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The Schoolhouse at Cannondale
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
34 Cannon RdWilton, CT 06897
(203) 834-9816
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 2 pm
Sun 10 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Here at O Bar & Grill we do things right. Serving, tapas, salad, seafood, meat, burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes, we have something for… read more »
30 reviews for The Schoolhouse at Cannondale
Review Highlights
30 reviews in English
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Review from Bubba H.
Norwalk, CT
11/3/2011
Really as good as it gets! Chef Tim LaBant creates amazing dishes from organic, locally-sourced and responsibly grown ingredients. Perhaps the flavors aren't nuanced as certain dishes at Per Se (or, locally and more seriously, Bernard's, et. al.), but there isn't a more creative chef in Fairfield County right now.
The decor is relaxing, the staff is great as is the service. -
Review from nikki s.
New Haven, CT
11/12/2011
i really wanted to like this restaurant, and i expected to, given the previous reviews. however, i didn't.
the schoolhouse itself is super cute, and the servers are extremely nice. i went there for lunch yesterday for my boyfriend's birthday and our anniversary, and we both were impressed by the decor and the intimate setting.
unfortunately, the food did not match the atmosphere. we both ordered the tomato soup, which was barely edible. we tried to eat as much as we could, but it was really bitter and tangy and just not good. for our entrees, my boyfriend got the burger, which was decent, and i got the chicken, which was not so great. still, i ate it because i was hungry.
after waiting about twenty minutes to get the check, the server was nice enough to not charge us for the soup. we felt really bad about it, but it was sweet of him to waive the charges. anyway, i would maybe return for brunch if i'm ever in the area again, since it seems like most people enjoyed it. -
Review from James S.
Manlius, NY
9/18/2011
ntimate setting in a one room schoolhouse (well, not really, the kitchen, bathroom, and cellar were also there, as well as an entry foyer). But the dining area is one room, very intimate, several tables for two along each side of the restaurant, some pushed together for larger parties, and some 4 seat tables in the middle. One side overlooks a creek running rapidly along it, and the morning sun for brunch gave a beautiful setting to look at outside.
We had brunch Sunday morning (again, thanks Open Table for making reservations so easy, and The Schoolhouse for using it.) The hot chocolate, homemade with homemade marshmallow was exquisite, the orange juice fresh. The waiter highly recommended the Eggs Benedict (on toasted bread, with spinach and bacon). The eggs and hollandaise sauce were perfect, and the sauce in excellent proportion. We tried the French Toast (brioche) with strawberries as well. Equally fantastic.
The service was impeccable, a little gem. We'll go back for dinner at some point. -
Review from Christina H.
Norwalk, CT
1/30/2012
I had the Thursday night $40pp prix fixe over the summer. I was super excited to go because I had heard so much about the restaurant, and read numerous glowing reviews.
I thought the food was quite good. My entree (squash spaghetti with feta, mint, pistachio and lamb meatballs) was both delicious and one-of-a-kind (who would have thought to put all those different ingredients together). Similarly, the dessert which was pink lemonade sorbet with pecan brittle and panna cotta was divine. However, my appetizer was a bit of a mush (can't remember it). Starter salad was good, but nothing special.
My biggest complaint is that THE PORTIONS ARE TINY. I mean, I understand portions are smaller at fancy restaurants, but what we got was ridiculous. My husband and I were seriously contemplating going to McDonald's afterwards because we were still so hungry. I am hoping to go back some time soon and see if a regular meal might be more substantial before I make a final call on this restaurant.
One thing I did love was the ambiance, decor and the waiter's uniforms -- blue gingham shirts with suspenders. A lovely touch. -
Review from Jan R.
Wilton, CT
1/29/2012
I am getting tired of hit or miss dining, but that seems to be the rule in this area. The schoolhouse is a nice, cozy, small room. The service is pretty good but the food - like the putting your name on the menu - can be kind of precious. Some of the food is quite good but other dishes in the same dinner can be poorly seasoned, poorly cooked or just poorly conceived. I'm am sorry to diss the chef like this but sometimes I think he needs to reground himself in the basics.
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Review from Jenna D.
