I wrote a review last week in regards to nina c review and for some reason the review has been taken down, i find that very strange. Nina c and Andrew F,who also posted a false review of this wonderful restaurant are the couple who made complete fools of themselves on the night of January 19th by yelling obscentity after obscentity and verbally abusing the owner and staff because they were asked to leave beacause of their hedious and embarassing behavior, which by the way was witnessed by a completely full restaurant of happy customers. I know this cause i dined next to them and watched this childish display of absolute ridiculousness. I did some research of these 2 becasue the owner of this establishment should not be smeared and his establishment should not be humiliated by untruthful rants on some public forum of nonsense. Andrew is an employee of a very large and successful tractor company in the Peoria area and a Graduate of a very distinguished private college also in the Peoria area, which on the night of this incident the very president of the that university was also dining at Connected that evening and was appauled by this individual's tirade. You would think such an individual would be more mature and act like an adult but obviously that wasn't the case. Nina must make it a habit of trying to trash every restaurant she visits for the fact she has taken the time and effort to put out over 20 different reviews all but a few just ripping apart such restaurants from fast food to local chains and higher end restaurants. I think if miss C would spend more time on more important things in life instead of trying to bringing down people who are trying to just earn a living she would be a happier and not so pathetic of a person. And i have seen that Connected has security cameras throughout the restaurant and i'm sure the owner would gladly love to put them on display so everyone could see the truth in hand. Once again, SHAME ON YOU ANDREW AND NINA!!!!! Bottom line these 2 need to get a life and stop trying to hurt others dreams cause i'm sure they wouldn't want the same done to them. read more

This is actually a review of an earlier posted review...... I cannot help myself! I have frequented this restaurant and feel I must comment, inquire or simply correct, if you will. To Michael Carl B., I am curious about the spelling errors that you refer to on the menu. I understand that your visit was not quite up to your standards. Frankly, as I read your review, I wonder if any restaurant could thoroughly please you. That's not my issue. I do not wear hoodies or work for Cat, but as earlier stated, have visited Connected many times. We are greeted with friendly faces, enjoy some amazing food, relish the atmosphere, and always leave smiling and satisfied. I now have been trying to locate those spelling errors you spoke of. . . .call that anal, childish, or having too much time on my hands. . . . WHATEVER!! Also, before you spend any amount of time picking apart these comments, (Full of run on sentences, mis-punctuation and so forth!!) I already know about them. I am just curious, is it "vinaigrette" that you speak of?? There are 3 different phonetic spellings in our ENGLISH dictionary alone for this word. If you ever look at this , please let me know. I am a highly educated individual and somewhat a smart-ass, but seriously. . . . . As for anyone else out there looking for an exceptional dining experience, you must visit this restaurant!! Do yourself a favor. There is no other restaurant around that you can have such a WONDERFUL and fulfilling experience. Sometimes friends give advice.. . . and THIS is GREAT advice!! read more

Disappointing Decline in Quality I've always considered this restaurant the best in the area, a place I could confidently recommend to anyone looking for an outstanding steak. It's one of the few places where I'd say the steak surpasses what I can achieve at home, making it our go-to spot for special evenings out. Unfortunately, after two consecutive disappointing visits, I feel something has changed. The steaks my wife and I received recently were not up to the high standards we're used to. Whether it's a change in beef quality, aging process, or even a new chef, the end result has left us underwhelmed. The flavor and tenderness I've come to expect just weren't there, and it felt more like a chain restaurant experience--comparable to Texas Roadhouse, but with a $170 price tag after tip. That said, the atmosphere and staff are still top-notch, creating a welcoming and comfortable experience. But at this price point, I expect the food to match that level, and I can't justify returning until I know they've returned to their former quality. I'm hoping they turn things around, but for now, we're on "strike two." If we decide to give it another chance and see an improvement, I'll be sure to update this review. I genuinely hope they can get back to delivering the exceptional dining experience we fell in love with. read more

