Japanica II: Sushi and More in Middletown

Delectable sushi is what’s on the menu at Japanica II. If you like your fish fresh, you’ll love these tasty little packages, expertly prepared by their dexterous chefs. Salmon, tuna, eel, sea urchin, shrimp and squid all make starring appearances on the sushi and sashimi menu. If you’re in the mood for something hot, sidle up to a big bowl of Tempura Udon with shrimp, noodles and veggies simmering in a flavorful broth. Teriyaki dishes include beef, shrimp, scallops, salmon and chicken, served with miso soup or salad and your choice of brown or white rice. A full assortment of hibachi dinners and noodle dishes also star on the menu. Japanica II is open for lunch and dinner every day.

Japanica II
854 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-4498
http://www.yelp.com/biz/japanica-ii-middletown

It’s Only Natural Restaurant: Tasty Vegetarian Fare

How can you not love a restaurant that calls its blog ‘The Sexy Carrot’? Tasty vegetarian and vegan fare is what’s on the menu at It’s Only Natural, a casual eatery that gives veggies their due place as stars of the show. The appetizer menu features some tasty options like Vegetable Dumplings with tamari dipping sauce, Tempeh ‘Crab’ Cakes with Caesar dressing and Nachos with your choice of vegan or dairy cheese. Yummy salads include a Cajun Caesar topped with spicy tempeh strips and a Taco Salad with refried beans and salsa. Rustic pizzas are also served, along with a sumptuous array of sandwiches and entrees like Sweet Potato Enchiladas with rojo mole sauce and a Noodle Bowl with whole wheat noodles, tofu, veggies and dumplings in ginger garlic broth. Fresh juices, smoothies, desserts, beer and wine round out the menu.

It's Only Natural
386 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-9210
http://www.yelp.com/biz/its-only-natural-restaurant-middletown-2

Mondo: Italian Fare in a Casual Atmosphere

Stop in at this casual little eatery for some tasty Italian fare that’s sure to make your taste buds happy. Settle in with a delectable New York-style pizza with your favorite topping, paired with one of their super-fresh salads like the Mondo Green with a leafy bed of mixed greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, olives and white balsamic vinaigrette. Panini sandwiches include Chicken Pesto with provolone cheese, Mondo Combo with sopressata, ham, prosciutto, peppers, provolone and white balsamic dressing, and a Chicken Parmigiana served hot with sauce and melted mozzarella. A small pasta selection includes Spaghetti with Meatballs and Rigatoni Bolognese. A tasty kid’s menu and a relaxed, comfy ambiance make this a great choice for a family meal. Middletown's Mondo is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Mondo
10 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 343-3300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mondo-middletown

Iguanas Ranas Taqueria

In the mood for delightful Mexican cuisine in Middletown, Connecticut? Head to Iguanas Ranas Taqueria for that spicy taste you crave. Tacos, burritos, chiles rellenos, quesadillas, enchiladas and more, are all waiting here for your arrival. The fish burritos are a favorite, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a cactus burrito. Other faves are the carnitas tacos, tacos el pastor and the carne asada burritos. Save room for dessert, because the chocolate flan is magnifico, according to fans of the delectable custard delicacy. Wash it down with a chilled, salt-rimmed margarita or the authentic drink, horchata, made with rice milk and cinnamon. Very refreshing! Iguanas Ranas Raqueria is open for lunch and dinner.

Iguanas Ranas Taqueria
484 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-8630
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iguanas-ranas-taqueria-middletown

First and Last Tavern: Big Plates

When you’re in the mood for a big plate of pasta or a wood-fired pizza, First and Last Tavern is always a good choice in Middletown, Connecticut. Start your repast at the raw bar with some super-fresh Cherrystone Clams, Shrimp or Oysters. Sample something from the appetizer menu, like Crispy Fried Calamari, or Arancini di Riso – Sicilian-style risotto fritters, served with truffle béchamel sauce. The entrée menu features Penne ala Vodka, Chicken Milanese, Stuffed Eggplant, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and Pasta with Clam Sauce. Pizza choices include delectable taste tempters like the Tavern Special with sausage, caramelized onions, hot peppers, & mozzarella cheese and the Neapolitan with mozzarella cheese, fresh sliced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic & herbs. Stop in for Sunday brunch for a delectable buffet-style meal.

