I’ve lived here nearly all my life: in Connecticut, right on the Massachusetts border. I am also a major foodie – something that Jake has only fed into (haha!) throughout our relationship. We have found quite a few “go-to’s” and have become regulars over the years at, possibly, too many places. However, I’ve been wanting to create this post for a while, talking about the best restaurants in the area. If you see somewhere on the list you haven’t been, I highly recommend checking it out. I’m all for supporting local businesses, especially if they have the most delicious food in the area!
Sarapes:
I have to start with my number one restaurant. Sarapes in Enfield stands out among the others… at this point, Jake and I have been going there for years and just love the family who owns it. Every time I go, I get a chicken burrito – it’s enormous, but I literally eat the entire thing every single time. It has the perfect amount of everything – stuffed with the essentials and covered with sour cream and a delicious avocado sauce. It’s absolutely divine, and my favorite restaurant in the area. I recommend it to everyone who loves authentic Mexican food. However, it’s not just their burritos – tacos, chicken soup, fajitas, enchiladas – all excellent.
Pintus:
Jake and I absolutely love Indian food, and Pintus in West Springfield has to be the best in the area. The food is delicious and seems to be some of the most authentic around here. My favorite thing to do is order a couple samosas to split, naan and a classic chicken tikka masala. Their spice level is perfect for me at a medium, but Jake always orders it hot. However, they also have great biryani, which happens to be a new favorite of mine as well…
La Figata:
I have been to La Figata a few times now, and it’s become my new favorite Italian place in the area. I can’t get enough of their ravioli’s, mainly because they’re made in house – however, what I love most is that their menu changes. They go by what is in season and everything always tastes fresh. I’m going here with my family for my graduation celebration, and I think I might be more excited for the food than anything else….;) Plus, I had the best creme brûlée of my life at this restaurant. It had a citrus taste to it and it was absolutely perfect!
Millwrights:
I went to Millwrights for my friend Katherine’s bridal shower here, and I can’t rave about the food enough. Everything we had was beyond delicious. I ordered chicken with lentils and the most delicious chocolate fudge cake. Most of my friends opted for the steak on the menu, and they were raving about it longggg after our plates were cleared. This is the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary of some sort – it’s also a 300 year old mill turned into a restaurant, with a gorgeous view and adorable bridge to take pictures on. I just love this place!
Pacifica:
This is your classic local Asian food place, but Pacifica does everything well. I love their sushi, pork fried rice, fried dumplings, lo mein – you name it. We have never had a bad experience here and I personally prefer it for take out above all other Chinese food locations in the area. I am particularly fond of their pork fried dumplings – they’re just the best and incredibly addicting!
Tunxis Grill:
This one is a classic for the area. I’ve had several excellent meals at Tunxis Grill, and it’s somewhere my family often goes to celebrate family birthdays. However, my absolute favorite meal on the menu is the eggplant parmesan. It’s the perfect balance of eggplant to breadcrumbs, and comes with a hearty portion of pasta. It’s delicious and, once again, I eat the whole thing practically every time. However, if you’re looking for a lighter meal, I sometimes opt for the french onion soup with a side of caesar salad. My sister Sam almost always gets their pizza and wings – they really are some of the best in the area! *See photo below of my eggplant parmesan from my birthday dinner last October*
Dairy Cream:
Looking for the best local soft serve in the area? Dairy Cream is it. This place is so popular that, in nice weather, there are lines sprawled across the parking lot. However, it always goes quickly, and their Reeses flurries are literally the best I have ever had. Occasionally they also have a black raspberry soft serve that is beyond delicious, so whenever I drive by and see that they have it, I always stop. They also have delicious sundaes (I always get mint) and friendly workers. I have been coming here since I was born, and it’s a major summer tradition for me!
Farmer’s Kitchen:
Now, let me make this clear: I kinda hate breakfast. I’m serious: I am not a breakfast person at all. Most people I know are breakfast people, so I generally find myself going out to breakfast a decent amount. It’s always a gamble for what to eat. I don’t like eggs, bacon, maple syrup, hashbrowns, or sausage. So, I generally veer towards waffles. Let me tell you: I love breakfast at Farmer’s Kitchen. They have the best waffles and they always have a fresh jam that I spread on top instead of maple syrup. They also make the best fresh juices (which I’m also usually not a fan of…) and I’m a huge fan of their homemade apple juice. They ALSO have amazing biscuits. This place really is completely awesome and fresh. Again, things change based on what is in season, which is one of my favorite things a restaurant can do.
Coco Thai:
Honestly, I didn’t start eating Thai food until a couple years ago, but now I am completely addicted. Coco Thai is great because, even with my shellfish allergy, they always make the panang curry without the fish sauce so that I can eat it. It’s honestly delicious, the perfect level of spice, and filled with veggies – I always feel good after eating it! The environment is small and cozy, and Jake and I loved stopping in for a weekend lunch. It’s also really popular for take out in the area!
What’s your favorite restaurant in the area? I also make sure to eat as much as possible at the Big E every year! (Another local favorite…!)
