Connected brings occasion-worthy dining to Peoria

What the ratings suggest

Connected’s 4.7 Google rating, based on more than 1,100 reviews, signals unusually broad approval for an expensive fine-dining restaurant. Public feedback most consistently praises attentive service, a memorable setting and food that feels appropriate for anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings.

The restaurant appears to balance formality with energy. Diners describe a busy, welcoming room rather than a hushed or rigid experience, and several mention celebratory desserts arriving with sparklers. That recurring detail says plenty about the restaurant’s niche: Connected is designed for evenings meant to feel like events.

Atmosphere and service

The exterior is described as understated, but reviews depict a much more elaborate interior. An indoor creek creates a striking entrance, while the bar and dining room contribute to a speakeasy-like mood. The contrast seems to be part of the appeal.

Cocktails are a notable strength. The lemon basil martini earns repeated praise, and one review also points to the Sazerac and a well-stocked bar. Arriving early for a drink appears to be a worthwhile part of the experience, particularly when a table is not immediately ready.

Service receives similarly strong marks. A party of 14 praised two servers for being attentive throughout a family celebration, suggesting that the staff can handle larger groups as well as date-night tables. Reviews also mention bread with whipped eggplant butter, another small touch that helps establish a polished opening to the meal.

Food patterns in the reviews

The Delmonico is the clearest recurring main-course recommendation. Multiple diners ordered it, and steak more generally draws enthusiastic feedback. Scalloped potatoes also receive praise alongside the steak, reinforcing Connected’s appeal for diners seeking a traditional, substantial fine-dining dinner.

Seafood, Italian-influenced dishes and classic starters broaden the menu’s reach. Reviews mention branzino, sea bass, chicken parmigiana, veal scallopine with morel mushrooms, carpaccio, Caprese and crab cake. Desserts including crème brûlée and cheesecake are also singled out positively.

The feedback is not entirely uniform. One diner expressed disappointment with the veal scallopine, although the available review text cuts off before explaining the full concern. That makes it difficult to identify a specific recurring problem, and the larger review pattern remains strongly favorable.

The verdict

Connected looks best suited to celebrations, romantic dinners and groups willing to spend for a full evening out. Its strongest case rests on the combination of atmosphere, attentive service, cocktails and steak, not simply on one signature plate.

Reservations are repeatedly recommended and appear especially important for special occasions. The expensive price category sets expectations accordingly, though one reviewer considered the pricing reasonable within the fine-dining context. For Peoria diners choosing an occasion restaurant, Connected’s large review volume and 4.7 rating make it one of the area’s more convincing bets.