Three Figs — Restaurant in Suffield

Quick: This should be a 3.5 but I had no option to do so. Couldn’t round up to a 4 because my meal was a disappointment. However, factoring that out, it would be a 4.0 because everything else was good.

The whole thing: My husband took me here for a late lunch on a late winter weekend. It’s a great time to go because it’s slow and I like quiet. The bar and dining area up front look lovely, but we decided to sit in the empty back dining room, which we enjoyed. Our server was an absolute pleasure: attentive, helpful, friendly, polite, all the best things. I wish more eateries had such dedicated staff. She took excellent care of us. Five stars.

We split an order of fried pickles with aioli which was very yummy. Loved the hand-breaded outer layer, the tang of the pickle slices, and the sweet spiciness of the aioli. Four stars.

My husband ordered a burger and fries, and enjoyed it. The meat was juicy and tasty, and he liked having it in a thick sandwich bread rather than a bun. I tried the fries, and we both liked them (crispy batter on the outside, creamy potato inside). He gives it 4 stars.

I’m a lifelong vegetarian and found the menu slightly less interesting, but I’m used to ordering a meal without the meat. I don’t always appreciate paying full price for it, though, especially if it’s the highlight of the meal and I’m just eating lettuce and tomato. But I don’t say no to a meal out with my guy.

The Fig & Fried Brussels specialty pizza sounded worth it and very interesting, so I ordered it without the pancetta. It was ok, but not anything I’d come back for. I could taste the honey wine fig jam and the caramelized onions, which were tasty. But the “fried Brussels” on top were a big disappointment. Big. First, they did not look fried at all. Second, they tasted like nothing. Some shreds and sectioned sprouts were toasted but I’m guessing it was from the pizza oven because they were otherwise the driest, most bland, barely cooked sprouts I have ever had in my 55 years. And I love Brussels sprouts & had them prepared many ways! I make Brussels sprouts dishes at home. It’s so easy to bring out flavor! These were like an afterthought when it was clearly supposed to be a feature. (They offer an appetizer of “fried” Brussels sprouts, and I was so glad to not have ordered it.) Two stars.

The pizza description claims “fine herbs” and an apple cider vinaigrette on it, but I wasn’t picking up any of that flavor. Even the cheese and crust were bland. I ate two small pieces because that first slice was such a nonevent, and I wanted to give it a real chance. I decided to take the rest home and actually fry the sprouts and add some flavor. (Update: it’s just as boring the second day and I had to use my aged fig balsamic at home to add some actual taste.)

I’d definitely give the lemon cake a try. Delish. Light and airy, with just enough lemon tang and sweetness. The raspberry topping adds another dimension to the taste. Four and a half stars.

In all, would I return? There are other things I could try (butternut squash ravioli, a loaded baked potato pizza without the bacon) but I’m hesitant because the one pizza that sounded potentially delicious was just…meh. If my husband really wants to try another meat dish there, I’d be willing to give it one more chance. It’s otherwise a pleasant place with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service. I hope it works out next time. I gave a three star review because I didn’t have the option of a 3.5 stars. And even though everything else was better, I could not round up to 4 because that pizza was a true fail. If I take that big factor out, it...

Update: A manager called me back about four days after I left my number with bartender the same evening as my visit. Manager immediately started conversation that it could not be food poisoning because it takes at least 24 hours for it to be true food poisoning. Not sure what that meant other than i was being told it was not their food that caused me to spend 20 unwanted minutes in their bathroom before I felt comfortable enough that i could make it home without further incident. He did state that it could be from soap that was not thoroughly cleaned off a glass but stuck to his version that it was food that i eat somewhere else. Not the most supportive conversation after a bad experience but I am not well versed in gastrontolgy but I am not too sure he was either as immediately researched and found information stating he was incorrect in his assumption. I did return with a few coworkers later and had no issues with my second visit. Still leaving rating as a 2 star due to managers follow up call and position.

Atmosphere was good. Highly recommended by others. Good choices on food and drink.

Issue was with food post consumption. Food poisoning almost immediately after eating Lobster Risutto. I did not even make it out of restaurant before stomach issues occurred. Spent 20 minutes in bathroom at restaurant. Left to try to make it back to hotel before I experienced another episode. Called restaurant to inform them they may want to take a loon at lobster. I was told manager was already gone for the night and he would call me back to discuss. No follow up on their...

Definitely a restaurant that you can't wear grungey clothes in. It's more of a yuppie restaurant but the food is good so it's worth dressing up for. Higher prices but you get what you paid for. Be watchful of drink prices they are highest in area. We recommend pre gaming and walking to restaurant if you live in the area to save a little. Staff is usually great. Seating is comfortable with a romantic feel. One of my recommendations is that they keep up on their exterior lights. Their "Three Figs" sign bulbs are almost always burned out. You need to highlight and promote your restaurant. Please make sure lighting is always up to par. Sometimes when we drive by we cannot tell if they're open because of the dark blinds in the front windows. Purchasing a little more elegant "Open" light up sign would probably work wonders. I saw a few on Amazon that would really fit with the classy vibe. Also, I think it's time to circulate coupons for your restaurant again. It's been many years and I believe it would help during the quiet summer times. Mailings, local newspapers, and groupon all work wonders for local businesses if you haven't already done...