Nestled in historic Ridgefield, Connecticut, this circa 1875 former inn has been lovingly transformed into an award-winning dining destination with your hosts, Sarah and Bernard Bouissou, offering their signature style to every detail. Whether you are looking to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, gather with a group of friends, or host a larger private celebration, Bernard’s has the elegant ambiance and distinctive cuisine that will make your experience a memorable one. Bernard’s offers a wide array of private and unique dining and gathering spaces to accommodate guests from 10 to 140.

Chef Bernard changes the menu daily to reflect the finest local ingredients. He added vegetable gardens in the summer of 2012 which grew more than half of the produce served at Bernard’s during the season.

The restaurant continually garners rave reviews, earning a 2012 Zagat rating of 27-26-27.  2012 also brought the Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator for Bernard’s outstanding wine list.

Reservations are recommended

Bernard's and Sarah's Wine Bar are closed on Mondays

Bernard's Hours
Lunch:      Tuesday - Saturday:  12:00 - 2:30 pm         

Brunch:    Sunday   12:00 - 2:30 pm

Dinner:     Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00 - 9:00 pm         
                  
Friday & Saturday:  6:00 - 10:00 pm            
                 
Sunday:  5:00 - 8:00 pm

See Bernard's Dinner Menu here
See Bernard's Lunch Menu here
See Bernard's and SWB calendar of events here

Sarah’s Wine Bar is located upstairs @ Bernard’s and serves a separate bistro menu. It boasts a fun and lively atmosphere with a more casual setting, no reservations, small and large plates, and a $25 Special Wine list. SWB supports the local arts by featuring musicians Wednesday through Saturday nights and hosting the Jazz Masters Series every month. In addition, every three months Sarah’s features a different local artist's work.

SWB accepts reservations for parties of 8 or more.
SWB  is open for Dinner:      Tuesday - Sunday: 5:00 pm
Closed for Lunch - except for private parties of 30 or more

Sarah's Wine Bar will be closed but offered on the main floor Thursday, May 2nd and closed everywhere Saturday, May 18th.

See Music at SWB here
See Menu at SWB here
See Bernard's and SWB calendar of events here

Sarah Bouissou Catering offers comprehensive off-premise catering services to the location of your choice, available for parties from 10 to 1,000 people. The services can be as extensive as you need them to be and include:

    Catering
    Bar & beverage services
    Event planning services
    Set-up/clean-up of the event room

See Our Catering Brochure here

To inquire about off-premise catering please contact Elizabeth via phone or email at 203-856-2537 or sbcatering@bernardsridgefield.com.

Chef Bernard prides himself on only using the freshest seasonal ingredients throughout his menu, featuring local organic meats, cheeses and produce. 

       Dinner
       Lunch     
       Dessert & Cheese       
       Brunch       
       Children's Menu

       Pre-Theatre       
       Sarah’s Wine Bar   

       Weddings and Rehearsal Dinner Package
       Shower Package
       Bar/Bat Mitvahs Package
       Banquets Package   
       Luncheons Package
       Hors D'Oeuvres

Bernard's “outstanding wine list” is recognized annually by The Wine Spectator Magazine, receiving the Best of Award of Excellence since 2001. Bernard's list includes over 1,300 wines from the United States, France, and around the world. Bernard categorizes his list by country, grape and region and features an extensive Half Bottle List as well as a Dessert Wine Selection.

See Our Wine List here

2013 OpenTable Diners' Choice Award

Article by Writer/Author Valerie Albarda
“...there are times when I want to visit the same restaurant over and over yet experience something fabulously varied with each visit. This is the promise of Bernard’s Restaurant
in Ridgefield, CT.”

"Best French" 2013
Connecticut Magazine

"Best Chef 2008"
Connecticut Magazine

"Extraordinary to Perfection" Zagat’s 2012/2013
      Food 27 | Décor 26  | Service 27

Star Diamond Award 2008

DiRona Distinguished Restaurants Award

4 Stars
New York Times

Best of Award of Excellence
Wine Spectator 2011

“Excellent Nouveau French restaurant in an old inn. Lovely setting, comfortable and attractive. Good service. A more casual and less expensive bistro is upstairs.”

 “Superb, interesting food well prepared and well presented. The room is understated elegant, very conversation friendly. Wait staff is efficient and attentive. Overall a fine dining experience, comparable to the best in NYC.”

“My new favorite restaurant. Food is consistently excellent, service inviting and competent, ambiance more formal yet comfortable. We love the tasting menus. Sarah's Wine Bar is also wonderful.”

