Amore Cucina & Bar

I love this place for a pizza and a salad. The atmosphere is warm inside and out. The crowd inside speaks volumes.

Overrated. And for some very specific reasons…
On the plus side, Amore Cucina has a nice ambiance and makes some very good pizzas.
On the minus side:
1) We ordered out three times from Amore in the past three months and, on two of those three occasions, we were stiffed by the staff. First, we ordered a Caprese Salad and, when we opened the bag at home, found a bare-​bones House Salad. Most recently, we ordered Penne Alla Vodka and, upon returning, saw that they didn’t give it to us. The lame excuse I was given over the phone by their manager was, to paraphrase, «oops, sorry».
This is, in my book, terrible customer service and, also in my book, good reason for never ordering take-​out from here again. And if YOU, dear reader, choose to order take-​out here, then all I can say to you is ‘Caveat Emptor’…
2. The pizza is good, I’ll grant them that. And so are the Lasagna Meatballs. The rest on the menu is sketchy at best. The lasagna was, to my taste, over-​cooked and bland… and most certainly not worth the $ 20 they charge. The fried mozzarella was soggy and, my daughter felt, tasted ‘weird’. After tasting it ourselves, it was promptly thrown into the garbage.
All-​in-​all, this seems to be a place that rested on its laurels after getting some local mention about its pizza, because the rest of the menu is pretty mediocre and the customer service (at least for take-​out) is downright atrocious.
Not recommended.

This place was a huge dissapoint. Our waitress was nice fried zucchini was yummy. drink waa very good just over priced. And their prices on their web site and on their menu is less then the bill… thats totally Bs. This owner needs to get their act together. My husband and I came in for dinner around 7:15 PM .we were seated at a table in a room with a big party for a communion going on. Crazy Loud… don’t host parties in your dining room while your open to the public .we paid $ 75 for two mediocre pasta dishes and an appetizer and one drink. Don’t think you will be seeing us back .By the way I’m Italian. .penne cooked Ala dente. is one thing .this was hard !! Very dissapointing. From now on we will stuck to Hope Pizza… there the best taste and value

If only the bartender would lose the constant attitude and be a bit kinder. Fake a smile once in a while if she must. Makes being served by her very uncomfy. How is she employed there? Must have a connection to the owner or something.

I just love this place. My soul always needs a great go-​to classic Italian food restaurant in the neighborhood and I felt like my prayers were finally answered when Amore opened. Friendly service, fantastic food, nice ambiance and a good place for any situation. We’ve come with a big family group, for drinks at the bar, on dates, with friends, and with the kids and every time it was just what we wanted.

Okay where do I begin–
The food is always flavorful, unique and satisfying. The lasagna balls are to die for– definitely a must try! I am a picky pizza person, growing up in the New Haven area and being spoiled with all the gems in that area. That being said, Amore’s pizza is delicious. I prefer thin crust over the thicker square pie they offer but that’s just preference.
Wine and beer on top is plentiful, the specialty cocktails particularly the blueberry mule is a favorite of mine!
The reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because of the service. The host was extremely polite and helpful on a busy Saturday night. The gentleman walking around to assist her (manager maybe?) was also very courteous to everyone waiting to be seated. This leads me to the bar… I’ve been in the service industry myself for a good portion of my life so I understand how frustrating it can be to serve the public at times. However, if that’s the profession you choose, you should be a tad more polite and patient. This is the third time I’ve been to this establishment and the female bartender was extremely rude and unpleasant. I watched her interactions with other guests and she seemed overly annoyed and borderline rude. Maybe something to consider when placing her behind the bar on a busy Saturday night.
Food gets people in the door, service gets them to return.

This place has really good food and some great drinks! Have been there multiple times, would have to say the best days are Sundays! Delicious brunch menu, bottomless mimosas & bellini’s Dj plays and atmosphere is just good!
Def recommend Amore!

This place will blow you away. Everything is good here ,
Bruno difabio put together every bit of awesome into this place and the food and service is phenomenal. Highly recommend

Disappointing.
Loooong wait
Sssssslow kitchen
Scarpiello was VERY spicey — plenty of chicken, mebbe ½ a sausage and 1 fingerling potato
Great brussels sprouts side dish, GONE.

Went here for dinner on a Saturday night. Food was good. Service was good. Prices were good. Try the lasagna balls for an appetizer. Finding parking can be a challenge.

First time since the make over and new ownership I guess by the son? Great ambiance and vibe. It was really busy and loud but he service was great and the pizza still as good as I remember!

