Tony D's - New London

It's a noisy place, and I like that. Always a lot of people. The food is good, the staff is attentive, and I like the atmosphere.

Be sure to try the calamari appetizer; it’s simply unforgettable. This is authentic Italian cuisine done perfectly, which has definitely spoilt many people on Olive Garden for life—just as it should be. The service and ambiance are exceptional as well, but it’s the calamari that would make me fly from Texas to Connecticut just to dine at Tony D's. It’s undoubtedly one of the top ten dishes I’ve ever tasted.

Wonderful! The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is lively and enjoyable, and the owner is a friendly man who really knows how to keep customers returning. I've visited Tony D's several times, and on my birthday, he learned it was a special occasion and treated our table to a complimentary bottle of wine after spending about 10 minutes chatting with us. I often find myself too full to finish my main course, but it still tastes amazing the next day!

The service here is consistently excellent. The staff is friendly and won’t judge you for coming in on a Friday night dressed casually in jeans, and they are always prompt. We popped in for cocktails after watching Spam-a-Lot at the Garde, and despite the crowd, we managed to snag seats at the bar. The bartender was busier than ever, but he still took a moment to greet us with a big smile and make us feel welcome. You MUST try the ANTIPASTA salad if you're a fan. It’s beautifully presented and filled with delicious items—not just a bunch of lettuce. In fact, you’ll hardly find any lettuce at all! And the eggplant on it? Absolutely delightful. I have never had a bad meal here. The main dishes are exquisite, the pasta is cooked to perfection, and the desserts are heavenly. Even the mini flatbread-style personal pizzas are fantastic. There’s one topped with ricotta and peaches that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Also, if you’re hesitant about ordering seafood due to past bad experiences, fear not! I always try the seafood here because it’s consistently the best. Although Italian cuisine isn’t usually my favorite, this place is definitely among my top restaurants in the state! It’s a wonderful spot for birthdays, anniversaries, or a post-show treat at the Garde.

Best eggplant Parm of my life. I still dream of this eggplant parm. I ate here last November while visiting the USCG and am actually considering another 10 hour drive to eat at Tony's again.