20 Best Restaurants in New Britain, CT

This article was written by local contributor Zachary Taylor & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Zachary Taylor

Jun 18, 2023 • 17 min read

Are you visiting New Britain, Connecticut, or perhaps just looking for a new place to dine in our lovely town?

Well, you're in for a treat!

As someone who's spent years exploring the culinary scene in New Britain, I can attest to the fact that we have an incredible range of restaurants offering everything from classic American fare to mouth-watering international cuisine.

In this article, I'm excited to share my personal recommendations for the best dining experiences in our town - places that have left a lasting impression on my taste buds and continue to draw me back time and time again.

So, put on your stretchy pants and get ready to embark on a delicious gastronomic journey through the best restaurants in New Britain, Connecticut!

Thai Kitchen29

Let me tell you about my recent visit to Thai Kitchen29, a hidden gem in our neighborhood.

My friends and I were craving some Thai food, and we heard great things about this place.

So, we decided to give it a shot, and I'm so glad we did!

Upon walking in, we were greeted warmly by the owner, who made us feel right at home.

The menu had a variety of dishes to choose from, and we couldn't wait to dig in.

I ordered the drunken noodles with chicken, and my friends got the mango curry with chicken and crispy duck.

To our delight, the lunch special also included a spring roll and a choice of soup or salad.

When the food arrived, we were amazed at the generous portion sizes and the enticing aroma wafting from our plates.

My drunken noodles were flavorful and had just the right amount of spice.

My friends' mango curry was sweet and savory, while the crispy duck was cooked to perfection.

We all agreed that the Tom Yum soup was one of the best we've ever tasted, and the spring rolls were delightfully crispy and fresh.

As we finished our meal, we decided to indulge in some dessert.

I couldn't resist trying the fried bananas with coconut ice cream, and let me tell you, it was an absolutely divine combination that capped off an incredible dining experience.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the boba tea!

I'll definitely be making room for that on my next visit.

With its authentic dishes, friendly service, and great prices, Thai Kitchen29 has easily become my go-to spot for Thai food in the area.

I can't wait to come back and try more of their delicious offerings!

Sahadi's Hotties

There's no place quite like Sahadi's Hotties in our little town.

I find myself going back time and time again.

What really sets it apart is the super friendly service, which always makes me feel welcome and right at home.

Their crispy chicken sandwich is to die for, and it's even better than the one offered by that national chain down the street.

When you visit Sahadi's Hotties, you absolutely have to try their french fries.

They are always cooked to perfection with just the right amount of salt and crunchiness.

The apple fritters are also a favorite of mine - they're huge and packed with flavor!

Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet

I've heard a lot of buzz about Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet, so I finally decided to give it a try.

As soon as I walked in, I was impressed by the high-class industrial décor, which gave the place a unique and inviting atmosphere.

The menu offers a huge variety of creative hot dogs and burgers, as well as craft beer and soda.

I couldn't resist trying the Junkyard Dog with meat sauce, hot relish, tangy coleslaw, and brown mustard—it was heavenly!

My partner opted for the Classic Patty Melt, which was cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, and grilled rye bread.

The meat sauce on the Dirty Mac Dog and chili cheese fries we shared was absolutely fantastic, a premium version of Capitol Lunch.

I can't wait to go back to Riley's for round two to explore more of their mouthwatering menu options!

EuroPLATE

Living in this neighborhood, I've had the pleasure of visiting EuroPLATE Polish Restaurant multiple times over the years.

It has become one of my favorite spots for delicious and authentic Polish cuisine.

The atmosphere is charming and cozy, making it feel like you're being welcomed into a family's home.

One of my favorite dishes at EuroPLATE is their Polish pork chops served with fresh potatoes and cabbage.

The flavors are always spot-on, reminding me of home-cooked meals from my childhood.

And I have to mention their amazing pierogi selection - it's simply to die for!

I've even brought clients here for lunch meetings, and they've been thoroughly impressed with the food and the overall experience.

I think it's definitely worth giving EuroPLATE a try to judge for yourself.

Capitol Lunch

Every time I visit Capitol Lunch, it feels like taking a step back in time.

The no-frills space filled with musicians' photos on the walls gives the place its unique charm and character.

I'm always excited to grab one of their famous hot dogs, which never disappoints.

The burgers and fries are also worth trying, but it's truly the hot dogs that steal the show.

However, I've noticed that the inside decor could use a little updating, but I appreciate how they've maintained the vintage atmosphere.

The natural casing hot dogs always have that satisfying snap when you bite into them.

As for parking, it can be a bit of a challenge on Main Street, so I usually opt for the nearby New Brite Plaza.

Marathon Pizza

One evening after a hectic day at work, I decided to treat myself to some pizza.

I had heard about Marathon Pizza, a popular restaurant in town, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Their Facebook page boasted high ratings and positive reviews, which made me pretty excited about the meal.

I decided to go for their Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which turned out to be an excellent choice.

The chicken was tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the tangy buffalo sauce.

The crust was just the right thickness, balancing the toppings without being too heavy.

