+1 203-453-0736
Nestled on the Boston Post Road in Guilford, CT, The Guilford Bistro & Grille Cafe offers an inviting and memorable dining experience that effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern flair. Specializing in bistro-style cuisine, this restaurant is a true haven for food lovers seeking hearty, flavorful dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Step inside, and you’re immediately embraced by warm, country-sized portions and a cozy atmosphere that evokes a perfect balance of retro vintage and contemporary jazz vibes. The ambiance, informed by subtle rustic decor, sets the stage for a relaxed yet engaging meal, ideal for anything from casual lunches to intimate dinners.
The menu is a delightful mosaic of creative offerings, with standout dishes that consistently earn rave reviews. Start with fresh favorites like the Burrata Salad, with its creamy richness, or the vibrant Pizza Tricolor, a colorful testament to authentic Italian flavors. The seafood selections such as the perfectly seared Scallops with Garlic Sauce and Bistro Salmon highlight the kitchen’s finesse in balancing delicate tastes and textures.
For pasta enthusiasts, the Pasta Carbonara and the indulgent Penne Alla Vodka with Fried Chicken are true triumphs — each bite layered with a perfect harmony of spices and creamy sauces that linger in the best way possible. Meat lovers will find joy in the Steak That Feeds 4, a generous, beautifully grilled centerpiece, or the flavorful Jamaican Jerk Chicken, marinated to spicy perfection and paired with fresh grilled vegetables.
Beyond the mains, their specialty cold drinks like the Espresso Martini, crafted with an expert’s touch, or the velvety Vanilla Latte, provide refreshing complements to the meal. The dessert selection, including specialty cakes available by the slice or special order, rounds out the experience with a sweet flourish.
What truly sets The Guilford Bistro & Grille Cafe apart is its attentive service and genuine hospitality. Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff who ensure your dining needs are met effortlessly — filling water glasses, checking in without intrusion, and cultivating a welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel special.
Regular patrons appreciate the intimate size of the bistro and the option for charming outdoor seating during warmer months, where you can enjoy BYOB privileges for a small corkage fee, enhancing a personalized dining experience. Reservations are advisable, particularly for popular lunch hours or holiday dinners, underscoring the well-deserved local love this gem has earned since opening in 2006.
Whether you’re in Guilford for a casual meal or a celebratory feast, The Guilford Bistro & Grille Cafe promises fresh, flavorsome plates and an atmosphere that invites you to relax and savor every bite. It’s a culinary destination that harmonizes comfort and creativity, leaving an impression well beyond the last forkful.
We visited for lunch so the place was quiet. The food was fresh and very tasty - we couldn't put our forks down. Service was great - server kept checking on us to see if we have everything we need and kept filling up our water glasses. Very generous portions - country sized. Rustic vibes and decor.
The Guilford Bistro & Grill has been open since 2006. When we first visited in December 2023, we had to wait an hour for a table. However, since then, the restaurant has been almost empty each time we’ve gone—especially during lunch hours. It hasn’t been featured on any major websites besides restaurant review platforms. That said, the food is excellent, and their lunch prices are very reasonable. I personally prefer their lunch menu. The atmosphere is cozy, even though the space is relatively small.
This spot is welcoming with a modern jazz-retro-vintage flair. Mike makes amazing espresso martinis! I've traveled to Italy, and I can say with confidence my Carbona was to DIE FOR! My boyfriend's Penne alla Vodka was delicious as well. Friendly service and talented chef! Highly recommend if you're in the Gilford area!
For many years We have been going to this place for outside lunches and dinners. We love the byob is an added bonus ( they add a small charge for uncorking and the glasses etc) I recommend reservations since it’s not a large restaurant and weather permitting outside seating makes the tables fewer. Having my favorite bottle of wine for this holiday friends dinner with good food will always have this place on my list when I’m in the area. The reason for four stars for service was because they had a restaurant full with not enough staff to run the bar and the restaurant; we had to wait for a menu? Idk otherwise this place is great from prior visits.
Fro delicious calamari and good salads to excellent pasta dishes, the restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I would definitely visit again when next in the area. I had spicy baby clams in a red sauce that must have had 40-50 clams that were cooked perfectly
So I have lived in the area for twenty plus years.And never came here.I'd always heard about the cauliflower appetizer. I read the reviews in some weren't that great.However, my experience today has been fantastic! I got the cauliflower appetizer and I asked for chicken francis which is not on the menu.But was phenomenal, the chicken was soft and tender.Not pounded to a quarter inch it was just perfect.Nice, thick, gorgeous and wonderful.I'll see if I can post the pictures