We had oysters on half shells for antipasto and a lobster fettuccine and a branzino (which came with sauteed spinach and purple potatoes) for main courses, then finished with a berries cheesecake. Now the oysters were so good that we ordered another four. Then my husband had a bite of the fettuccine and told me, it's so good he felt like flying with wings. Which made me wonder what he meant, so I had a bite. The parsley worked magically with the lobster, and the fettuccine was done perfectly. And the lobster was succulent and sweet. Now back to my branzino. I actually never liked branzino the fish, mainly for its boring texture and taste. I ordered it just because I felt adventurous today, really. But this one surprised me. The crushed pistachios somehow worked wonders with the branzino, hah! And the sauteed spinach, as well as the grilled purple potatoes, were mind blowing. I will go back, if not for the lobster fettuccine, only for the spinach and the purple potatoes. Oh, and we had a side of sauteed broccoli rabe which was no less miraculous than the spinach and purple potatoes. We agreed that this is a restaurant we'll visit again soon. The dessert was a neat finish to the fulfilling meal. This was a happy, rainy evening. Oh and we loved Francesco. We had servers who would constantly make remarks or gestures that left guests feeling bothered and uneasy, but Francesco was just right. He's so cordial and effective, always there when we thought to look up but never intrusive or inhospitable for the sake of being hospitable. I guess he's also part of the reason we felt so comfortable dining there.
beatricepT6932MW
Authentic Italian restaurant. Great food, very courteous service. The prices are fair, given the excellent quality of the food. Would highly recommend
adangelo3
THE MOST AMAZING MEAL IN NEW HAVEN. AUTHENTIC CUSINE AND RECIPES FROM ITALY AND THE OWNERS ARE SUPER FRIENDLY AND POLITE! 10+++++
Explorer22523591254
We just moved to New Haven East Rock. We are new. When we went to Caffe Bravo it was slightly busy but there were still many tables empty. After we sat down, no server came to our table of two for 10-15 min. I flagged the host and ordered a drink. No drink for another 10 minutes. Finally the host saw my table without anything, and she brought me my drink. When we finally met our server I was shocked to find out that this was the same server who has been schmoozing with the other tables around me all along. They were the regulars, as I could tell. All of sudden I felt like an outsider and sad. I would not have noticed this unless I realized that our table was ignored for 20 minutes for no good reason. In this meal, I had to speak up to make sure I got served with the attention that I or anyone deserved. Then I received much subtle attitude from them rest of the time. I haven’t had to do that in a while. Online ratings for this restaurant are generally good. I’m sure many of the locals and certain clients get good dining experience. I felt like an outsider the whole time however. Restaurant owner, pls be more attentive to all your servers and hosts. There were two hosts at the door that nite. This review is meant to be helpful. Raising the staff’s sensitivity to diversity might help. Maybe your staff are excellent with diversity and I just had one bad night, one bad experience. But I cannot let this go without sharing with them I was very sad that night at Caffe Bravo.
bacci1977
Went there spontaneously on Monday for dinner. Were surprised that alcoholic drinks were 50% off on mondays - we had a bottle of Chardonnay and some draught Perroni. All went for pasta dishes. Al dente. Big portions. Yummy (Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle al ragu)
Xavier W
First time I went, waited 30 min for service on the patio. The waitress claimed she didn’t know we were in her section, although we asked several other waiters to send our waitress during those 30 minutes. The frutti di mare was ok, but the pasta was terrible. Second time i went, tried to keep an open mind. I was served immediately yes, but by a rude waitress, Kathleen. she didn’t welcome us in or even ask us if we wanted any drinks she literally walked over to our table and said “you guys ready”? Food was undercooked and had to be sent back. Food for the other members of my party was flavorless and was sent back as well. Didn’t even say thank you or have a nice night. Perhaps it was because we were the youngest people in there? Everybody else in there was at least 30 years older than us. I don’t know, just seems they are rude without reason. I’de say avoid if you are under 30
KiyoshiT
This establishment does have an outdoor section, roofed but open on the sides, but we, a party of three, were unable to obtain a reservation there. Nevertheless, we felt safe sitting indoors as there is sufficient spacing between tables and a lot of ventilation. The salad special with arugula, shaved fennel and oranges was delicious, as were our varied entrees, all traditional Southern Italian but carefully cooked, in reasonable, not enormous portions. On a pleasant late spring day we really enjoyed the neighborhood ambience, with many pedestrians walking by and some chatting with diners. Service was casual and friendly but impeccable--not a missed cue. it was my first time here and I definitely plan to return.