Along with the pizza, I ordered a pasta dish and a salad.

Both were quite delicious and served in generous portions.

The meatballs that accompanied the pasta were well-seasoned and satisfying.

I also appreciated their attentive service, which made the dine-in experience even more enjoyable.

While I had heard about some mixed experiences with their food, my experience at Marathon Pizza was nothing short of fantastic.

It's become one of my go-to spots for a hearty meal when I'm craving some pizza or Italian dishes.

And as a hardworking local resident, I'm more than happy to support a restaurant that goes above and beyond in their food and service.

C J's Restaurant

One of my favorite places to go for breakfast in the neighborhood is C J's Restaurant.

I stumbled upon it one day when I was craving some delicious breakfast food, and I've been hooked ever since.

The moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm smiles, and you can choose to sit wherever you like.

The menu at C J's is incredibly unique, with many options that I've never seen anywhere else.

The food portions are generous, and the taste is absolutely spectacular.

I remember trying my partner's chicken club sandwich and was blown away by the burst of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

One time, I went with my sister-in-law, and we both had an amazing experience.

The atmosphere, the service, and the food make it a must-visit for anyone who loves a good breakfast experience.

Staropolska Restaurant

Living in New Britain, it's a privilege to have access to a variety of establishments that celebrate our thriving Polish community.

One such gem is Staropolska Restaurant, a basic diner-like eatery that serves up generous portions of traditional Polish fare.

My personal favorite is the Polish platter, which includes a soup or salad, 3 pierogi's, kielbasa, mashed potatoes, stuffed cabbage, hunter's stew, and a large crispy potato pancake.

It's more than enough to share with a friend or take home for leftovers!

Their sorrel soup is also a must-try for first-timers.

I remember my first time trying it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the unique flavor.

New Britain House of Pizza

Last Friday, my family and I decided to finally give New Britain House of Pizza a try, and let me tell you, we were not disappointed!

We decided to order half Caesar and half buffalo chicken pizza, a decision that proved to be one of the best we've made in a while.

The pizza was absolutely delicious, and the crust was so good that I couldn't stop eating.

It reminded me of the authentic New York Pizza I grew up eating but with its own unique twist.

The sizes were quite generous; it felt like each slice was larger than any other pizza place we'd been to in town.

My kids loved it too, and they're picky eaters, so that's saying something!

I am so glad we finally tried New Britain House of Pizza, and it has quickly become a favorite in our household.

Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant

Dining at Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant last week was truly a delightful experience.

The authentic Polish food was incredible, and the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting.

My friends and I decided to go there on a weekday evening, and we were not disappointed.

We all tried different things, and each dish was delicious and reasonably priced.

The drinks were also a hit and complemented the food nicely.

One of the highlights of Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant is their unique cake offerings.

During our visit, we saw a beautiful cake made for a child's birthday party.

It was so intricate and impressive, it made us want to order one for our next special occasion.

Mae Kong Thai Restaurant

One of my favorite spots in the neighborhood has to be Mae Kong Thai Restaurant.

My whole family absolutely loves it, so much so that we are willing to drive 30 minutes just to enjoy their mouthwatering dishes!

I've tried numerous Thai restaurants over the years, but nothing compares to Mae Kong.

Their menu offers a variety of delicious options like noodles, curries, and vegetable dishes, all served in a simple yet charming room with traditional Thai accents.

I still remember the first time I tried their gyoza dumpling soup and Panang fried rice with crispy chicken.

The flavors were absolutely amazing and left me craving more.

What I also appreciate about this place is the fact that they're not just a dine-in restaurant.

They also offer takeout services, which is perfect for those busy days when cooking at home isn't an option.

Madani's Mediterranean Cuisine

One of my favorite spots to grab a bite in town is Madani's Mediterranean Cuisine.

As someone who loves trying new dishes, I've been to this restaurant quite a few times, and food quality and service can be a hit or miss.

I remember the first time I dined there, the food was incredibly delicious and fresh.

I must admit that there's something special about this place that keeps drawing me back.

Every time I visit Madani's, I'm hopeful for another experience like the one I had during my first visit.

The homemade food and love that goes into each dish is something I truly appreciate.

The chicken kebab and gyro meals are some of my favorites, and I also enjoy their hummus and falafel.

While ordering in person can be a bit challenging, I've found that ordering online simplifies the process.

East Side Restaurant

I've always had a soft spot for German food, so I decided to pay a visit to East Side Restaurant with a few friends.

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Bavaria – glass mugs hanging from the ceiling, servers dressed in traditional attire, and even accordion music playing in the background.

It felt like a cozy, kitschy hidden gem.

When it came to ordering food, we tried meatballs, fritters, onion soup, Black Forest cake, and a variety of beers.

I'm no expert on authentic German cuisine, but I know a delicious meal when I taste one, and East Side did not disappoint.

Before leaving, we made sure to check out the small shop near the exit, where they had merch and a beautiful selection of German mugs on display.

