Mofongo – An Excursion Without Leaving the State

A Review by Sean Gallagher

Located at 260 Main Street in New Britain, Mofongo offers a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican and mainland American fusion cuisine. Its atmosphere immerses guests in Puerto Rican island culture. The restaurant’s colorful interior, decorated with art and photographs, creates an extremely warm and welcoming environment that gives a preview of the dining experience, before the food even arrives.

The menu offers a wide variety of different items to choose from, such as empanadas, mofongo, rice dishes, and many traditional side dishes. The large selection allows those unfamiliar with Puerto Rican cuisine as well as those familiar with it to find dishes appealing and new. I ended up trying the sweet chili chicken bow, served with yellow rice and chimichurri sauce. It delivered an interesting mix of flavors, sweetness mingling with savory herbaceousness. The chicken and rice were cooked perfectly – tender and juicy meat floating on a delicately flavored yellow cloud. Along with a side of fried plantains, my meal delivered the island flavors of Puerto Rico. Although I did not have any, the empanadas looked and smelled so flaky and spicy they definitely tempted me to return for a second visit.

The staff were very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable, helping customers navigate the menu and offering the best recommendations. The restaurant felt very vibrant and well taken care of with music that made me feel that I was getting an authentic taste of Puerto Rican culture, while also not being so loud that I couldn’t enjoy the conversation of my dining companions. Along with the amazing flavor of the food, the welcoming warm ambiance, and the island music of today, I was provided a generous portion, making the food well worth the price.

Mofongo does an excellent job in creating an experience that goes beyond simply just serving food. Its mix of authentic dishes and flavors, outstanding customer service, and immersion into Puerto Rican culture, makes it a top restaurant destination in New Britain. For anyone seeking quality authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in Hartford County or anywhere else in Connecticut, Mofongo is a great choice. With flavorful dishes, friendly staff, and an uplifting and vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant earns four out of five stars.