Char and Lemon — Restaurant in Oxford

Nestled in the heart of Oxford, Connecticut, Char and Lemon offers an exquisite dining experience that combines outstanding flavors with a charming ambiance. As you enter, the restaurant greets you with excellent seating options outside, by a cozy fireplace. The attentive and kind service provided by the staff adds a touch of warmth to the overall experience.

From the moment your appetizers arrive, you know you're in for a treat. The Panko Crusted Mozzarella with pomodoro dipping sauce showcases the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted center. Each bite delivers an excellent fried taste without being overdone. Additionally, the Slow Braised Meatballs, accompanied by pomodoro, shaved parmesan, and crostini, evoke memories of Grandma's kitchen, with their fire-smoked bread and rich flavors.

For those seeking a refreshing start, the Caesar Salad with romaine, garlic croutons, Caesar dressing, and parmesan is a vibrant and fresh choice. The salad leaves are crisp and green, beautifully tossed in a tangy dressing that complements the ingredients flawlessly.

Moving on to the main courses, the Paccheri Alla Vodka stands out with its well-cooked pasta, perfectly coated in a sauce that is simply to die for. The delicate blend of vodka, parmesan, and basil creates a harmonious symphony of flavors, leaving you craving for more.

The pizza offerings at Char and Lemon are truly exceptional. The Veggie (No Cheese) pizza boasts a marinara base topped with oregano, seasonal vegetables, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Every bite transports you to a flourishing garden, with its fresh and healthy taste.

For those seeking a taste of New York, the New Yorker - Traditional Cheese Pizza is the ultimate choice. The tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and oregano come together to create a comfortingly familiar flavor, reminiscent of the classic New York slice.

In summary, Char and Lemon delivers a remarkable dining experience. From the excellent outdoor seating by the fireplace to the attentive and kind service from the staff, every aspect is carefully curated. The beautifully presented dishes, cooked to perfection, leave a lasting impression on your palate. If you're in Oxford, Connecticut, be sure to visit Char and Lemon for an unforgettable...

Looks can be deceiving. Or it could’ve just been an off night. However you want to perceive it, take my word when I say that this restaurant does not know how to make pizza. When I was Getting seated at my table, I noticed a couple of pizzas being brought back to the kitchen after having 1 slice eaten. I didn’t think much of it until I ordered My own and also only ate 1 slice before calling it quits. I had The spice of life pizza and when I picked Up a slice, it just fell apart. The crust is paper thin so much so that the crust underbody was soggy from the sauce. The mozzarella cheese wasn’t cooked enough and the toppings just slid off. I’m not quite sure who instructed the kitchen crew to cook pizzas like that, but being in Connecticut that’s highly regarded for its pizza, this was abysmal. I didnt Even complain to the staff either. I just Quietly didn’t eat my food, but the server probed me on what was wrong so I just Plainly said, “I didnt Like it”. I dont complain at restaurants but I’ll complain here I guess. They took it off the bill which was nice, but I was Still left hungry so it didn’t really matter. My father is the least picky person in my world, but he said his pasta dish was completely overcooked (he likes everything well-done mind you) and overloaded with sauce. So if they seemingly can’t make pasta or pizza properly, then what is there to eat? The server was terrific. It was the best part of my dinner- sad. I actually Am sick this morning as I write This so I may Have a little bit of a vendetta, but between having diarrhea and vomit this morning from the 1 slice of pizza and 1 undercooked glazed chicken wing I ate, I felt compelled to write about my experience. I dont Have any pictures to share unfortunately. It’s an expensive place nestled in a spot that presumes an aura of classy and experiential. Just watch yourself if you go. Be careful of what you order. I gave 2 stars- 1 for the server and 1 for the...

At first glance at Char & Lemon’s menu, you might think it just another of the many pizza joints in the area, however there is so much more to this restaurant. In addition to excellent pizza (the signature Char & Lemon is amazing!) they have excellent salads including the best grilled chicken Caesar salad in this part of the state. The appetizers are all unusually creative with the rotating arancini & crostini a favorite. The pasta dishes are all very good, and if you saved room (or even if you didn’t) the desserts are also excellent, especially the tiramisu (guys, keep serving it in the glass). We have yet to order a meal we haven’t liked or been with someone who was unhappy with their meal.

The restaurant itself adds to the experience. It is very modern, clean and has two levels, each with outdoor dining options. We first visited Char & Lemon during the pandemic as they were one of the few in the area offering outdoor dining. There is usually a steady wind in the Quarry Walk plaza but they are able to make the patio a great place to dine utilizing umbrellas, portable heaters and a large fireplace. Since then it has become our favorite go-to place for date night, family get-togethers and Sunday brunch. We have also attended several events hosted upstairs which proved to be perfect for socializing with a large group enjoying the excellent cocktails; I recommend the smoked Old Fashion.

Most important however is the amazing staff at Char & Lemon. Since our first visit they have always been super friendly, accommodating, attentive and make you feel at home. A dining experience can be made or broken by the quality of the wait staff. To a person we can honestly say they are the best group we have ever seen at a restaurant. The managers are also very friendly, receptive to suggestions and genuinely care about the dining experience.

We can’t recommend Char &...