, and organic brown rice salad on the side.
Avocado, Tuna & Cheese Pita $14.95
Crisp water packed tuna salad with mayo, slices of avocado and cheddar cheese, served in steamed whole wheat pita breed stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes end, on the side, brown rice salad
Turkey Pita $11.95
Sliced white meet turkey, with cheese, avocado sauce served in whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.
El Miguel Turkey Pita $14.95
Fresh baked diced turkey breast with melted cheddar cheese, fresh avocado, garden greens and chipotle-mayo sauce.
Veggie Burger Pita $14.95
Vegetable burger of burgher-wheat, carrots, zucchini, sesame and sunflower seeds and creamy house dressing. vegan served in whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.
Tofu Burger Pita $14.95
Our tofu burger with roasted red peppers and e tahini sauce. Served in whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.
Grilled Chicken Pita $13.95
Marinated chicken breasts grilled and served with a testy chipotle-mayonnaise. served in whole wheat pita breed stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.
Malibu Chicken Pita $14.95
Marinated chicken breasts, roasted red peppers, avocado, and artichoke hearts with honey-dijon dressing. Served in steamed whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes, and organic brown rice salad on the side.
Blackened Chicken Pita $14.95
Grilled marinated chicken breasts with spicy Cajun seasonings, salsa, mayonnaise and garden greens. Served in steamed whole wheat pita bread stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes, and organic brown rice salad on the side.
Hummus Pita $14.95
Chickpea, tahini and garlic spread with our garden greens, fresh avocado and tahini sauce.
California Burger Pita $14.95
A big juicy burger with cheddar cheese, ripe avocado and salsa-mayo dressing. served in whole wheat pita breed stuffed with garden greens, shredded carrots, cukes and on the side, brown rice salad.

Appetizers
Humus Platter $11.95
Vegan. A middle eastern chickpea tahini and garlic spread, served with fresh vegetables and steamed pita bread triangles.
Nachos $11.95
Stone ground corn chips with melted cheddar cheese, black beans, salsa and sour cream.
Maryland Crab Cake $12.95
Authentic Maryland style crab cake served with a remoulade sauce.
Barbecue Shrimp $13.95
Grilled shrimp in a spicy Jamaican sauce over cheesy garlic toast.
Falafel Satay $8.95
Vegan. Falafel with a tahini coconut red curry sauce.
Quesadilla $7.95
. A corn tortilla with melted cheese, onions, black bean chili, sour cream and salsa.
Black Bean Chili $5.95
Vegetarian chili with onions, peppers and black beans, served with cheese on the top, tortilla chips and sour cream.
Vegetable Samosa $10.95
Vegan. Spicy Indian style vegetable pockets.
Tofu Croquettes $8.95
Seasoned tofu patties served with a Thai orange sauce.
Soup Of The Day $5.95
Always vegetarian. A fresh crock of Soup with crackers
Sweet Potato Fries $7.95
Sweet Potato fries served with ketchup and wildflower honey

Desserts
Mississippi Mud Cake $7.95
Chocolate delight.
Apple Brown Betty $7.95
Graham cracker crust, apples brown sugar. Warm this one up.

Entrees
Maryland Crab Cakes $30.95
Maryland style crab cakes, oven baked, served on a roasted pepper, capers, artichoke remoulade sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables
Shrimp And Chicken Dijonaise $27.95
Grilled marinated jumbo shrimp and chicken breast filet served with a creamy horseradish-mustard sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Zucchini Loaf $20.95
Shredded zucchini, carrots, onions, sesame seeds, cheddar cheese baked in the oven with cheese on top. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Salmon Remoulade $27.95
Grilled fillet of salmon served with our roasted red pepper sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Quinoa Loaf $20.95
Baked red quinoa with sweet potato, vegetables, sesame seeds and baked with cheese on top. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Mixed Grill Sweet Fire $27.95
A combination of chicken breast filet, jumbo shrimp and hot chicken sausage, grilled with cajun spices and served with salsa honey mustard sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Cajun Salmon $27.95
Grilled cajun-seasoned filet of salmon served with our mango-pineapple-peppers chutney. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Salmon Chipotle $27.95
Grilled filet of salmon served with a mild-spiced chipotle peppers, honey-lime glaze. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Black Bean Burritos $20.95
Our black bean chili and cheddar cheese rolled in a flour tortilla, bake in the oven with melted cheese on top. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Salmon Dijonaise $27.95
Grilled filet of salmon served with a creamy horseradish-mustard sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Salmon Sate $27.95
Blackened grilled filet of salmon served with a coconut milk, tahini and red curry sauce. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Grilled Chicken Mango $23.95
Grilled chicken breast filet served with a mango-pineapple-pepper chutney. Brown rice and steamed vegetables.

