The Lila Rose Opens in Stamford: Sophisticated, Deliciously Playful, and a True Dining Experience

A couple of months ago John and Morgan Nealon (owners of the ever popular Taco Daddy) partnered up with Chef Mo Major, General Manager JJ Henao, and Mixologist Dave Cohade to create a restaurant experience like no other. This restaurant is The Lila Rose, a luxurious, sophisticated, whimsical and (I dare say) over-the-top restaurant.

The interior, dressed entirely in shades of pink and gold, is distinctly feminine with a flirty vibe that’s elegant yet playful. The Lila Rose is a delicious feast for the eyes offering up so much exquisite detail, you can’t possibly take it all in. 

I had the opportunity to sample their menu a couple of weeks ago. With so few opportunities to “get away” these days, the Lila Rose fills that void, offering guests a truly memorable experience. This is the type of venue where you’ll want to slip into something more beautiful and we noticed that the guests thought so too.

The menu reflects the restaurant’s cheerful vibe and energy with creative dishes that are both sophisticated and playful without any pretense. Dishes are primarily “tapas” sized allowing guests to sample more of the menu, and making dining at The Lila Rose a shared experience. The fun and whimsy of this spot is meticulously and thoughtfully carried out in every aspect of the restaurant, and can be found in the food, drinks, and even the playlist. 

Let’s start eating…

We began our culinary journey with the Angry Lobster Risotto, wonderfully rich and decadent with an unexpected heat on the backend. The Shrimp and Popcorn Grits in a creole cream sauce is another guaranteed crowd pleaser. The popcorn grits are a fun departure from their more traditional cousin with more texture to the bite.

If you’re a gnocchi person their Pesto Gnocchi is a perfect starter. Soft and pillowy, they make it right. My suggestion to you is to get a couple of forks and share these all with your friends so that you could try some of the other tapas. 

If you are adventurous don't shy away from the Foie Fried Rice. Yes, indeed you read that right - and if you know, you know! If this speaks to your palate do yourself a favor. This isn’t your grandmother’s fried rice.

The Kung Pow Bao made with pork belly, sticky sauce on a steamed bun was also noteworthy, hitting the savory and sweet flavor profiles. Calamari Chipotle is not your average, run-of-the-mill calamari. Citrus and sesame, and a touch of heat elevate this from the rest. We loved the Purple Sweet Potatoes with truffle honey and a chocolate salt, indescribably beautiful and delicious to boot with a perfect salt to honey to truffle ratio. 

The Caramelized Salmon was on point, and the Wagyu Sliders with shitake ketchup, “yum yum” sauce, Japanese wine, and red dragon cheese, are brand new to the menu were a home-run!

Although I could continue on and list a dozen more items I will end this with one of my favorite items on the menu. Unrivalled by the rest, it was the Tenderloin and Black Truffle Paté that stole my heart, and that of my eating partners. The tenderloin was exceptional, light pink, juicy and tender. The Paté was decadent but not overwhelming. I don’t have the words to describe how incredibly delicious this was and I could have easily had a larger portion and made it my main course.  Trust me when I say you will not want to share this, and if you do you may want to order a couple for the table. 

In the mood for Brunch? The Lila Rose has that too, and – as with everything else – expect colorful, delicious and creative. Their Eggs Benedict will not disappoint. In addition to Canadian bacon you can expect to find some lobster and crab meat tucked away beneath the velvety Hollandaise sauce. I also urge you to try the Casa de Papas, a potato hash fried egg specialty that can be ordered with chicken, steak, lobster or shrimp. Do yourselves a favor and opt for the lobster. Because I said so. You can thank me later.

For those of you craving a little something sweet for your brunch the Apple Cinnamon French Toast is divine. It comes with a serving of rose flavored syrup which is, fittingly, pink.

Let’s say you’re not stuffed and actually have room for dessert… Heck, even if you don’t have room for dessert there are a couple of things you must try. Macarons lovers will not be disappointed… the presentation here is everything. I’ll leave it at that. For those wanting to end their perfectly Instagramable experience with an Instagramable bang, the colorful Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a must. And yes…it’s pink.

But wait… there’s more!

Let’s talk cocktails

Not only are the ingredients incredibly clever and creative, but the names are as well. The presentation here is everything, served in bright gold Middle Eastern tea sets, glasses shaped like bids, pigs, pineapples, pigs and light bulbs make these serious cocktails ever so playful. A sampling of their drinks below:



• Gina and Georgia is made from rye, time, vermouth, and bitters.

• Hassa is described as a drink served in a  pig glass- but this yogurt açai-based cocktail elevates it further.

• The Chi Chi is made from apple jacks, velvet filler Nam, Pisco, OJ and lemon. (Is this breakfast-worthy?!)

• The Diaz Brothers is made with gin, lemon, tomato, and burrata water - Yes that’s right! And it is delicious.

• The Alvira Hancock is made from Jim, Cocchi, Combier, Italicus, y and lemon. I don’t know what half those ingredients are but I do know that it was delicious.

• The Babylon Club is made from white rum, Yuzu, ginger liqueur and tiki bitters.

• The El Gordo, sage gin, carrot juice, lemon, ginger beer.

• Mel Bernstein is made from Tequila, lime, celery shrub, pineapple, Ancho and Cilantro. Sometimes it’s Fun, contains tequila, green chartreuse, pomegranate, bell pepper, strawberry.

While you’re seated and waiting for your food, do be sure to ask for some toys to be sent to the table! Do bring your cameras or smart phones, everything about the Lila Rose is Instagramable!

The Lila Rose 121 Towne Street, Stamford (203)541-5770

Order Online: www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/thelilarose

Instagram @tacodaddyandthelilarose