Syriana Cuisine — Restaurant in New Britain

I've been dining around Baltimore for over fifteen years, and Marco's Trattoria in Little Italy has quickly become my absolute favorite spot for authentic Italian cuisine. Located just a few blocks from the scenic Inner Harbor, this family-owned gem deserves every bit of praise it receives. From the moment you walk through the door, you're transported to a cozy Italian bistro. The warm lighting, exposed brick walls adorned with vintage Italian photographs, and the gentle hum of conversation create an atmosphere that's both intimate and lively. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch the chefs work their magic, and the aroma of fresh garlic, basil, and simmering tomatoes fills the air. Our server, Maria, was exceptional - knowledgeable about every dish and wine pairing, attentive without being intrusive, and genuinely passionate about the restaurant's offerings. She recommended starting with the antipasto platter, which was a masterpiece of imported meats, aged cheeses, marinated vegetables, and house-made focaccia that practically melted in your mouth. For the main course, I ordered the osso buco, braised to perfection and falling off the bone, served over creamy risotto Milanese that had the perfect al dente texture. My dining companion chose the handmade pappardelle with wild boar ragu - the pasta was silky and the sauce rich with deep, complex flavors that spoke of hours of careful preparation. Each bite was better than the last. The wine selection is impressive, featuring both well-known Italian varietals and hidden gems from smaller vineyards. Our Barolo paired beautifully with both dishes, and Maria's expertise really showed in her recommendation. Dessert was the house-made tiramisu, which honestly ruined me for any other version I'll ever try. Light, creamy, with just the right balance of coffee and mascarpone, it was the perfect ending to an incredible meal. Yes, it's pricier than your typical neighborhood Italian place, but the quality justifies every dollar. The portions are generous, the ingredients are clearly top-notch, and the care that goes into every dish is evident. The only minor complaint would be that reservations are essential - we've tried walking in twice and couldn't get seated. But that's really a testament to how popular this place has become. Marco's Trattoria has earned a permanent spot on my list of special occasion restaurants, and I'm already planning my next visit to try their weekend brunch menu. If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Baltimore,...

If you’re hankering for something more exotic than a cheeseburger, and a menu as extensive as its food is flavorful, then it could be Syriana. On our way through Connecticut my wife and I stopped in for some authentic Syrian fare and Syriana did not disappoint. We each started with a cup of the lentil soup—a pale but hearty puree whose warmth was buoyed by a flavorful undercurrent of curry (an undercurryent?). It really hit the spot on a chilly March day. We knew we were in for a treat because you can always judge the main course by the soup. I had the Syriana Platter: softly pliant grape leaves surrounding a mildly spicy whole grain melange; vibrantly green tabbouleh with an equally vibrant and fresh parsley zest; understated hummus whose alluring texture was an extra blender half minute away from that of cream cheese; and a salad mix of tomato chunks, cucumber slices, red cabbage shreadings, carrot scrapings, and noodles (the only thing I left on my plate because they were a little stale and, I believe, fried), drizzled with a tangy sweet sauce. Our waiter brought us a generous serving of thick lemon slices (I think it must have once been an entire lemon), and I went through each one of them, spritzing the hummus, the tabbouleh, and my green tea (I’m a big fan of citrus). Needless to say, the entire dish was delicious and filling. My wife enjoyed her chicken & lamb shawarma platter over rice—she had to box up a good portion of it (it emanated succulent fumes on the drive back to the hotel). Her dish was $14 and mine was $15. Great price, great food, & great service—the triumvirate of quality in the restaurant empire. I would enjoy another...

If you're looking for a great dining experience in New Britain, Syriana is a must-try. This restaurant offers a variety of tasty dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients.

During our visit, we enjoyed the Hooran platter, which came with a flavorful hummus, a delicious fatoush salad with a really nice dressing and well-seasoned fried pita on top. The standout, however, was the meat pie – the beef was perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. We also tried the cheese pie and the zaatar pie, which was so good we ended up ordering two.

The falafel at Syriana was excellent – fresh, well-seasoned, and clearly made with care. We also really enjoyed the grape leaves, which were made the Syrian way with tomatoes, adding a nice twist to the dish.

To top it all off, the Turkish coffee was perfect – hot, strong, and with just the right amount of cardamom. The combination of the beef pie and the coffee was like a warm blanket on a rainy day – it was just so comforting and satisfying. The friendly staff even offered us some extra coffee to take home, which was a really thoughtful gesture.

Overall, Syriana impressed us with their consistently delicious food, expert seasoning (especially on that beef pie!), and commitment to using fresh ingredients. The warm and attentive service made the experience even better.

If you're in New Britain and looking for a great meal, definitely give Syriana a try. It's a wonderful local restaurant that deserves...