First and Last Tavern
220 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 347-2220
http://www.yelp.com/biz/first-and-last-tavern-middletown

Esca: Alluring Italian Cuisine

Esca means ‘to lure’ in Italian, which is exactly what this elegant eatery does with its flavorful menu, elegant ambiance, and attentive service. Plenty of polished wood and shining marble adorn the interior, alongside colorful murals and a replica of a wine cave behind the bar. Veranda seating gives you an al fresco dining option when the weather’s nice. The menu features starters like Oysters di Parma with peppered Sambuca cream and Carpaccio di Manzo with white truffle oil. Hand-crafted pasta dishes include Lobster & Crab Fettuccini with brandy cream, and Shrimp Pappardelle with olive tampenade. Main dishes feature taste pleasers like Hudson Valley Duck Breast with beluga lentils, Free Range Chicken with sweet potato ragu and Beef Tenderloin with gorgonzola risotto. A sumptuous wine list and full bar round out the menu at this Middletown Italian restaurant.

Esca
437 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 316-2552
http://www.yelp.com/biz/esca-wine-bar-and-restaurant-middletown

Cypress Restaurant: A Middletown Favorite

In business since 1936, this family-run bar, eatery and night club has been feeding and entertaining Middletown denizens for generations, in a spot not too far away from Knoll Crest. The kitchen turns out home-style diner fare, with a tasty array of sandwiches, soups, salads and entrees. Hot grinders are a favorite, with choices like the Meatball with provolone cheese & peppers and the Corned Beef with swiss cheese. Pasta dishes include Baked Ravioli, Eggplant Parmesan and Ziti with Meatballs. The tasty selection of meat, poultry and seafood entrees features Yankee Pot Roast, Filet Mignon with mushroom sauce, Baked Stuffed Flounder, Swordfish Steak, and Roast Turkey with stuffing and gravy. Stop in on the weekends to groove to live music, featuring local blues, rock, jazz and soul musicians. Middletown's Cypress is open for dinner, Tuesdays through Sundays.

Cypress Restaurant
1265 S. Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-3367
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cypress-restaurant-and-grill-middletown

Brew Bakers: New American Cuisine in Middletown, Connecticut

Looking for a tasty breakfast and lunch spot? Put Brew Bakers on your list of go-to places. It’s a relaxing little eatery featuring classic recipes and popular tastes. Stop in for breakfast to fuel up for the day on one of their classic bagel sandwiches, an omelet, or a breakfast wrap like the Brew Boilermaker with Guinness marinated steak, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and horseradish sauce, all swaddled in a warm herb & garlic wrap. The lunch menu rolls out a yummy array of soups and salads, alongside sandwiches like Ahi Tuna Salad with shredded cheddar cheese, Baked Ham with honey Dijon sauce, Roasted Eggplant with buffalo mozzarella and Roast Beef with field greens and horseradish sauce. Not far from Knoll Crest, Brew Bakers is open for breakfast and lunch every day.

Brew Bakers
169 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 852-0034
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brew-bakers-middletown

Anoho Asian Noodle House

With a full roster of fresh sushi choices and some tempting noodles dishes, Anoho Asian Noodle House is a great go-to spot for a delectable meal in Middletown. Try the Black Dragon to satisfy your craving for sushi with eel, avocado, black caviar and spicy mayo. Whatever you order from the vast array of choices, you’re sure to find something to make your taste buds happy. Noodle dishes let you create your own culinary concoction by choosing your sauce, noodle type, protein and veggies separately. Stop in at lunchtime for one of their tasty lunch specials, like Twice Cooked Pork or General Tso’s Chicken. Beer, wine, sake, bubble tea and some delectable desserts are also on the menu. Anoho is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Anoho
320 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-0727
http://www.yelp.com/biz/anoho-asian-noodle-house-middletown

Haveli India

Located not too far from Knoll Crest, Middletown's Haveli India is a popular Indian restaurant featuring an upscale ambiance that still manages to be relaxed and friendly. The weekend all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $9.95 is a great way to visit and sample a wide variety of authentic dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Chicken Curry, and Vegatable Pakora. Be sure to try the luscious Garlic Naan, pillowy slices of bread doused in oil and garlic, which is great for complementing those tasty entrées. There’s always a nice selection of vegetarian options for those who forego meat. The dinner menu features many of the same dishes served on the buffet, plus a wide array of selections like Chana Masala, Chicken Korma, Shrimp Curry, and Lamb Biryani. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Haveli India
1300 S. Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 347-7773