We Found 9 Italian Restaurants In Central Connecticut That Take Chicken Parm To Another Level
One kitchen on this list doesn’t just call it Chicken Parmesan on the menu. It calls it Our Chicken Parmesan, like a proud parent showing off a report card on the fridge.
Another spot offers a Kids Chix Parm, so the youngest diners at the table don’t miss out. A third serves its parm as a grinder, because sometimes a fork feels like too much work.
I love how one simple dish can take so many shapes across Connecticut. Breaded chicken, red sauce, and melted cheese sound basic, yet each kitchen finds its own way to make the combo matter. It might land beside penne, on top of linguine, or inside a crusty roll.
So which plate in the middle of the state deserves your next craving? I have a few strong ideas, and your napkin should probably start stretching now.
1. Restaurant Bricco
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside is the gold standard for chicken parm. This West Hartford favorite treats that standard like a promise it plans to keep.
Restaurant Bricco sits on LaSalle Road and serves creative Italian food with a polished but relaxed feel. The chicken parm comes in a large portion, so you may want to plan for leftovers.
Diners often describe the cutlet as tender enough to melt in your mouth. That kind of praise is hard to earn when a dish is this familiar.
The menu goes well beyond one plate, which helps if your group can’t agree. You’ll find penne alla, fried calamari, grilled artichokes, and a Toscano salad.
Craving something crispy that isn’t parm? The Chicken Milanese and polenta also get plenty of love here.
Save room for the Nutella pie, because skipping it feels like leaving a movie before the ending. The bianco pie is another fun pick for sharing.
When the weather turns nice, the seasonal patio gives you a chance to eat outside. It’s a pleasant way to enjoy a lunch or dinner in West Hartford Center.
Here’s some practical advice for your visit. Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch, since there’s usually a wait.
Hours run from late morning into the evening, seven days a week. That makes a weekday lunch a smart way to beat the evening rush.
Parking options include street spots and paid lots nearby. Give yourself a few extra minutes on busy nights.
Address: 78 LaSalle Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107
2. First and Last Tavern Hartford
With a name like First and Last Tavern, you’d expect a place that knows how to stick around. This long-running Hartford spot on Maple Avenue has done exactly that.
The setting is old-school and casual, with a historic feel that fits the classic menu. Brick-oven pizzas share the spotlight with pastas and hearty Italian entrees.
Chicken parm fans get two ways to play. Order the Chicken Parmesan with Penne for a sit-down plate, or grab a Chicken Parm Grinder when you want it handheld.
The entree features lightly breaded, sautéed chicken under mozzarella and a light tomato sauce. A side salad comes along, so you can pretend this was a balanced choice.
Portions here lean generous, which is good news for anyone who loves a doggy bag. Hearty is the word that keeps coming up.
Pizza lovers shouldn’t ignore the tomato pie or the broccoli rabe and sausage pie. The focaccia is another tasty way to start your meal.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, which makes weeknight dinners easier. Outdoor seating is available when the Connecticut weather cooperates.
Plan your timing before you go. The tavern is closed Mondays, and Sunday service starts at 4 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings get the busiest. A Wednesday or Thursday lunch could be your calm, crispy escape.
Address: 939 Maple Ave, Hartford, CT 06114
3. Casadoro Ristorante & Bar
Some dishes earn the word signature, and Casadoro puts that label right on its chicken parmesan. Bold move, Newington.
This lively Italian-American restaurant on the Berlin Turnpike pairs that famous parm with pasta as its headline acts. Together, they make a pretty convincing argument for carbs.
Diners have called the chicken parm prepared outstandingly, right alongside the veal saltimbocca. That’s a solid pairing if you’re splitting plates with a friend.
Got little ones in tow? The kids’ menu includes a Kids Chix Parm, so the next generation can start training early.
The rest of the menu offers plenty of temptation. Chicken scarpariello and cacio e pepe are both strong picks when you want a change.