Great Taste Chinese Restaurant

My all-time favorite spot to grab a meal is the Great Taste Chinese Restaurant.

I've been to many Chinese food restaurants, but this one truly stands out from the rest.

It's a clean and cozy white-tablecloth eatery that offers Chinese classics, including their signature dish – the Peking duck, which they carve right at your table.

One of the times I went there, I ordered their Egg Drop Soup, and it was fragrant and delicious.

But the highlight of our meal was the Peking Duck.

The best part about it was that they served a side of duck meat and veggies – a pleasant surprise since many other Chinese restaurants discard most of the duck after slicing the meat and skin.

The dish was so good that I'd rate it 5/5, considering its price range.

Another time, I came here with my coworkers for lunch, and the service was incredibly fast.

I ordered the super spicy General Tso's, and they definitely delivered on the spice level.

The food was so good that it took us longer to eat than to wait for anything else.

We took our time as we chatted, soaking in the great atmosphere that the restaurant has to offer.

The restaurant itself is quite elegant, making it a perfect place to take a date.

The price may be on the higher side, but it is well worth it for the quality of the food and service.

Criollisimo Restaurant

As a regular customer, Criollisimo Restaurant has never disappointed me.

I've been coming here for years, and the food tastes just as good as the first time I tried it.

I recently moved to New Britain, and now I can satisfy my cravings for their delicious pernil and plantains more often!

As soon as I walk in, my senses are delighted by the tantalizing aroma of traditional dishes and the lively Latin music playing in the background.

It's truly an immersive cultural experience.

During the lunch rush, it can get quite crowded, with a long line of eager customers queuing up for the buffet-style setup.

If you're looking for a quieter dining experience, it's best to visit after 2 pm, as the crowd tends to thin out a bit.

However, the food is definitely worth the wait, and the prices are quite reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

Taste of Poland

As someone who enjoys hearty, delicious meals, the offerings of Taste of Poland never disappoint.

I often find myself going back for their soup of the day - always hot and oh-so-tasty!

They also offer a variety of veggie sides and delectable desserts that you simply must try.

What I really appreciate about this restaurant is the quality of their homemade dishes.

You can tell that the people behind the counter truly know how to cook and bring a little piece of Poland to our city.

Beirut Bites

Whenever I'm in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine, there's no better place to go than Beirut Bites!

Just last week, I met up with a friend there to catch up over dinner.

The menu offered a great variety of dishes, all packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

I ordered the lamb shank, which turned out to be one of the best I've ever had.

The portions were large, and the food was simply amazing.

Seoul BBQ

Seoul BBQ is a Korean restaurant that offers a unique dining experience.

The moment you step inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere is truly hard to resist.

From table grills to sushi and sake, this place has it all.

As a regular customer, I always look forward to trying out something new at Seoul BBQ.

I personally love their generous servings of appetizers and the wide variety of dishes available.

You must try their seafood pancakes and Korean barbecue chicken - simply delicious!

What sets Seoul BBQ apart is the table grill experience.

The grill plate is replaced between meat types to ensure a perfect meal.

I highly recommend trying their marinated chicken, beef, and pork.

Another favorite of mine is the tofu soup, which I believe you'll thoroughly enjoy.

Seoul BBQ is perfect for both casual hangouts with friends and date nights.

Don't miss out on the magic of this fantastic dining place!

The Back Nine Tavern

I have had the chance to dine at The Back Nine Tavern at Stanley Golf Course a few times, and it's a great spot for a casual meal or catching up with friends on their patio.

Although I've heard mixed reviews about their food, in my experience, it has always been good and satisfying.

The atmosphere at The Back Nine Tavern is definitely worth mentioning – the stately old building and the patio overlooking the golf course make it a relaxing place to enjoy a meal or a drink.

I have also attended a few events in their main room, which boasts a large fireplace and works great for medium-sized parties.

Peppino's Pizza

Peppino's Pizza handmakes pies using natural ingredients, and you can really taste the difference.

Plus, they offer more than just pizza!

Their pasta and burger options have made my meal choices even more exciting.

One of the things I love most about Peppino's is the unique atmosphere.

On my last visit, there was a guy there who seemed to be in a rush to collect all the toppings for my pizza, as if I would get too hungry waiting.

I found it quite entertaining, and it made my dining experience even more memorable.

There was also this odd "Pizza Tower" game being played, which I didn't understand, but it added to the quirky charm of this local treasure.

Despite the occasional hiccup with delivery, like the time when my pizza arrived cold because the driver couldn't find my address, the outstanding flavors and textures of Peppino's Pizza make it hands down the best pizza in Connecticut.

I truly hope they expand and open multiple locations throughout the state so that more people can experience this gem of a pizza place.

Final Thoughts

New Britain, Connecticut, has a diverse and vibrant restaurant scene that I am proud to call my own.

From authentic Polish and Thai cuisine to cozy cafes and delicious fast food options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Next time you find yourself in New Britain, don't hesitate to stop by some of these fantastic eateries for a taste of the town's best offerings.

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