12÷24÷15 UPDATE
if you get take out — check your order before you leave. Especially if you don’t eat meat… miscommunication happen between order takers and cooks. I mention this because it stinks when your hungry, drive and get home with the wrong order! They lose a star for that in this situation as the order takers was also a bit argumentative when I placed my order and clearly something was off.
I have a new favorite pizza restaurant. Interesting menu… Check it out online for specifics. Nice atmosphere, solid drinks — good place to meet with friends.
Parking can be an issue here (street or small parking lot)

Ridiculously. Small. Portions. Came in late on a Wednesday night and sat at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and the service was super speedy. I ordered the branzino with brussels sprouts and it literally came out of the kitchen in 5 minutes.
I read on Amore’s website that the chef was previously at Washington Prime in Sono, and I recognized similar dishes but most of all the same minuscule portions. This is a pizza place in Springdale — not a downtown steakhouse!
The dish consisted of crispy branzino, about 6 tiny brussels sprouts cut in half, and a very thin layer of crème sauce. There was not nearly enough of anything to justify it being called an entrée.
Just by browsing previous reviews, that is the general consensus. I don’t mind the prices, but the atmosphere and location reads more gastro pub (generous portions and a little greasy) than fine dining. I wish Amore could aspire to be the Italian version of Bodega in Fairfield and Darien.
On the plus side, they offer an amazing happy hour with 50% off drinks, apps, and pizzas. I think this would be the only time I would return with the current menu in place. As it stands now, I’d be better off heading downtown or to Harbor Point.

We tried it tonight on a Tuesday in August. It was packed. I wish them the best. We’ll be back.
Parking is a not easy and a hassle. Even our waitress/​manager complained about it.
They have a decent menu and nice specials. Wine list is okay but could be better. They have those water bottles they put on the table without asking which is nice and convenient.
The food is very good and ambiance is nice. Menu is more limited than you would expect. No bread is offered unless you ask which is odd for an Italian restaurant. No side salads are available for meals which is in my opinion a mistake. They must fix this problem as other places like it have side salads that are not on menu but are available to those that ask.
The seats are not that comfortable. They only have 2 booths and many high top tables. No draft beer.
I considered the chicken parmesan but declined when I asked what spaghetti cakes were. I was told upon inquiry only that they contain bacon. I and do not eat bacon because I’m not a fan but some people do not eat it for religious, health or other reasons. Who would think to ask if a spaghetti cake contain bacon?

Decided to give brunch a try after reading a very positive blog post.
The blog post mentioned a free breakfast shot, which I thought was a very nice touch. Unfortunately that didn’t happen (maybe only bloggers get that). The mentioned shots were on the menu, but not complimentary.
The bunch menu was just OK. In an attempt to be different, I felt that some of the items were just too far off from traditional brunch fare. Personal preference.
As self declared pizza snobs, we had to try the pizza. It was cooked perfectly and had nice texture, but as is common with many pizza spots around here, it had no flavor. It was the clam pie and overall it lacked flavor.
I had the fried chicken marsala and while a large portion, it was just OK. For me it was also too much meat. I needed a side or something to go with all that chicken.
I did appreciate the bottomless mimosas or bellinis for $ 15 and can definitely see that being a draw for the boozy brunch crowd.
I personally liked the DJ and his music selection but had I been seated closer to the bar, it might have been a bit loud.
Probably won’t return, but glad I gave it a try.

This was the first place my boyfriend and I went on a date when it was under the old ownership or with a different chef or something, and while it held a place in my heart, the food was just okay.
I LOVE it now. I have been for pizza for dinner and for brunch and the food is awesome.
Really pleasantly surprised and I’m happy to have this place in Springdale.
DJ for brunch is weird… otherwise, all good things.

The food is Amazing drinks and the food omg the lasagna balls are amazing and the pizza is just another level of pizza you need to try the octopus and the chicken scarpiello was the best I ever tasted. The combination of chicken, hot peppers and sausage was the best I ever had.

Ah, pizza. One of my favorite topics! But be warned, passionate in my opinions on what makes a fabulous pie is an understatement.
See my Apizza list:
This is Neopolitan style pie. But there are New Haven style & others too. Traditional wood buring ovens. Crunch on the round, heft to the square. Slight char. Nice chew. Tangy unadulterated sauce. Buttery mozzeralla. Thoughtful pie combinations as well as the tried and true traditional.
They just made it happen for our big family of 8 on a mad busy Sunday night. We tried just about everything (see photos) & were satiated & smiling. Minor complaint: not nearly enough clams on the clam pie. My chicken parm was superb. Arugala salad w beets was ultra fresh but needed some citrus to off set the sweet. Must try app: Fresh whipped ricotta w dried figs & local honey was outstanding.
Originally, Amore was a Springdale neighborhood place of old Italian red & white checkered table cloth glory (Think «Scenes from an Italian resturant» song by Billy Joel). Anyway, this guy, mi Pisano Bruno DiFabio bought it, refurbed it to its current modern glen w a nod to tradional & warmth. He is an artisan, a true Epicurean. I love the detail on this:
He is a MASTER pizziola. His passion & knowledge and dedication to this artful craft is evident through and through.
This place has a familial vibe that isn’t easy to achieve.
Great wine list. Charles Kruge by the glass! Thoughtful craft beer choices too.
Great place to to meet friends at the bar for charcuterie & cocktails or family dinner on Sunday night. Or if you just was a seriously solid pie.
More info until the real site is up:

