Suzy thought she had visited all the worthwhile places on South Norwalk's "restaurant row" on Washington Street.  Somehow, we had overlooked Strada 18.  

On a cold winter night with a group of eight, great -- and loud!--  friends, we invaded Strada.  There are no reservations and relatively small tables in the intimate rustic restaurant.  So better arrive early or with small parties.

There's an informality at Strada 18 that's welcoming. There's also something for everyone.  Your dining companion can have one of the house-specialty, thin-crust pizzas -- we loved the double-smoked bacon and wild mushroom pie --  or create your own pizza from a list with dozens of creative toppings (you must try the homemade, spicy pepperoni.  At the other end of the table, Suzy's pal Brian tried a salmon dish that was served more like pasta in a deep, terracotta bowl.  If you're looking for comfort food in the middle of winter, Strada offers adult mac 'n cheese alongside plenty of generous pasta portions.  

Although the wait staff didn't know the menu or the wines as well our dining partners did, we made sure to taste the house specialties -- the outstanding meatball appetizer and the homemade mozzarella with red peppers.

We're headed back to Strada soon to try everything we didn't get to taste.

Here are reviews by the NY Times and the Stamford newspapers:
Strada 18 reviews

Strada 18
122 Washington St.
South Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel: 203-853-4546
Located in Historic South Norwalk