The best restaurants in Bristol

61 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 61 places · showing the latest additions first

Casual eatery serving custom burgers alongside hot dogs, tacos and other bites.

1051 Wolcott St (Waterbury)

Casual eatery serving custom burgers alongside hot dogs, tacos and other bites.

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Fine-dining institution serving a range of traditional Italian & French dishes in a warm atmosphere.

10 Wakelee Rd (Wolcott)

Fine-dining institution serving a range of traditional Italian & French dishes in a warm atmosphere.

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Family-run eatery offering tacos, margaritas and other Mexican mainstays.

1765 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Plantsville)

Family-run eatery offering tacos, margaritas and other Mexican mainstays.

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Coffee shop by day and tavern by night featuring wood-fired pizza and brunch dishes, plus an outdoor deck.

393 Farmington Ave (Plainville)

Coffee shop by day and tavern by night featuring wood-fired pizza and brunch dishes, plus an outdoor deck.

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Cozy, family-friendly restaurant specializing in Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

825 Farmington Ave

Cozy, family-friendly restaurant specializing in Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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Popular Mexican eatery featuring classics, such as tacos and burritos, plus southwestern items.

2211 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Marion)

Popular Mexican eatery featuring classics, such as tacos and burritos, plus southwestern items.

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Cozy outpost featuring sushi rolls (including those with salmon), Korean dishes and Japanese staples.

1095 West St #3 (Southington)

Cozy outpost featuring sushi rolls (including those with salmon), Korean dishes and Japanese staples.

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Contemporary pizzeria with an upscale feel turning out wood-fired pies with high-end toppings.

747 Wolcott Rd (Wolcott)

Contemporary pizzeria with an upscale feel turning out wood-fired pies with high-end toppings.

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Japanese kitchen entrees & artful sushi rolls served in a casual, modern setting with a full bar.

692 West St (Southington)

Japanese kitchen entrees & artful sushi rolls served in a casual, modern setting with a full bar.

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Family-friendly, Italian eatery dishing up seafood and traditional fare in a cozy setting.

524 Wolcott Rd (Wolcott)

Family-friendly, Italian eatery dishing up seafood and traditional fare in a cozy setting.

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Stylish, understated spot with unique sushi/sashimi combos & dramatic, flaming hibachi grill dishes.

45 S Main St (Unionville)

Stylish, understated spot with unique sushi/sashimi combos & dramatic, flaming hibachi grill dishes.

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Casual destination known for its pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and wings, plus friendly service.

588 Wolcott Rd (Wolcott)

Casual destination known for its pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and wings, plus friendly service.

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Kensington Pizza

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of pizzas, plus grinders, salads, and other comfort eats.

366 Main St (Kensington)

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of pizzas, plus grinders, salads, and other comfort eats.

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Casual Japanese spot prepping sushi and hibachi fare, plus bento boxes, beer, and sake.

150 S Main St (Thomaston)

Casual Japanese spot prepping sushi and hibachi fare, plus bento boxes, beer, and sake.

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Charming establishment dishing up enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes, plus margaritas and beers.

96 N Main St

Charming establishment dishing up enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes, plus margaritas and beers.

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Delta Pizza

Restaurants

Laid-back pizza restaurant featuring classic New England-style pies as well as grinders, salads and wings.

225 Stafford Rd (Burlington)

Laid-back pizza restaurant featuring classic New England-style pies as well as grinders, salads and wings.

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Relaxed restaurant known for New Haven-style pizzas, including gluten-free options.

68 E Main St (Thomaston)

Relaxed restaurant known for New Haven-style pizzas, including gluten-free options.

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"Dirty" wings are the specialty at this tavern set in a circa-1789 building.

143 New Britain Ave (Plainville)

"Dirty" wings are the specialty at this tavern set in a circa-1789 building.

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German comfort food & beer in a vibrant destination that has a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.

131 Dwight St (New Britain)

German comfort food & beer in a vibrant destination that has a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.

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Capitol Lunch

Restaurants

Circa-1929 joint serving hot dogs, burgers & fries in a no-frills space hung with musicians' photos.

510 Main St (New Britain)

Circa-1929 joint serving hot dogs, burgers & fries in a no-frills space hung with musicians' photos.

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Syriana Cuisine

Restaurants

Casual eatery serving a menu of Mediterranean classics such as falafel and lamb kabsa, plus pita and pies.

