Costa Vino Brings Mediterranean, Caribbean Flavors To Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Costa Vino, a new restaurant and bar showcasing Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors, recently opened its doors to customers in Norwalk.

Located next to Stew Leonard's and Starbucks in a free-standing building at 36 Westport Avenue, Costa Vino boasts a bright, open floor plan wrapped in warm colors, eclectic artwork and wood furnishings.

The restaurant's large storefront window also provides a view of a bustling Westport Avenue.

Owners and family members Andres Diaz, Sandro Toro and chefs Vladimir Tolentino Collado and Miguel Castillo said the Westport Avenue area of Norwalk was ideal for Costa Vino due to the road's high traffic, which ensures visibility and easy access to the restaurant's private parking lot.

The restaurant's close proximity to Stew Leonard's also allows for spillover from shoppers looking for a convenient place to eat or grab a drink after purchasing their groceries.

The owners also cited limited competition, being in an affluent area, community engagement and a diverse mix of families, professionals and tourists as some of the benefits of Westport Avenue.

"These advantages make it an excellent location for Costa Vino," the owners said to Patch.

Though the city boasts many restaurants and bars for diners to choose from, the owners said Costa Vino's expert chefs with extensive experience in Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as its outstanding service and convenient private parking, make their restaurant a unique and appealing dining option in Norwalk.

The Costa Vino team is also working to implement live entertainment, offerings different shows meant to enhance customers' dining experience.

"We're thrilled to bring the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Costa Vino to Norwalk," the owners said. "Our passion for excellent cuisine, paired with our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience, drives everything we do. Whether you're seeking a cozy dinner for two or planning a memorable event, we're here to exceed your expectations."

The owners also highlighted the restaurant's "fantastic patio for an outdoor atmosphere, perfect for enjoying our culinary delights in the fresh air."

Collado and Castillo, both from Puerto Rico, execute the menu at Costa Vino, according to additional press materials provided by the restaurant.

Appetizers include handmade beef, chicken or bacalao empanadas, chorizo in red wine-barbeque sauce, grilled calamari with white beans, and a seasonal ceviche.

The restaurant's extensive land and sea menu features seafood linguini brimming with clams, shrimp, scallions, garlic, capers, and tomatoes in a white wine butter sauce, and a Ropa Vieja of shredded beef, olives, and julienne bell peppers and onions served with rice and sweet plantains.

Customers can also enjoy prime steak, market fresh fish and traditional paellas and mofongos based on availability and the season. House-made desserts include a variety of flan flavors and Costa Vino's popular tres leche cake.

The restaurant's beverage program includes vacation-style cocktails such as rum-based mojitos and caipirinhas, frothy margaritas and spiked sangria.

Costa Vino even hosts a "salsa night," during which customers can learn to salsa dance.

"To our potential customers who haven't yet experienced Costa Vino, we invite you to discover what makes us unique," the owners said. "Our Caribbean chefs blend authentic flavors with years of Mediterranean expertise. With a great service, private parking and space for events, we offer a unique dining experience in Norwalk. Come discover our culinary delights and warm hospitality for yourself."