Photo by Kayla Ebner

By April Federico | Features Editor

With Family Weekend right around the corner, your family probably wants to take you out to lunch, dinner, or maybe even breakfast. As great as the food at Commons is, you’re probably ready for the opportunity to eat off-campus.

For excellent service and food that’s to die for, here are a few of the top places to eat locally:

Leo’s Ristorante

Price: $$$

Leo’s is comfy and funky. The service is good and the pasta is delicious. Portions are generous. The menu includes starters, salads, house-made soup, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. There is also a variety of entrees, gourmet white pizzas, classic pizzas, pasta, poultry, veal, beef, and seafood for a perfect mix of Italian and American cuisine.

Quito’s

Price: $$$

With a casual atmosphere and the best location to catch a Bristol sunset, Quito’s has all the classic seafood with an occasional Mediterranean spin. The only negative is that they close from November to March.

Le Central

Price: $$$

Le Central serves authentic French cuisine blended with some of New England’s finest culinary traditions. It’s the perfect place to go for Sunday Brunch (make sure you ask for the cinnamon popovers). Steak Frites are delicious, as are the sandwiches. Service is excellent.

Bristol Oyster Bar

Price: $$$

Bristol Oyster Bar provides the best locally harvested half-shell, and the owner even has his own oyster farm. Dishes are creative, beautifully presented, and innovative. Service is awesome. Chef Dave is inspired and if they’re still serving outdoors, it’s a wonderful place to see and be seen.

Judge Roy Bean Saloon

Price: $

The perfect place to go if you just want an informal dinner. The burgers are cooked to perfection, and this is a really nice neighborhood restaurant. The atmosphere is great for enjoying live music, good friends, and an open view to people-watch on Thames Street.

Angelina’s

Price: $

A funky coffee shop that also sells pastries. Angelina’s also offers teas and recently added sandwiches to their menus.

Pomodoro

Price: $$

This small, neighborhood location on Wood Street is a local favorite year-round, offering quality Italian cuisine. Pasta, meat, and salads are delicious.

The Wave

Price: $

They have a gigantic menu including everything from baked salmon to pizza and chicken fingers. A very casual atmosphere with the option to eat in or out.

Green Eggs

Price: $

The place to go for a hearty breakfast. Green Eggs provides table and counter seating, good service, and local and traditional breakfast offerings on menu. If you leave there still hungry, then you haven’t eaten anything at all.