17 Best Restaurants in Meriden, CT
This article was written by local contributor Juliet Williams & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Oh, the joys of living in Meriden, Connecticut!
Our city may be small, but it's definitely mighty when it comes to the food scene.
I've spent years exploring the culinary wealth that Meriden has to offer, and let me tell you, there's something delectable for every palate.
From casual eateries to elegant dining, this hidden gem of Connecticut keeps surprising me with its diverse flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
So, whether you're a fellow local or just passing through, I'd love to share my personal favorites with you.
Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the best restaurants in Meriden, Connecticut!
Lima 32
I recently dined at Lima 32, and let me tell you, it was an absolutely amazing experience!
The clean, family atmosphere really added to the experience.
I was thrilled to find that the portions were larger than expected for such a reasonable price.
My taste buds were in heaven with every bite, as everything I ordered was packed with flavor.
I tried the steak and cheese sub, lomo a lo pobre, ribs, chaufa rice, and rotisserie chicken - all of which were 5-star entrées!
Bite Me Restaurant
I have to tell you about my recent experience at Bite Me Restaurant here in Meriden.
Let me start by saying that their breakfast sandwiches are to die for!
I ordered two different ones, and each was loaded with fresh ingredients, perfectly melted cheese, and well-cooked bacon.
The bread was toasted just right, giving it that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Now, let's talk about their empanadas.
I ordered both beef and chicken, and I was blown away by the taste.
The outside was crispy, while the inside was packed with well-seasoned meat and fresh scallions.
The best part?
There was no greasy residue left on the empanada itself.
I also have to give a shoutout to their service and cleanliness.
I called my order just 20 minutes before closing, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive hot and fresh food!
Mr. Taco
I often crave for an authentic Mexican eatery in my neighborhood, and I must admit I've found a hidden gem in Mr. Taco.
When I first visited this place, I expected a typical, corporate-style taco joint.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious and genuine Mexican flavors they offer.
The al pastor was truly top-notch, and the pork stomach was pretty good too.
One of the highlights for me was their outstanding salsa, which had a perfect balance of flavors.
And if you're into spicy food, their homemade red hot sauce is super hot, just as they warn you.
The atmosphere and service at Mr. Taco are welcoming, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.
I once tried their chicken torta, and it did not disappoint!
They also have a selection of mixed drinks, like margaritas and mojitos, and even beers, including micheladas.
Jimmy's Pizza
Last week, my family and I decided to give Jimmy's Pizza a try for the first time.
We ended up ordering a medium half-cheese, half-bacon pizza, and a small order of Buffalo wings.
The pizza was pretty good, especially the Greek-style crust.
My boys really enjoyed it, but I have to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the wings.
The service at Jimmy's was great - they answered all my questions with respect and pleasantries.
As for the atmosphere, the location is on a busy street with sufficient parking, handicapped access, and some outdoor seating.
Hubbard Park Pizza
Whenever someone asks me about the best pizza in town, I never hesitate to recommend Hubbard Park Pizza.
It has become my go-to place for all things pizza, and their food never disappoints.
Not only do they offer New York-style pizza with a perfect crust, but their selection of pizzas and desserts is simply amazing.
One of the things I love the most about Hubbard Park Pizza is their consistency.
Every time I order from them, I know I'm going to get a delicious meal.
Their salads are always fresh, with crunchy vegetables and crisp lettuce.
The garlic bread with cheese is another favorite of mine – the bread is perfectly browned yet soft on the inside.
Casa di Roma
Being a resident of Meriden for decades, I can confidently say that Casa di Roma is the best pizza place in town!
Their crust is so good that even the kids eat it – and that's saying something about their quality.
They put the toppings right to the edge, and the pizza doesn't droop over when picking up a piece.
It's crisp and cut all the way through, so you're not taking all the cheese from the next piece.
Visit their website to check out their menu.
Not only is their pizza amazing, but they also have fantastic meatballs, steak grinders, and wraps.
Recently, I had a wrap there that was so big I could only finish half of it – and I have quite the appetite!
What's even great is their affordability.
The prices are very reasonable, especially when compared to other places in Meriden.
Violi's Restaurant
I've had my fair share of visits to Violi's Restaurant.
I've had some great experiences there, and one thing I absolutely love about Violi's is their espresso martini – I haven't found a better one anywhere else.
I've had some really enjoyable dishes, like the salmon piccata.
My brother once tried their 14 oz NY strip, and it smelled delicious and flavorful.
Dessert has always been the highlight of the meal for me.
Their tartufo is tasty, and the sweetness of the chocolate sauce and whipped cream is just right.
Thai Tanic Cuisine
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Thai Tanic Cuisine, and I was not disappointed!
I decided to try a variety of appetizers and main courses, and every single dish was excellent.
I was delighted to find options like spring and summer rolls and vegan pad thai – which is surprisingly hard to come by.
One evening, after a long drive and feeling quite tired, I decided to order takeout from Thai Tanic Cuisine.
I opted for Thai rice, and the flavors were outstanding.
The packaging was also done very well, ensuring the food stayed hot until I got home.
Avanti Restaurant
Last weekend, I decided to try out Avanti Restaurant for dinner with my family.
We started off with some appetizers, including fried calamari and a cold antipasto, which were both absolutely delicious.
Some of us ordered the specials, while others went for classic Italian mains.
I was impressed by the portion sizes and the quality of the food - it was clear that they take pride in their dishes and don't skimp on ingredients.
