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South End Reviews List
South End
The raw talent, experience, and passion of two young men is the foundation for South End, a neighborhood restaurant and gathering place in the charming town of New Canaan. Chef Nick Martschenko and General Manager Keith Siskind bring seasonal comfort food and inspired libations together with an atmosphere that is casual, familiar, and befitting of a small urbane town.
The design combines the old with the new. Rustic hardware elements are set against reclaimed barn wood paneling, and light fixtures are antique in design, while utilizing a more contemporary flare. Beige Italian linen drapes are complimented by contrasting black tufted linen upholstered banquette seating. Oversized color prints of a misty countryside and farm animals are a nod to Chef’s sustainable food practices.
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The design combines the old with the new. Rustic hardware elements are set against reclaimed barn wood paneling, and light fixtures are antique in design, while utilizing a more contemporary flare. Beige Italian linen drapes are complimented by contrasting black tufted linen upholstered banquette seating. Oversized color prints of a misty countryside and farm animals are a nod to Chef’s sustainable food practices.
89 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 89 reviews
5 stars
(36)
4 stars
(43)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(46)
- neighborhood gem(44)
- hot spot(33)
- good for groups(32)
- vibrant bar scene(32)
- kid-friendly(18)
South End Reviews List
Review 1 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Second time there
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good. Went with a group of 6 and everyone enjoyed their meal. Only downside is tables are a bit close together. Otherwise, we would all recommend!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 2 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We came on Mother's Day and had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and so were the drinks. The atmosphere was perfect. The seating was very comfortable so we felt like we could stay forever. Would definitely go back and try dinner."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Stellar Service Matches Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mother's Day dinner was a fantastic celebratory event. Our waiter, noting our indecision on which glass of wine to try, offered samples to assist in our choice. Salads were fresh and entrees - all 5 ranging from pasta to halibut to steak - were all prepared flawlessly and arranged beautifully. And the desserts were wonderful, especially the crumble and the S'mores pie. This was a real find."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love it
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really good food. Good service. Excellent beer list. Loud beyond energetic."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 5 for South End
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mediocre Brunch
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although it has received mostly positive buzz, our Sunday Brunch experience at South End was meh. With the dining room no more than 10% full you would think that you would get extraordinary attention in a place with precious few customers--yet the service ranged from disinterested to non-existent. The food was also unexceptional. Salads were good, but we had to send one back because it was missing ingredients. The $16.00 burger was only average and the portion size was skimpy. The fries that came with it were delicious---but they were not hot enough and were already going limp and becoming soggy. Perhaps South End is worth trying for dinner. But you are advised to skip brunch--and maybe they should, too."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 6 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great! Food was interesting and good!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 7 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently terrific
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My fourth visit to South End did not disappoint. The grilled octopus appetizer was a tasty delight; our entrees of tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, and grilled strip steak were both perfect.
This remains one of our favorite restaurants- the ingredients are consistently of the highest quality, the recipes creative within a traditional framework, and always perfectly prepared and served.
A great place for a great meal!"
This remains one of our favorite restaurants- the ingredients are consistently of the highest quality, the recipes creative within a traditional framework, and always perfectly prepared and served.
A great place for a great meal!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall an excellent experience. Not cheap, but worth a visit. We will definitely return."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A favorite spot , drinks or dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"South End is my favorite spot in New Canaan, I've number of times either just for drinks or for dinners with colleagues, family and even a valentines lunch with my wife.
I keep returning as the staff are super, the atmosphere is of a friendly local and the food is consistently great. Yes, as one reviewer said it's not a huge menu, but I still can't decide what to eat. The dishes are fresh, well crafted and everything I have had has been great. Love this place."
Dined on 2/14/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Welcome addition to local scene
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a delicious meal and great service at this very attractive restaurant the other night. Our only negative was bad music played unecessarily loud. Would love it if there were better music played at a level so people can carry on a conversation and still enjoy both music and friends."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 11 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
In general this is a fine
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"In general this is a fine restaurant. The menu is a bit limited for non-meat eaters but the food is imaginative and well prepared. Wine list is limited and just slightly overpriced. The restaurant's design is attractive and the tables are well spaced."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for any occasion...can't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great for any occasion...can't wait to go back! Food was fantastic, but customer service and attention to detail really made this a knockout. Management and staff make you feel like family."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 13 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We dined here on Wednesday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined here on Wednesday night and it was very busy. We had to wait a bit for our drinks. The Fried artichokes with aioli sauce where delicious. We shared the appetizer and I actually wished I ordered it just for myself. Its a bit pricey for the portions but they do include two sides which is a plus."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 14 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First time taking our kids.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time taking our kids. It was perfect."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first visit having
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first visit having read about South End on CT Bites. We loved the decor and the food was delicious and well presented. One negative, I had asked for olive oil to have with the delicious bread, but my request was forgotten. Luckily we were talking with one of the owners, who then went and got it for me. We would definitely recommend South End and plan for a return visit."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, average service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great restaurant, but the service could use some improvement. They were not even full, so I don't know what the problem was, as I saw a lot of employees standing around that could have been helping others."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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Review 17 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went sunday for the first
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went sunday for the first time and was thrilled with the cuisine. best meal I have had in New Canaan in 10 years. The Tuna Poke and Kale appetizers are really special."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
All of our meals were delicious.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All of our meals were delicious. A bit pricey. The half portion of pasta is quite small, but pairs well with a robust salad."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 19 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We take our children here on week nights if we're too busy or tired to cook. The meatballs are always a hit, as is the bolognese.
