Sole

We are longtime clients of Sole and always loved it. However, recently, we have had several bad experiences. We looked the other way a few times, but after last night’s experience, I had to share. The gentleman at the door (possibly the manager?) is incredibly unpleasant — especially for someone who works in hospitality. He makes you feel he is doing you a favor by granting you a table (even if reserved in advanced.) You feel rushed the entire time you are there. You are unable to order appetizers, sit and relax while you think about your main dishes. It’s all at once or nothing. We were sat at the back and saw empty tables at the front, which we preferred. I asked if we could change, the answer from the manager was no. We finished our dinner and turns out that one or two of those other tables at the front remained empty the whole time we were there — so no reason for not granting the change. The quality of the food and the portions have declined. The tuna tartar is half the portion it was, same with the carpaccio. The mussels were stale and fishy. Could not finish them. The curry sauce was tasteless — no curry, all cream. These are dishes we have ordered in the past so could easily compare. I will say the waiters and waitresses are attentive and lovely. But they have follow the sitrict orders from management (and one apologized profusely for that.) Sad to say, we won’t be returning to Sole anytime soon. They are so busy, they probably won’t care. But still sharing this review, because as longtime New Canaan residents and clients of Sole, I felt compelled to share.

Past few times we've eaten there we were very disappointed. Overall quality of ingredients, care and preparation, service and general experience has just fallen below acceptable standards. Don't know if its the chef, management, or low standards of guests or all of the above. It's too bad, we've been dining at Sole since it first opened.

The food was ok. The seating was absurd. I found a photo of my table online. The place was packed, so every time a waiter, busboy/girl, or patron tried to squeeze between my chair and the bar crowd, they hit my chair. At one point, there was a wall of people standing within 2 feet of my wife and I. Being bumped into every 30 seconds was pretty annoying. Maybe some people are okay with that, but I go out to dinner to relax and unwind.