Calandra's Mediterranean Grill

"Food and service are very good. Unexpected surprise,since it's inside a hotel. Nice decor , very nice staff. Enjoyed a Holiday Margarita."

"My partner, our friends and I wanted to try somewhere different for dinner and decided on Calandra's Mediterranean Grill in Fairfield off of Route 46 East as first-timers today. Reservations were easily made via Open Table. Do not be put off by the fact that this establishment is located inside the Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel. It is not a hotel restaurant but rather privately owned by the Calandra family. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Tuscany in color, the tile floors, and an outdoor patio with fountains. Upon entering, one walks into the lobby area, which has high ceilings and a nice, massive fireplace. We were greeted by the hostess and opted for the restaurant. Our server was Lauro. The menu consists of Northern Italian cuisine options with a variety of fish, chicken, steaks, and pasta that is house-made. For appetizers, we decided on one of tonight's specials with Fried Zucchini Blossoms stuffed with seasoned Ricotta cheese and a side of marinara sauce and Caprese Salad (Fresh mozzarella cheese, steak tomatoes, prosciutto, and roasted peppers; finished with EVOO). For our main meal, we opted for several of tonight’s specials, starting with Sautéed Chicken Breast Piccata Style" served in a lemon butter white wine sauce topped with fresh melted mozzarella cheese accompanied by Brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes; Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass served with baby shrimp, cannelloni beans, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli rabe in roasted garlic and olive oil; Blackened Swordfish served with mushroom risotto; and Gnocchi al Funghi (potato dumplings in a creamy mushroom sauce). Our meal started with a basket of their handcrafted bread and a plate of oil mixed with grated Parmigiana. We had an excellent experience tonight, as the food was outstanding, well seasoned, and delicious. Their breads and desserts come fresh from their own bakery daily. The service was excellent—very attentive and helpful. The price was a bit pricey, but well worth every moment considering we’re only 15 miles from Manhattan. We can't wait for the next occasion on which we can recommend it."

"Great italian food with authentic pasta dishes and delicious desserts. We stopped by today to have lunch. Ordered calamari and besides marinara it also came with a sweet ginger sauce that was really good. We had vodka parpadelle, chicken and mushroom pasta, and grilled salmon. All dishes were fresh, the sauces were rich, and flavors were unique. Desserts we ordered raspberry mousse and chocolate mousse. Both are delicious!"

"This was my first visit to this establishment, which is within the Hamton Bays hotel on US-46 in Fairfield NJ. We were seated outside, at our request, in a courtyard type setup that has a very nice ambiance. We had a late lunch early dinner, which the menu definitely accommodates. Items ordered were a ▪︎Margherita Pizza (pepperoni added) made from Baresi tomato sauce, house made mozzarella, fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano. ▪︎Salmon Burger made from ground salmon patty, micro greens, tomatoes, and Sauce Gribiche on a toasted Calandra’s brioche roll. ▪︎Pollo Griglia which is grilled chicken, sautéed broccoli rabe, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted provolone cheese on a Calandra’s brioche roll. ▪︎Broiled Salmon, which was on the specials menu. All entrees were excellent! Service was friendly and reasonably quick. Drinks were mixed well, and beer was served at the right temperature in addition to the Pinot Grigio. The desert tray will have something for everyone. Items ordered were ▪︎Creme Brulet ▪︎Raspberry Chocolate Mousse ▪︎NY Cheese Cake ▪︎Custard with Fresh Berries. Oh boy! It's a great way to top off a really good meal. So, if you are in the Fairfield area, definitely give this place some patronage. I will not be disappointed."

"Me and my friend went there on Tuesday August 9th at 3:40pm. I noticed right away how beautiful this place was, I really enjoy all the food that we ordered but I wasn’t thrilled with the way this younger bartender treated me and my friend…attitude was giving us right away. We never got boxes to take left overs with us even that we asked twice. I will give it another try though because my friend told me that when she went there previously service was fantastic and there was a life music."