Reserve now:
Oak + AlmondReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
New York / Tri-State Area Restaurant Reviews >
Connecticut Restaurant Reviews >
Norwalk Restaurant Reviews >
Contemporary Italian Restaurant Reviews
Oak + Almond Reviews List
Oak + Almond
Oak and almond wood fuels our wood burning oven and stove. Imparting an earthy quality to many of our menu items, these hardwoods are at the heart of our restaurant's philosophy.
With cuisine inspired by the traditions & techniques of yesteryear, our philosophy is simple: provide delicious handcrafted food, created with well sourced seasonal ingredients with a focus on hearth & flame. We source the best artesian ingredients and prepare them simply with respect. The wine program highlights biodynamic and organic selections, which compliment the simple integrity of our menu.
An 18 foot communal table, crafted from local 100 year old oak floorboards anchors the dining room. Hand-rubbed walnut tables, industrial fixtures, and an open kitchen featuring a wood burning oven and stove provide a modern yet warm dining experience.
See more Oak + Almond details
With cuisine inspired by the traditions & techniques of yesteryear, our philosophy is simple: provide delicious handcrafted food, created with well sourced seasonal ingredients with a focus on hearth & flame. We source the best artesian ingredients and prepare them simply with respect. The wine program highlights biodynamic and organic selections, which compliment the simple integrity of our menu.
An 18 foot communal table, crafted from local 100 year old oak floorboards anchors the dining room. Hand-rubbed walnut tables, industrial fixtures, and an open kitchen featuring a wood burning oven and stove provide a modern yet warm dining experience.
40 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 40 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(23)
- good for groups(18)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- special occasion(13)
- great for outdoor dining(12)
- great for lunch(9)
Oak + Almond Reviews List
Review 1 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food is good. Service? Not so much.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for lunch the other day, excited about a new "Le Farm" like restaurant. Unfortunately, it felt more like an upscale Bertucci's. First, the food: cheese plate was delicious. A must get. Next, we had the "flatbread" which was really just a big doughy pizza. Way too much for an appetizer. Next was the lamb bolognese. Salty, but ok. The problem was that we had to eat it at home for dinner because the service here was atrocious. Our waiter was MIA throughout entire meal. And we were the only people there! Cheese plate was just dropped from kitchen server with no explanation on what the cheeses were, then we had to wait a full 20 minutes for the pizza and another 20 for the pasta. Good potential here, so let's hope they iron out the kinks."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"New restaurant, still working out quirks. Flatbreads were excellent. Short rib ravioli was fine, somewhat undercooked. Not as delicious as expected from the description. Using quality ingredients, seems promising but still needs work."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Inedible
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Seldom nowadays do you find a restaurant where the food was truly awful. We were sad to find that to be the case at Oak+Almond. First off, the wood-fired oven filled the main dining room with smoke, so we opted for the enclosed terrace room, which was so noisy all the diners had a sore throat by the end of the meal trying to make ourselves heard over the din. The flatbread appetizer was actually not bad, but it went steeply downhill from there. The vegetable tagine bore no resemblance whatever to real tagines, and was sent back. The lamb chops came with an anchovy sauce which was as gross as it sounds. The whole wheat tagliatelle was drenched in a gloppy cream sauce and truly awful overall. One of us ordered a burger which was not bad."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A WORK IN PROGRESS
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"DECIDEDLY UNDERWHELMING ON AMBIENCE AND SLIGHTLY ABOVE AVERAGE ON FOOD QUALITY; VEGI TURINE IS VERY GOOD; INFACT FOOD GENERALLTY GOOD BUT UNCLEAR WHAT THEY ARE ALL ABOUT. GOOD TO GOOD + WINE LIST; VERY INTERESTING AND SURPRISING BEER SELECTION. ANGELA, OUR WAITRESS WAS EXCELLENT AND MANAGER VERY NICE.