Troy Ummel's Connected is beyond "fine dining". It's in a superior league of its own, and I'm comparing it with exquisite restaurants in NYC, where I lived in the 1980s, East Village, working as a top level ad writer on Madison Avenue and Wall Street. Each customer, no matter their status in society, is treated like royalty, like you just stepped off Air Force One. Gentlemen -- suits or sports coats are recommended. You will experience delicious cuisine, pampering service (including cards used to brush bread crumbs off your table cloth), a free long stem rose for your lady, free desert on your birthday or other celebration, an overwhelming positive vibe, happy servers, and an environment with luxury decor and fascinating appointments. As a man of faith please let me say that Connected is as close to heaven as we can likely get in this life. I usually get the cinghiale wild boar, but I also tried the gigantic Delmonico steak and it also blew my mind. Perfect for special occasions, super hot dates, executive interviews, anniversaries, birthdays, job promotions, any time you want to enjoy a highly satisfying and memorable dining extravaganza. It's especially exciting close to a holiday, so much professional hustle and bustle. read more

I am very surprised by the few negative reviews I am reading. My husband and I love this restaurant. We have been when it is packed and when it is slow and always have had the same great service. The food is always hot and delicious. The serving sizes have always been enough to stuff our bellys that night and still have plenty for lunch the next day. My husband is a huge fan of the wild boar. I myself am a huge fan of the calamari, it has ruined all other calamari for me. And who can go there with out becoming hooked on the eggplant dip? (mix that and the calamari together...amazing) There are to many wonderful dishes to name them all. Based on the food on itself, it deserves 5 stars but Connected staff deserves 5 stars as well. Always friendly and on spot with out hovering. The bartender is fantastic! We show up early just to chat with her and try some of her fantastic creations. Need to escape the cold? Ask for her hot chocolate. We have a wonderful experience every time we go. It is my favorite restaurant in Peoria and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food, great service and great atmosphere. read more

I am a big fan of Connected's atmosphere, wait staff, and food. I have been lucky as an ex-travel agent to eat at great restaurants in Boston, LA, New Orleans and Las Vegas to name a few. Connected brings something to Peoria it does not have in any other food establishments. The eggplant dip is to die for; rather spread on the bread or used to dip your Calamari in. Yes, order the calamari if you are a fan it is the best. The lobster; which my eldest son treated me to on my birthday was flavorful and moist!!!!! Before dinner we all sat at the bar to wait for our table, due to we love the bartender. Someone in our group mentioned Tiramisu and how much we love it. The bartender processed to create a Tiramisu cocktail for us. It was amazing!!! We make a reservation to dine; of course, but if the people before us are lingering over their meal enjoying the atmosphere we completely understand. We enjoy our own company and a cocktail. I love the rose at the end of the night and I have a vase in my kitchen where I have collected them. Since a big night is rare and treasured. Just like Connected.... read more

I'm glad to see the old Po'Boy restaurant was replaced with another great restaurant ! The new owner is in the process of changing the interior look and so far, a very good job. The staff is very friendly and very helpful. The service is very quick and they pay close attention to the customers wants and needs. The food is fantastic, from my appetizer a shrimp cocktail with large prawns with a home made sauce with just the right amount of spice. Then the salad, a very fresh bed of greens with a wonderful honey mustard sauce with mushrooms, another of Chef Ummels creations. Then the entree, a superb prime Fillet Mignon with a mushroom sauce that enhanced the the flavor, served with sliced potatoes with a creamy garlic sauce. Last, but by no means least the desert chosen was the creme brulee which was done perfectly. Yes, I have been to a number of fine restaurants and this is one of the best. Peoria is very lucky to have another restaurant of this high quality. By the way, the prices are very reasonable for the high quality cuisine. read more