238 Allen St (New Britain)

Casual eatery serving a menu of Mediterranean classics such as falafel and lamb kabsa, plus pita and pies.

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Simple kitchen serving typical Puerto Rican eats such as pernil & plantains in a buffet-style setup.

340 Arch St (New Britain)

Simple kitchen serving typical Puerto Rican eats such as pernil & plantains in a buffet-style setup.

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Pizza Castle Restaurant is the kind of reliable, family-run spot that nails clam and clams casino pies, plus hefty grinders, pastas, and…

143 Chase Ave (Waterbury)

Pizza Castle Restaurant is the kind of reliable, family-run spot that nails clam and clams casino pies, plus hefty grinders, pastas, and gyro sandwiches. Over 50 years in, it’s perfect for those nights you want zero fuss and maximum comfort.

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Gino's Pizza House keeps Bristol fed with a wild lineup of specialty pies, from The Godfather and Buffalo Special to stuffed Meat Pocket…

155 School St

Gino's Pizza House keeps Bristol fed with a wild lineup of specialty pies, from The Godfather and Buffalo Special to stuffed Meat Pocket greatness, plus Sicilian and Grandma’s trays. When you need an easy, reliable dinner that still feels fun, this is the move.

From the Bristol newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Casual eatery specializing in Spanish dishes and cocktails, plus a friendly staff.

581 Chase Ave (Waterbury)

Casual eatery specializing in Spanish dishes and cocktails, plus a friendly staff.

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The Red Corner

Restaurants

Japanese, Thai & Chinese dishes offered in a whimsical, colorful space with a sushi bar & hibachi.

780 Lakewood Rd (Waterbury)

Japanese, Thai & Chinese dishes offered in a whimsical, colorful space with a sushi bar & hibachi.

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Casual restaurant serving an array of pies, plus pastas, wings, burgers, and fried clams.

962 Pine St

Casual restaurant serving an array of pies, plus pastas, wings, burgers, and fried clams.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

817 Queen St (Southington)

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Casual eatery with a breakfast-and-lunch menu, plus hot meals and bottomless coffee.

854 Farmington Ave Unit 4

Casual eatery with a breakfast-and-lunch menu, plus hot meals and bottomless coffee.

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Hibachi Buffet

Restaurants

All-you-can-eat venue offering a variety of seafood, sushi, Chinese dishes and grilled items.

99 Farmington Ave

All-you-can-eat venue offering a variety of seafood, sushi, Chinese dishes and grilled items.

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Thin-crust pizzeria offering pies by the slice, plus grinders and pasta dishes.

90 Burlington Ave

Thin-crust pizzeria offering pies by the slice, plus grinders and pasta dishes.

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99 Restaurants

Restaurants

Kid-friendly pub chain offering classic fare like burgers, wings & salads in informal surrounds.

827 Pine St

Kid-friendly pub chain offering classic fare like burgers, wings & salads in informal surrounds.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

152 Chase Ave #14a (Waterbury)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Asian bistro

Restaurants

Casual bistro at Bristol Plaza serving familiar Chinese dishes and ramen.

641 Farmington Ave

Casual bistro at Bristol Plaza serving familiar Chinese dishes and ramen.

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L J's Pizza

Restaurants

Small Italian counter-serve dispensing pizza plus grinders, calzones, wings & more.

101 Maple St

Small Italian counter-serve dispensing pizza plus grinders, calzones, wings & more.

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Couch Potato

Restaurants

Fast-food concept inspired by a baked potato serving mac ’n’ cheese, loaded tots, and more.

1 Eden Ave (Southington)

Fast-food concept inspired by a baked potato serving mac ’n’ cheese, loaded tots, and more.

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Expresso Café

Restaurants

Casual restaurant serving a menu of breakfast and lunch options, plus coffee drinks.

97 Maple St

Casual restaurant serving a menu of breakfast and lunch options, plus coffee drinks.

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Friendly restaurant offering beers, a menu of burgers, wings and fries, and mac 'n' cheese.

28 W Main St (Plantsville)

Friendly restaurant offering beers, a menu of burgers, wings and fries, and mac 'n' cheese.

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Cozy deli for burritos, paninis and sandwiches, plus catering and a food truck.

280 Spielman Hwy Unit E (Burlington)

Cozy deli for burritos, paninis and sandwiches, plus catering and a food truck.