Note: Recently reopened under new ownership
Connecticut is lucky to be awash in excellent pizza. From greasy late night pizza to wood fired pies with inventive toppings, it’s hard to resist eating a slice every day. New on the scene (but not new to the pizza game) is Amore Cucina & Bar in Stamford. Owner Bruno DiFabio is an award-​winning «pizza champion,» and has recently brought on the talented Jared Falco as chef.
I have eaten an irresponsible amount of pizza in my life, and was quite excited to try DiFabio’s pies. There are some really incredible pizzas to be had in the state, with the competition getting steeper with every passing month. At a recent press dinner at Amore Cucina, I had the opportunity to see what the hype is all about.
The evening began with cocktails, which were excellent. Not too fussy, not too basic (no cosmos to be seen on the menu), and each one was bright and strong. Usually it’s one cocktail and then a switch to beer for me, but I stuck with the hard stuff all night. Too good to resist!
The pizzas arrived, and DiFabio shared some details about his creations. There are two styles to be had, a very thick and airy crust, and a wood fired style which he calls «Neo-​Neopolitain.» I was interested to hear that he uses only wild yeast gathered by hand, as opposed to commercial yeast. Those are the little touches that I love.
The pies were good, but not remarkable. Perhaps a few years ago I’d have been more impressed, but there are just so many talented pizzaiolos in the area and it takes a lot to blow me away. This is not to say that this isn’t good pizza, it’s just not memorable. It reminded me of pizza I’ve had at Rizzuto’s, Brick + Wood, or 850 Degrees.
Interestingly, though Amore Cucina pushes their pizza, I thought it was Chef Falco’s dishes that really wowed. I’ve experienced his food at two other venues in South Norwalk, Mama’s Boy and Washington Prime, and during my meal at Amore Cucina he delivered the same quality I’ve come to expect from previous encounters with his cooking (happily, there was no «foie gras powder» to be seen; it was such a ubiquitous element on Washington Prime’s appetizers I couldn’t help but wonder).
We were treated to quite the spread of small plates, and there were several standouts. First, tuna crudo with pumpkin seeds, Calabrian peppers, and pickled onions. I loved it. Sweet and tender tuna with a tiny kick of pepper and the crunch of seeds; I had to resist taking more than my fair share.
The octopus puttanesca was fabulous; the best I’ve ever had. Tender, smoky, salty, addictive. If you’re freaked out by tentacles, get over it and order this dish.
Two heavier appetizers were both big hits at the table; meatballs and fried lasagna. I liked the meatballs, and my friend/​photographer loved them. The lasagna was exactly what it sounds like: chunks of lasagna, breaded and fried. Could that possibly be bad? The answer is no.
The larger plates were a mixed bag. I loved the spicy chicken scarpariello, and even though I was full to bursting, I took two helpings. The prawns with polenta, however, were a disappointment. Visually impressive, but unexciting.
I don’t know how, but I found the space for dessert! First, pizzele (essentially a belgian waffle) with fresh fruit. It’s crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and totally delicious. The nutella pizza would be a good choice for kids, I think.
Conclusion: I will be back. I want to sit at the bar, order some of those fabulous cocktails, and feast on appetizers. The fact that the pizza isn’t the star here is irrelevant — there are plenty of places where I can satisfy that craving, but nowhere I’ve found where I can get such delicious octopus.

Dear Amore, Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re happy you’re here! Same Name, but nothing else is the same as before. And we’re glad!
First, the atmosphere is great. They’ve stripped down to the brick walls, added in lots of neat lighting fixtures that give the space an industrial feel, and made a nice separation between the bar and the restaurant. The tables are all butcher block, which just adds to the feel of the space.
The service is good — it’s clear everyone is excited to be working there, and excited about the guests being there! They start you off with bread with an olive hummus spread. It’s so good, I could easily have filled myself up on that.
We started with the Bronx pizza, which was round and wood fired (they also have some gas fired ones, but seeing the big pizza over when we walked in, we had to do wood fired). Lots of pepperoni and prosciutto, and tons of cheese, and the crust and dough was fluffy and delicious. It was plenty for the three of us to share as an appetizer.
For meals, we had the beef ragu ravioli, the paradelle, and the lasagna. All tasted fresh made, and were delicious. I really wanted to try the pasta with clams, but they were all out so I will need to go back.
Also — go for the Super Tuscan wine. At $ 34 a bottle it’s very reasonable, and very good.
No room for dessert this time, but pretty sure Amore is going to be in the regular dining rotation now. so will be back.
Well done.