“This restaurant is ‘PAR EXCELLENT.’ It is fine dining at its best. The owners are warm and friendly people, thus reflected in the overall charm of the dining experience. Everything is freshly prepared with discernment for subtle palettes. I suggest you try this place seasonally or more frequently. Freshly baked bread offerings complemented my [brunch] including chocolate Croissants, French bread, and Sunflower rolls with fresh mini tourines of whipped butter. Excellent dessert creation and a well-balanced wine offering. I know of people who will travel from Manhattan and beyond just to eat here and enjoy an afternoon in the Parks and Shops in the nearby village of Ridgefield.”

“Simply the best. Variety, creativity, and impeccably prepared dishes are all there, combined with attentive owners and staff. A wine list to die for along with knowledgeable waiters makes it a snap to match the perfect wine with wonderful food. Save room for some eclectic cheese choices before finishing.”

“For an intimate setting with excellent food, Bernard’s is the place to go. There are no other restaurants in the area with the same quality of food and elegance. Whether ‘formal’ dining in Bernard’s or more ‘informal’ dining at Sarah's Wine Bar right upstairs, you will have a wonderful meal.”

Connecticut Magazine, October 2009

Sante Magazine, May 2009

Hersam Acorn Newspapers, April 3, 2009

Sante Magazine, November 2008

Bernard's and West Lane Inn

Hersam Acorn Papers, Fall Bridal 2007



New York Times, Sunday, June 4, 2000

Troy Wedding 
Testimonial
March 2008

Anniversary Celebration Testimonial
August 2008

The Front Room - Maximum Number of Guests 60

The Tea Room - Maximum Number of guests 40

The Wine Room - Maximum Number of Guests 20

The Monkey Room - Maximum Number of guests 24

Entire First Floor - Maximum Number of Guests 140

Upstairs Room with Bar - Maximum Number of Guests 80

The Exclusive use of Bernard’s - Maximum Number of Guests 160

Sarah and Bernard Bouissou are passionate about contributing to the strong community in Ridgefield and surrounding towns. 

Spelling Bee Competition
On Wednesday, March 20th Sarah will be competing in the second annual Spelling Bee to support the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association (RVNA). RVNA’s mission is “To provide exceptional home and community health care services, support public health and safety and promote the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut.” For more information, please visit the RVNA website. 

Battle of the Chefs
On Sunday, June 2nd Sarah will be competing in the Battle of the Chefs to support Founder’s Hall. She will be unveiling her top secret sous chef to bring Bernard’s to victory! Sarah and Bernard have been long time supporters of Founder’s Hall and feel that it is a tremendous asset to our community. “Founders Hall is dedicated to providing a diverse program of social, educational and physical fitness programs for today’s active seniors in a warm, fun and stimulating atmosphere.” For more information, please visit Founders Hall. 

Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Garden Party
Since 2002, Sarah and Bernard have been hosting the annual WCYO Garden Party. The Garden Party is the WCYO’s annual season-end Concert and Fundraiser. Sarah and Bernard are strong supporters of young musicians in the community. For more information, please visit WCYO Garden Party. 

Celebrate your special moments surrounded by the “Country Inn” elegance of Bernard’s.

Experience the intimate and enchanting settings that Bernard’s has to offer. From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by the exquisite décor and first class service that will make you special event just as you’ve imagined it – Simply the Best.

Perfection is in the details. Chef/Owners Sarah and Bernard impart their unique and dedicated style so that every celebration and event, large or small, meets your highest expectations.

You and your guests will be indulged in the incomparable contemporary French cuisine that Chef Bouissou prepares to order, with every menu custom designed to reflect your special event.

Bernard’s offers a wide array of private and unique dining and gathering spaces to accommodate guests from 10-135. Their intimate, beautiful rooms with rich tablescapes can be exclusively yours and are punctuated by the impressive grand staircase and Steinway piano adorning the entrance.

       See Our Weddings and Rehearsal Dinner Package
       See Our Shower Package
  
 

Bernard’s is unique in that we can accommodate your “Kids Party” in our upstairs dining room and the adults on the main floor – or you can choose to all be together. An impressive grand staircase and Steinway piano adorn the entrance while several uniquely designed dining rooms and beautiful outside gardens also provide space for a more intimate celebration. Kosher style menus are available upon request.

Whether an intimate dinner or a large celebration, you’ll find the elegant interior, decorated for the Holidays or perfect for your special event. An impressive grand staircase and Steinway piano adorn the entrance while several uniquely designed dining rooms provide space for 10 to 140 guests.

See Our Banquet Package here

Whether an intimate dinner or a large celebration, you’ll find the elegant interior, decorated for the Holidays or perfect for your special event. An impressive grand staircase and Steinway piano adorn the entrance while several uniquely designed dining rooms provide space for 10 to 140 guests.

