If the names Andrea and Daniele Lombardi sound familiar to New Canaan foodies, it is because Chef Andrea has been running the wildly popular, Euro-style Dolce Italian Café just a block up the street since 2019. But with Lombardi's Ristorante & Bar, the brothers have expanded their footprint to deliver a sleek, multi-level dining experience that brings the flavors of their homeland—the volcanic, sun-kissed island of Ischia off the coast of Naples—directly to the Gold Coast.
The restaurant itself is a beautiful study in contrasts. Downstairs features a long, stylish, high-energy room with banquette seating facing a glowing, backlit white-marble bar. If you walk past the open kitchen toward the back stairs, you find a second floor that shifts into a more serene, elegant dining oasis complete with crisp white linens and warm, Mediterranean-toned walls. It feels sophisticated and metropolitan, yet incredibly welcoming.
What to Order
Because the Lombardi brothers hail from an island, the seafood and fresh, house-rolled shapes are where this kitchen truly shines.
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Tartara di Tonno: This appetizer is a beautiful start to the meal. It is a finely diced, vibrant yellowfin tuna dressed with caper blossoms and a smooth carrot-turmeric cream. It is light, clean, and perfectly balanced.
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Frittatina Napoletana: A classic Neapolitan street food elevated for Elm Street. It is a crisp, breaded shell stuffed with tender pasta, savory ham, and smoked Scamorza cheese. It is smoky, rich, and completely addictive.
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Handmade Pastas: You cannot go wrong here because the pastas are made fresh daily. The hand-rolled Cavatelli dressed in a savory, velvety veal ragu is an absolute showstopper, while the dark-and-light striped Lobster Ravioli offers a decadent coastal bite.
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Torta Della Nonna: Do not leave without ordering dessert. This traditional "grandma’s lemon pie" is light, tart, and serves as the perfect sweet palate cleanser after a rich meal.
The wine list is equally thoughtful, curated with excellent Italian vintages and crisp whites like Biancolella (straight from Ischia) that pair flawlessly with the coastal menu.