Ambience is lively without being too noisy. Service is friendly and attentive. Once in awhile, the kitchen can be a little slow, but the waiters are always conscious of it and keep checking back. I'd say this is just a really good neighborhood restaurant and I hope they'll stay around for a long time."
Ambience is lively without being too noisy. Service is friendly and attentive. Once in awhile, the kitchen can be a little slow, but the waiters are always conscious of it and keep checking back. I'd say this is just a really good neighborhood restaurant and I hope they'll stay around for a long time."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Add this to your restaurant list
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We all loved our meals. Attentive service. Very vibrant atmosphere (ask for a booth if your hearing is not top notch). They did sort of push us out as soon as we were finished eating, but it was Friday night so we understood. I'm adding it to our restaurant rotation and am about to make a new reservation for next weekend."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 21 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food great, ambiance very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food great, ambiance very good. Went with business associate and very good for that as well. Need to come back with my wife."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Welcoming with a rustic setting.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Welcoming with a rustic setting. Nice congenial,good sized bar area with fast and friendly service where we had a drink while waiting for another member of our party. Our dinner was delicious, fresh and well cooked. The duck confit melted in your mouth.Our server was knowledgeable, familiar without being intrusive. A great evening. I would eat there again and have recommended it to my friends."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for South End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not the place for an intimate
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not the place for an intimate conversation. Lots of large groups the night we went. All enjoying themselves! Beware in case you are looking for a romantic spot to dine."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 24 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great first visit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous variety on the menu. Everything we tried was exceptional. Looking forward to returning as this was our first visit."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 25 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A welcome addition to New
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A welcome addition to New Canaan. Love the Duck Confit starter."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 26 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food. The scallops were outstanding and the chocolate cake to finish was wonderful!"
Dined on 02/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for South End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was the first Monday
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the first Monday they were open and it appears that they were not anticipating such a crowd! The limited wait staff they had on were very busy running around trying to serve everyone which they did in a timely manner, however, not in a friendly manner."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2010
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Review 28 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was innovative and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was innovative and delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful without being over bearing."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 29 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noisy, but good energy, service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Noisy, but good energy, service and good food. Has the right formula that its predecessor restaurants did not."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
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Review 30 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot and terrific good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great spot and terrific good and service."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 31 for South End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very disappointed we had to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very disappointed we had to wait 40 min for our table. This was our first visit to South End since its opening. We saw 5 parties of two show up after us and be sat before we were. A little disheartening when you are there on time and have a reservation. Service at the table was slow, but food was yummy."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
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Review 32 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ladies Lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Went for lunch. Our table had chicken paillard, salad pizza and chicken pesto sandwich on focaccia. All were very good. Small plate selection not too appealing. Would like to have seen another soup offering(especially in the winter) as well as a side salad. Will be back to try dinner. Ambiance was very nice but our table was cold and drafty when the door opened."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 33 for South End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the food was really good,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the food was really good, the service was great......noise level is so high as to be a real turn off. dont think i can get my group to go back here because of this! too bad. perhaps the restaurant can address this problem some how! hope so because otherwise it was great!!!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for South End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my third visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my third visit to South End. Each of the 3 meals was superb. My entree this time was the duck breast which was as tasty as any I've had. Chef Martschenko's ability to combine ingredients, like having a few oysters in the butternut squash soup, is his forté.
I love this place."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 35 for South End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food underwhelming. Chicken Mistral special needed to be more than chicken parts literally over soggy (to much dressing) salad. The burger looked beautiful but was quite bland. The Salmon needed salt and again unfortunately bland. The chef needs to taste the food before serving. The first time we visited South End it was fantastic. This time was quite disappointing."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Ratings-Only Reviews for South End
Based on the average of (54) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
8 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic