The story
Gabriele's Italian Steakhouse in Westport, Connecticut, operates on a straightforward and compelling premise: bring Italian cuisine and the American steakhouse tradition under one roof, and do both well. Located at 27 Powers Court, the restaurant has made enough of an impression on its wine program to earn a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — a recognition that speaks to the seriousness with which the team approaches the full dining experience, not just what's on the plate.
The kitchen moves comfortably across both culinary identities. On the Italian side, dishes like Pappardelle Bolognese with slow-cooked meat sauce, Penne alla Vodka with prosciutto and San Marzano tomato cream, and a signature Meatball served with slow-roasted tomato sauce and whipped rosemary ricotta anchor the menu with familiar depth. Starters like Burrata & Prosciutto — dressed with arugula, roasted pepper, fresh figs, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze — and Clams Oreganata baked with herb breadcrumbs reflect a kitchen that respects Italian tradition without overthinking it.
The steakhouse side delivers with a 10 oz Filet Mignon, offered as part of the Playhouse Prix-Fixe — a three-course set menu available Tuesday through Sunday at $79. That prix-fixe format, which also includes options like Pan-Roasted Organic Chicken with mushroom-Madeira sauce and Pan-Seared Salmon with fingerling potato and tomato vinaigrette, makes the full Gabriele's experience accessible without sacrificing quality.
Desserts are made in-house: a Crispy Lava Cake using Valrhona chocolate with banana ice cream, and a Key Lime Coconut with homemade graham cracker base and coconut gelato round out the meal with care.
Beyond dinner, Gabriele's serves lunch and brunch, handles private events and catering, and offers gift cards — making it a genuine anchor for the Westport dining scene rather than a single-occasion destination. The Wine Spectator recognition underlines what regulars already know: this is a room where the list has been curated with as much attention as the food.
Recognition
Ambience
Location