New Canaan’s dining scene is about to get a serious upgrade. Legendary Hudson Valley chef and restaurateur Peter X. Kelly is bringing his magic touch to town with the debut of The Waveny Tavern by PXK, opening later this month at 36 Pine Street.
Kelly is best known for his acclaimed restaurants north of the city — including the beloved Xaviars at Piermont — and now he’s teaming up with restaurateur Dan Camporeale to breathe new life into the former Waveny Bar & Grill.
The goal? A warm and inviting neighborhood tavern with an elevated menu that’s perfect for everything from casual dinners to celebratory nights out.
A Star Chef with Serious Credentials
If you know food in the Hudson Valley, you know Peter Kelly. At just 23, he opened his first restaurant, Xaviar’s, and quickly became one of the most respected chefs in the region. His career includes:
✨ James Beard nominations
🍽 4-star New York Times reviews
🥂 Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”
📖 Features in Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and more
He’s cooked for U.S. Presidents, won over critics, and built a loyal following who will travel for his food — and now, that food is closer than ever for Fairfield and Westchester locals.
A Menu Worth Crossing the County Line For
Kelly’s menu at The Waveny Tavern is the kind that makes you want to plan your next date night immediately. Think…
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🥓 New Canaan Clam Chowder with Nueske’s bacon, potatoes, and light cream
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🦞 Lobster Pot Pie with tarragon and Hon-Shimeji mushrooms
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🦆 Hudson Valley Duckling with green peppercorns and Hakurie turnip
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🥩 Cowboy Ribeye for Two — a 40-ounce showstopper with a brown sugar & cayenne crust, creamed spinach, and sauce béarnaise
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🍮 Rustic Pear Tart and À la Minute Napoleon for a sweet finish
And yes, there’s also a Chawanmushi Warm Japanese Custard with sea urchin — because Kelly doesn’t do ordinary.
Why This Matters
New Canaan has always had charm, but with Peter Kelly stepping into the local culinary scene, it’s about to become a dining destination. Expect the city crowd to start making the trip north — and locals to have a new favorite go-to.
The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week (closed Mondays), offering the kind of hospitality and craftsmanship that have made Kelly a household name in the food world.
Stacy Knows
You can bet this one’s going to be a hot reservation. Whether it’s date night, girls’ night, or just because — The Waveny Tavern by PXK is about to give the town the glow-up it didn’t know it needed.
📍 The Waveny Tavern by PXK — 36 Pine Street, New Canaan, CT
🍸 Opening late October
📅 Open for lunch & dinner Tuesday through Sunday
👉 Want to be first to try it? Grab your friends and make that resy. This is one table you’ll want to be at.
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