COULD BE GREAT BUSINESS GIVEN LOCATION AND EASY ACCESS...LETS SEE WHERE THEY ARE IN AFEW MONTHS."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunched on Mother's dayf for the 1st time. I was impressed with the space, its open and clean. Barstool chairs by the kitchen seems novel. All the apps we had were terrific such as the mussels, pork&pistachio terrine, and the crudo. The outdoor patio seems like a fun spot once the weather improves."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
welcome addition to the area
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went here for mothers dat lunch.
It was packed and I was glad I made a reservation.
The exterior needs some work but inside it was very nice. Clean and modern.
The server was nice.
We liked the cocktails and beer choices.
Appetizers and salad were very good but we did not enjoy the main course that much.
The chicken had no flavor inside and could use some salt at least.
The tagine tasted pretty bad. The spices were there but felt undercooked and not integrated. Could use some salt here too.
It was packed and I was glad I made a reservation.
The exterior needs some work but inside it was very nice. Clean and modern.
The server was nice.
We liked the cocktails and beer choices.
Appetizers and salad were very good but we did not enjoy the main course that much.
The chicken had no flavor inside and could use some salt at least.
The tagine tasted pretty bad. The spices were there but felt undercooked and not integrated. Could use some salt here too.
I would go back to try flat bread and because there is not muchin the area other than italian restaurants."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is beautiful. Gorgeous dining room. Salads were fabulous. Flat bread was fabulous. Salmon was just ok. Vegetable tagine was very undercooked and lacked flavor."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sitting near the open kitchen I heard the owner tell the cook to prepare my steak medium. I had asked for medium rare-and after mentioning to our waiter, we waited another 15 minutes. Of course, they didn't own up to it.
I had ordered another glass of wine which I never got but got charged for it, which had to be pointed out to the waiter.
I had ordered another glass of wine which I never got but got charged for it, which had to be pointed out to the waiter.
Overall, very unique menu, strong flavors. Very knowledgeable staff on items and preparation."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
eh....
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"honestly, I feel like the best thing about this pace is the new light fixtures and a fresh coat of paint. The flatbread was good, the rest really so so. ZERO ambience, even on the cold side.
I think i'll pass for a second time."
I think i'll pass for a second time."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
nice change
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great restaurant in a fantastic location, needs to work on the outside"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Lesser Version of Le Farm?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is nearly the same menu and same execution as Le Farm. Food is very rich (sauces are too fatty) and doesn't quite hit the markk like Le Farm. Jeff Taibe, brother of Bill Taibe (Le Farm), owns the place so the parallels are understandable. They need to offer some ligher foods as even the fish is served with a heavy sauce. Nice dining room with great lighting and communal style tables. Good to have decent food in Fairfield county but need more originality in execution. If I was local, would make it a regular haunt. If not, would probably be in the dining out "rotation" but would not make a special trip."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous lunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I made a last minute reservation for 8 people for a business lunch-when we arrived our table was ready. The atmosphere inside is warm, bright with natural sunlight, and casual. I loved the rustic wood tables and modern lighting. The menu is diverse with a million things I want to try. I had the chicken salad sandwich which doesnt sound so special, but it was on delicious perfectly grilled whole wheat bread, and was nicely complimented with a sweet date jam. Side salad was fresh mixed greens with a tangy lemony vinaigrette. Shared an enormous side of hand cut fries which came with an awesome aioli. Everyone loved their food and the service was great. Nice cocktail list and beer selection. I hope this place does very well."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
GETTING THEIR ACT TOGETHER
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN OPEN FOR 5 WEEKS. SO I WILL GO BACK AND TRY IT AGAIN.
THE SPINACH AND PEA SOUP WAS TOO WATERY. I FELT LIKE IT NEEDED VODKA AND CHILLED AND WOULD MAKE A GOOD DRINK. THE SWORDFISH CRUDO WAS DELICIOUS. THE CHICKEN OVER POLENTA WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. THEY NEED TO MAKE SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND I'M SURE THEY WILL ONCE THEY GET SOME TIME UNDER THEIR BELT, I HOPE."
