Empire Pizza Meriden stands as a beloved culinary destination for pizza enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Nestled in the heart of Meriden, this pizzeria offers a diverse and thoughtfully crafted menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re craving a classic New York-style slice, a creatively topped specialty pizza, or a comforting side dish, Empire Pizza Meriden delivers with fresh ingredients and expert preparation. The inviting atmosphere combined with a commitment to quality makes every visit a memorable experience.
What sets Empire Pizza Meriden apart is its dedication to balancing tradition with innovation. The menu reflects this ethos, showcasing time-honored recipes alongside bold new flavors.
From appetizers to desserts, every dish is designed to complement the star of the show—the pizza. Their use of locally sourced produce and premium toppings ensures that each bite bursts with authentic flavor, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.
Exploring the Empire Pizza Meriden menu reveals a rich tapestry of options that accommodate dietary needs and culinary curiosities. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or catering a special event, their menu flexibility shines through.
The following sections delve into the various categories offered, highlighting standout items and valuable insights to enhance your dining choice.
Signature Pizzas
The cornerstone of Empire Pizza Meriden’s menu is its selection of signature pizzas. These offerings showcase a perfect harmony of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, crafted to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous palates.
Each pizza is prepared with a hand-stretched dough base, baked to a golden crisp, and layered with quality ingredients.
Among the most popular choices, the “Empire Special” stands out with its robust combination of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. This pizza balances savory and fresh flavors, delivering a hearty experience.
For those seeking something lighter, the “Margherita” offers a refreshing blend of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, celebrating simplicity at its finest.
Empire Pizza also caters to those who love bold flavors with options like the “Buffalo Chicken” pizza, topped with spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, and cooling ranch drizzle. It’s a dish that perfectly blends heat and creaminess.
Popular Signature Pizzas
- Empire Special: Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers
- Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil
- Buffalo Chicken: Spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, ranch drizzle
- BBQ Bacon: Tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, red onions, cheddar cheese
“The signature pizzas at Empire Pizza Meriden capture the essence of classic Italian-American flavors with a distinct local twist.”
Build-Your-Own Pizza
The build-your-own pizza section at Empire Pizza Meriden empowers diners to customize their meal exactly as they desire. Starting with a choice of crust styles, customers can select from traditional hand-tossed, thin crust, or gluten-free options.
This flexibility allows for a tailored pizza experience regardless of dietary preferences.
Once the base is chosen, an extensive list of sauces is available, including classic tomato, white garlic, and barbecue. Beyond the sauce, a wide array of toppings is offered, ranging from fresh vegetables to premium meats.
This approach encourages creativity and ensures that each pizza is uniquely satisfying.
Empire Pizza Meriden also provides helpful guidance for combinations that work well together, making the build-your-own experience approachable even for those less familiar with pizza crafting.
Customizable Options
Crust | Hand-tossed, Thin crust, Gluten-free |
Sauces | Tomato, White garlic, BBQ, Pesto |
Cheeses | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan |
Toppings | Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions, Bell peppers, Olives, Jalapeños, Pineapple |
For guests seeking inspiration, Empire Pizza offers suggestions such as combining BBQ sauce with chicken and red onions or pairing white garlic sauce with spinach and feta cheese.
Appetizers and Sides
Complementing the pizzas, Empire Pizza Meriden’s appetizers and sides provide perfect starters or additions to any meal. These dishes range from classic comfort foods to more unique offerings, all designed to enhance the overall dining experience.
The crispy mozzarella sticks and garlic knots are perennial favorites, beloved for their golden crusts and flavorful centers. Additionally, fresh salads round out the menu, providing lighter options that balance the richness of pizza.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are thoughtfully included, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a satisfying starter or side.
Popular Starters
- Garlic Knots: Freshly baked, brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan
- Buffalo Wings: Available in mild, hot, or BBQ sauce
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan, croutons, creamy Caesar dressing
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese and herbs, baked to perfection
“Empire Pizza’s appetizers set the tone for a memorable meal, blending familiar favorites with inventive twists.”
Pasta Dishes
Beyond pizza, Empire Pizza Meriden offers a selection of classic pasta dishes that showcase Italian culinary tradition. Each pasta entrée is prepared fresh, featuring rich sauces and quality ingredients that enhance the texture and flavor.
