The Waterfall Restaurant, 30 Padanaram Road (Route 37) in Danbury, opened in June, the second local restaurant for owner Elmer Palma. Mr Palma was formerly a partner in Dimitri’s Diner in Ridgefield for 15 years, and in 2007 opened Elmer’s Diner, located right next door to The Waterfall.

Mr Palma describes his new venture as “Manhattan-style dining with Danbury prices.”

The two-story restaurant is divided into four distinct dining rooms, seating a total of 130 guests. Two of the dining areas, one on the main level and one on the upper level, overlook a small waterfall behind the building. Broad windows let in natural light and allow an unobstructed view of the quiet, wooded scene.

Chef Felix Escamilla turns out original recipes for the fusion menu that highlights Italian, American, Spanish, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Thursday through Saturday, fresh, wild-caught fish and live lobsters are displayed in the ice-filled case just inside the front entrance. Fresh seafood, delivered regularly from New York City, is available at any time.

A family-friendly pizzeria is located on the lower level, where patrons can view the New York-style, thin-crust pies going in and out of the industrial pizza ovens.

An indoor waterfall separates the upstairs Maple Leaf room, named for the decorative wall covering in that dining room, from the Sangria lounge and wine bar. The Waterfall serves a variety of wines from around the world, as well as draft and bottled beer.

“People like our presentation of four different cuisines under one roof,” Mr Palma said. “It’s an opportunity for every person in a dinner party to get what he or she wants. And our chef takes great pride in the preparation of each one.”

The Waterfall Restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, from 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday, from 11 am to 11 pm. The full menu is served continuously every day, andis available for takeout orders. Ample off-street parking is at both sides of the restaurant.

For more information or reservations, call 203-917-3539 or visit thewaterfallrestaurantbyElmer.com.