Il Palio Restaurant

This exceptional establishment transported us on a culinary odyssey, reminiscent of Italy's rich gastronomic heritage. From the moment we descended into the enchanting setting on the lower level, we were enveloped in a modern and gorgeously lit ambiance. This environment served as a vivid testament to the essence of Italy, not merely anchored in its historical architecture and design but pulsating vibrantly in its present. Modern Italy, celebrated for its contemporary architecture, exquisite design, fashion, and pioneering spirit, reminds us that the finest Italian restaurants are those that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity.

The service was unparalleled—excellent, knowledgeable, and adaptable. Our server offered a plethora of recommendations, each described with such fervor and detail that it sparked an irresistible urge to sample every item on the menu. It felt as though we were meandering through the Italian countryside, led by a local connoisseur eager to unveil the best of its culinary delights.

Our gastronomic adventure began with an assortment of starters. These initial delights were akin to the opening notes of a classic Italian opera, setting the stage for the magnificence and beauty that was to unfold.

Then, as if transitioning to the second act, the main course gracefully took the spotlight, with the roasted butternut squash filled ravioli making a grand entrance. It was as if a masterful aria had come to life on our plates, with each component contributing to a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. The unexpected crunch of crumbled amaretti cookies, a dusting of chocolate powder, and a velvety butter and sage sauce created a resonance that exceeded our expectations. The lasagna followed suit, embodying a dish that, much like a meticulously conducted orchestra, escalated to a crescendo of flavors, both comforting and invigorating.

Our culinary journey reached its zenith with a dessert that provided a fitting finale—the ice cream with heavy cream and real pistachio, alongside the Blueberry shortcake. These desserts, simplistic in their assembly yet intricate in taste, were akin to the concluding act of a grand Italian opera, leaving us in a state of enduring satisfaction and wonder.

This establishment stands as a pinnacle of Italian dining, where each dish serenades Italy with love, and every moment spent delves deeper into its heart.

I haven’t had this kind of food outside my kitchen in a very long time. This restaurant is truly spectacular. Everything is fresh everything is made with care and it’s truly the best Italian Restaurant in CT bar none.

Love this place for intimate events, I am a photographer and every time I do an event here it's always decorated nice and clean, staff are always nice an polite food is always good. Plenty of parking and I always have a great time

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We had my bridal shower here in their gorgeous private event space downstairs. The food and service was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to take care of our guests and me personally as the Bride-To-Be. They really made you feel like family and took extra care and attention even making my Nanna laugh and smile. Special thanks to Jenn and the staff for helping us feel right at home. It was a dream bridal shower and I can't thank you all enough!!

A very lovely little secret, I feel. Have not ever heard of this establishment. My husband's coworker referred and such a beautiful delight it was. We will definitely visit again! And Jennifer was very knowledgeable, courteous and genuinely friendly. She made the experience a night that will not be forgotten.

Hands down a 5 star experience. We decided to check this place out for a 40th bday celebration for a party of 10. From service, Jose was excellent and knew the menu inside and out, all the way to each appetizer and main course. Everything was delicious, right temperature, and amazing taste. Drinks were also excellent. If We are ever back into town we will come for a visit.

Everyone was on point. Drink special was delicious and refreshing. Food was incredible. Great service! Jenny at the bar has the BEST personality! Engaging & FUN! Looking forward to visiting again!

A very beautifully curated Italian restaurant with terrific ambience. It begins as you enter through the floor to ceiling glass doors and are immediately greeted by the hostess. The first thing you notice is the elaborate bar sitting in the center of the floor with glass marionettes hanging above. They have two dining areas on the main floor, balcony dining, and an overflow room on the second floor. A beautifully appointed white room on the lower level is perfect for private events. The service is first class. The wine list offers a variety of wines to satisfy everyone's taste and budget. The warm octopus salad was a terrific choice to start. The special eggplant flatbread was slightly disappointing but still had a nice flavor. The lobster pasta was cooked to perfection and had a wonderful array of flavors. Completing the dinner with a strawberry tiramisu was wonderful.

