New Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant Opens In Darien

DARIEN, CT — The food scene in Darien welcomed a new restaurant to town on Wednesday with the addition of La Taqueria, a fast-casual Mexican spot located at 1077 Boston Post Road.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday with the Darien Chamber of Commerce and members of the community, who had the chance to sample some tacos and tequila. The restaurant will officially open to the public on Friday at 11 a.m.

Owner and chef Dennis Lake said he's excited to bring La Taqueria to Darien. He opened his first location in Greenwich in 2019.

"It's been a long time coming. Everybody including myself is just super-excited to be able to do this in Darien. I think Darien needs something like this," Lake said.

Lake, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, previously worked as the executive chef at Glaze Teriyaki and Rosa Mexicano in New York City.

La Taqueria features counter service with 40 seats to go along with a full tequila bar that includes beer, wine and a refined margarita program.

The menu includes small plates, such as signature guacamole served with warm ships, grilled street corn, crispy chicken wings, quesadillas and arroz and frijoles, or rice and beans.

Tacos are the main attraction, with a wide variety ranging in price from $4.75 to $7.25. There is a traditional chicken and pulled pork taco, along with a beef short rib taco which is achiote-marinated and roasted in a banana leaf with onion and cilantro.

There is also a chorizo taco, roasted pork belly taco, veggie taco and a crispy beer battered cod fish taco with chipotle crema, red cabbage and cilantro, among other options.

A chef's plate for $15 allows diners to choose a protein and dressing to go along with achiote red rice, black beans, side salad and guacamole. A salad plate and seasonal salad are options, too.

The grilled chicken burrito has rice and beans, lettuce, rajas, table salsa, crema and cheese all wrapped in a four tortilla.

Desserts include vanilla flan, Mexican chocolate chip cookies and tres leches cake.

"The food is exceptional," Lake said.

Darien Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kesti Aysseh spoke of La Taqueria's impact on the food scene in Darien.

"We are thrilled to have La Taqueria open and bring a much needed casual, dine-in and carry out spot for people to catch a delicious and authentic meal or drink with friends," she said. "Dennis showed great generosity inviting and opening his doors to our community here tonight, he is a welcome addition to the Chamber and we look forward to working with him."

For more information on La Taqueria and to view the entire menu, go to their website.