5 Best Restaurants in Waterbury, Connecticut to Try

Waterbury—an old manufacturing city set on the Naugatuck River—has seen waves of immigration create a robust, distinctly New England food scene.

Here, generations of family-run Italian, Polish, and Portuguese kitchens live side by side with ambitious new American bistros that channel the grit and pride of this “Brass City.”

1. Domenick & Pia Downtown Pizzeria

A downtown staple since 1967, Domenick & Pia is the soul of Waterbury’s pizza obsession.

Locals line up for New Haven-style thin-crust pies, blistered to perfection and served with little more than quiet pride and a Coke.

It’s the neighborhood’s gathering table—workers on lunch, families after church, even ex-pats dropping in from New York for that taste of smoky tomato, gooey cheese, and just enough char.

There’s no delivery, no nonsense, and never a leftover.

2. San Marino Ristorante

A tip-top choice for celebrations, San Marino has been Waterbury’s go-to for red-sauce romance and big group dinners for nearly four decades.

The menu sticks to southern Italian classics—veal saltimbocca, spicy penne alla vodka, garlicky shrimp scampi, and housemade bread basket with olive tapenade.

Old photos and white tablecloths lend a certain nostalgia, but the kitchen’s portions and flavor never falter.

The crowd is boisterous, the servers have stories, and every birthday ends with a candle in the cannoli.

3. Brass City Tavern

Walking into Brass City Tavern is like walking into the city’s living room.

The dining room is all exposed brick, friendly staff, and a menu that hits comfort notes: juicy burgers, wings tossed in tangy house sauces, creative “Brass City Mac” with bacon and scallions, and local craft beer by the pint.

Sports play on big screens but never drown out conversation, and weekend trivia nights have become a tradition for university friends and old-time neighbors alike.

4. Republic Gastropub

Blending contemporary American flair with Waterbury’s industrial grit, Republic Gastropub is where craft cocktails, farm-fresh salads, and bistro plates meet.

There’s seared duck breast with cherry glaze, roasted root veggie bowls, and truffled fries, plus vegan options and a rotating tap list.

The vibe is sleek but welcoming, with live music on weekends and a patio that fills with laughter every sunny afternoon.

The Sunday brunch is beloved for eggs Benedict and “brass monkey” breakfast cocktails.

5. Diorio Restaurant & Bar

Since 1927, Diorio’s has been a Waterbury icon, drawing locals for classic Italian-American fare—broiled steaks, Chicken Francese, house pasta, and thick-cut pork chops—served beneath vintage art deco fixtures.

The bar is legendary for its martinis and old-school cocktails. Generations have gotten engaged (or celebrated graduations and retirements) here, and the tuxedoed waiters are just as much part of tradition as what’s on the table.