9 Best Italian Restaurants near East Haddam

“I dont know why but this is the first time ive ordered here, it wont be the last. Food was excellent. Really impressed.“

“Today we got lunch at D’Eliana. What a great sandwich ,we got the Italian combo. Loved it! Far better than any other place around for a deli sandwich.“

“We hosted our wedding here and it was everything I imagined! Adis, is very responsive, helpful and so was his entire staff. It was an amazing day! Thank you to all who helped make this day a success! I highly recommend this place!!“

“EXCEPTIONAL Italian deli. Cool little place and very friendly.“

“One of my absolute favorite places to eat. The staff is amazing, the atmophere is fabulous, and the food is flawless everytime. Even my Italian inlaws were impressed. What a gem to have in town!“

“Round 2 for Valentine's Day dinner... A completely new spot for us that DIDN'T disappoint.. Morina Restaurant for the win...Everything was amazing..The entire staff made us feel like family, the way a restaurant shouĺd be. The Garlic Rolls are to die for, and the awesome Chicken Parmesan with fresh made parpardelle pasta, and homemade sauce, & Jen's Greek Chicken wrap was PACKED with fresh grilled chicken & feta cheese & had killer fries. We will be back. Thank you to the whole Morina family.“

“Hey Connecticut, you have a culinary gem in your back yard. We had been trying to get to Grano Arso for a couple of years while visiting CT from San Diego and it finally worked out. We stopped by on our way to the Goodspeed theater and wow, it was worth the wait. We don't like to fill up too much before the theatre so opted for the small, rotating, tasting menu, which included 2-3 choices for each phase of the meal and each was amazing. At the recommendation of our very adept server, we did share the peach salad and it is truly a winner. All pastas and the bread are house made from locally sourced ingredients. I opted for the cod as my main and it was so fresh... you can taste the fresh North Atlantic Ocean. My opener was squash soup, which was perfectly cooked .. not to thick not to thin .. and oh my so good. Service was first class from the time we entered until heading out the door with lots of assistance, from all. I'm one to ask lots of questions, which were met with patience and a smile. The ambiance is elegant but not over the top. We both felt we could enjoy our meals without any pretentiousness. The Michelin folks need to head to Grano Arso fast ... as do you Connecticut because after Chef Jean gets his first star, you know the prices, which are very reasonable for the quality and service, will rise. Well done and can't wait to return to enjoy one of their pasta dishes.“

“Wow, We ordered medium meat lovers, not only was an absolutely delicious😋; it’s huge they’re medium is larger than large pizzas. I can’t wait to come back here to try more.“

“Dinner at Rustica Ristorante – A Perfect Experience

From the moment we walked into Rustica Ristorante, we were welcomed like family. This multigenerational gem exudes warmth and hospitality, and the service is second to none.

Our server, Andres, was a true professional—attentive, knowledgeable, and gracious. His recommendations were spot on, and his thoughtful service made the evening even more memorable. It was a pleasure to meet his mom, dad, and aunt, who were just as warm and welcoming as the atmosphere they’ve helped create.

The meal itself was exquisite. We enjoyed the Lasagne Bolognese, rich and comforting with layers of perfectly seasoned meat and pasta, and the Halibut special, which was flawlessly cooked and elevated by a delicate orange cream sauce that brought a bright, citrusy balance to the dish.

For dessert, we indulged in the Budino al Formaggio (cheesecake) and a classic crème brûlée—both beautifully prepared and the perfect sweet finish to our evening.

Rustica is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience marked by genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and the kind of heartfelt connection that keeps you coming back. We’ll absolutely be returning.“