New Haven, CT
8/21/2011
First of all, good luck finding this place. I only knew where I was going because I used to work right near there. Your best bet is trying to find the Cannondale (What is Cannondale anyway? A town? A village?) Metro-North Station and it's right there.
The food was amazing. I had the gazpacho which was refreshing and came with shrimp and lobster. I had some of my friend's fois gras appetizer which was also excellent. I had steak and we both got the souffle at the end. Everything was delicious and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly.
Their individual french press coffees were cute but nothing special.
Putting the party's name on the menu is a nice touch.
It was so good we went back for brunch on Sunday.
Excellent date restaurant. -
Review from Jason L.
New Canaan, CT
8/28/2011
Absolutely one of a kind dining experience. So many things at the Schoolhouse add up to a 5 star dining experience: the food, the service, the setting, the unique charm of being in an old schoolhouse, the 19th century township feel of the surrounding buildings, the active but small train station.
Easy to find if you use your car's gps/nav or use google maps.
Menu highlights were a bacon and egg breakfast appetizer. World class chocolate soufflé with handmade earl gray ice cream.
The Schoolhouse really expanded our horizons to see what a restaurant can be. Never experienced anything quite like it before.
You must try it.Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 9/3/2011
Jason, thanks a lot, I'm so happy you enjoyed the evening.… More » -
Review from Liz D.
Stamford, CT
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm reticent to review The Schoolhouse because it's one of those perfect restaurants that you want no one to know about. From the moment you walk in the door, until the moment you leave, you will feel like you had an exceptional evening.
The attention to detail is here paramount at The Schoolhouse. They give you a menu with your surname printed at the top, which I love.
All of the food is fresh and innovative, relying on ingredients that are locally sourced and in season at the moment you visit. A chalkboard over the kitchen door touts all of the veggies and proteins that are at their peak of freshness during the month you are visiting.
The Schoolhouse is the only restaurant that I would happily compare to Blue Hill, but with a far more intimate atmosphere.
The establishment was literally a schoolhouse at one time and only has a total of 20 tables, making it a lovely, cozy place to enjoy a fabulous meal. -
Review from Sue C.
New York, NY
1/16/2012
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale is by far the best restaurant in the Fairfield County area. Having lived in Wilton for over 25 years and having dined at all the top restaurants in our small town and the surrounding towns of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Schoolhouse is in a league of its own. We were thrilled by the simple, yet refined menu, and were delighted when Chef Tim LaBant came out to greet all diners individually. Though there are only a few wines offered by the glass, each is well selected and fits the items on the menu. The ambiance enhances the meal, and the service is perfect. The highlight of our evening was the Dorade with Octopus and Baby Potatoes-exquisite and perfectly cooked and seasoned. Our only request is that there be more desserts offered, though the Chocolate Souffle and Earl Grey tea ice cream we enjoyed was classic, rich, and a great closer. Bravo!
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Review from Andrew R.
Fairfield, CT
1/23/2011
From top to bottom food, service, atmosphere, attention to detail and thoughtfulness in menus - a big hit. Make a reservation - smallish intimate dining room makes for a great setting to enjoy skillfully prepared food with creative flair. They serve Wave Hill bread... I could sit there and eat a basket of it with the whipped salted butter and be in heaven! U got me.
Back tonight 2 weeks later and will add that I was privy to one of the single best first courses I have had in a restaurant in quite a long time. Braised baby carrots with a harissa sauce, dates, fried crispy chic peas and mâché - there was an underlying hint of garam masala that united the dish and played off the spicy harissa. BRAVO chef! & might I add -not a spec of meat.Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/8/2011
Andrew you are very kind, thank you for the kind words. See… More » -
Review from Dan G.
Stamford, CT
11/10/2011
Took my wife here for our 7th anniversary. Best. Meal. Ever. All the good stuff already written here is true. At $65 per person, including wine pairings, the Thursday night Prix Fixe is easily the greatest bargain in town. Bravo!
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Review from Rick B.
Wilton, CT
9/28/2010
Wow, we live close by to this place and I can't believe it took us so long to get here. Chef Tim LeBant supports local causes and we had tasted his catering menu at a handful of fundraisers, and always meant to go to the restaurant for the full experience. I'm glad we finally made it.
