We stopped for brunch after seeing positive reviews on Yelp. Each bite just made me more depressed that it is so far away from where I live! The service was excellent and the food creative without being pretentious. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and look forward to returning ASAP. Bacon wrapped dates with Gorgonzola are amazing. read more

Another trip for a midday lunch. Bacon wrapped dates were very tasty. The frittata was perfectly cooked. Service was a bit slow but we were in no hurry anyway. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I'll be back with friends. read more

I have been here several times since my initial review. I continue to rate it highly for quality of food and service. Both high points of the experience. I am typically a beer drinker but on my last visit ordered a glass of red wine as recommended by our server. Price.....$11.50 a glass. That is patently absurd. It may dissuade me from returning. read more

Visited Cafemantic for dinner tonight (an early Valentine's Day date with the hubby). The beet salad was wonderful and the Chicken with Sunchokes and Fennel was amazing. The scallops were good but not great. The fingerling potatoes were very good. I would give the food overall 5 stars. However, I really don't understand how the staff is trained. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation and were told that our table wasn't ready. OK, that's understandable. We were asked to wait in the hall...But the nervous hostess didn't offer to take our coats, nor did she offer a menu until asked. I asked if we could order drinks and although she answered in the affirmative, no one appeared to take a drink order for 10 minutes or more (I think, in the end, my husband tracked down a server). A big topic of conversation and cause for much laughter was a server's rear end, which repeatedly appeared right at our table, brushing up against our plates. Even after we MOVED OUR TABLE OVER A FOOT, her keister kept showing up interrupting our conversation. It was very awkward and uncomfortable. read more

The coffee is great but the service isn't. The slow, rude counter girl should be replaced.

I cannot find a way through which to review Cafemantic's catering service, A Moveable Feast, so will do so on this site. Our daughter was married in October and used a Moveable Feast as her caterer. None of us could have been more pleased. The antipasto (marinated olives, fire roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, three kinds of cheese and assorted cured meats) were wonderful as were the assortments of beautifully presented fresh vegetables. The passed hors d'oeuvres (bacon wrapped dates, leek and goat cheese tarts, house made meatballs) were delectable and were quickly snatched off passed plates. This was not a sit down dinner but instead one with stations. Both soups (clam chowder and butternut squash) were fabulous. One older guest exclaimed that the roasted turkey was the best turkey he had ever eaten; everyone who tried the herb-roasted beef tenderloin remarked on how very tender it was with a wonderful selection of medium rare to medium "doneness" depending on one's preference. The apple salad with baby greens, walnuts, gorgonzola and a lovely cider vinaigrette dressing was light and refreshing....a perfect complement to the meats. There was a grilled cheese station that was great for kids and some who do not eat meat. Many, many people came to us throughout the evening and remarked on how superb the food was.....Jon and his crew were remarkable. Prior to the event, the catering coordinator, Heather, met my daughter and me at the venue to ensure that all would be set up as my daughter wanted on the day itself. This was very helpful. Also, on the day, Heather assigned a senior wait staff person to me, as mother of the bride, to make sure that I got food and drink and did not become bogged down in details. This was a lovely touch which turned out to be quite useful. On the wedding day, the wait staff was polite and efficient. Dressed in black, like Ninja, they moved throughout the venue quietly and unobtrusively and cleaned up after the event with remarkable speed and thoroughness. The one aspect of the day that we would have changed would be to use a different vendor for plates, silverware, bistro tables and chairs. We used the one usually used by a Moveable Feast but would have selected Edgewood who supplied our two tents and glassware for the bar service. Using a Moveable Feast's vendor, which charges extra for delivery on the weekend, cost us almost $500 more than Edgewood would have cost. A Moveable Feast is relatively new in the catering business and perhaps can cultivate relationships with new outside vendors. I cannot recommended a Moveable Feast highly enough as a caterer. read more

Absolutely outstanding. Every bite of every dish ordered (six of them, dinner) was divine, and yet the environment is cozy and decidedly unpretentious, as are the prices., and the staff are friendly and helpful. Can't wait to go back! I live in Boston (about 90 minutes drive) and the food is so good it might even be worth the round trip from there for a special meal. Cafemantic is a true gem, not to be missed. read more

When I lived in Willimantic, this place wasn't here. My buddy and I came from a UCONN game this afternoon and was looking for a place to eat. We stumbled onto Cafemantic. We could not have been more pleased. I was in awe of how nice the place looks. Certainly some money spent and ambiance created a beautiful and quaint cafe. The staff, all very pleasant and professional. We both had the loaded potato soup. It was very good, though in my own mind, i thought it would be a bit thicker texture, but the taste was great. Also the warm bread which came with our soups was fantastic! I had the chicken pesto panini and my bud had the steak and cheese. By the time we had the soup and bread, we both were too full to finish our sandwiches. He said his sandwich was excellent and so was my chicken pesto. We both wound up taking half our sandwiches home. I also enjoyed Hosmer Mountain Black Cherry Soda. OMG, I'd forgotten how much I liked their soda from when I lived here in Willimantic. Since we both live quite a distance from here, neither of us could become regulars, but both agreed, if we're back in this area, Cafemantic would definitely be a place to return to for a great lunch. I'd have loved to see the two blade fan operate just to see how it worked. :) read more

Great locally grown food in wonderful outdoor setting of the back patio.