Desserts deserve attention too. Lemon cheesecake and tiramisu give you two sweet ways to finish.
Casadoro also serves brunch, which opens the door to parm at an unexpected hour. Nobody here will judge you for it.
A private dining room makes the restaurant handy for birthdays and family gatherings. Changing tables and high chairs help parents feel prepared.
Reservations are recommended for lunch, dinner, and brunch, since there’s usually a wait. Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
The good news is that parking is usually plentiful, with a free lot on site. That’s one less thing to stress about on the Turnpike.
Address: 2929 Berlin Tpke, Newington, CT 06111
4. Sora My Way
Homemade pasta changes the whole chicken parm conversation. At this friendly Wethersfield spot, fresh noodles are a big part of the appeal.
Sora My Way sits on the Silas Deane Highway and serves homemade pasta and signature pizza. The chicken parmesan is a menu highlight worth your attention.
Fans of the place point to three stars of the show. The fresh pasta, the marinara, and the chicken parmesan all get high marks.
That combo matters more than you might expect. A great sauce can make or break a parm, and this one has a strong reputation.
Start with something to share before the main event. Suppli, bruschetta, and fried calamari are all on the menu.
Pizza fans can grab a pepperoni pie or a calzone instead. Then finish with Mary’s Tiramisu and a cappuccino for a sweet ending.
Plant-based eaters get options too, with full vegan and vegetarian menus. That makes it easier to bring a group with mixed tastes.
The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with both counter and table service. It’s an easy pick for lunch or a laid-back dinner.
Check the schedule before you head out. Sora My Way is closed on Tuesdays, opens at 11 AM on Mondays and noon Wednesday through Sunday, and closes at 8 PM on all operating days.
Free on-site parking makes the stop simple. Catering is available if your next party needs a tray of something saucy.
Address: 446 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109
5. Allegro Italian Restaurant and Lounge
Garlic knots get top billing at Allegro, and honestly, that feels like a smart opening act. The chicken parm is ready to follow with a strong second set.
This Rocky Hill restaurant on the Silas Deane Highway serves traditional pasta dishes in a relaxed setting. It can feel casual one moment and romantic the next.
Diners have called the chicken parm main course delicious and highly recommended. Those are simple words, but they carry weight when people keep repeating them.
Appetizers here also get plenty of praise. Calamari makes a fine partner for those famous garlic knots.
Want a plan that covers the basics? Order knots for the table, parm for yourself, and tiramisu for the grand finale.
Allegro opens daily, with weekday hours starting at 11 AM. Weekend service begins at noon and runs until 10 PM.
Saturday evening tends to be the busiest time. Reservations are accepted, so you can lock in a table before the crowd arrives.
Families are welcome, and high chairs are available for tiny diners. Outdoor seating gives you a fresh-air option on nice days.
Takeout is available, but delivery isn’t offered. You’ll need to pick up your parm in person, which is a small price for a hot cutlet.
Free parking is usually easy to find in the lot. Catering can bring the Allegro experience to your next gathering.
Address: 2060 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
6. Bricco Trattoria
Our Chicken Parmesan. That’s how the dish appears on the menu, and you can almost hear the kitchen beaming with pride.
Bricco Trattoria sits on Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury Center, east of the Connecticut River. It’s an upscale casual spot with a classy yet relaxed feel.
The menu shows off creative Italian cooking with plenty of range. Penne, carbonara, ravioli, and rigatoni dishes all have loyal fans.
Seafood lovers have choices too. Look for fresh Rhode Island fried calamari, porcini dusted day boat scallops, and octopus carpaccio.
Craving another breaded classic? The pork chop Milanese is a hearty cousin to the parm.
Pizza gets creative here with a shrimp scampi pie. A Caesar salad can balance things out if you want something green.
When the weather is nice, the seasonal patio is a great perch. Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
Planning a party? A private dining room makes Bricco Trattoria handy for celebrations.
