Plate – 103 Danbury Rd., (203) 894-8141

Tucked away at the back of Copp’s Hill Commons, Plate is a delightful little place to go for a romantic “tête-à tête.”  Toast each other with a glass of wine from their extensive list, which has a focus on smaller production wineries.  For a gourmet experience, start with the Snapper Soba, featuring torched red snapper sashimi, buckwheat noodles made in house, and tempura avocado ($12).  Next, try the pan seared, panko crusted Crispy Salmon, accompanied by lemon risotto and spinach puree ($22).  And because it is a special occasion, top it all off with the Marscapone Cheesecake, served with summer ale orange creamsicle ice cream ($9).

Please note: the restaurant will undergo a name change month to Cello.  In honor of this name change, they will introduce 8 varieties of lemoncello, featuring all-natural, organic ingredients (watermelon, kiwi, etc.).  The new URL, www.celloridgefield.com, will go live at the time of the official name change.  For now, visit the current URL, www.plateridgefield.com

Sagi Cucina Italiana – 23 ½ Catoonah St., (203) 431-0200

Sagi is another hidden treasure (note the “1/2” in the address), right across from the Post Office, behind Practically Green.  The menu is filled with delicious homemade pastas, and all produce is purchased from Ridgefield Organics.  For a nice, light meal, start with the Insalata di Frutta e Formaggio, made with apples, pears, goat cheese spread, honey caramelized walnuts, and lemon honey dressing ($11).  For the main, try the Ricotta Gnocchi, which is made with ricotta and flour, and served in a tomato butter sauce with fresh basil ($16.50).  If you are more of a meat lover, go for the Carne Gustosa, grilled skirt steak that has been marinated in garlic, basil, oregano, and olive oil ($19.50).

www.sagiofridgefield.com

Bernard’s – 20 West Ln., (203) 438-8282

With delicious, gourmet French cuisine, and an intimate setting, Bernard’s is a wonderful destination for a “date night” outing.  Start with the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Napoleon, served with roasted corn, green peas, asparagus, tomatoes, hearts of palm, and lemon tarragon vinaigrette ($18).  To follow, order the 1 ¼ lb Maine Lobster, with roasted corn, haricots verts, leeks & scallion galette, sautéed spinach, and lobster saffron sauce.  Top it all off with the Fondant au Chocolate with white chocolate mint chip ice cream ($12).  Très bien!!

www.bernardsridgefield.com

Toscana – 43 Danbury Rd., (203) 894-8995

With an open space and lively atmosphere, Toscana is a fun place to go for your night out.  Start the evening with the Pappardelle, which features porcini mushrooms, chicken, garlic, and oil ($19.95).  Then, for a true Italian experience, try the Venison Osso Bucco, with currant demi glace, and cranberry-pear risotto ($29.95).  Finish the evening with a selection of cheeses ($8 each; $24 for a sample platter).

www.toscanaridgefield.com

Bailey’s Backyard – 23 Bailey Ave., (203) 431-0796

Bailey’s is a quaint little restaurant just steps away from Main Street.  For the first course, order the Fried Calamari, which is tossed with hot cherry peppers, and served with a lemon aioli ($13).  Next, try the Grilled Filet Mignon with Merlot Sauce ($32), or the Oven Roasted Chilean Sea Bass ($29).  If you prefer poultry, there is a fabulous Oven Roasted Tomato, Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken ($24).

www.baileysbackyard.com