ADORE. In the downtown area of this sad, sad city is a beautiful hidden gem called Cafemantic. Looks like an artsy, hip little café you'd find in a way cooler town. The employees are nice and the food is AWESOME. Delicious and fresh. I've been there for breakfast and lunch and have enjoyed everything I've tried. The atmosphere is relaxing and quirky, and the crowd is definitely made up of mostly students. A nice place to zen out and have a cup of tea, or work on your laptop. read more

Nothing really fancy about it, but surprisingly good quality food. We were impressed given the town. The outdoor setting is nice as well (if the weather permits). Service was friendly. read more

This is the best, coziest cafe ! Very good food, cool staff, great music (sometimes live)..their sandwiches are really good, chicken pesto and tuna melt are my favorites..portabella sandwich is also pretty good. Their earl grey loose leaf tea is awesome. Quick service, great spot!! Go go go read more

From out of town and stopped here for lunch. I had a delicious grilled chicken salad...one of the best I've had and I eat a LOT of chicken salads. :) Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their meals - creatively prepared, fresh and flavorful. Wishing this place continued success. read more

Had the chicken salad with mixed baby greens and it was healthy and everything was very fresh and yummy.

This is a unique hangout reminiscent of old 1960's coffee houses when it first opened. Now more tony & a favorite with the academic & professional crowd. Wine & beer choices are thoughtfully picked, it seems to me. Food never less than creative & tasteful. Overcome the parking issue ( anywhere on Main St) & you will have a treat. read more

We stopped in here on a Friday around 6:30. I liked the atmosphere, it was lively without being too noisy. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. Lighting was perfect. Food was very tasty. I had the Cesar salad and jerk chicken. Others ordered the onion soup, hanger steak and mushrooms. We also ate the chocolate cake and creme brûlée for desert with several glasses of wine. Really no complaints on the food. Portions were on the small side which I happen to prefer as I watch my weight. The only negatives were the a/c which was blowing on us and making me and my food colder than I liked. I wasn't a fan of the mix if high and low tables, but it may have been more about the placement and I found it a little on the pricier side with our bill at $160 including tip. For what we are and drank I think it should have been about 25% less. Still, we had a good time. Would I go back? Probably, but not often. read more

I have really been remiss at not posting a review about this place sooner. What a gem! I have a very hard time finding restaurants to eat at with my multiple allergies- celiac, soy and lactose, but I can eat here! They have small plates which I love, so you can order a variety of items and have a feast! The waitstaff is very helpful to point out "safe" food items and I really do appreciate that. The white bean hummus is amazing, but we have never had anything here we didn't like! read more

Good ambiance and interesting menu. A bit pricy for the area and portion sizes, but good if you aren't super hungry. I got the smoked salmon bagel and it was a bit too salty. Husband got the Faroe salmon and thought it was excellent. read more

Like the atmosphere and the food was all fine: my problem is the size of the salads; for $8 I expect something larger than a side dish, with no bread. read more

Had dinner here last night with my wife and 2 kids (3 and 5 years old). Food and service were both excellent. Clear emphasis on quality and prices were in line with that (not overpriced). We thoroughly enjoyed every dish, my 5 year old daughter loved the asparagus. We will definitely go back. read more

The loveliest place in the Willamantic area to eat by far! Exacting, exotic but unpretentious food served unpretentiously. Breakfast and lunch are just as good as dinner. A definite must. read more

Went here for brunch with my daughter 6 and my parents.. Food, as always was amazing!!! Highly recommend steak and eggs with an amazing chimichurri sauce.. Service wasn't great, but the food made up for it!! read more

We love Burger Tuesdays. Great combinations and a brioche roll. Served with a craft beer. Also, their creme brulee is amazing!

The food is great, the ambience is good. Great that this guy invested and is having success in Willimantic. HOWEVER, do not go if you only have an hour for lunch and make sure you reiterate if you need ammend your order. I went and ordered a salad with chicken salad and no croutons due to allergy. Waited 45 minutes and had to ask for a tray to leave before I even took a bite. Croutons were there...couldn't just pick them off because of all the crumbs. They had to redo the entire order and I had to run out with food in tray. They need more staff at lunch! read more

I LOVE the atmosphere. That's why I'm giving it such a high score. I ordered hot chocolate in the morning and it was hot milk with a little coffee. In the afternoon I went back and ordered a berry smoothie. It was ice and syrup. I have had the sandwiches and they are good but they are a bit pricey. To end on a positive note, I LOVE the atmosphere. read more

Worth the drive! Great vibe, small plates were perfect for sampling an eclectic menu. Everything was delicious.