I also appreciated the cleanliness of the restaurant, especially the bathrooms.
Taino Smokehouse Prime
One of my go-to spots for a flavorful, hearty meal is Taino Smokehouse Prime.
The first time I visited, I was a bit unsure about the place, given its small size and unusual location next to an Ace Hardware store.
But once I tried their food, I was instantly hooked.
I've been back several times since, and I can confidently say that their meat platters never disappoint.
The portions are incredibly generous, and the variety of meats available, including pulled chicken, brisket, ribs, and apple cheddar sausage, always leaves me satisfied.
The Bacon Pops, a unique deep-fried bacon dish, is another must-try item on their menu.
The Native Indian-inspired décor transports you to Montana, Wyoming, or New Mexico, and the two-floor seating area can accommodate both small and large groups.
Downtown Coffee Shop
I absolutely love starting my day with a delicious breakfast from Downtown Coffee Shop.
It's conveniently close to where I live and has become my go-to spot for those cozy weekend mornings.
My brother and I often visit for breakfast, and we are never disappointed.
They serve classic breakfast dishes, like scrambled eggs and toast, omelets, and even hearty kielbasa.
On my last visit, I had the feta and spinach omelet, which was absolutely scrumptious.
We were also fortunate enough to catch a live band performance during our meal, which added to the overall atmosphere and made the experience even more enjoyable.
What sets Downtown Coffee Shop apart from other places is not only the food but the sense of community.
I've even made a few friends during my visits there.
It's more than just a place to grab a coffee - it's a place that brings people together and makes everyone feel at home.
Banana Brazil Grill
I recently decided to give Banana Brazil Grill a try, and I was quite impressed with the food and value for money.
The concept of paying per pound for the dishes you choose is excellent, and the meats were definitely the highlight.
I loved the option to select the doneness of the meats, and I must say they were cooked to perfection.
Though I over-ordered, I appreciated the option to box up what I couldn't finish.
Ted's Restaurant
I can't help but rave about my experience at Ted's Restaurant!
A classic spot for anyone craving something unique, this 50s-era counter-serve specializes in the legendary steamed cheeseburger.
One day, I decided to treat myself to their Hot and Spicy burger, and oh boy, it was the best decision I ever made.
The burger was unlike anything I've ever tasted, cooked to perfection and packed with flavor.
I was able to customize it to my liking, and I couldn't resist trying their Cajun fries as well.
On top of the amazing food, the extensive shake selection adds a nice touch to the whole dining experience.
As someone who's tried many burger joints in the state, I can confidently say that Ted's is one of my all-time favorites.
If you haven't been there yet, you're missing out on a true gem in the New England area.
Dawg House Bar & Grill
Whenever I need a place to unwind, I always hit up Dawg House Bar & Grill.
It's one of those places that just feel like home.
The atmosphere is cozy, the food is always hot, and the beers are always cold.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu.
The last time I went there, I built what I call a "garbage plate" - a concoction of sweet potato fries, two-foot-long hot dogs, honey mustard, onions, sauerkraut, a Buffalo steamed cheeseburger, and chili with cheese on top.
Everyone at my table enjoyed their food, and I'm sure you will, too.
The interior may look a little grungy from the street, but don't let that fool you.
It's very clean inside, with lots of TVs and even a pool table.
The patio is large and spacious, with ample seating and good shade.
During a recent visit, I had a grilled chicken sandwich, which was really good.
Sans-Souci Restaurant
One of my favorite spots in town for a delicious Italian meal has to be Sans-Souci Restaurant.
The cozy, old-school ambiance with white tablecloths and a beautiful garden view through the picture window instantly transports me to a classic Italian dining experience.
The last time I visited Sans-Souci, I went with a group of seven, and every single one of us was more than satisfied with our meals.
The portions were generous, and everything was cooked to perfection.
My personal favorite was the single pork chop, which was seared beautifully and remained surprisingly juicy for its size.
As for the others, the prime rib was a hit, although some found the accompanying mushroom side a tad too garlicky.
The service was also impeccable.
To top it all off, there was an accordion player who took song requests, which added a fun and unique touch to our dining experience.
El Rincón Latino Restaurant
I recently dined at El Rincón Latino Restaurant, and I absolutely loved it!
The food, oh the food!
It was some of the best Latin cuisine I've ever had.
The pernil and yuca al ajillo were to die for, and the salad and rice were just as incredible.
The restaurant was clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
I found parking to be a bit limited in front of the building during weekdays, but there was ample parking available on nearby streets like Grove St.
K LaMay's Steamed Cheeseburgers
Just the other day, I decided to grab a bite at K LaMay's Steamed Cheeseburgers, a humble counter-serve spot in our town.
I had heard great things about their custom-topped cheeseburgers, plus fries and onion rings.
When I took my first bite of the steamed cheeseburger, I was blown away by its taste!
It was juicy and flavorful, and they even happily accommodated my dairy-free request.
I also tried their onion rings, and oh my, they were to die for!
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right.
I can see why K LaMay's is known for their steamed cheeseburgers and sides.
Final Thoughts
Meriden truly has a diverse and delicious dining scene that I have come to love and appreciate.
From authentic Peruvian dishes at Lima 32 to the mouthwatering steamed cheeseburgers at K LaMay's, there's always something for every craving.
I've enjoyed countless memorable meals with family and friends at these local gems, and I'm sure there are many more to come.
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