The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday, closing at 9 PM Sunday through Wednesday and at 10 PM Thursday through Saturday.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Tuesday evenings can also get surprisingly busy.
Parking is easy, with a free garage, a free lot, and free street spots. That’s a pleasant surprise in a busy town center.
Address: 124 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033
7. Portofino’s
Brick walls and red sauce are a classic duo, and Portofino’s leans into both. This Berlin restaurant feels like the old-school Italian spot you hoped still existed.
The brick-lined dining room on New Britain Road sets a calm, neighborhood mood. Classic Italian fare fills the menu without any fuss.
Chicken parmigiana is one of the most popular dishes in the house. Some diners even call it the best they’ve ever had.
The sauce gets frequent compliments, and it pairs nicely with fried mozzarella. Gnocchi and other pastas round out the comfort food lineup.
Want to explore the menu a little? Chicken Marsala, veal parmigiana, Chicken Portofino, and clams casino are all strong options.
Stuffed shrimp also earns plenty of love here. It could be the perfect sidekick if you’re sharing with someone.
Watch for the 5-course special if you’re feeling extra hungry. It’s a fun way to turn dinner into an event.
A private party room makes Portofino’s a handy choice for family milestones. Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available.
Keep the hours in mind before heading over. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays and opens at 11 AM on other days.
Curbside pickup and delivery are both options for nights on the couch. Free on-site parking makes dining in just as easy.
Address: 246 New Britain Rd, Berlin, CT 06037
8. Noto Americano | Italian
Sicilian inspiration and handmade pasta make a tasty starting point for any parm. In the Plantsville section of Southington, Noto Americano blends both into a modern Italian menu.
The restaurant sits on West Main Street and serves dinner in a casual, trendy setting. Chicken parmesan is one of its menu highlights.
Diners describe the chicken parm as tender and flavorful. A few have even called it the best they’ve ever had, which is a big claim in Connecticut.
Before the main event, the arancini make a strong opening move. Garlic bread is another easy crowd-pleaser for the table.
Pasta lovers can try cacio e pepe or frutti di mare. Homemade spaghetti with crab sauce has also earned attention.
Not in a parm mood? Chicken cordon bleu and ribeye give you hearty alternatives.
Tiramisu closes the meal on a sweet note. Coffee is available if you need a little boost for the drive home.
Noto is a dinner-focused spot, so don’t plan a lunch stop. It opens at 4 PM Tuesday through Friday and at 3 PM on weekends.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and closes at 9 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, 9:30 PM on Thursdays, and 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and a kids’ menu helps younger diners. Free on-site parking keeps the visit simple.
Address: 83 W Main St, Plantsville, CT 06479
9. Vero Cucino
House-made bread is a great sign at any Italian restaurant. At Vero Cucino, it sets the stage for a chicken parm with serious local bragging rights.
This Middletown eatery sits in Tradewinds Plaza on Saybrook Road. It serves New Haven-style pizza alongside a full lineup of Italian favorites.
The chicken parm has fans who call it the best in the whole area. One diner summed it up as perfect number 1, which is hard to argue with.
Portions here are known for being huge, so pace yourself. Leftover parm makes a pretty fantastic lunch the next day.
The menu stretches well beyond breaded chicken. Shrimp scampi, chicken Marsala, and the Sicilian chef salad are all highlights.
Families get plenty of support, from high chairs to changing tables and a kids’ menu. Full vegan and vegetarian menus help mixed groups find something they like.
Live music adds a fun touch to the experience. Dogs are welcome too, including in the outdoor seating area.
Brunch is on the schedule, along with lunch and dinner. A private dining room makes this a handy pick for celebrations in Middlesex County.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays, opens at 11 AM Tuesday through Saturday and at noon on Sundays, and closes at 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 8 PM Sunday.
Free on-site parking is usually easy to find. Curbside pickup and delivery are available when you’d rather eat parm in your pajamas.
Address: Tradewinds Plaza, 749 Saybrook Rd, Middletown, CT 06457