Choices range from hearty baked ziti to delicate spaghetti with marinara. The menu also includes creamy Alfredo and meat-based options, ensuring variety for different palates.
These pasta dishes are perfect for those who desire a comforting meal with familiar flavors, served in generous portions.
Featured Pastas
- Baked Ziti: Pasta baked with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: Classic spaghetti with house-made meatballs and tomato sauce
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy Alfredo sauce with fettuccine noodles
- Lasagna: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese
Dish | Main Ingredients | Serving Size |
Baked Ziti | Tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, pasta | Large entrée |
Spaghetti and Meatballs | Spaghetti, meatballs, marinara sauce | Regular entrée |
Fettuccine Alfredo | Creamy Alfredo sauce, fettuccine | Regular entrée |
Lasagna | Meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, pasta layers | Large entrée |
Salads and Healthy Options
Empire Pizza Meriden recognizes the growing demand for healthier dining choices and incorporates a variety of fresh salads and light dishes into their menu. These selections are crafted to provide balanced nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
The salads feature crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and house-made dressings that complement each ingredient. Customers can choose from classic Caesar, garden salad, or specialty options with added protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
Additionally, the menu highlights gluten-free and vegetarian options, making healthy eating accessible to many.
Salad Highlights
- Caesar Salad: Romaine, parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing
- Garden Salad: Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, vinaigrette
- Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, red onions, olive oil dressing
- Spinach and Strawberry Salad: Fresh spinach, strawberries, nuts, balsamic glaze
“Healthy choices can be delicious and satisfying,” notes the head chef, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
Desserts
No meal at Empire Pizza Meriden is complete without sampling their tempting dessert offerings. The dessert menu provides a sweet finish to the savory meal, featuring classic favorites and unique creations.
From rich cheesecakes to warm, gooey brownies, each dessert is crafted to delight the palate. The use of fresh fruits, high-quality chocolate, and creamy textures ensures a satisfying conclusion.
Desserts are available in portion sizes suitable for sharing or individual indulgence, making them perfect for families or couples.
Sweet Endings
- New York Style Cheesecake: Creamy, dense, served with strawberry topping
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a molten center
- Cannoli: Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips
- Tiramisu: Classic Italian dessert with mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa
Dessert | Description | Price Range |
New York Style Cheesecake | Rich and creamy with fresh strawberry topping | $$ |
Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm cake with molten chocolate center | $$ |
Cannoli | Sweet ricotta filling with chocolate chips in a crisp shell | $ |
Tiramisu | Layered mascarpone with espresso-soaked ladyfingers | $$ |
Beverages
To complement the flavorful dishes, Empire Pizza Meriden offers an extensive beverage menu. Options range from traditional soft drinks to carefully selected wines and craft beers that pair well with pizza and Italian cuisine.
The beverage selection includes sodas, iced teas, and specialty coffees, catering to various preferences and meal timings. The wine list features Italian varietals that enhance the dining experience, while the beer selection balances local brews with popular brands.
For families, non-alcoholic options and kid-friendly drinks are readily available, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Drink Selection
- Soft Drinks: Cola, lemon-lime soda, root beer, iced tea
- Wines: Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Beers: Local craft beers, imported Italian beers, light lagers
- Coffees and Teas: Espresso, cappuccino, herbal teas
“Pairing the right beverage with your meal elevates the entire dining experience,” advises the sommelier at Empire Pizza.
Conclusion
Empire Pizza Meriden’s menu is a testament to the art of pizza making and Italian-inspired dining. It offers an inviting array of dishes that satisfy a wide spectrum of tastes, from traditional pizza lovers to those seeking health-conscious or adventurous options.
The combination of fresh, quality ingredients and meticulous preparation results in an exceptional culinary journey every time.
Whether you’re indulging in a signature pizza, crafting your own masterpiece, or enjoying a side of garlic knots and a crisp salad, the menu’s thoughtful design ensures a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Desserts and beverages add the perfect finishing touch, rounding out a meal that caters to family gatherings, casual outings, or special occasions.
Empire Pizza Meriden’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction shines through every dish, making it a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Each visit promises not just a meal, but a genuine experience of flavor, tradition, and community.