          Weddings and Rehearsal Dinner Package
          Shower Package
          Bar/Bat Mitzvah Packages
          Banquets Package
          Luncheons Package

Bernard’s offers four different dining rooms to accommodate many different sized luncheons

See Our Luncheon Package Here

Sunday, May 19th @ 5:30 pm
Wine & Small Plates Dinner
at Sarah’s Wine Bar with No. 109 Cheese & Wine

Special Guest Henryk Teraszkiewicz
Director of the Woodcock Nature Center
$55 per person

...

Duo of Smoked Scottish Trout
Potato leek salad
Cep D’ Or Rose Saint Tropez France 2011
...
Lobster Ravioli
Spring peas & tarragon
Roccafiore Bianco Fiordaliso Umbria Italy 2011
....
Veal Loin Chop with a ramp, corn risotto, chanterelle thyme reduction
Vinkara Winery Kalecik Karasi Tokat Turkey 2011
...
109 Cheese Selections
Chateau Roques Mauriac Bordeaux Superior  France 2005
...
Dessert

For Reservations, Call 203-438-8282 or click here

Enjoy Dinner at Bernard's Restaurant and a show at the Ridgefield Playhouse! Visit Bernard’s before the show for a great Prix Fixe Menu $45 or a FREE glass of wine with your dinner when you present your tickets to these upcoming performances at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Lucie Arnaz: Latin Roots
Friday, May 10 at 8pm
The daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz performs a homage to her father's legacy with her new show Latin Roots- The Great American Songbook with a Latin twist.

SWB features live musicians Wednesday through Saturday nights. Schedule of upcoming musicians:

April
Wednesday, April 3, 10, 17 & 24
Bob Curiano – solo guitar
Thursday, April 4, 11, 18 & 25
Mark Mollica – solo guitar
Friday, April 5
Ken Cicerale & Jim Tutunjian - sax & bass
Saturday, April 6
Mark Mollica & Henry Ludo - guitar & bass
Friday, April 12 & 26
Griffin Anthony – guitar & vocals
Saturday, April 13
Michelle DeAngelis - keyboard & vocals
Friday, April 19
Dylan Connor - vocals & guitar
Saturday, April 20
Damon Wade - guitar & vocals
Saturday, April 27
Carly & Eliza - guitar & vocals

MAY
Wednesday, May 1, 15, 22 & 29
Bob Curiano - solo guitar
Thursday, May 9, 16, 23 & 30
Mark Mollica – solo guitar
Friday, May 3
Leslie Costa– guitar & vocals
Saturday, May 4
Griffin Anthony– vocals & guitar
Friday, May 10
Damon Wade - guitar & vocals 
Saturday, May 11
Griffin Anthony – guitar & vocals
Friday, May 17
Dylan Connor - guitar & vocals
Saturday, May 18
Kate Hope Trio– guitar, bass & vocals
Friday, May 24
Shawn Taylor - vocals & guitar
Saturday, May 25
Eric Defade & Francesco -
Friday, May 31
Griffin Anthony - vocals & guitar

Sarah's Wine Bar will be closed Thursday, May 2nd and Saturday May 18th for private parties.

The last Sunday of every month, SWB partners with Avilena Music to host live jazz musicians. Reservations required. We recommend making a reservation for 6:00 as the first set begins at 6:30 pm. $22 cover charge plus $15 minimum food and beverage.

Schedule of upcoming
Jazz Masters Series:

Sunday, April 28
Paul Meyers & Rufus Reid - Guitar & Bass

Paul Meyers has been described by James Gavin of the New York Times as "...one of the most eloquent jazz guitarists since Kenny Burrell...". A master of the nylon string guitar who has performed with jazz greats at the Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and in concert venues all over the world, he has a passionate interest in Brazilian jazz that brings him into the company of leading practitioners of that form. www.paulmeyers.info

Rufus Reid is among the most admired jazz bassists of our time, with performance and recording credits that include many of the greatest jazz masters in history, including Dexter Gordon, Bill Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Sonny Stitt, and Art Farmer. Recipient of the Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Award, he is an accomplished composer and widely recognized as a great jazz educator. www.rufusreid.com

The first set begins at 6:30pm, so we recommend making your reservations for 6:00pm.

We expect a full house, so please reserve early! Please make a point of saying hello, and thanks to all for helping to build musical community in Ridgefield.

Thursday, April 25th – 12:00 pm - $25 per person

Marcelle Soviero – An Iridescent Life – Essays on Motherhood & Stepmotherhood

The essays in An Iridescent Life celebrate the perfectly imperfect lives of an everyday mom/stepmom trying to raise kids without a guarantee guidebook and with rules that seem to be changing every day. Marcelle is an award-winning essayist & poet who live in Wilton with her husband, 3 children & 2 stepchildren.