Roll Ups
Tofu Burger Roll-Up $14.95
Our tofu burger with garden greens, roasted red peppers and a tahini dressing. Served with brown rice salad.
El Miguel Roll-Up $14.95
Fresh baked turkey breast, melted cheese, avocado and chipotle sauce. Served with brown rice saled.
Cajun Chicken Sausage Roll-Up $13.95
Spicy chicken sausage grilled with cajun spices, served with our garden greens and honey-dijon sauce.
Veggie Burger Roll-Up $14.95
Our famous veggie burger of burgher wheat, carrots, zucchini, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, served with a creamy house dressing. Served with a garden greens. Served with brown rice salad.
Avocado, Tuna, Cheese Roll-Up $14.95
Fresh water packed albacore tune with mayo, avocado and cheddar cheese with garden greens. Served with brown rice salad.
Po' Boy Shrimp Roll-Up $15.95
Panko shrimp with fresh veggies and a spicy Sirach-garlic mayo. Served with a side of brown rice saled.
Malibu Chicken Roll-Up $14.95
Grilled chicken breast, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, avocado with garden greens .
Salmon-Burger Roll-Up $14.95
Our own fresh-made salmon cakes with a honey Dijon dressing and garden greens. Served with brown rice salad.
Humus Roll-Up $14.95
Our spicy chickpea, garlic and tahini spread with avocado on a flour tortilla. Served with brown rice salad.
Falafel Roll-Up $13.95
A spicy middle eastern chickpea burger with onions, tahini dressing and garden greens. Served with brown rice salad.
California Roll-Up $14.95
A big juicy hamburger with cheddar cheese, ripe avocado, garden greens and salsa mayo. Served with brown rice salad.
Cobb Chicken Roll-Up $14.95
Grilled sliced chicken breast served over garden greens, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, fresh avocado and balsamic vinaigrette.
Black Bean Burger Roll-Up $14.95
A gluten free black bean burger served with tahini dressing. garden greens and brown rice salad. Add cheese and avocado if you like.
Grilled Chicken Roll-Up $13.95
Grilled garlic marinated sliced chicken breast with garden greens and finished with chipotle-mayo sauce.
Quinoa Burger Roll-Up $13.95
A healthy vegan burger. Add avocado and cheese if you like. Choice of dressing
Blackened Chicken Roll-Up $14.95
Grilled blackened chicken breast with avocado, cheddar cheese, salsa-mayo and garden greens. Served with organic brown rice salad.

Salads
Asian Chicken Salad $15.95
Grilled chicken salad on a bed of greens with almonds, peas, sesame crackers and orange sesame dressing.
Black Bean Burger Salad $15.95
A gluten-free black bean burger. add cheese or avocado. Your choice of dressing.
Turkey Cranberry Salad $16.95
Fresh turkey, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, cranberries and walnuts with a creamy ranch dressing.
Garden Salad $10.95
A crispy green salad with romaine and red leaf lettuce, carrots, peppers and cucumbers, avocado and balsamic vinaigrette.
Lime Salad $16.95
Fresh garden greens, tuna salad, cheddar cheese and ripe avocado.
Blackened Chicken Salad $16.95
Grilled sliced chicken breast over lettuce, bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrots and salsa-mayo on the side.
Avocado, Tuna, Cheese Salad $16.95
Crisp water packed albacore tuna salad, fresh avocado, cheddar cheese, garden greens and tahini dressing.
Tofu Burger Salad $15.95
Vegan. Our tofu patties with roasted red peppers, avocado and tahini dressing.
Veggie Burger Salad $15.95
Our famous veggie burger on a garden salad. Add avocado and cheese if you like.
Salmon Burger Salad $15.95
Our own fresh made salmon cake over mixed greens and honey-dijon sauce
Grilled Salmon Salad $19.95
A fresh grilled salmon filet on a bed of garden greens with your choice of dressing.
Quinoa Salad $15.95
A mix of quinoa and vegetables over garden greens. Brown rice salad side. Choice of dressing.
El Miguel Turkey Salad $16.95
Fresh baked diced turkey breast with melted cheddar cheese over garden greens, fresh avocado and chipotle-mayo sauce.
Malibu Chicken Salad $16.95
Fresh garden greens with grilled chicken breast, roasted red peppers, avocado and artichoke hearts. Served with honey-Dijon dressing.
Cajun Chicken Sausage Salad $15.95
Grilled spicy chicken sausage coated with cajun spices served over garden greens and honey-dijon dressing.
Falafel Ball Salad $15.95
A spicy middle eastern chickpea burger with onions, tahini dressing. Served with organic brown rice salad, vegan.
Grilled Chicken Salad $15.95
Fresh grilled chicken breast with garden greens.
Cobb Salad $16.95
Fresh garden greens topped with grilled chicken, crumbled blue-cheese, ripe avocado and vinaigrette dressing.
Shrimp Almondine Salad $19.95
Grilled shrimp with toasted almonds, avocado and an orange sesame dressing.
California Beef Burger Salad $16.95
Big juicy 8oz beef burger grilled with onions over garden greens, fresh avocado, cheddar cheese and salsa-mayo dressing.

