Delicious, Fun, Entertaining, and Stunning Area Restaurants and Caterers For Holiday Entertaining Made Easy

Published November 7th 2016

NOVEMBER 7, 2016 (FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT) – Fairfield County is home to countless venue possibilities to host your holiday celebrations. From smoky BBQ to traditional Italian, fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza, fine wine to craft cocktails - there’s something for everyone at these local favorites. We’ve rounded up some crowd-pleasing restaurants who offer both on and off-premise entertaining options. Times-a-ticking so check out these great ideas and make your reservations now!
 
Brick + Wood, Fairfield, CT
On-premise: 60 Seated | 80 Reception
Off-Premise Mobile Kitchen with Wood-fired Oven
This Fairfield hotspot lives by the motto Love Life and Pizza, and that they do. They are the only restaurant in Fairfield County with an all wine-on-tap beverage program, real-deal mozzarella bar, Italian street food menu, and APN Certified Pizzaoili preparing Neapolitan pizza. In addition to in-house events, their mobile kitchen is available for off-premise events. www.lovelifeandpizza.com   VIEW MENU
Highlight: Mobile Kitchen, Wine-On-Tap, Hand Stretched Mozzarella
 

Crave, Fairfield, CT
On-Premise: 55 Seated | 100+ Reception
Situated in a convenient location adjacent to the train station in downtown Fairfield, Crave serves New American cuisine with Italian influences. Chef Rigo Lino offers delicious comfort food and customizes menus for each event. The space features a large bar with dining tables, and a private dining room with a private bar and separate entrance so it can be closed off for events. Open bar packages and prix fixe menus are available. www.crave52.com VIEW MENU
Highlights: Parking, Location, Private Dining Room with Bar
 
Judy’s Bar and Kitchen, Stamford, CT
On-Premise: 50 seated | 20 Bar | 100 Reception
Off Premise and Catering Availability
At Judy’s you’ll find hearty, from-scratch Low-country cuisine. Chef Judith Roll is larger than life and knows how to throw a great party. Judy’s won Best Sandwich at the 2016 Greenwich Food and Wine Fest, grabbed Best Cocktail at Stamford Magazine’s Bartender Competition this summer, and took home First Place in the recent Mac & Chili Challenge. www.judysbarandkitchen.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Feel-Good Food, Intimate Space, Convenient Location
 
 

MIRO Kitchen, Fairfield, CT
In-House: 32 Seated | 10 Bar | 60 Reception
As a Fairfield newcomer this year, MIRO Kitchen has made a splash with their Pacific Rim cuisine, embracing rich, pungent and aromatic spices, herbs, curries, and exotic ingredients. Favorites include innovative tacos, small plates such as hanger sushi and General Tso's cauliflower, Singapore street noodles, and huli-huli chicken. Foodies will appreciate this bold and creative restaurant concept. Craft cocktails are equally as impressive in flavor and originality. www.mirokitchen.com  
Highlights: Unique and Flavorful Menu, Fun Share Plates, Bar, Hip Venue
 
Café Xpresso, Newtown, CT
On-Premise: 30 Reception, evening hours
Off-Premise Catering Available
Café Xpresso is a coffee shop, restaurant, and bakery all in one, serving from-scratch foods, fresh roasted coffee, and freshly baked items. Bob and Marie Schlump, the passionate proprietors, have been running Newton’s beloved neighborhood café since 2015 with fresh, quality, locally sourced ingredients and artisan products used in each creation. The menu is a vibrant and seasonal mix of sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods and over-the-top weekend brunch favorites. www.cafexpressonewtown.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Holiday Breakfast or Lunch Events, Fresh and Simple Catering, Seasonal Baked Items
 

Room 112, South Norwalk, CT
On-Premise: 300+
Off-Premise Mixologist Services Available
Room 112 is a brand new cocktail lounge serving globally inspired and beautifully presented cocktails, a product of famed local mixologist Isaac Patrick Camoro. The bi-level space is framed in exposed brick walls where local artists showcase their talent. The furnishings and eclectic lighting fixtures and mirrors are bohemian chic, and the space houses pool tables, dart boards, shuffleboard, and a jukebox. Camoro will custom design any event with cocktails being the show stopper. Food is catered by Harbor Harvest, and a variety of music and entertainment options are available. www.room112sono.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Bi-Level Space with Gaming, Guest won’t be able to stop talking about the cocktails!
 
Johnny Utah’s, South Norwalk, CT
On-Premise: 330
This country western inspired destination is a great casual party option for high-energy events. The menu consists of American favorites such as juicy burgers, spicy wings, and BBQ. Craft beer, bourbon, and smokin’ cocktails are featured.   This is a great venue for a large crowd looking to party the night away. www.johnnyutahssono.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Mechanical Bull, Expansive Bar, Country Western Theme
 

BAR BQ, Stamford, CT
On-Premise: 200 Capacity | 55 Private Dining Second Floor
New Executive Chef Richard Longo has taken BAR BQ to the next level, and he is crankin’ out some serious smoked meats - from traditional pork and brisket to kielbasa and giant beef ribs and turkey wings. There’s also a scrumptious lineup of savory side dishes and hearty entrees, in addition to 30+ craft beers and southern-inspired cocktails. The space features a separate dining room upstairs for private parties. www.barbqstamford.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Large Bi-level Space, House Smoked BBQ, Themed Events
 

Sign of the Whale, Stamford, CT
On-Premise: 250+ Seated
Sign of the Whale’s seafood-driven menu continues to evolve with an eclectic mix of seasonal ingredients and hearty preparations, in addition to customer favorites that can be enjoyed year-round. Catering options include prix fixe menus, carving stations, open bar options, and other customizable menu options.  www.signofthewhalect.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Large Venue, Easy-to-Please Menu Items, Harbor Point Neighborhood
 



The Spot by Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria, New Haven, CT
On-Premise: 55
For anyone up for a short drive, the original Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria location in New Haven has a separate dining room next door to New Haven’s favorite pizzeria, The Spot, and can be rented out for private events. The menu includes unlimited famous pies, salad, soda, wine, and beer for a set price. www.pepespizzeria.com
Highlights: Unparalleled Pizza, Foxon Park Soda, Simple - Yet Impressive
 

David’s Soundview Catering, Stamford, CT
On-Premise @ The Landing: 350
Off-Premise - Catering for any size event
Wit40-footfoot high glass ceiling, a sprawling brick patio, and harborside views, “The Landing” is a stunning event venue located at Shippan Landing in Stamford, CT. The Landing can accommodate 40 to 350 guests and is ideal for corporate holiday celebrations, and anything else you can imagine. Food options are endless! www.davidscatering.com  VIEW MENU
Highlights: Limitless Garage Parking, Large Non-Hotel Venue, David’s Amazing Food
 
 
Tawa Indian Cuisine, Stamford, CT
On-premise: 85 Seated | 125 Reception
Off-premise: Full service catering, including whole roasted Indian BBQ, Biryani pots, and tableside cooking.
Presented by Chef Kausik Roy, Tawa Indian Cuisine is an extension of the home-style Indian cuisine the chef grew up with, along with more modern interpretations he has developed throughout the years, satisfying the purists, as well as the adventurous. Tasty vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are featured, in addition to Chef Roy’s signature “Indo-Chinese” specialties. A variety of holiday entertaining packages are available, including Tawa’s signature Maharaja Grand Buffet.  www.tawaonline.com   VIEW MENU
Highlights: Private Parking Lot, Away from Downtown, Adjacent Tavern 489