Three Course Luncheon, Author lecture & Book Signing (Beverages, Tax & Gratuity are additional)

Thursday, May 2nd – 12:00 pm - $25 per person

Katina Makris – Out of the Woods – Healing Lime Disease, Body, Mind & Spirit

A book of poetic beauty and compassionate understandings, “Out of the Woods” is a powerful story reflecting the inner turmoil of those struggling with chronic Lyme disease. Reaching across the precipice of isolation and fear, and illuminating a pathway of hope, “Out of the Woods” opens the portal to the wellspring of personal healing power residing within us all, guiding us to the gifts of Spirit.
Written by Classical Homeopath and Intuitive Healer, Katina I. Makris, from the vantage point of a patient, she shares invaluable knowledge on Lyme disease, lab tests, treatment options and full recovery at the mind-body level.

Three Course Luncheon, Author lecture & Book Signing (Beverages, Tax & Gratuity are additional)

Menus will be posted shortly

Email here to reserve a table

The first Sunday of every month, Bernard’s features Young Musicians during its “splendid prix fixe brunch.” Bernard and Sarah Bouissou feel very strongly about supporting young musicians. They have been greatly contributing to the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra since 2002.

Schedule of upcoming Young Musicians:

Sunday, Feb 3
Madeleine Bouissou – Cello

Sunday, March 3
Jazz Trio - featuring Mike Godette on guitar, Andrew Wyton on bass, and Bryan Garbe on drums.

Sunday, April 7th
To be Announced
See Music at Sarah's here

Every three months, SWB features a new local artist’s work. 

The current featured artists are:
Gayle Gleckler & Tony Woolner,
Chinese inspired paintings and monoprints

Artist’s reception at
Sarah’s Wine Bar
3-5 pm, Sunday, Feb 10
Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
Featuring the Original
Sounds of Jazz Singer
Lisa Maxwell

March 19th 6:30 pm

Learn from the BEST!
Join Chefs Bernard & Sarah as they demonstrate and teach an hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, entrée & dessert – then the best part of all! You get to enjoy the meal they prepared!Tuesday,

Hors d’oeuvre
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Purse
Appetizer
Roasted Beet Salad, Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette & Goat Cheese Cigarette
Entrée
Bronzini stuffed with Tomato, Capers & Olives - baked with Fennel sticks served with Fennel Confit & Fennel Beurre Blanc
Dessert
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Exotic Fruit Compote

6:30 pm – Cooking demo of hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, entrée and dessert – the dinner to follow!
$75 per person – beverages, tax & gratuity additional

Email here to reserve place in class

See Bernard Demo Baby Pumpkin Holiday Recipe here

Bernard’s supplies 109 Cheese & Wine, a local cheese store with an array of wonderful take home foods. Bernard’s selection includes frozen hors d'oeuvres, flatbread pizzas, homemade pates, foie gras mousse, all of his sauces, stocks and his Famous Smoked Salmon & Trout.

109 Cheese & Wine is located at 109 Danbury Road, Ridgefield. To see a full selection of Bernard’s offerings, visit 109 Cheese Specialty items page here.

Bernard's Restaurant receives
OpenTable Diners' Choice Award
2013

Thank you!

Bernard Bouïssou was raised in the St Etienne de Tulmont, France where his culinary apprenticeship began at the age of 13, in the tradition of many great European chefs.  In 1984, he moved to the US, where his remarkable career began in New York City, working under Chef Daniel Boulud at Le Plaza Athenee and Le Cirque Restaurants. Bernard went on to become Sous Chef at Le Cygne and then Banquet Chef at Tavern on the Green, after which he worked as Executive Chef at La Panetiere in Rye, New York.  Bernard and Sarah opened  Bernard’s in March of 2000.

Sarah’s cooking career began at Claude's Hohokus Inn in New Jersey. In 1985, she completed a three month stage in Vichy, France at the two-star Michelin rated restaurant, Le Violon d’Ingres.  After she returned to the US she worked at Le Cirque Restaurant. Sarah was the first female chef ever hired there to work on the line where she, as the entre métier, met Bernard, the poissonier.  They fell in love on the line and have been cooking together ever since.  They were married in France on Bastille Day, 1990.  Sarah has also worked at Rakel’s, under Chef Thomas Keller in New York.  In 1991, she opened a high-end catering business in New York City, Sarah Bouissou Catering, which is still flourishing in the metropolitan tri-state area.

At Bernard’s, Sarah runs the front of the house while Bernard continues to wow people with his culinary brilliance. Their four daughters, Gabrielle, Juliette, Madeleine and Pauline, all hostess at the restaurant.  The family continues to love living, working and being in Ridgefield.  Bernard and Sarah play an active role in the community, donating time and food to many local philanthropic organizations.