50 Best Italian Restaurants near East Haven

“My family orders Minervini almost every Friday! The only pizza my youngest daughter will eat. They just changed their chicken fingers and my oldest daughter and I think the new ones are even better! I’m a picky eater and they’re probably sick of my special orders 🤣 but always accommodating. Highly recommend!!“

“Always great dinners, salads, and of course Apizza! Tony and the guys are the best!“

“We had a picnic wedding celebration for our daughter and son-in law at our home. They had gotten married in Italy a few months before. The pizza choices were amazing and delicious, never a line. Salad, gelato and expresso were all a hit with our guests. I would recommend using them. Luigi is wonderful and easy to work with.“

“I honestly am ashamed to say that I’ve lived in East Haven for 22 years and have never had Tollis pizza. Some friends and I were getting together and we were talking about restaurants to go to, and I had mentioned that I had never tried Tollis. We decided to give it a go. And I have never been happier with a decision ever! We had the white clam pizza, we had the Amalfi pizza. And I couldn’t decide which was my favorite. My friends had the Bolognese sauce, which the waitress brought a little bowl so they could try it with some bread before they ordered their entrée! Nice touch! It was fantastic! Our waitress was super attentive, very friendly, we were near where they were making the pizzas and it was fun to watch. An all-around great experience highly highly recommend.!!!!!“

“My wife and I lived in New Haven for 4 years and ordered many a delicious pizza from Anthony and his great crew. We retired to Florida and I returned for a visit and ordered two pies. How lovely that they comped me, and the pies were amazing! Thank you ! Vange and Lori“

“We love coming here for dinner when visiting our son at college. Excellent service and everything is delicious. Definitely our favorite place.“

“It's going into our rotation of favorite restaurants on Wooster! Food, service, everything was amazing. My only 2 critiques was there wasn't enough heat in the Fra Diablo sauce or my expresso. But I'm going back. Love it there.“

“I have been ordering takeouts at Il Forno for the past seven. I started with bacon and onions pizza which was great. I then changed to eggplant pizza and it has to be the best I have ever had. Now I have moved on to shrimp marinara with linguine and I can't tell you how great this dish is. The shrimp are so large and fresh and the sauce is excellent. The filet of sole must weigh at least 2 pounds and my husband gets it every week. The filet is enough for two meals and so is the shrimp. Thank you Il Forno for making our Friday takeout a special treat.“

“My fiancé and I have been coming here for the past 7 years. Never had a bad meal and the price is great for the amount you get. The people commenting badly about this place are definitely overreacting and probably live in Greenwich. Sounds like snobby bitter women.“

“I literally just had a chicken cutlet with eggplant and pesto. All I have to say is Finally we get some real Italian food around here. Outstanding flavor that just melts in your mouth with every savory bite. Delicious!!! Sorprendente!!!!Thank you to the young lady for the recommendation! I definitely will be back. Thanks for a delicious meal!“

“Fabulous food and amazing staff“

“Every bite was delicious!“

“my wife and I were looking at places to go, There was Doma, Pasta Cosi, LaMonacos,Goodfellas, Cava, so many other places , But we optioned for Rossittos, and asking Branford locals they gave some mixed reviews, I made reservations for valentines day, We were looking forward to it, And then we Arrive, Its like a Noisy Bar as soon as u walk in , We were seated in the Back along a long wobbly bench seat Next to a filthy wall with an oil pipe coming out, We ordered, The wait staff was extremely slow, I get it , It was busier than they probably ever are considering the occasion, No excuse, we ordered cacio e pepe, And a Lasagna Simple, Casio Pepe which is supposed to be done with Romano Cheese and Black Peppercorns , And pasta Water to form the Gravy.....over Bucatini which is a hollow pasta Well what I got was Brown Butter and someone's leftovers in a Bowl The portion was literally 3/4 eaten when I got it, I immediately asked waitress what the hell is this, she ignored me and walked away, The waitress comes by after almost 30 minutes of it sitting on my table and uneaten, and asks how was everything and is something wrong, I explained that situation, and this is not what I ordered, Couldnt be, We sat next to a couple who ordered Pasta and the Portion was Very Large and looked delicious, Then mine shows up which is literally 2 fork full of pasta in a bowl with This gross looking Brown Buttery sauce and Green parsley I have Many Photos, the waitress asked what I wanted her to do and I was mortified and quipped Bring me what I ordered for 26 dollars , she said We just want to make ya happy sarcastically , I said there is Nothing you can do to make me happy, But bring us the check she did 45minutes later and it was 89 dollars For a lasagna and Cacio e pepe, one soda and a martini, I added it came out to 61 dollars so where is the additional 28 dollars, we paid , Said nothing No Tip and left, Never will I ever Return I guess they charge extra for someone else's Leftovers the kid forgot to wrap!....“

“I have dined in and gotten take out… never have I had a bad experience either or. So glad to have a great establishment right down the street. Cocktails and craft beer selections are great too. Kudos to whoever does the cocktails. That watermelon one is on point.“

“We dined in last night (10/12/23) we had a party of 5. Our server was top notch, our meals were extremely delicious and outstanding in their presentations. The photos do not do any justice. I had Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Pinot Grigio White and my wife and I shared the Carrot Cake.“

“We had a fantastic meal at Caffe Bravo! We ordered the arancini and buratta for appetizers. The arancini reminded me of what you get from an authentic, local Napolitan eatery in Italy. The buratta was creamy and super fresh. For dinner we had freshly made gnocchi , the linguine and vongole, and the grigliata di mare. The gnocchi were like fluffy pillows that were made moments before getting to our table. The homemade linguine was perfectly cooked with plenty of clams. And the seafood was grilled to perfection with a tasty farro rice as a side. And then for dessert we had the homemade tiramisu and chocolate lava cake that put us over the edge. Can’t wait to go back and bring friends so they can experience for themselves. 💯 🇮🇹 #caffebravo #forzanapoli“

“I've been here four times, and it has been an Excellent experience every time I go. The Atmosphere, food, drinks, and service were GREAT. I usually have stomach sensitives when I eat out but never at Strega. They have Real gluten, not chemically processed, and low bakers yeast in their bread and pasta. Highly recommend!“

“That very well may have been one of the best meals of my life!! The food was obviously to die for, but the ambiance and level of hospitality was also beyond elite. Couldn't recommend this place more - can't wait to be back!

My favorites were the vodka sauce pork chop and of course the golden deviled eggs - cmon now!“

“We stopped in for some stuffed breads and tried some italian pastry.They where all excellant and be back for sure.“

“The best Restaurant in CT. A combination of good food, price, and attention, among other things, the kindness of its Staff. A great experience. I recommend it, you won't regret it!!“

“Delicious seafood and steaks! Excellent martini's!!“

“Best restaurant ever. Every visit was great! Food Great! Service great! Atmosphere great ! This is our go-to restaurant. Highly recommend !“

“fried mozzarella r banging, get garlic bread with it to start off, after that whatever u feel like having, it the oldest spot around with one of best food in west haven“

“Excellent menu, food, staff and ambience!“

“Excellent food, good service.“

“Excellent dinner and very friendly staff“

“Had a great meal, the crab cakes were delicious! Love the ambiance! Waitress was fantastic with great service. For such an elegant charming restaurant, was disappointed the hostess was dressed in leggings and crop top …. took away from our first impressions unfortunately.“

“Always an amazing meal. Fresh. Hot. Delicious.“

“Amazing authentic Italian food; cozy & classy ambiance, private back room for parties & outdoor seating.“

“Yesterday, they were at ShopRite in Clinton. I’m so glad they were as it was truly the best Italian sausage I’ve ever had! Top notch ingredients and no corn syrup or preservatives like the others. The best!“

“incredible sandwich and service. super fresh ingredients and maybe the best bread I've ever had. highly recommend.“

“This place is the best restaurant outside of Naples Italy. My wife and I have been to Naples many times and Zenelli’d reminds us so much of the restaurants in Naples.“

