Washington Prime Opens in SONO: A First Look

The corner of North Water and Washington was alive in South Norwalk this week with the opening of Washington Prime. A soft opening on Thursday led to a throng of over 300 guests wandering in to enjoy the vibrant scene at the bar and the reservation book for Friday filled so quickly, it was shut earlier than expected. This latest addition to SONO is attracting enormous attention and a visit inside and a look at the menu shows why.

The interior includes an enormous “U” shaped bar to unwind and enjoy a beer or one of their specialty cocktails and the dining area that spans the entire length of the right side of the restaurant is heavily focused on woods and foliage. Floor to ceiling windows allow for natural light to illuminate the space, comprised of dark wood tables and “moss” encased booths. All very organic and relaxing.

The ownership of Washington Prime is no stranger to the area. One of its owners, Marco Siguenza, is cousins with the owners of Cava, Harvest, 55 Wine Bar and Scena and worked with them since he arrived in the United States in 1998. The kitchen is under the direction of Executive Chef Jared Falco, who spent time in several of Fairfield County’s restaurants over the last two years from Bar Sugo, to The Whelk, and most recently Mama’s Boy Southern Table and Refuge. His opening menu shows a desire to place a modern twist on some classic dishes. 

The menu is divided into several sections.

The “Soups / Salads” contain tradition soups from NE clam chowder, to French onion to lobster bisque; salads that include a wedge, a chop chop and a grilled Caesar, plus beets and a chicken salad to round out this section. The “Small Plates” offer a wide range of options. From a simple Burrata with slaw and speck and a mussels with breakfast sausage, to more creative selections that include devil eggs with chicken fried bacon, poutine with an oxtail ragu, pork belly over polenta, and lobster with smoked bacon, the small plates are very eclectic in choices.

For larger appetites, the opening menu includes grouper with a curry butter sauce, bass with Tzatziki, and a half-chicken. Four cuts of Prime Steaks, sourced from Creekstone Farms in Arkansas City, Kansas, are boldly announced from the middle of the menu, from an 8-ounce filet to a jumbo 32-ounce porterhouse.

Wines by the glass, six beers on tap, more in bottles and cans plus an array of signature cocktails round out the offerings.

With a soft opening that turned into a hard ticket to buy in 24 hours, Washington Prime seems ready for a busy weekend and summer.

Washington Prime

141 Washington STreet - Norwalk, CT 06854

203-857-1314

www.washingtonprimect.com