This is a small restaurant with world-class food. My dining partner and I agreed we had one of the best meals we've ever had here. Chef Tim LeBant uses local-sourced ingredients whenever he can, so the menu changes depending on what is available locally. I had the cheese pairing for an appetizer, while my dining parter had pate. Both were excellent, but the cheese plate was fantastic! Our entrees were wonderful and fresh, and we shared a chocolate souffle for desert, which was paired with cinnamon ice cream. Heavenly.
Our service was excellent.Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/9/2011
Rick thanks for such a nice review, and we're glad you don't… More » -
Review from Helder P.
Danbury, CT
7/4/2011
Excellent food and friendly service. The chef has a talent for pairing ingredients and perfect execution. A must try
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Review from Evan G.
Greenwich, CT
5/24/2010
What a wonderful restaurant. The decor is simple and spotless. The waiters are well trained and polite. The food prepared by Chef Tim LeBant was fantastic and fresh.
We decided on the soft shell crab as an appetizer which was the first of the season, which was sauted and served with a wonderful polenta and bacon cubes. For the second course, we went for the Kobe burgers served with black truffle mayo and hand cut fries. For dessert we had three artisan cheeses with accompaniments. We paired each course with a wine brought by each of us.
I am looking forward to dining on the rear terrace which sits right on the Norwalk River and for the home-grown vegetables from the garden.
I can't wait to return this Friday! -
Review from Julie K.
Fairfield, CT
11/6/2011
Went there for our anniversary, the food and service were the best. The chocolate souflet was to die for. The meal was well worth the price.
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Review from Precy G.
Stamford, CT
8/1/2010
I took my husband here for an early father's day dinner ... OMG - yummy all around!!
The food overall was creative, clean and delicious. Service was excellent. I can't wait to go back ...
Recommend you check the website for sample menus as it changes often, however the philosophy remains the same. It's a charming little restaurant with new American flavors and a slant of French cuisine. Simply fantastic.Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/9/2011
Thanks Percy for the nice comments. I just built a brand… More » -
Review from Randy S.
Westport, CT
7/6/2011
This place brings NYC standards to the country and an incredible ambiance in an authentic, one-room schoolhouse. Every course surprises, the only excess could be in the use of truffes, truffle oil etc. which can overpower the food.
Great for special occasions, and for somewhat-behaving kids, as the one-room setting inspires them to behave more than usual. Brunch is a treat. -
Review from Holly H.
Atlanta, GA
3/28/2009
Frankly I'm surprised I am only the second to review this stellar dining establishment. Tim brings the concept of fresh/local to a whole new level.
This place is a shining star!! -
Review from Paul C.
Trumbull, CT
5/28/2011
Tried lunch today amongst our Saturday errands....
We have done dinner and brunch before, and today did not disapoint.
Lovely , local food prepared with care and served with gracious enthusiam.
The burger...yes a burger....was perfect with truffle oil mayo. Fried chicken thighs connected New England with Memphis, TN.
This place is great! -
Review from Emilie G.
New York, NY
5/2/2008
This was the best meal I've had in a long time. The dishes are simple, and succeed because the ingredients are so fresh and the flavors and textures are well-balanced. Our cheese tasting appetizer--three wedges of artisanal cheese each paired with a jam or candied fruit--was a masterpiece! Similarly, braised foie gras laid atop fresh peach tatin was a stroke of utter genius.
Of course, for me to really be sold on a place there needs to be a combination of excellent food and cozy ambiance. The Schoolhouse is an intimate, thoughtfully decorated space. I loved all the little touches, from exquisitely printed menus to the miniature French presses in which they serve you your after-dinner coffee. Clearly, whoever is in charge over there has excellent taste and is really thinking about things.
I desperately want to return for the weekend brunch. -
Review from Maria S.
Manhattan, NY
10/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Brunch report: The coffee was deliciously bold without any bitterness - lighten up on the milk and sugar, it is a bit sweeter than typical coffee. The bacon, herb and goat cheese quiche is melt-in-your-mouth creamy with a crunchy, buttery crust. The side of potato is a tad too oily for me but still had a satisfying crispiness. Quick take: fresh, delicious and reasonably priced (about $125 w/ tip for 5 people). Keep in mind you MUST make reservations.