“FABULOUS FAMILY ITALY ALWAYS“

“Great squid among other foods“

“Came here on a quiet weeknight and was amazed by the authentic Italian cuisine. Started off with a wonderful Burrata then I had the Rigatoni Bolgenese with was really good. We also bought a loaf of the Italian Bread to bring home. That bread with some Cabot butter and you are on to something!! Would visit again.“

“Awesome foods, staffs very friendly and accomodating.“

“First time here & Booked a party for 32 last night. They were helpful with the booking, queries and accommodating with requests and putting the decor out. The food was amazing and complimented by all and the manager/owner who looked after us were attentive. Great evening for all - thank you will be returning!“

“I had an INCREDIBLE experience at Olive Garden North Haven. After hearing complaints about the quality / service, I was worried to come. I was so so happy about the unlimited breadsticks I took a picture. My server was wonderful, may have accidentally gotten her in the picture. 😂😂 10/10 service!!!“

“On Saturday, June 11th after my Mom’s Memorial service I brought 35 people to lunch. The waitstaff was well organized, very attentive, not to mention the food was OUTSTANDING!! Everyone ordered off the menu, drinks were served along with appetizers and dessert. We all ate at the same time which is hard to do with that many people. I would highly recommend Cafe Fiore in Branford, CT to anyone who is looking to have an event or just a nice lunch or dinner. They staff worked so well together that I gave them a 30% gratuity. WELL DONE CAFE FIORE!“

“I give Villa Lulu a solid 4, bordering on 5, but I'm so fussy, it's probably a 5. I save 5's for something so amazing I just can't describe it. After a brief snafu with who our waiter was, the staff was super accomodating with everything. They kept their promise to get us to the show on time. So, service ended up a 5 but started as a 2 or 3. Food, we had a variety of salads and appetizers, two main courses for 4 of us. All were very good., to excellent Atmosphere, 4, and I only detract because we had to walk up a steep flight of stairs to the dining room, so if you are physically unable to make the stairs, your options will be limited. There is al fresco dining but it was too cold. I am sincerely looking forward to returning and trying more options at a more leisurely pace because it's the type of place where you can actually carry on a conversation without the clatter of dishes and the intrusion of others' conversations. It's very warm and cozy and would be good for a romantic dinner. Reminds me of "The Big Night" kind of vibe.“

“Modern Apizza is our favorite pizza restaurant. Always a must when we are in New Haven. Nothing comes close in Florida“

“I visited Shoreline for the first time tonight after driving by many times. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich on focaccia to pick up.. and since sides at most places are tiny, I ordered an extra.. both Cole Slaw and Macaroni Salad. Well the sides are large and so is the sandwich. Two whole chicken breasts with mozzarella and honey mustard. All very delicious! But way too much for me to finish in one meal. I’m saving half of it for lunch. It was a great choice to visit Shoreline! I will return!!“

“We had dinner tonight at Nikki and Frankie's on Route 80 on the recommendation of a friend.. the eggplant was fantastic and made the right way the good old-fashioned Italian way.. the meatballs were legit the sauce was delish and couldn't be any fresher... we were welcomed like we were walking into aunties dining room and the place was clean as a whistle.. A must go to !“

“Gabrieles was the venue for my son and daughter in laws rehearsal dinner and it was fabulous, the food was delicious and the staff friendly and accommodating highly recommend“

“Great atmosphere, great wait staff and fantastic food. The portions are large too!“

“I dream about their eggplant parm. & pasta fagioli. Simply the best. Lou & Lorenzo Coletta make the best food ever. Everything is fresh and handmade. Great people.“

“I came from Virginia to visit my sister and kept hearing about it and wanted to try it. The Fresh Tomatoes Pizza was excellent! The staff was very friendly. Loved it!!“

“Fantastic experience .The staff were friendly and attentive, and the owners were so welcoming. Great atmosphere , great food and service , I will definitely be coming back“

“The carbonara is THE BEST!!! I WILL NEVER EAT ANY OTHER 😋“