Ken_Blanchard
Went with another couple upon their recommendation. It was our first visit and even though it's pretty far from home we hope to visit again. Our dinners were all excellent. I Gnocchi de Casa; very lean very tender cubes of braised beef. My wife and I shared the beet salad with goat cheese and loved it. Our friends had the pumpkin ravioli and the pasta Bolognese. Scrumptious! We topped it off with a tiramisu and a molten lava cake. The servers were very friendly and efficient. Cozy atmosphere; it fills up quickly, so get there early!
AnitaGBillings_MT
My son who lives nearby recommended Caffe Bravo for my friend and I for lunch. We had gone on a LONG walk on a rather hot day and were ready for shade, cocktails and food. They seated us immediately on the patio which was really comfortable. We shared a panini that was wonderful and the service was spot on even though they were quite busy. I would definitely go back!
Seaside06333229928
Food was good. Suggest not to dine outside area, no proper insulation, lot of nice and you are neglected by waitress..
Great restaurant, small, but with excellent food , terrific for lunch. They don’t take dinner reservations, so if you go I won’t be able to get in! Recommend any dish with guanciale, a bacon made from pork cheek. All pastas are home made. Salmon dishes are not up to same level as rest of menu. Specials are usually amazing. Beautiful decor. Take someone there and fall in love
DanielleInCT
A little on the higher priced side(glass of wine, 2 entrees, pizza, and 2 sodas came to $100+), but a great Italian option. My husband and I came in on a Saturday night aroind 8pm; parking wasnt terrible but we did have to go down the block a bit. They have indoor and covered out door seating. This place would be good for couples, small family or small friend gatherings. Menu had a decent variety, could use a little more option but everything we ordered came out quickly and tasted great. They were accomodating to my special need for minimal oil use to cook my seafood. Portions are decent, we didn't feel overly full. It seemed like there was a bit more chicken on the one plate than seafood for the other.Would definitely consider returning in the future
531beverlyb
Delightful patio for dining with excellent service. The menu was diverse enough to accommodate the various "diet restrictions" of our group.
Russell860
I have been coming to lunch at caffe bravo for several years and it always provides a good and consistent experience. It provides good food which is imaginative at a good price. The staff are friendly and efficient. What is not to like. Today the ravioli was a little different with a stronger focus on mushrooms. For a neighborhood gem, this is the place to come to.
JJFlash7
Excellent Italian ....very enjoyable, nice service...great little hidden gem in the Orange Street neighborhood.. Enjoyed the linguini and clams, calamari appetizer, all good ..definitely worth a try if you haven't been there yet....
We had oysters on half shells for antipasto and a lobster fettuccine and a branzino (which came with sauteed spinach and purple potatoes) for main courses, then finished with a berries cheesecake. Now the oysters were so good that we ordered another four. Then my husband had a bite of the fettuccine and told me, it's so good he felt like flying with wings. Which made me wonder what he meant, so I had a bite. The parsley worked magically with the lobster, and the fettuccine was done perfectly. And the lobster was succulent and sweet. Now back to my branzino. I actually never liked branzino the fish, mainly for its boring texture and taste. I ordered it just because I felt adventurous today, really. But this one surprised me. The crushed pistachios somehow worked wonders with the branzino, hah! And the sauteed spinach, as well as the grilled purple potatoes, were mind blowing. I will go back, if not for the lobster fettuccine, only for the spinach and the purple potatoes. Oh, and we had a side of sauteed broccoli rabe which was no less miraculous than the spinach and purple potatoes. We agreed that this is a restaurant we'll visit again soon. The dessert was a neat finish to the fulfilling meal. This was a happy, rainy evening. Oh and we loved Francesco. We had servers who would constantly make remarks or gestures that left guests feeling bothered and uneasy, but Francesco was just right. He's so cordial and effective, always there when we thought to look up but never intrusive or inhospitable for the sake of being hospitable. I guess he's also part of the reason we felt so comfortable dining there.
Authentic Italian restaurant. Great food, very courteous service. The prices are fair, given the excellent quality of the food. Would highly recommend
THE MOST AMAZING MEAL IN NEW HAVEN. AUTHENTIC CUSINE AND RECIPES FROM ITALY AND THE OWNERS ARE SUPER FRIENDLY AND POLITE! 10+++++
We just moved to New Haven East Rock. We are new. When we went to Caffe Bravo it was slightly busy but there were still many tables empty. After we sat down, no server came to our table of two for 10-15 min. I flagged the host and ordered a drink. No drink for another 10 minutes. Finally the host saw my table without anything, and she brought me my drink. When we finally met our server I was shocked to find out that this was the same server who has been schmoozing with the other tables around me all along. They were the regulars, as I could tell. All of sudden I felt like an outsider and sad. I would not have noticed this unless I realized that our table was ignored for 20 minutes for no good reason. In this meal, I had to speak up to make sure I got served with the attention that I or anyone deserved. Then I received much subtle attitude from them rest of the time. I haven’t had to do that in a while. Online ratings for this restaurant are generally good. I’m sure many of the locals and certain clients get good dining experience. I felt like an outsider the whole time however. Restaurant owner, pls be more attentive to all your servers and hosts. There were two hosts at the door that nite. This review is meant to be helpful. Raising the staff’s sensitivity to diversity might help. Maybe your staff are excellent with diversity and I just had one bad night, one bad experience. But I cannot let this go without sharing with them I was very sad that night at Caffe Bravo.
