A list of our accomplishments and awards:

  • Owner named as “2024 Citizen of the Year” by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce

  • 2023 Charter Oak Community Award

  • 2016 Best of Readers Choice Awards - Voted a top banquet facility in the area

  • "Raising a Glass at Filomena's" - The Day 2015

  • 4.5 Star Rating on Yelp

  • Award Winning Clam Chowder

  • "Restaurant Favorites Done Well at Filomena's" - The Day 2014

  • Named one of the Top Family Restaurants 2013 by Connecticut Magazine

We are Family Owned and Operated

About the Owner

Michael “Mike” Buscetto III has dedicated his life to improving the region of Southeastern Connecticut. 

2016 Winner of "Town of Waterford Champion for Children Award"

Recognized as a genuine leader, Mike received the 2016 Boy Scouts of America Leadership Award.  In 2013,  the OIC Community Champion Award and the 2012 Leadership Award by the State of Connecticut’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s Holiday Commission, the 2009 Chamber of Commerce “Revitalization Leader of the Year” Award and the 2009 Elks “Citizen of the Year” Award. 

2012 New London Rotary Unsung hero Award Winner for Outstanding and Dedicated Service

A member of the Board of Directors of the Cactus Jack Foundation, Chapman Foundation and Waterford Youth & Family Services.

Committed to economic development, he successfully developed New London, Connecticut’s first 55+ active adult community, along with Waterford’s Utopia Centre where he currently owns Filomenas Restaurant.

A staunch supporter of the region’s youth, Mike initiated the Annual “Bash at the Beach” Fundraiser, which has provided over $550,000 in donations to support 30 organizations that predominantly support youth programs.

“Through both his entrepreneurial endeavors and charitable activities, Mike has left an indelible mark on the lives of many in Southeastern Connecticut.” - Excerpt from the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award presented to Mike by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

It's important to our management and staff that our customers' experience is the best it can be. We understand that our customers have a choice and we are constantly striving to maintain excellence through every detail... whether that's with our menu, service, or catering. We're honored to be recognized for living up to our customers' standards as a warm, friendly, family environment where you can relax and enjoy a great meal in a great atmosphere. If you haven't already, please join us and experience firsthand a great Filomena's meal!

Mike Buscetto

Reviews

As reported by The Day staff writer Rick Roster and Published on August 28. 2019 :

Food Tip
Polenta Bites

Filomena's, Waterford

My wife, Eileen, was raised Catholic, but believe me when I say she's not trying to blaspheme when she describes the polenta bites appetizer at Filomena's as "blessed little squares of God." In fact, communion might work a lot better if the wafers tasted like this — but I say that, too, in the spirit of happy eating and not to insult the Church. Anyway, you get a few dozen of the creations on a plate ($7.95), and you fork one into a luxuriant dipping cup of tart gorgonzola fondue and onward onto your tongue. Bite down and see how the deep fried crust counterbalances the smoothly tasty cornmeal mixture therein. Your server will bring your entree and you'll snarl, "Baaah! Bring me more of these blessed little squares of God!"