You know that friend who can rattle off every ingredient in the house-made ricotta and insists on ordering the off-menu special? Maybe it’s your cousin, your coworker, or maybe you’re that person, and everyone groans when you ask for extra bread to sop up the sauce. They aren’t wrong. But neither are you. Food is meant to be savored, and Mansfield Center has hidden gems that celebrate just that. Here are 13 spots to indulge.
Willington Pizza House
$ | (860) 429-7433 | WEBSITE
Willington Pizza House has a welcoming dining room in Mansfield Center where you can choose from a menu of around a dozen specialty pizzas and beers on tap. The restaurant has socially-distanced booths and tables that work well for a meal with a few friends or a date with someone who wants to eat a loaded house special pizza or a unique Red Potatoe Pizza somewhere that feels like a cozy gathering spot, but isn’t actually a formal dining establishment.
Thread City Diner II
$ | (860) 456-3344 | WEBSITE
If you’re into breakfast, you already know about Thread City Diner II in Mansfield Center, a great example of a neighborhood hangout. You might not know that their huge pancakes are amazing and served seven days per week. Just note that the lighting could be brighter, but you can enjoy their no carb meal with eggs and a choice of 2 meats, which is delicious, and stop by for their prompt service with a friendly staff.
Tony’s Pizza
$ | (860) 423-7717 | WEBSITE
Tony’s Pizza is a much cozier operation than most pizza joints we’ve tried. And that’s partly why we love this Mansfield Center spot that’s just off the main drag. The wood-paneled dining room looks like a family rec room that might host weekend gatherings. And the kitchen mostly focuses on classic comfort combinations like pizzas loaded with pepperoni, sausage pies, and cheesy bacon fries.
They have a few booths and mismatched chairs in their dining area for casual seating, plus they have counter stools that allow both regulars and newcomers to feel right at home.
McDonald’s
$ | (860) 450-4233 | WEBSITE
First and foremost, McDonald’s is a fast-food restaurant. But their customer service is more impressive than just about any other establishment that serves burgers, fries, and shakes in copious amounts. They specialize in polite and helpful staff who handle the high-volume traffic with care, and, with the lunch rush just a few minutes away, you can count on quick food delivery despite the occasional long wait times.
Kathmandu Kitchen & Bar
$ | (860) 477-1148 | WEBSITE
Kathmandu Kitchen & Bar is a Mansfield Center spot run by the friendly owner Raj, and it serves authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine. It’s a simple, cozy space with warm lighting, and they offer a menu of flavorful dishes like chicken momo, goat vindaloo, and daal makhani. But mostly you come here to eat the food, specifically their standout items, like the tender duck tandoori with hints of spice, herbs, and pretty much everything else that’s aromatic and deliciously satisfying.
Fiesta Cinco Demayo Restaurant
$$ | (860) 423-9524 | WEBSITE
You’ll find decent Mexican food at a few spots around town, but if you want more than just whatever taco you stumble upon, we’d suggest you head straight to Fiesta Cinco Demayo. This place lets you bring the whole family, with a kids menu and plenty of parking out front. They’ve got a pleasant atmosphere inside, with enjoyable music and decor, and service that’s fast and friendly from the moment you sit down with the complimentary chips and salsa.