Went there spontaneously on Monday for dinner. Were surprised that alcoholic drinks were 50% off on mondays - we had a bottle of Chardonnay and some draught Perroni. All went for pasta dishes. Al dente. Big portions. Yummy (Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle al ragu)
First time I went, waited 30 min for service on the patio. The waitress claimed she didn’t know we were in her section, although we asked several other waiters to send our waitress during those 30 minutes. The frutti di mare was ok, but the pasta was terrible. Second time i went, tried to keep an open mind. I was served immediately yes, but by a rude waitress, Kathleen. she didn’t welcome us in or even ask us if we wanted any drinks she literally walked over to our table and said “you guys ready”? Food was undercooked and had to be sent back. Food for the other members of my party was flavorless and was sent back as well. Didn’t even say thank you or have a nice night. Perhaps it was because we were the youngest people in there? Everybody else in there was at least 30 years older than us. I don’t know, just seems they are rude without reason. I’de say avoid if you are under 30
This establishment does have an outdoor section, roofed but open on the sides, but we, a party of three, were unable to obtain a reservation there. Nevertheless, we felt safe sitting indoors as there is sufficient spacing between tables and a lot of ventilation. The salad special with arugula, shaved fennel and oranges was delicious, as were our varied entrees, all traditional Southern Italian but carefully cooked, in reasonable, not enormous portions. On a pleasant late spring day we really enjoyed the neighborhood ambience, with many pedestrians walking by and some chatting with diners. Service was casual and friendly but impeccable--not a missed cue. it was my first time here and I definitely plan to return.
Went with another couple upon their recommendation. It was our first visit and even though it's pretty far from home we hope to visit again. Our dinners were all excellent. I Gnocchi de Casa; very lean very tender cubes of braised beef. My wife and I shared the beet salad with goat cheese and loved it. Our friends had the pumpkin ravioli and the pasta Bolognese. Scrumptious! We topped it off with a tiramisu and a molten lava cake. The servers were very friendly and efficient. Cozy atmosphere; it fills up quickly, so get there early!
My son who lives nearby recommended Caffe Bravo for my friend and I for lunch. We had gone on a LONG walk on a rather hot day and were ready for shade, cocktails and food. They seated us immediately on the patio which was really comfortable. We shared a panini that was wonderful and the service was spot on even though they were quite busy. I would definitely go back!
Food was good. Suggest not to dine outside area, no proper insulation, lot of nice and you are neglected by waitress..
Restaurantji Recommends
Great restaurant, small, but with excellent food , terrific for lunch. They don’t take dinner reservations, so if you go I won’t be able to get in! Recommend any dish with guanciale, a bacon made from pork cheek. All pastas are home made. Salmon dishes are not up to same level as rest of menu. Specials are usually amazing. Beautiful decor. Take someone there and fall in love
A little on the higher priced side(glass of wine, 2 entrees, pizza, and 2 sodas came to $100+), but a great Italian option. My husband and I came in on a Saturday night aroind 8pm; parking wasnt terrible but we did have to go down the block a bit. They have indoor and covered out door seating. This place would be good for couples, small family or small friend gatherings. Menu had a decent variety, could use a little more option but everything we ordered came out quickly and tasted great. They were accomodating to my special need for minimal oil use to cook my seafood. Portions are decent, we didn't feel overly full. It seemed like there was a bit more chicken on the one plate than seafood for the other.Would definitely consider returning in the future
Delightful patio for dining with excellent service. The menu was diverse enough to accommodate the various "diet restrictions" of our group.
I have been coming to lunch at caffe bravo for several years and it always provides a good and consistent experience. It provides good food which is imaginative at a good price. The staff are friendly and efficient. What is not to like. Today the ravioli was a little different with a stronger focus on mushrooms. For a neighborhood gem, this is the place to come to.
Excellent Italian ....very enjoyable, nice service...great little hidden gem in the Orange Street neighborhood.. Enjoyed the linguini and clams, calamari appetizer, all good ..definitely worth a try if you haven't been there yet....
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