My wife and I and another couple decided to go out to a nice restaurant Saturday night. After pondering several options I suggested "Connected." Our friends had never heard of it and said let's try it. We were warmly greeted by the owner, Troy, who escorted us to our table. We were impressed with the decor, loved the waterfall, and the feeling of being outside on a summer night. The Waite staff was superb, the wine, salad, (next time I want to try the bean soup) and the main course were fantastic. I recommend the sea bass, but the other dishes enjoyed by the rest of our party looked great. as well. My expectations were high and we were not disapointed. This is definitely our new favorite Peoria restaurant. read more

The owner Mr. Troy Ummel made some promises he didn't keep. I confident he has a great resturant but will NEVER support him in the future. If he was a man of integrity and honesty I would not be posting this, but that's not the case. I feel there a few awesome business men in this world and Troy Ummel is NOT one of them. It's too bad as I went to school with this man and always thought the world of him. However, his true colors have shown tonight. I would NOT recommend Connected solely based on honesty and integrity. The food is sub par too. read more

Gentlemen, are you looking to impress your wife or girlfriend? Ladies, would you like to feel like you are in Italy for an evening? Head right over to Connected! My husband and I were greeted by the owner opening the door for us, being ushered into a beautiful Italian street scene. All the food was delicious and generous portions. Definitely a celebratory evening out with the prices but definitely worth it. Everyone took great care of us---and presented my husband the check and me a rose! :) I'm won over! ;) read more

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dinner on Feb. 13. The atmosphere and service was just as great as our food! The calamari is simply outstanding! Best I've ever had! Connected's eggplant garlic spread is to die for...and the fresh tomato sauces are exquisite! My boyfriend's steak was done to perfection and quite yummy with a savory brandy sauce. Our hats are off to the Chef! We can't wait for our next special occasion! Connected will absolutely be our first choice for dining! read more

Incredible staff, Incredible food, and a very inviting and pleasant atmosphere. Every time I come, I'm always treated like I'm important, and I have never had to ask for a refill. Their wait-staff is top-notch, and extremely attentive. It shows! This is the only restaurant I've been to where the Chef will make rounds to visit his patrons and ensure they are having the best experience possible. I recommend the Del Monaco :) read more

My bosses loved Connected so we thought we would try it. From the moment we walked in, to the time we left, with a rose in my hand, it was awesome. The food was delicious, servers very helpful about menu questions, calamari was out of this world, and the eggplant spread for the bread was like nothing I had ever had. 5 stars for this place, and we will be back. read more

I found the food to be on the quality level of an Olive Garden type restaurant. Not bad, but definitely not what you expect at place like this that is supposed to be more upscale. Worse than the food was the service. From the hostess to our waiter, very unfriendly and it seemed we inconvenienced them any time we asked for something. Definitely not recommended! read more

Absolutely fantastic, Great service and beyond Chicago style Italian and atmosphere. Offbeat and very diverse menu. Interesting Decor, Wonderful place. Loved every bit of it! My steak was made 2 perfection and I like how the owner comes 2 check on u. Great comfortable higher classed place. We all enjoyed our steaks, salads potatoes and garlic bread. read more

This place has a cozy, almost tucked-away feeling that made dinner feel more special than expected. We had lamb chops, capricciosa salad, melanzane parmigiana, sea bass and cinghiale. Everything was amazing! The sauces were rich but didn't overpower the meat. Service was warm and relaxed, which made it easy to sit back and enjoy the evening. read more

After reading the re-view's on this page, I wanted to take the time to thank all of the oblivious people in this city, for adding a bit of humor to my day ! Connected is one of the finest restaurants in Peoria. Anyone who has experienced fine dining would appreciate the atmosphere and menu offered. My family and I dine here quite often. read more

My date and I had a reservation, showed up on time, and still had to wait 30 minutes. When we were finally seated the staff was extremely rude and VERY unprofessional. Poorly managed restaurant, food is average at best. I'm guessing the reason Troy has a restaurant down here is he couldn't cut it in a bigger market like Chicago or STL read more

This place is fabulous. It's in a weird location and has some unique decor but the service and food is amazing. Everyone in our party raved about their entrees. Great wine list though it was quite pricey. The owner stopped in at every table amd was grateful and kind. Nice touch! read more