2.5 hrs for a couple to enjoy a night out. It's a place to take your time and enjoy the food made with quality ingredients. I like how they present the food and the style of their service. Must try the flat bread to get your appetite going. Yummy flavors

My husband and i came in a few weeks ago for date night and it was our first time and we were blown away. The decor and atmosphere was beautiful but Liz our server was the star. She was so amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and made our night 100 times better. We’re sure you get this all the time but please know what a gem you have in Liz- we will be back soon and while the food and drinks were 10/10 Liz is what made us want to come back even more. Thank you!

This is a beautiful restaurant set up on a hill. It is decorated very seasonally and is very appealing. The food is delicious! When I explained that I have a severe onion allergy, they were very understanding and made sure I was safe. Some restaurants make a face when you tell them your restriction. But the staff here was very understanding and I felt they cared and wanted to make sure I had a great dining experience. I so appreciated their kindness! They have quite a nice bar with many drink choices. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming! I cannot comment about the cost, as I didn’t pay for myself. I think it would be a wonderful place to take a date or for a married couple to go for a “date night”!

Excellent! Dinner was delicious and service was beyond expectations. Highly recommend. Make reservations very early if you want to go on a Saturday night though.

Fantastic from the second you enter until departure. Classy, friendly, professional and inviting.
The appetizers were amazing. Grilled octopus came over a lemon hummus and the Flatbread special was a table favorite.
We shared the short rib pasta and wished we had ordered it as our entrees.
Entrees included filet mignon- cooked perfectly rare. Halibut, lobster pasta, lasagna ( highly recommended by Liz and did not disappoint) , risotto and lastly butternut ravioli. Everyone was stuffed and fully satisfied.

Liz, our waitress was superb.

We frequent Arthur Avenue often and this equalled if not rivaled the caliber of meal we expect.

Cannot wait to return.

I have to say, I always thought of il Palio being a higher ended restaurant with high prices to coincide with it, but to my surprise, the prices were VERY reasonable with excellent service.

The service was prompt and the food was delicious. It wouldn't be my facorite Italian restaurant, but definitely my top go to for the price and service.

I would definitely recommend trying them our for their lunch, as they have a lunch special that can't be beat. Soup or salad, entree, and a small dessert for only $12.95 the quality of food and service is still on par even though the price is spectacular.

The food was very good. Everything came out warm and the flavors all worked together. Short rib ragu, meatballs, sausage and peppers, and of course the zucchini chips were all top notch. The service was also outstanding. Fast and entertaining, everything you could ask for. The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern with a pinch of rustic. The restaurant was also clean and well kept. Overall this place was fantastic and I would recommend.

Authentic recipes that satisfy a variety of palettes. Excellent cocktails, relaxing atmosphere, and a restaurant you will find your self looking forward to each and everytime. This place never disappoints.

Been to this back to back with my wife for Valentine's Day. Both the times, the food was outstanding to say the least. A must visit romantic restaurant. Sharing some photos.

A huge shout out to II Palio for an an exceptional rehearsal dinner. The food was absolutely amazing. The bar staff were so professional and attentive, all night long! But a special shout out for LIZ who put it all together. We started working with Liz a whole year in advance and from the get-go she made us feel like all was in order, and it was!! She was attentive to detail, provided great advice, kept us in check and made it all happen! Liz was great to work with; it's professionals like Liz that make a beautiful place seem all the more magical!! SO grateful!

Went with a small group. The service was great and the food was amazing. Limited menu selection, and the price is high but worth it for a nice date night or fancy dinner.

Such a beautiful spot for a date. Outside is just as pretty as the indoors, which has multiple levels, with a bar at the entrance, and romantic low lighting. I got the halibut and this delicious pistachio dessert and was beyond satisfied. Staff were so kind and attentive as well!