18 Best Italian Restaurants in Branford

“Rosso Vino is a must-visit destination for outstanding food in impressively large portions. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guide diners through a menu of intriguing options, including specials like the calamari appetizer, pasta with dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, and mussels in spicy fra diavolo sauce, and gnocchi. The restaurant also offers an excellent wine list and exceptional take-out options, such as flounder and filet mignon. With a warm and authentic atmosphere, Rosso Vino is a popular spot that mandates frequent visits, despite possible parking issues and short waits for reservations.“

“Nonna Gina's Prepared Foods & Gelateria is a local spot offering a variety of prepared dishes, sandwiches, and gelato. The food is consistently praised for its quality, with dishes like the panecotte and panini meatball being standouts. The staff is friendly, and while prices are slightly higher, customers feel it is worth it for the delicious offerings. Some customers have enjoyed the pre-made meals, while others have only tried the sandwiches and gelato, all with positive results. The market also features a wide array of choices, making it a place worth visiting frequently.“

“Ilforno Ristorante Italiano is a great place to watch a game and enjoy some delicious food. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, including fresh-made gnocchi, gnocchi Della casa with added calamari, and shrimp marinara with linguine. The food is of high quality and freshness, with generous portions. The ambiance is nice, and the menu offering is excellent. Some dishes, such as the spicy calamari, are worth ordering with caution, but overall, the restaurant provides great value for the price.“

“Rossitto's Ristorante offers high-end dining at a price, with a variety of delicious dishes like meat lasagna and scallop risotto. The lasagna is a must-try, known for its exceptional flavor. The friendly owner and chef add a personal touch to the dining experience. The bread is tasty, and the service is top-notch. Despite the higher prices, the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile dining destination for a special meal or celebration.“

“Doma On Main is a restaurant that serves delicious meals in an upscale yet casual atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including short ribs, branzinno, veal picata, and pasta, all of which are cooked to perfection. The restaurant's decor is nice, with TVs showing games, making it a great spot for a night out. The staff is generally friendly and attentive, although some servers may be brusque at times. Reservations are recommended on weekends, and parking can be a challenge. Despite some minor issues, Doma On Main is a great choice for those looking for a tasty meal in a comfortable setting. Be sure to try their fried calamari, zuppa di pesce fra diavolo, and chicken piccata, and don't forget to leave room for their lemon sorbet for dessert.“

“LoMonaco's Ristorante Italiano offers authentic Italian cuisine, with great meals and attentive service. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including the popular Portobello app, Shrimp laMonaco, and Salmon special. The Veal LoMonico is a standout, with two pieces of veal topped with prosciutto and cheese, served with a side of pasta and excellent sauce. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with good wheelchair accessibility.“

“Pasta Cosi is a favorite spot for many, offering top-notch ingredients and delicious meals. Favorites include squash flowers and rigs with bolognese, as well as the limoncello cake. The service is friendly and efficient, with staff always attentive. The espresso martinis with baileys are a hit, and the burratta appetizer is a must-try. However, some dishes like the escarole, white bean, and truffle mashed potatoes pizza may not meet everyone's taste, with an overly crispy crust and lack of cheese. Despite this, the cozy atmosphere and lack of rush from staff make it a great spot to catch up with friends over drinks. Overall, Pasta Cosi is a reliable choice for a tasty Italian meal.“

“Shoreline Cafe & Catering offers a delightful dining experience with its fresh and outstanding food. The salad bar is a popular choice, providing a variety of options for health-conscious customers. The restaurant also serves delicious sandwiches, including a well-seasoned and juicy chicken cutlet sandwich. Customers praise the homemade quality of the macaroni salad, which complements the main dishes perfectly. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to the overall positive experience at Shoreline Cafe & Catering, making it a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal.“

“Cafe Fiore offers a comfortable and pleasant dining experience for both small and large groups. The restaurant features a nice, pretty dining room and serves sizeable portions of good, authentic Italian food at lower than expected prices. The waitstaff is attentive, ensuring customers have everything they need. While the service can be inconsistent at times, the overall experience is positive, with many reviewers stating they will return. The restaurant also has a private event space that can accommodate larger parties and provides good service during private events.“

“Mi Bella Restaurante is a new addition to the Branford restaurant scene that has quickly gained popularity. The quality of food stands out, with a wide variety of delicious options to choose from. Despite some minor criticism about the bread, the atmosphere and creative dishes make it a must-visit spot. The attentive service and overall experience will leave you feeling special and eager to return for another delightful meal.“

“Arturo's Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional dining experience. The atmosphere is described as amazing, small, and intimate, with drinks that are phenomenal and service that is exceptional. The food is consistently delicious, from the mouthwatering breakfast creations to the delicious main dishes. The menu features a Mexican fusion experience, with standout items like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles that blend traditional Mexican flavors with breakfast classics. The restaurant is also known for its legendary salsa, which elevates every dish it accompanies. Whether you're a breakfast enthusiast or a fan of Mexican cuisine, Arturo's is a must-visit destination that promises a morning fiesta for your taste buds.“

“La Luna Ristorante offers a lovely atmosphere, with wheelchair accessibility making it easy for guests to navigate. The service is generally great, although it may be slow during busy times. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including a popular Easter buffet. Fresh ingredients are used, and portions are large. The restaurant also offers lunch deals, such as the "2 for $35" option, which includes appetizers, soup or salad, entrees, and desserts. Happy hour is available with live music, and while the bar room service may be slow, the food prices are reasonable. A variety of dishes is available, including Fried Calamari, grilled chicken Caesar salad, and garlic knots. Overall, La Luna Ristorante is a great choice for a meal out.“

“P&M Fine Foods is a deli offering fresh and delicious sandwiches, including hard rolls, wraps, stuffed breads, and focaccia sandwiches. Italian dishes and desserts are also available. Vegetarian options include broccoli rabe, eggplant parmesan, and cheese or veggie pizza. Located near the town center and train station, it features outdoor seating and offers take-out. Plentiful street and lot parking nearby, with a 10-minute walk to the train station.“

“Genaros Restaurant & Pizza is a gem in Short Beach, loved by families and foodies alike. The restaurant's incredible food, including tender chicken and soft vegetables, is a highlight. Standout dishes include the vegetable pizza with chicken and the pesto gnocchi, which has a devoted following. With excellent customer service, timely delivery, and fair pricing, Genaros is a top choice for a satisfying meal.“

“Crostini is a cozy and welcoming restaurant with a warm atmosphere. The staff is friendly and attentive, making customers feel like family. The menu features a variety of delicious options, including the popular steak egg and cheese on Italian bread, homemade Crostini Hash, French toast, and sausage and peppers. Home fries are also a highlight. With great food and a great atmosphere, Crostini is a favorite among locals and a must-visit restaurant.“

“Da' Carmine Pizzeria & Restaurant offers excellent and well-priced pizza, though the restaurant itself lacks in atmosphere and service. The pizza is described as the best on the shoreline, with large portions and delicious toppings like sausage and mushrooms. While the decor and service need improvement, the pizzeria is highly recommended, especially for displaced New Yorkers seeking top-notch pizza in the Branford area.“

“Pacileo's Apizza & Pasta offers top-quality dining experiences in a fun and family-friendly environment. Their amazing thin-crust pizzas, including the delicious cheese pizza, are a highlight, and their menu caters to various dietary needs. With plenty of indoor seating, free parking, and good wheelchair access, Pacileo's is a must-visit for Italian food lovers on the shoreline.“

“Marco Pizzeria is a restaurant that offers New Haven style pizza, along with a variety of other menu items such as stuffed breads, desserts, and unique options like Buffalo chicken egg rolls and BBQ chicken cauliflower pizza. The restaurant has a clean and welcoming atmosphere, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and willing to make recommendations. However, there have been some issues with food quality, such as undercooked egg rolls, hair in the pizza, and tough chicken in the salad. Additionally, the taste of the water and salad dressing has been disappointing to some customers. While the service is generally good, these food quality issues may impact the overall dining experience.“