Listed in: It's better than lunch, it's…
Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/8/2011
Cheers Maria S. thanks for coming in for Brunch. More » -
Review from Al S.
Norwalk, CT
9/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
By far, the best restaurant I've been to since I moved to CT. The service is always stellar. And the food consistently exceeds all expectations. The menu changes based on local availability, so everything is always fresh and exquisitely prepared. And don't leave before having desert. If they have the chocolate souffle, make sure you have a taste!
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Review from Justin O.
Ridgefield, CT
8/6/2010
Hey, Katie Y, don't you dare get a big truck and move the Schoolhouse out of town! :-) This place is a little diamond up here in the sticks of northern Fairfield County. The food is simple, local, fresh, elegant and consistently delicious. And the environment is just beautiful. The room has been redone to give it a touch of elegance, but without losing the simple beauty of the old schoolhouse building. Service was friendly and attentive without being annoying.
Expensive, but a wonderful special-occasion place. -
Review from lynn d.
Stamford, CT
11/11/2011
very expensive and mediocre. nothing unique could have cooked this at home wont be back. dont know what the other reviewers are talking about.
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Review from Sarah G.
Town of Redding, CT
1/10/2011
My husband and I love this restaurant. After just moving to West Redding from Brooklyn, this place was recommended to us by our coffee guy - and wow. We went for brunch - 8 people in total - and the food was simply divine. I ordered the burger which was cooked to perfection using a super high quality beef. My husband ordered the french toast and just loved it. His only complaint was that he wished that his portion had been slightly larger - but he has a big appetite! The service was great - the servers were patient, kind and very accommodating. I highly recommend this restaurant. Make reservations though!
Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/8/2011
Thanks Sarah, I am so glad you enjoyed everything. Also… More » -
Review from John B.
Westport, CT
Local ingredients, contemporary flare, classic setting, and creative cuisine. Pricey and advanced reservations required due to intimate setting but worth the visit for a taste of New England.
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Review from Katie Y.
5/18/2009
If I could, I would hire a huge truck, lift the Schoolhouse at Cannondale from its foundation, and drive it down to a quaint little part of DC so that I could visit on a regular basis. This place is AMAZING, as good as it gets, five stars all of the way. I went for brunch with a large group of people celebrating a wedding - we arrived at noon on Sunday, and the tiny building was already abuzz with other patrons. The atmosphere was perfect - cozy, wonderful acoustics, just the right space between tables, comfortable and upscale without the least amount of pretentiousness, and has an all-around good chi about it. The brunch options were plentiful - something for everyone was easily chosen among our large group of various taste preferences. I opted for the soft-shell crab on a buttered brioche and avocado and bacon. Perfectly seasoned, not one of the flavors dominated the palate. I also had a thick-as-can-be hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows that would make any diet derail with just a sip (which is suffice to say, it was heavenly delish). My boyfriend got the french toast with fruit and VT maple syrup (possibly the best french toast I have ever had), my mother the steak and eggs... everything I tasted was exactly how it should be. Brunch items cost $15-20 each (and you will leave stuffed). Hot chocolate and coffee choices will set you back around $4-5.
Visit the website to learn more about the philosophy of the owner and sourcing as much food locally as possible (at the restaurant I learned that "local" meant mostly within 3 miles of the place - incredible!) Expect your meal to be seasonally focused and fabulous!Comment from Tim L. of The Schoolhouse at Cannondale 2/9/2011
Thanks Katie, I love your quote so much i put it on my… More » -
Review from Robert G.
Mercer Island, WA
9/15/2010
Simply the best. Sunday brunch will rock your world. Have eaten here 3 times during past year when in Wilton visiting Dad.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Ridgefield, CT
5/5/2011
I hate to write a great review for fear it might get even harder to get in this place. It is really great! Can't wait for the back patio to open up so we can go spur of the moment again. Love it.
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Review from R S.
Westport, CT
8/2/2010
A wonderful find in CT. Food is refined and flavorful, service is attentive and the atmosphere comfortable. Lunch is a good way to try it especially in the nice weather outside.
