Ot- italian restaurant greater farmington valley

[Fishy]

Looking at recommendation for a good italian nice restaurants. Max more in avon has been my go to with my wife. Looking to branch out.

How is Carbone's ? Are all the locations the same? We are good for a drive if worth it
Thanks

Olive Garden in West Hartford.

It’s pasta - it’s all the same. The 19 year old boiling spaghetti at Carbone’s was working at Olive Garden last week.

 

[uconnfan68]

Moved from Canton 97…Tratoria was near this place…same spot?

Tratoria was demolished. A sushi place is roughly in that lot now.

 

[Fishy]

Tratoria was demolished. A sushi place is roughly in that lot now.

Sounds like an improvement. I recommend going there instead.

 

[Umami Zen]

Nope. That is now a sushi/hibachi place. This is across the street next to the Cape Cod Fence Company.

Weren't the original chefs(Buon Appetito) associated with Hot Tomatoes?

 

[husky429]

Did they start salting their pasta water yet?

My wife puts a single pinch of salt in the water for a pound of pasta. She is banned from cooking pasta.

 

[MrP]

I have a massive soft spot for Pagliaccis, having gone there since the early eighties. I wouldn’t call it a “nice” restaurant though.

Is Capo still open in Litchfield? That was like a polished up version of Pagliacci’s. Both have great food tho

 

[Deepster]

Olive Garden in West Hartford.

It’s pasta - it’s all the same. The 19 year old boiling spaghetti at Carbone’s was working at Olive Garden last week.

What food do you like that actually requires any cooking skill? Not pizza or lobster rolls or pasta. So what tickles your fancy? Have you ever had a real homemade ravioli?

 

[superjohn]

I have a massive soft spot for Pagliaccis, having gone there since the early eighties. I wouldn’t call it a “nice” restaurant though.

Is Capo still open in Litchfield? That was like a polished up version of Pagliacci’s. Both have great food tho

Yes, DaCapo is still there. I go every time I'm back in CT. Viron Rondo owned it/ran it with another guy who passed away before Viron opened up the place in Cheshire.

 

[Classic]

A little hidden gem in Canton is Buon Appetito.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/buon-appetito-canton-2

No website. Only open 5:00-8:30. BYOB. Small spot. Every dish is made from scratch and made to order. Not a spot to rush in and out of since it's made to order but everything I've ever had there is a knockout.

Agree 1000%. I’m part Italian and it’s my favorite spot. It’s also bring your own bottle!

 

[Classic]

Weren't the original chefs(Buon Appetito) associated with Hot Tomatoes?

Yes

 

[Windham4th]

English boiled meat is the way to go

 

[twiceahusky]

Olive Garden.

Yes, I have very low standards. But I love their pasta and breadsticks.

Almost, but better stated “Never ending breadsticks and salad … just like the old country”.

If anyone hasn’t seen the MadTV spoof OG ad, search it and watch. Funny.

“There's nothing we love more than going out for a real, authentic italian meal. But when I get a coupon, we go to the Olive Garden!"

 

[uchusky32]

What food do you like that actually requires any cooking skill? Not pizza or lobster rolls or pasta. So what tickles your fancy? Have you ever had a real homemade ravioli?

Really? Fish.

 

[uconnfan68]

I have a massive soft spot for Pagliaccis, having gone there since the early eighties. I wouldn’t call it a “nice” restaurant though.

Is Capo still open in Litchfield? That was like a polished up version of Pagliacci’s. Both have great food tho

Pags always had good food, and plenty of it. Prices were good too. What more does one need?

 

[coachn]

First and Last Plainville. Original Special and Eggplant. . Avon was great but closed. Prop to Fla.
Carbones opening new Rest.in downtown Htfdr.in spring.

 

[jibsey]

Mercato. I have been to the Canton location multiple times and it’s nicely done. Food is very good. Prices average to maybe a bit high but not terrible.
They now have several locations.

 

[coachn]

Mercato. I have been to the Canton location multiple times and it’s nicely done. Food is very good. Prices average to maybe a bit high but not terrible.
They now have several locations.

Opening new restaurant WH.

 

[Stew Crew]

I think Viron Rondo seats around 1,000 people now or it will when their next expansion is completed.

Food at Viron is very good but there are two problems:

1. They overbook on weekends. Even with a reservation, expect to wait 20-30 minutes for a table. I'm too old to deal with that crap. If it rains and they need to fit in the patio patrons, forget about it.
2. It is really loud. Don't expect to be able to hear anyone not seated next to you.

I'm also concerned that quality may suffer when he does his next big expansion.

 

[Stew Crew]

Diorio's and La Tavola in Waterbury are both really good. They are a bit more upscale than your neighborhood pasta & pizza joint.

 

[Windham4th]

Max-a-mia is moving to the old Avon/Simsbury Bertuccis location

 

[jibsey]

Max-a-mia is moving to the old Avon/Simsbury Bertuccis location

That’s a big space, should be good for them.

 

[Windham4th]

That’s a big space, should be good for them.

Yep. That huge wood burning oven was nice. Hope they keep that

 

[Umami Zen]

That’s a big space, should be good for them.

Will need to expand the bar configuration -Bertucci era- to accommodate Yarders swinging by for Max-style HH. Seating was pretty tight at B's bar

 

[Richmondhsky]

Diorio's and La Tavola in Waterbury are both really good. They are a bit more upscale than your neighborhood pasta & pizza joint.

Worked in Wtby back in the 90’s…Diorios was great, nice bar and was really good! Glad to hear it’s still going strong!

 

[Kauffmak10]

Watch out if Pitino shows up..