I absolutely love the atmosphere in this place. I am a student at ECSU so it is only a short walk away. I go there to relax or to do homework (there's wifi). The food and coffees are great. The people that work there are always friendly too. It's just a really cozy place to be alone, go on a date, or meet up with a group of people. I would recommend Cafemantic to anyone who is in the area, and definitely to any students looking for a cool place to hang out. read more

Had Dinner Tonite on a reference of a friend. Food was flavorful and sublime. Menu was interesting and complete, Small Plate service is fine and enough considering the quality and flavor. Service is excellent and Professional. Decor is restful and tasteful Patio is a special treat. Don't miss it. read more

Great food and atmosphere. very nice staff. my only complaint is the food can be more vegetarian friendly. the potato soup was made with chicken broth. not sure why they don't use veggie broth so the dish is available to more customers. I will go back even if my food options are limited. read more

When I went to UCONN 10 years ago, there were few cafes around the area to sit, relax and study. I wish Cafemantic was there. Not only are the coffee drinks amazing, but the food is so fresh too! I love the vibe of the place and I'm excited to see they're now open later hours. Very friendly staff! read more

We have been to Cafemantic numerous times. A perfect place to hang out after work, dine on a Sunday afternoon with half price bottles of wine or have a peaceful Saturday night out. The food is fantastic. The ricotta appetizer is to die for! There cucumber salad and mussels are the best you will have ever! The small plates of food are a fantastic idea and allow for multiple plates of different items. Reservations are a must. Awesome ambiance and a fun place to be with friends. Highly recommend. read more

Cafemantic is decent the service is not the best but there food is great but they give really small portions. I think there customer service could use some work but other than that it is a nice place to hang out with old friends. read more

An excellent experience! The waiter and chef were happy to accommodate my food allergies and check to make sure the items we ordered were safe for me to eat. The food was delicious and prepared to order! read more

So it was 5 months ago when I last went to cafemantic I had a horrible experience that time and did not think I would ever go again, however, I did decide to venture in for dinner one evening with a friend. We had an incredible evening the food was very good and so was the service. I still do not have the confidence in them to deliver this on every visit. But I will visit again and give them 5 stars for my latest visit. read more

Great atmosphere and food. Gay friendly and chic.

Beautiful setting out on the patio enhanced by deliciously prepared food! A real gem not to be missed for those who like food that is fresh, unique and healthy. read more

It's hard to believe that a place that's so good for dinner can be so bad for lunch. The first time I had lunch there it wasn't busy, I sat down and read my book for fifteen minutes, waiting for someone to come over. Finally I went to the counter and told someone I was there. Someone came right over and apologized, but even after that the service only fair, as was the food. I went back for lunch around a week ago after I saw the strawberry shortcake on the web site and couldn't resist. Yuk! I couldn't believe I was sitting in Cafemantic. I ordered the bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola and pear and what was delivered was dates wrapped with bacon. I pointed this out and was told the pear and cheese were indeed inside. I even tore a date apart and there was nothing inside. I also cucumbers, which weren't up to Cafemantic standards. In fact, they tasted like there was sugar added and not much else. I finished off with the strawberry shortcake and that was excellent. It wasn't busy but the service was bad. I don't know if the the place just isn't as good as it was, or if the lunch staff isn't up to par, but no more lunches there for me. read more

From the start what a disappointment, but I had hopes that it would improve. The two ladies that met us at the entrance (4pm), started by saying they just got rid of a rush and did we have reservations (with quite an attitude). The ladies went on further to say they had reservations scheduled at 6 pm and the attitude was as if we were a bother. I normally wouldn't have put up with that horrible attitude, but because I had been there some years back I was impressed back then and I thought, well two bad apples don't necessarily make the café, so I told them we were just there for a coffee, believing I was going to have that experience I had years before. Wow what a disappointment, my wife asked for loose leaf tea and received bagged tea, coffee wasn't that great and my son had hot chocolate that tasted as if it were out of a bag The waitress was not part of the horrible welcoming committee and seemed to be the only bright spot there. The place was empty and we were there for a decent experience and in support of the local community. They had 2 hours before their dinner reservations and the welcome and quality of their drinks were poor. So much for romantic Willimantic. We should have just had a coffee after our meal and drink at the brewery across the street where we were treated like royalty. To the waitress that helped us at Cafemantic, go to the brewery across the street, your tips will increase 10 fold. I also observed other people arrive for coffee (to spend money) and were quickly turned away by the same welcoming committee. That place years years ago where I had that great experience must have been sold, because it has lost its charm, hospitality and quality. read more

A great place that really knows how to do food well! Their chef is amazing, and always delights with unique creations that you will not find anywhere else. They have really taken the small plates idea and use it well to offer fantastically made dishes. While the menu frequently changes in order to accommodate their farm to table style, some of my favorites are the house-made ricotta,the roasted bacon wrapped dates, their staples mac&cheese, the shrimp and avocado sandwich, and the beet salad. I have also had amazing flank steak with a chimichurri sauce, their Spanish octopus, and jerk chicken; all of which were great. The atmosphere is definitely different, especially for Willimantic: cozy inside, with copper accents, subway tile, and bold colors, and kitschy outside with a wonderful garden on the ground level, and a great patio. The staff is always helpful and polite. It is a favorite spot to grab a lunch, go for a special dinner with family and friends, or just to grab a great drink! read more