10 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.“

“Great place excellent food owner was fantastic and my wife and I went on valentines Day fantastic job they did and great service definitely will make this our family dinner night thank you everyone that took care of us on valentines Day“

“A good friend had recommend Grano Arso very highly so we made a reservation. We had a wonderful time on a busy Saturday night. We were seated at a very comfortable table for two in the second room by the excellent host. Our wait person was very helpful explaining our questions about the menu, & our service all night was great. We had a delicious meal with so many seasonal dishes. We will be regulars.“

“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.“

“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.“

“We host a ton and usually cook, but we decided around the holidays it would be easier to cater. We used Jon’s and they did a phenomenal job. Everything was hot when we picked it up, and our guests raved about the food. Reasonably priced and great to work with! Definitely will be catering from them again.“