The Lime Restaurant Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

The Lime Restaurant Photos

The Lime Restaurant Location

The Lime Restaurant

Connecticut Western Connecticut Planning Region Norwalk Main Avenue

168 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA

The Lime Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 250 user reviews.

falafeldinnerveggie burgerwalltofudressingtahiniblackened chickenbeerszucchini

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

A wonderful find with healthy options (including vegan dishes). It's everything a family-owned restaurant should be: cosy, friendly and attentive service, and plenty of options at a variety of price points! The homemade white bean soup was perfect, the burger beef of good quality and the cubed turkey with cheese over salad fresh and tasty. The key lime pie was spot on and the vegan whipped cream delicious.It's only 7 minutes off the Merritt Parkway so a perfect place to stop if you just can't stomach any more rest-stop fast food!
January 05 · Victoria K. Cliche
Been coming here for 40 years. Delicious lunches and dinners that are ample. Great variety of items on menu feature salads with protein additions, soups, yummy desserts; dinner entrees well worth the prices. Consistently great quality and service. Atmosphere is intimate, with tightly arranged tables, with a few outside on sidewalk. Only downside (which has no room for improvement) is the cramped entryway and bathroom that is holdover from an era when ADA accessibility was not a consideration. The restaurant is historic in that regard, with painted tin ceilings; was one of the first “healthier food” restaurants. It keeps that standing even in Norwalk’s hot restaurant scene. Love The Lime.
September 01 · B searles
The lime is the best healthy food option in Fairfield county that I have had in 25 years of living here. It’s delicious and almost everything on the menu is great. Chill vibes to sit down at, it’s a great restaurant. The salmon sate is so good too
August 27 · Elliot Broach
This cozy spot offers some of the best healthy food around, beautifully presented with creative, flavorful recipes. I first stumbled upon this hidden gem in Norwalk about a year ago, and it quickly became a go-to favorite.Whether you’re a meat eater, vegan, or navigating food sensitivities, there’s something thoughtfully crafted for everyone. The restaurant’s quaint charm and unique atmosphere never fail to lift my spirits, it’s the kind of place that makes you smile as soon as you walk in.One dish I can’t recommend enough is the Tofu Croquettes. Even friends who swear they’d never touch tofu are blown away by how incredibly tasty they are. Every visit leaves me feeling nourished and satisfied.
July 31 · Marco
Lovely small restaurant, as others have noted it’s a hole in the wall for sure. My wife and I went with our 2 young daughters and they were met with such kindness by our server Susan.My daughter has celiacs and while I did not see anything online detailing The Lime’s food with gluten free - there are tons of Gluten Free options and Susan was happy to brainstorm possible approaches we could take re: substitutes if needed.Now onto the food - amazing! I ordered a burger which came in a pita - a bit unusual but each bite was a delight.The standout of the day was certainly the barbecue shrimp. The sauce was incredible, it was served on toast - which is actually a rice based bread - fortuitously Gluten Free! I could probably have 4 orders of BBQ shrimp myself and be happy!We also got nachos, which were delicious - and sweet potato fries, which were a huge hit with the kids. The fries were served with syrup from Maine!Now I just can’t wait to work my way thru the menu in future visits!
June 19 · David McElroy