Benito's Grill — Restaurant in Leominster

After 12 years of City living I’m very spoiled when it comes to great food and have been beyond impressed with Leominster’s recent culinary evolution—Benito’s is no exception, with an entry look and feel that fits right into the city’s growing culinary scene. I was really looking forward to this spot, and while the experience started strong, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.

We started with the Two in a Bowl—meatballs and butternut squash ravioli. The meatballs were excellent, though a bit dry, but I really enjoyed the red sauce and whipped ricotta. The ravioli was good, but it didn’t seem like homemade pasta and was slightly undercooked.

For mains, my wife had the swordfish piccata over mashed potatoes, which she enjoyed. I went with the chicken piccata, but unfortunately, I could tell the chicken had been microwaved (a big no-no for me). The piccata sauce was also dull and uninspired.

While the food had highs and lows, I was also a bit disappointed by the atmosphere. My wife and I, both in our 30s, felt like we were the youngest people there by a long shot—the crowd leaned much older. Not a dealbreaker, but it definitely shaped the vibe.

One of my biggest pet peeves in any restaurant is not changing out silverware between courses, and unfortunately, Benito’s missed the mark here. It’s such a simple touch that prevents flavor mixing and keeps the dining experience clean. I always dock a star for that.

That said, the service was incredible, the appetizers and drinks were tasty, and the pricing is very fair. I’ll give it another shot, likely with a red sauce dish, as there’s still potential here. The jury isn’t...

Went here tonight 8/30 (Saturday night) 5pm. We sat outside. We didn’t have anyone come up to us for 15 minutes. After that it went downhill. Service was incredibly slow. I understand if they are understaffed, but then don’t seat all the tables. Our waitress lacked multitasking. I used to waitress and this was not what you do. The only reason we got our bread and oil and cocktail menu was because we asked a busser. (And he would make a great server) Our drinks took 30 minutes to come out, and our food was cold by the time we got it. Pasta portions were small for the amount you pay. I don’t mind paying for a good meal and good service, but service was beyond bad. If you as a waitress know the bar and kitchen are slow then you need to let your tables know that. Management needs to understand that things are very very slow and not worth the money if you don’t get the service you deserve for going out. When I asked for the check and three boxes, our waitress came outside three times without them. Like I said could be new, but multitasking needs to be better as a waitress. Food was decent, bolognese and chicken parm. Don’t get the kids pizza!! It’s alllllll sauce and little pieces...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Benito’s, and it was an experience worth sharing. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere that made me feel instantly comfortable. The décor struck the perfect balance between cozy and elegant, creating a setting ideal for both a casual night out and a special occasion.

For my meal, I ordered the Chicken Piccata with mashed potatoes, and it was nothing short of outstanding. The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked, with a delicate golden crust that held up beautifully under the luscious lemon-butter sauce. The capers added just the right amount of briny brightness, elevating each bite with layers of flavor. Paired with the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, the dish was amazing and very flavorful.

Can’t forget to mention my server which was amazing as well.

Overall, this restaurant is a gem for anyone who loves amazing Italian food. My Chicken Piccata was one of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ll definitely be returning to explore more of the menu. Highly...