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Laid-back eatery popular among families for pasta, pizza and steak sandwiches, plus a cheesecake dessert menu.

781 King Street

Laid-back eatery popular among families for pasta, pizza and steak sandwiches, plus a cheesecake dessert menu.

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Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.

1215 Farmington Ave

Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.

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MISSION BBQ

Restaurants

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

785 Queen St (Southington)

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

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Popular Italian eatery boasting a menu of pies, grinders and salads, plus beer and wine.

108 Stafford Ave

Popular Italian eatery boasting a menu of pies, grinders and salads, plus beer and wine.

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It's Just Wings

Restaurants

Takeout spot for saucy boneless or traditional chicken wings in various flavors, along with fries and fried Oreos.

1425 Farmington Ave

Takeout spot for saucy boneless or traditional chicken wings in various flavors, along with fries and fried Oreos.

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Laid-back game-day spot with a wraparound bar offering typical American grub & craft beer on tap.

1219 S Main St (Plantsville)

Laid-back game-day spot with a wraparound bar offering typical American grub & craft beer on tap.

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Laid-back eatery featuring familiar Thai dishes such as noodles, curries and stir-fries.

81 N Main St

Laid-back eatery featuring familiar Thai dishes such as noodles, curries and stir-fries.

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Frankie’s

Restaurants

Local fast-food chain serving hot dogs, sandwiches, fried seafood & soups in a casual setting.

348 Chase Ave (Waterbury)

Local fast-food chain serving hot dogs, sandwiches, fried seafood & soups in a casual setting.

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Sushi House

Restaurants

Fresh-tasting sushi specialists, providing all-you-can-eat deals.

975 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Plantsville)

Fresh-tasting sushi specialists, providing all-you-can-eat deals.

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Sakura kitchen

Restaurants

Chinese and Thai fare is served at this casual establishment offering delivery and takeout.

410 Farmington Ave

Chinese and Thai fare is served at this casual establishment offering delivery and takeout.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

1235 Farmington Ave

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Casual restaurant prepping Japanese food such as sushi and hibachi fare, plus beer and cocktails.

1186 Farmington Ave

Casual restaurant prepping Japanese food such as sushi and hibachi fare, plus beer and cocktails.

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Open-late pub popular for its wings & other bar bites, plus plenty of TVs tuned to sports.

88 New Britain Ave (Plainville)

Open-late pub popular for its wings & other bar bites, plus plenty of TVs tuned to sports.

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Greer's Chicken

Restaurants

Old-school fast-food eatery serving fried chicken, seafood & comfort sides in a snug, low-key space.

64 Matthews St

Old-school fast-food eatery serving fried chicken, seafood & comfort sides in a snug, low-key space.

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Japanese restaurant serving comfort food such as sushi in a casual setting.

905 Farmington Ave

Japanese restaurant serving comfort food such as sushi in a casual setting.

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Wayback Burgers

Restaurants

Made-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.

123 Farmington Ave Unit P3

Made-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.

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Casual, kid-friendly eatery serving pizzas, burgers, fried chicken and other eats crafted with fresh ingredients.

42 W Main St (Plantsville)

Casual, kid-friendly eatery serving pizzas, burgers, fried chicken and other eats crafted with fresh ingredients.

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Popular eatery, often delivering pizza and tacos plus pupusas.

25 Middle St

Popular eatery, often delivering pizza and tacos plus pupusas.

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Hindsight BBQ

Restaurants

Laid-back BBQ joint serving ribs, burgers, brisket and pork, plus beer and wine (menu also includes seafood).

1503 Thomaston Ave (Waterbury)

Laid-back BBQ joint serving ribs, burgers, brisket and pork, plus beer and wine (menu also includes seafood).

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Modern spot for standard, creative sushi rolls, plus homemade sauces.

405 Queen St (Southington)

Modern spot for standard, creative sushi rolls, plus homemade sauces.

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Parkside Cafe

Restaurants

Friendly restaurant serving pancakes and eggs alongside burgers, waffles, and burritos in an airy space.

224 N Main St

Friendly restaurant serving pancakes and eggs alongside burgers, waffles, and burritos in an airy space.

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BBQ spot with eclectic apps & ribs in wood-paneled digs, with live music several nights a week.

59 W Center St (Southington)

BBQ spot with eclectic apps & ribs in wood-paneled digs, with live music several nights a week.

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