Dimly-lit, upscale, old-school Italian spot in the heart of Waterbury I came here for dinner with my Dad and we each got an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I got the French onion soup, clam pasta, and banana pie, while he opted for the Caesar salad, pork chop, and cheesecake. Everything was fantastic other than the cheesecake We say in a booth, but it was fairly uncomfortable & stiff. Also have table and bar seating Service took a while, but there was a very large party of kids that came in while we were there so I am giving them a break for that read more

Great service, ambiance, and food. The crème brûlée was fantastic. Only thing I wish was that the chicken was a little bit thinner. read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Crème Brulle - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

Tonight was only a visit for a cocktail for New Year's Eve. Because of this, I will have to come back for the full experience another time before I can give a 5th star. However, I will say that the other 4 stars I am giving here are VERY warranted! So there was a fireworks show over at Holland that my mom and I watched from the parking garage. It was a fine fireworks show for the New Year, not quite as fun to watch as when I would go over to Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk for the 4th of July, but I digress. We're here to talk about tonight's visit to Diorio's. What I will say upfront is that Diorio's is a very classy restaurant. If you didn't know this was in Waterbury, then you can definitely see the engravings of those classic Waterbury building such as the Clock Tower at the station and the early Brass Mill. Then again, if there wasn't any reminder of this being in Waterbury, you would never know you were in Waterbury. The difference between this restaurant and most of the rest of Waterbury is night and day. But I like it this way. Of course, this place ain't cheap, but you are getting what you pay for here. My mom had the Merlot. Now me, I am as much NOT a red wine kind of guy as I am NOT one to drink drinks that taste too bitter. Instead, I had the bartender give me the list for me to choose from, which she kindly obliged and even offered and suggested. As you might have guessed, it was my first time setting foot in here, and I've lived in Waterbury for over 15 years! So I ended up going with the Passion N Spice Cocktail, and the reason being is that I like the idea of mixing sweet with a touch of sour in my cocktails. I even had salt on the edges. Now THAT was a cocktail done right! It's house-made, and if you're not a spice fanatic, don't you worry! Any hint of jalapeño that is in the drink is slight, so as long as you have some slight experience with spice you will be fine. It's a very nice place, and I definitely do want to give this a proper visit. I might even put in more photos after a second visit. read more

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Been there many times. Great atmosphere, super service, outstanding Italian food, It's reminds me of what a restaurant is supposed to be like, NICE Prices in line for a great restaurant read more

A longstanding establishment with historical presence in the downtown attached to hotel and across the street from bus terminal. Well liked by all patrons. read more

Classic old time Italian joint. I had chicken Parmesan with vodka sauce on my pasta. Large chicken filets seasoned well and the vodka sauce was good. I was disappointed with the bread---kind of ordinary and the butter tasted a little off. Prompt personal service.and old timey Italian restaurant atmosphere read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

An absolute gem in the Waterbury CT area! Last of the great Italian old school charm and unmatched food that will have wondering why you haven't discovered this before. read more

We walked in at 7:00, the time of our reservation, was seated and ordered by 7:15. When it didn't arrive by 8:00, we flagged down our waitress and asked when we might expect our dinner to arrive. She came back and said, simply, "The kitchen is backed up" and zipped away. No apology, no offer of a complimentary appetizer or glass of wine. Finally, 15 more minutes later, our food was served - a full hour after we ordered! Meanwhile, during that hour, other tables were seated and served, ate, paid their bill and left. We've never felt so shoddily treated, so utterly ignored. We were looking forward to dining here, but will never go back and would not recommend it to anyone. The food was OK, but even if it had been great - which it wasn't - it wouldn't have made up for the lousy service. Oh, and while the main dining room and bar has a bit of that classic old Italian ambiance, the "annex" where we were seated has the same generic, neo-modern decor as the Marriott hotel to which it's attached. read more

Amazing food, me and my wife loves coming here on the weekends when we are free! Highly recommend!!! read more

Came here for an early dinner reservation and really enjoyed the service and food! We started with the bruschetta which was yummy! For mains we had the gemelli sausage pasta which was a bit rich for my taste but tbe rest of my group enjoyed. We also LOVED the scarpariello, definitely a huge hit amongst the table. We had the cheesecake for dessert which was nice and airy - delicious! read more

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My husband and I had an amazing time last night. Beautiful furnishing, especially in the main room with the bar, excellent service, and the food was delicious. My fig martini was perfect. read more

The dinner we got was...bad to say the least. To start, immediately after we ordered, there was a live bug on table. Not great. We killed it ourselves and my boyfriend promptly cancelled his meal, much to the chagrin of the waiter. The Parmesan truffle fries were the best part of the meal. The risotto was drowning in sauce, making it mushy and not very pleasant. The drinks were ok, but tasted a bit weak. The waiter never checked on us to see if the food was ok, although the waiter later claimed to have done so when we got our check. After seeing a tab of over $73 for a drink, an app, and an entree that involved all of the above, I immediately asked to speak to someone. After much hesitation, the waiter left to get someone. We didn't see the manager, but they did comp us which was very nice and appreciated. But overall, this experience left a bad taste in my mouth. would not recommend read more

As expected had a great meal with friends, I ordered the Gemelli with sausage which was excellent. The appetizer's of Brussels sprouts was the best I've ever had. Service was excellent and of course the ambiance was outstanding. read more

Sent my Uncle Frank, from Queens, to eat. He was in town and wanted to impress a date. Said the food was worthy of Sinatra. Service was good. He thanked me for the tip. A must eat when in Waterbury. read more

Found this gem next to our hotel. The food, drinks, and service were fantastic. We ate here two nights in a row it was so good. read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Shrimp pasta - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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I came here after I graduated from college to celebrate. The ambiance was cozy and I felt like I was in a fancy home rather than a restaurant. The big comfy circle booths drew me in. We started with some drinks which were both great. Then as an appetizer we go bruschetta & Cesar salad. The bruschetta although delicious the bread could have been toasted a tad more to accommodate all the wet ingredients placed on top. For the main meal I got a filet mignon very moist and cooked to be medium rare the way I like it. It typically comes with potatoes as a side but requested a pasta so I could have a chance to try their red sauce. 10/10 for the pasta side- so if you have a kid that's picky I would go simple and order the spaghetti w/red sauce. My uncle got a pork chop special , he remarked although he enjoyed the flavors / seasoning it was a tad dry. The biggest hit of all the dishes was the Chicken & Sausage Scarpariello we all tried it off my mom's plate. The sausage was spicy and chicken had a small kick all the flavors melted together seamlessly. For dessert we ended with a simple cheesecake. It was 80 degrees outside so I kinda was craving something cold for dessert. Overall our server and helpers were extremely attentive cleared plates in a timely fashion and always asked before taking to ensure we were finished. Based on the food, ambiance and service I highly recommend for your next special occasion. read more

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After much anticipation, my fiancé and I went to Diorio to celebrate our anniversary! This spot has been high on my list of restaurants to visit ever since they reopened after COVID and remodeling. The interior was so charming, with a classy vintage feel that I absolutely loved. The menu definitely had some good choices, and while everything we ordered was good, we did agree that we've had better. Mostly we thought my fiancé's ribeye could've used more seasoning, but the truffle butter that he had with it definitely added to the flavor. The pasta with my chicken parm was a bit cold, so it must've been plated before the chicken. One of the highlights for us though was when the waitress came around with a platter to showcase their desserts - it helped us make our decision on the banana banoffee and chocolate cake. The banoffee was excellent, but the chocolate cake was a little dry. Overall, I do think this is a great option to have in downtown Waterbury, and I would still come back to try some other dishes. We came on a weeknight and were impressed to see that it got pretty busy at peak dinner time! read more

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A total disappointment this past Saturday night. The service was terrible and the food was very me mediocre. My veal dish was so tough. I didn't finish it and my wife's pasta dish was half eaten. I would definitely not recommend a place the virtue it's close to the palace theater where were going. For performance.Expensive read more

Delicious meal. Professional service. Classy atmosphere. Hadn't been since they've reopened and it was nice to see Diorio back to top form.

Just as good as it was years ago. The reopening has brought new life and old charm back to this location. Food, staff, management and drinks all right on par with being called perfect. Can't wait to go back. Perfect! read more

Diorio's is a little glimpse of history in downtown Waterbury! The decor takes you back to imagine what life was like decades ago and brings back a ton of memories with family members who grew up in Waterbury 50s. I've been here only a handful of times only on special occasions. Obviously this is a higher class restaurant so the prices are a bit steep. But the food is out of this world so the price meets the quality and ambiance of this restaurant. My husband and my father in law love their clams with red sauce (this is not on the menu but they have no problem making this for you!). I ordered their chicken parm and it was probably one of the best I ever had- super crispy and a decently sized portion. The seating is really neat- the booths are wooden and tall and with a large party you'd probably get your own private seating. We recently went for my husbands birthday with a party of 7 and it seemed like we booked the whole section of the restaurant to ourselves. I definitely recommend checking this place out! Such a gem in Waterbury. read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Chicken parm - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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One of the nicest restaurants we've been to in a while old time feel and those iconic big booths

What a gorgeous place! I was immediately made to feel welcome upon entering the restaurant, which is rare for me at upscale establishments because I'm tattooed and I don't go out of my way to impress anyone, especially if I know I'll be reviewing. We had drinks, the wine was great, started with bruschetta, and then we got the filet mignon. The food is exactly what I've been looking for and craving, it shouldn't be so hard to find decent Italian around here. Anyway congratulations on the grand re-opening, we will be back! read more

Classy Italian vibes throughout the restaurant.. authentic Italian dishes and amazing drinks

What a fantastic restaurant! My husband and I were meeting my parents for a show at the Seven Angels Theater, and wanted to have dinner before and we couldn't have picked a better spot, Diorio's was the vibe! We were greeted by a lovely hostess and charming gentleman who found us seats at the bar, where the bartender was speedy and knew how to mix a cocktail! Service continued to be spot on, food was just as delicious as the ambiance was charming! We can't wait to go back! read more

Excellent food and ambience! So glad this place reopened. It's a great place for upscale Italian dining!

We have been waiting way too long for Diorios to open back up since the renovations. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and great drinks! We had the rib-eye and sea bass special, chopped salad and Italian long hots. Worth the 45 minute drive! read more

I got a Door Dash order from here tonight. The beet salad was SHAMEFUL. Literally spinach, a tablespoon of chopped beets and 3 goat cheese croquettes. Seriously... in a beet salad shouldn't there be enough beets for every bite? Disappointed. I essentially paid $13 for goat cheese and spinach... We also had the shrimp and scallops. The scallops were okay (could have used a little more crust), the spinach, corn and heirloom tomatoes, very good. The shrimp... WAY under cooked. I bit into one in dim lighting to feel the inside totally cold and raw. upon further examination (I turned my lights up) the shrimp were BARELY pink. $32 for 3 meh scallops and 4 almost raw shrimp. I never have an issue paying good money for a good meal but I threw money away tonight. the sautéed spinach with corn shouldn't be the highlight in the items I ordered.... UNIMPRESSIVE. There are a lot of great restaurants in Waterbury, not sure I'll be visiting the one again any time soon... read more

Been coming here for many years,Wednesday was first time back since reopening.Still great after all these years.Came up from Bridgeport with a couple of friends for an early Dinner.We started off with the stuffed long hot peppers.Delicious.I had the Gemelli Pasta with crumbled sausage.Big portion.I ate it like I was going to the electric chair!!!.Delicious.My friends had chicken parm,and broccoli rabe with sausage.Both were great.Finished off great meals with espresso,s with Sambuca.Also had great dessert with Banana cream and Oreo crust.Nice ambiance.Stephanie,is a sweetheart!! read more

Went to soft opening....other than the lone bartender trying to keep up with the full bar clients and the full restaurant, everything was awesome. Food- delicious!! Definitely a new favorite. read more

A last minute decision to spend the night in Waterbury could not have been rewarded more than by the decision to dine at Diorios Restaurant & Bar. A warm welcome into the beautiful early 1930's surroundings by the greeter..... to our seats at a high back booth gave an instant feeling that we had come to the right place. Our server Alicia was prompt, courteous, professional and a standout conversationalist, who after taking drink orders eagerly and eloquently explained the features of the evening and offered suggestions from the menu. Our choices included a magnificent pasta dish, Gemelli and sausage which was magnificent! The chicken parm was prepared perfectly and served with rigatoni. To our delight Chef PJ visited our table, invited our comments and shared his culinary background. This is an absolute must visit for anyone who loves Italian food and appreciates truly memorable service and surroundings. read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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So I've been to Diorio years ago pre Yelp days but I had the opportunity to dine here last night. The ambiance is great! It's an old speakeasy and you sit in period wood booths that have the remnants from a bygone era; the hole from the button to summon service. The tin ceiling is nearly all original and the tile lends itself to the decor tying in nicely with the dimmed lighting, the dark woods and the feel to the restaurant. The food was great! I had the veal chop cooked perfectly with broccoli rabe. Tender and full of flavor! Service was top notch and our foursome had a great night out. Great job Diorio's! read more

Love this little gem in the heart of Waterbury. The ambiance of the place completes your dinner!! The old school Art Deco/ great Gatsby feel makes you forget that you're in the middle of Waterbury!!! Their food was great as well. Classic dishes to match the classic feel! I would've loved to order a cocktail but I just got off a 12hr shift and would have been back for another the next day. Regardless, I felt special even when I walked in with my scrubs. I love the intimate feel of their cozy booth completed with candlelight. Couples definitely need to check this place out! read more

I'm a business traveler, so I eat out a good bit. It's not often that I'm actually impressed by a restaurant that is attached to a hotel, but this place was great! The bartender was super attentive and helpful, I was glad she suggested that they have half portions (I never would have finished a full plate!) I had the rigatoni alla vodka with chicken with a side Caesar salad. Everything was delicious, and the service was fast. I was here on a Monday (Presidents' Day) so I don't know if it's always like this, but I arrived at 6:30, was able to get a seat at the bar. It started getting a bit more crowded around 7. I will definitely come again the next trip into town! read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Rigatoni Rigatoni alla Vodka with chicken (half size!) - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

I visited this restaurant because my work was organizing a corporate meal for some clients. True, there was a 45 minute presentation that had to be sat through, but call me what you want, just don't call me late for dinner! I was one of the first ones there, and the projector screen and table was already all set up. The entire set up was very pretty, as were the placements on the table. We had a dedicated waitress with her own helpers and so the service was amazingly quick, responsive and unfailingly friendly for such a large group. The menu was interesting and varied, with someone for everyone. They put together I very nice appetizer platter to share as well. The calamari and chicken skewers were winners for sure. Most of the people at the event opted to go for the restaurants many pescetarian/seafood dishes. All of the fish was raved about by all, and there was also someone who had a delicious looking pasta dish that came chock full of seafood and red sauce. I didn't stick around for dessert, but from what I saw on the menu it was pretty typical fare for an Italian restaurant... Or most New England restaurants for that matter. I was very impressed with this restaurant and would definitely go again if in the area. Would be nice to go when not at a corporate event as well, but they did an excellent job either way. read more

Diorio Restaurant & Bar - Our table for a corporate event - Italian Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

Awesome Italian. Feels really authentic and the atmosphere is class. The menu has a nice variety plus there are always specials. I've eaten here a few times while staying at the Courtyard. The staff is always nice and helpful with suggestions. Never have had a bad meal. The peppers they serve with the bread are delicious. read more

Went to this restaurant after reading reviews. Several later reviews on google were bad so I went with some trepidation. Happy to report a great experience. Happy hellos as soon as in the door. Decor is awesome especially the tinned ceilings. Was greeted immediately by Chloe our server. She had our selected wine poured within minutes. Calamari fritti as App was fresh and delicious. My wife had ravioli bolognese. Sauce delicious and authentic. I had pan seared cod . Lightly floured and done to a turn. I highly recommend. Ask for Chloe she is attentive and not intrusive. Just what you want . read more

Let me start by saying that the manager was very apologetic and comped the meal. That said, it was what it was... and that's just abysmal. If I had waited only 20 minutes for my Buccatello Patriciana, instead of the actual more than an hour that we did experience, I would still say that this dish is absolutely and without any doubt, the worst plate of pasta I have ever tasted. This would be an easy dish to recreate at home: Prep Time: 1 hour, Cooking Time: 12 Minutes, Serves: Not even a really hungry person. 1. Wait 48 minutes to get started. 2. Heat some fat - any old kind of grease - and add all the salt you have left in the cupboard. Add some red dye or maybe some paprika for coloring, just don't use tomato or someone might taste it. (At this point, check it to make sure no hint of flavor remains, otherwise, add salt.) 3. Toss with thick spaghetti, allow it to cool to just above room temperature, and then bring it to the table. Buono Appetito! Mangia! The Calamari Fra Diavolo was missing the Diavolo entirely, and I mean entirely. I'm not a hot food snob. I'm not saying that this dish was weakly spiced. I'm saying "Chef Boyardi not spiced." Edible, even tasty, but not at all what was promised by the menu. I think the Diavolo simply got tired of waiting, and took off before the dish was finally served. I am told that the Long Island Hots - three hot green peppers stuffed with sausage - were "good," but not hot. True that you can't crawl inside a pepper and test its Scoville score, but based on the rest of the evening I'm pretty sure that if one could, they wouldn't have. Veal Diorio was represented as a version of traditional Saltimboca. Served cold it is completely unappetizing. It was returned to the kitchen for reheating. The side dishes remained cold. Whatever prosciutto was in this dish was hiding better than Waldo. It was deemed, "not good enough to take home," and trust me, that's damning. The Blue Point Oysters were fine and fresh, but, really, how do you F that up? Horseradish and cocktail sauce came from a jar. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying. The fresh Italian bread that arrived at the table with our drinks was crusty on the outside and soft in the center. A small bowl of sliced marinated cherry peppers and soft butter was a very nice, flavorful touch. The Jack Daniels Bourbon Manhattan was... uhm... not large. In the end, our waitress was apologetic and volunteered that she was to blame for the inordinate delay. Certainly, the restaurant was not so busy that the kitchen should have been delayed. As previously noted, the manager was apologetic and comped the entire fiasco. She said the cooks were a little off last night. I asked if the regular chef was on and she said that he was. Did he check this stuff before it went out? The Patriciana and the Fra Diavolo were unforgivable; shame on him. I would rather eat Spaghetti-O's. Final Score: Inedible: 1, Not what was advertised: 1, Served Cold: 1, Average veal, at best: 1 read more

Old school Italian. Be prepared that it's not a trendy wine bar, but makes you feel like you might be eating next to a mob boss. It's a white table cloth Italian place, pasta isn't under $20 and you're not getting out of there for under $50. But the food is delicious, home made, and fancy. Pasta was great and comes in big portions. Drinks can be pricey, but the selection is extensive. read more

A gem in Waterbury. A tip- ask for a booth, and plan on taking your time. From the opening drink to the final bite, everything is professional, well presented, and tasty. read more