Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant

This review is frustrating to write because I genuinely love the food at Belvedere Cafe and Restaurant. When I’ve actually been served, the meals have been consistently excellent—flavorful, well-prepared, and some of the best in the area. But here’s the problem: getting service is a complete gamble, and more often than not, you lose.

I’ve given this place more than a fair shot—at least five or six recent visits, and almost every time, I’ve either been turned away at the door or completely ignored after being seated. I’ve sat at a table for 30 minutes or more with no acknowledgment, no menu, no water—just nothing. This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a pattern.

One of the most baffling experiences? I came in with friends, sat down, and waited 10 minutes with no service. Another table walked in after us, sat down right next to us, and was served within minutes. Meanwhile, we were still sitting there, unnoticed. We finally got up and left, and not a single staff member even acknowledged it.

Then there’s the private party issue. More than once, I’ve arrived only to be turned away at the door, told they were closed for an event. But when I mentioned it the next day, I got the same ridiculous response: “Oh, we were still open for seating.” Really? Because your staff literally told me to leave. Even the owner has asked me about it, yet nothing changes.

The bar service is just as frustrating. A friend and I ordered beers, and 10 minutes later, we were told it was closing time and had to leave. If you’re closing that soon, why even serve drinks?

And here’s what really confuses me: How does this place have so many five-star reviews? Every time I go, I see other tables just as frustrated as I am. People waiting forever, people getting up and leaving, people literally complaining out loud about the terrible service. I’ve even chatted with other customers who were dealing with the same issues. Am I the only one writing an honest review? Because unless you're one of the lucky ones who gets service, the experience here is a 1 in 10 chance.

But what really bothers me the most is how Belvedere handles criticism. A restaurant’s response to negative reviews says a lot about their attitude toward customers. And if you look at their replies to negative comments, they’re not constructive or professional—they’re aggressive attacks. Not all negative reviews are meant to hurt a business. Some are meant to help. Reviews can always be updated, just as service can always be improved. But instead of taking feedback as a chance to grow, Belvedere gets defensive and combative.

At this point, I can’t keep giving Belvedere the benefit of the doubt. The food is great, but what’s the point if you can never actually get it? The restaurant is clearly understaffed, disorganized, or just doesn’t care. Whatever the reason, it’s a complete waste of time to come here expecting a meal.

It’s a shame, really. Belvedere has the potential to be one of the best restaurants around, but until they figure out how to run a dining room—and take constructive criticism seriously—I wouldn't waste my time.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

Delicious Polish food. Excellent pierogies. Friendly service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pierogies

I got sick after eating your food.
The coffee was black and undrankable!
You should think that people have allergies to certain products and try to accommodante and not just shake your shoulders!

Just had a big grill an bang bang chicken absolutely delicious give it a try

Good food for the soul!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very good place for celebrating birthdays or different parties 🥳

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Open faced sandwich was delicious but couldn't eat much of it bcz we were told that they didn't have steak knives to cut it with. A butter knife didn't do the job. When you enter, be sure to enter through the door on the right. Do not enter through the door on the left. This is a polish restaurant. Not Italian.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Grzaniec was awesome, goulash no so much , too much carrot not enough meat

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Rude service, they did not even acknowledge us when we walked in last Sunday. Then when we asked for a table they said no. Would never go there again.

Came to have lunch on 12/21, it was Sunday. Before we tried to get in, we checked restaurant site and it says it was open. Next to the restaurant door there was a huge sign that says- it’s open and come thru the bar door. Door was open but the restaurant was not, we were told they are closed even though site, and the sign says open. We drove 55 minutes to shop and have lunch during Christmas. This is not the way to conduct business, they don’t care for they patrons at all. Never again, will find some restaurant to enjoy at Holidays.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Our 3rd time there over last few years. Unfortunately nothing has changed. Food is mediocre, staff is slow, but at least polite, and setup is just not what a restaurant should look like, especially downstairs. We won’t be returning.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

The food was absolutely amazing and the wait staff was so friendly. The atmosphere is very classy and modern, very beautifully decorated. Would recommend 20⭐️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Potato Pancakes with Mushroom Sauce, Stuffed Cabbage

Taste of New Britain is the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: 7 Piece Pierogie's, Small Polish Platter with Pierogi Patato Pancakes and Cabbage Roll, Belvedere Platter, Stuffed Cabbage

The Polish Platter was delicious! I loved having all of my favorite Polish food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service, enormous food portions and very nice atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cutlets Mashed Potatoes and Shredded Beets, Red Borsch