Allium Eatery Rotisserie & Buvette Opens in Westport From Chef Michelle Greenfield

Named after the stunning bulbous flower, Allium Eatery’s name is as impeccably cultivated as the plant. The name sets the tone for what’s inside – the décor, the food’s preparation and presentation, every little detail is deliberate, delicate. 

When The Schoolhouse at Cannondale shut its doors for the last time at the onset of the pandemic, Chef Michelle Greenfield had some time to think about her next move. 

Greenfield describes her dishes as refined American cuisine with French undertones, and that’s exactly what you can expect to find here. (Classically trained in French cuisine, her recent experiences also include the esteemed Bernard’s restaurant in Ridgefield, and, briefly, Jessup Hall in Westport.) 

Allium, as she describes, is a Market, Rotisserie and Buvette, which translated from French means roadside café. You can dine in for lunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly suggested for the 5 and 7 PM seating. You can also order for take-out. There’s open seating at the bar where, on any given Saturday evening, you’ll find her parents bartending. 

In the short time since it’s been open the small eatery has received rave reviews and has earned quite the reputation for its savory roasted chickens that are available daily at 5PM daily, just in time for commuters to pick one up on their way home. Her menu, reflective of the seasons, sources locally with much of its fresh produce directly from Sport Hill Farm. I had the opportunity to check out this charming little eatery last week with several members of the CTBites team, and we noshed on some of the restaurant’s popular salads and sandwiches. 

From preparation to presentation Greenfield’s food is truly a work of art. We began with her carrots, large chunks of tender carrots in a wonderfully aromatic orange-infused olive oil and fresh dill. If you like Gigante Beans you’re in for a treat. These large tender beans are served in a sherry dressing with pickled peppers, charred scallion and smoked paprika. The creamy Fingerling Potato Salad made with celery and scallions isn’t your everyday potato salad. Moving onto the sandwiches… They’re totally next level in a locavore, upmarket kind of way.

Let’s start with the Soft Scramble Samie (above) with tomato chutney, bacon, caramelized onion and arugula on an Isabelle & Vincent flaky, buttery croissant. Perfect for those who want a little breakfast in the afternoon. Then there’s the Truffle Toastie with truffle, tremor goat cheese, pear, and a red wine onion compote with radicchio. This is subtly hearty. The Rotisserie Chicken on a brioche bun, allium aioli, bacon and pickled giardiniera and greens was nothing short of outstanding. The Smoke Shroom with blue cheese, corn relish, arugula and truffle aioli was woodsy and fresh, is served on a baguette and incredibly satisfying. Vegetarians looking for seriously creative options should absolutely head on over. The menu changes regularly with new items being featured daily. 

Allium’s dinner menu features a lovely selection of well curated featuring French inspired dishes. The vibe feels different at night as the the lights go down and the daytime eatery transitions into an intimate “Left Bank” cafe.

Do not miss the wonderful Duck Rillette, with duck legs dry-brined and braised in an aromatic stock, then shredded and mixed with armagnac and spices, served with duck fat and spread on a toasted baguette. It will bring you right back to Paris.

The Half Roasted Chicken (also available for takeout after 5pm), is available in the evenings, and even for those who claim they never order chicken when they dine out, please make an exception here. The Braised Short Ribs are also a standout, alongside the deeply flavorful PEI Mussels.

Diner will also enjoy the full team at Allium Eatery, both in the front and the back of the house. The staff is exceedingly knowledgeable and friendly, and the small space allows diners to peek into the kitchen throughout service.

Buvette service — “snacks and sips,” at the bar begins at 4 p.m. Grab a seat and enjoy Chef Michelle’s comforting and beautifully executed menu.

For menu updates and information follow Allium Eatery in Instagram.

Allium Eatery
54 Railroad Avenue
Westport, CT 06880

(203) 557-3060