THE SPINACH AND PEA SOUP WAS TOO WATERY. I FELT LIKE IT NEEDED VODKA AND CHILLED AND WOULD MAKE A GOOD DRINK. THE SWORDFISH CRUDO WAS DELICIOUS. THE CHICKEN OVER POLENTA WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. THEY NEED TO MAKE SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND I'M SURE THEY WILL ONCE THEY GET SOME TIME UNDER THEIR BELT, I HOPE."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
5 Stars!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have found a new restaurant for my rotation after an extensive search... Walked into a beautiful modern room. Greeted right away with a smile and seated at a gorgeous cherry table with the smells and sights of tasty delights all around. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Exciting and delicious. Beautiful plates with flavors to die for! The Halibut dish tasted like heaven! The service was outstanding! Our waiter, Cris, was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and charming. Not to mention easy on the eyes. I will be bringing my friends back often and soon. A must try at least once (but i guarantee you will return)"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
New Spot
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We loved the decor, the room is so big and impressive. Service was " new restaurant" so will try it again in a few months. The wait between courses was very long.... However the food was good. Lovely fish dish, Once it came...."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
GREAT FIND
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"we loved everything about this place, the service was outstanding. the food was incredible. we had the meatball starter, the veal ragu and the halibut. all were prepared perfectly and were amazing. the wines by the glass were fantastic! I highly recommend this place!we cant wait to go back!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service excellent.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service excellent. Black cod best I ever had."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent all around! The space has been redone stunningly, the menu is creative, the ingredients are seasonal and fresh, and the meals are very well prepared. A little off the beaten path unless you work or live in the area, but definitely worth the trip! We shared the meatballs, a lovely greens and avocado salad (a tad more dressing needed is the only "complaint"), chicken (accompanied by delicious sauteed kale and polenta), and the burger - all excellent. Next time will be the salmon and and some of the more imaginative offerings."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our group's first
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our group's first time dining at Oak & Almond, but it will not be our last. The service was excellent and the food was fantastic. Everything was prepared fresh and you could tell the chef really put thought into the preparation of every dish. Our glasses were never empty the entire time we were there and the servers were very personable and friendly."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food OK Wine prices out of line!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Good: Great ambiance, very nice folks, great service, substantial portions
The so-so: Food mostly was bland. Garlic&Herb Flatbread very good, the Mussels disappointingly bland, the much anticipated Short Rib Ravioli with horseradish root and ramps not quite as bland but not popping with the flavor that those ingredients would lead you to believe.
The BAD: Wine prices are way over acceptable markup. We had a Nero D'Avola (a Sicilian red) that was on the menu for $30, but can be had locally at RETAIL for between $9 and $12 I've come to expect 100% markup over standard retail but a 200% bump is out of line, they had other bottles on the menu that were also in the 150% and above range in terms of markup. We'll give them another shot but."
The so-so: Food mostly was bland. Garlic&Herb Flatbread very good, the Mussels disappointingly bland, the much anticipated Short Rib Ravioli with horseradish root and ramps not quite as bland but not popping with the flavor that those ingredients would lead you to believe.
The BAD: Wine prices are way over acceptable markup. We had a Nero D'Avola (a Sicilian red) that was on the menu for $30, but can be had locally at RETAIL for between $9 and $12 I've come to expect 100% markup over standard retail but a 200% bump is out of line, they had other bottles on the menu that were also in the 150% and above range in terms of markup. We'll give them another shot but."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2002
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent Food, friendly profession
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent Food, friendly professional service. Unfortunately upscale food menu does not match clientele. Will return."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Oak + Almond
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Absolutely top notch food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely top notch food. New and creative combinations that had me wanting to return as soon as possible! Every dish we ate from starter to the coffee was of the highest quality. Amazing!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Oak + Almond
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic