Everything we got was delicious. Found out our favorite were NY oysters due to being sweeter. A bit pricy but to be expected.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carla Staver
Aggressively salty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters
Joseph Murrell
This was my first time dining at Fair Haven Oyster Club, and I must say I had an amazing experience! Our waitress was very attentive, and I also like how we were encouraged to order everything at once so it could be brought out course-style and in a timely fashion. I absolutely loved the tin fish(spiced mackerel), one of the best I've ever had....definitely a highlight for a tin fish lover like myself! My branzino was made to perfection, and the spicy tomato based sauce complimented it very well! I also had a grilled mackerel, which was very good as well! I'm under the impression they have a rotating menu based on available ingredients, I can't wait to visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Mackerel, Tin Mackerel
Marcy Gonski
Attention to detail, and fresh ingredients make Fair Haven Oyster a standout! The menu is eclectic and fantastic. Servers were friendly and attentive. Emily greets and chats with everyone. I love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reyvin Weaver
My fiance and I sat down for a dinner service and the waitress scolded us for just ordering a drink and an appetizer at first and then she decided to help everyone in the restaurant but us after that. We had to get her attention just to place an order after she walked up to two other tables three separate times to talk to them and not us. Like sorry for not dressing as “professional” as the rest.
Clare McNair
Dinner, drinks, and dessert were all delicious. Fantastic service and such a cool location. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer M
One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! Food and service and staff all amazing! I’ll never go back to New Haven without a stop at Fair Haven!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ira Leeds
This one's on me. I feel bad writing a relatively negative review given that it was my decision to try another of Emily Mingrone's restaurants when I was so unimpressed with her much vaunted Tavern on State. Chef-owner Mingrone and I have never met, but after my second attempt, it's clear to me that my vibe and the chef's vibe simply don't mesh...and that's ok. First, to start with the positives. I loved the oyster selection that was both broad without being silly. We got a dozen oysters and each was distinct to be memorable but also arranged well and tasted fresh. The feel of Fair Haven Oyster Co. is also wonderfully modern while also a bit of nostalgic kitschy. As someone who grew up in and around harbor yards, walking into what looks like a marina dive bar to the beautiful tiny restaurant was a real treat.
Now on to the negatives. There is some fundamental disagreement between this restaurant group's palate and mine. The dishes as a rule are overwhelming flavor forward. Sometimes this works well as in the case of the beets that were well seasoned and creatively dressed with a soy-based finish. Most of the times, this leads to just too much of a palate party that a) destroys any natural flavor in the item (branzini, squash, duck), and b) almost numbs your tongue to any further stimulation thereafter. In the worst case scenarios (the maple chess pie), it leads to something that is simply inedible and tastes like it was baked with the wrong size measuring cup of salt.
Food is foremost, but where I struggled the most was with the extra touches. Our server was present, professional, and friendly but seemed to have equally off base recommendations as befitted my complaints about the food above. Based on our experience at Tavern on State being too flavor forward, we specifically asked for the mildest fish preparation and were recommended the branzini which was served in what essentially tasted like a more chef-inspired pool of tabasco sauce. This same serve also recommended the chess pie which as noted above we took one bit of and left. Perhaps I'm asking too much, but when half a branzini is left uneaten and 3/4 of dessert were ignored, you would think there woudl be a bit more pushing as to what went wrong and how they could make it up (didn't happen).
The final point is how Mingrone's restaurants handle table reservations. I realize these are small restaurants but this practice is abhorrent. Using Resy, first, you're getting texts all times of the day and night for days leading up to your reservation. Yes, yes, I get it. When I booked, I committed to paying for a no-show reservation. I don't need reminders and reconfirmations of that (it's just obnoxious). If I don't show up, charge me as you said you were going to and get on with it (just to be clear, I showed up...and on a related matter don't think I've ever completely no showed a reservation in my life). Next, as you're walking into these restaurants, you get a text warning you that you only have 90 minutes to eat and then get out. Well... they mean it. The couple next to me were ordering drinks and additional small plates when their 90 minutes ended. Not only did the server still take the drink orders, but when they came back around to deliver the drink, they were told they needed to leave their table as their 90 minutes were up...this is absurd in Fair Haven, CT. Also, fair warning to all, both Fair Haven Oyster Co and Tavern on State meals we've had (normal meals, ordered all of the menu) were typically 2-3x longer wait times for orders to come out than I'm used to in peer restaurants. So after seeing the table next to me excused, I'm literally looking at my watch every 10 minutes as I anticipate that our mains would be served after the 90 minute mark and we would be eating them in the parking lot.
I'm sorry to be so negative, but this restaurant group is overhyped. If you're stuck
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Caramelliez
Ally was amazing! Service here is amazing! Everyone was so nice and I love a place that’s super welcoming. The manager even came by our table to ask how the food was, of course it was delicious. Definitely a place I will be back too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Tin Scallops
Barbara Petano
The biggest, HUGE, shrimp I've ever had. Sauce nicely balanced, tasted a slight kick. I had scallops, pine nuts, perfectly prepared. Friend had the burger, and I had burger envy, fries nice and crispy. So many choices and all so different. A culinary delight. Service was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable. Nicely done, Chef Emily. And the view!! Can hardly wait for the leaves to turn.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Tin Scallops
5 stars. Amazing food BUT fix your water. The chlorine taste of it ruins the amazing food that you produce.
Absolutely worth eating there.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
C. Mun
We had a delicious meal here. It has one of the tastiest mocktail selections in town. The oysters were fresh and overall good but some were a bit bland. I needed it to be a bit more briny. I was impressed with how well they deboned the trout. I wish the skin had been a bit more crisp. The cod was good, but since it was served in a bowl with long greens, cutting them was a little awkward. The long bean caesars were a nice substitution for romaine and probably more nutritious. There's a lot of flavor in the sauces. I'd definitely come again. The desserts weren't inspiring so we left it at that. with 20% tip, the bill was $165 or so.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Lorraine Beals
We had a great time at the restaurant last night. We shared a roasted pepper appetizer, and a glazed duck appetizer. I had fig scallops dish, my husband had cod and my son had a hamburger. We all followed up our delicious dinners with a scrumptious chocolate mousse. Our table had a nice view of the river, our waitress Lucia was wonderful along with the rest of the friendly staff. I highly recommend Fair Haven Oyster Company!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William Andreycak
Best meal we've ever had in New Haven. Creative and unexpected dishes, wonderful service, and obvious care for the smallest details. Absolute must.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sean Byington
This place has an amazingly friendly atmosphere. Combine that with delicious food; and great drinks... You'll have a wonderful time, guaranteed!! Call for reservations seats are a premium!
Everything we got was delicious. Found out our favorite were NY oysters due to being sweeter. A bit pricy but to be expected.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aggressively salty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters
This was my first time dining at Fair Haven Oyster Club, and I must say I had an amazing experience! Our waitress was very attentive, and I also like how we were encouraged to order everything at once so it could be brought out course-style and in a timely fashion. I absolutely loved the tin fish(spiced mackerel), one of the best I've ever had....definitely a highlight for a tin fish lover like myself! My branzino was made to perfection, and the spicy tomato based sauce complimented it very well! I also had a grilled mackerel, which was very good as well! I'm under the impression they have a rotating menu based on available ingredients, I can't wait to visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Mackerel, Tin Mackerel
Attention to detail, and fresh ingredients make Fair Haven Oyster a standout! The menu is eclectic and fantastic. Servers were friendly and attentive. Emily greets and chats with everyone. I love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My fiance and I sat down for a dinner service and the waitress scolded us for just ordering a drink and an appetizer at first and then she decided to help everyone in the restaurant but us after that. We had to get her attention just to place an order after she walked up to two other tables three separate times to talk to them and not us. Like sorry for not dressing as “professional” as the rest.
Dinner, drinks, and dessert were all delicious. Fantastic service and such a cool location. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! Food and service and staff all amazing! I’ll never go back to New Haven without a stop at Fair Haven!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This one's on me. I feel bad writing a relatively negative review given that it was my decision to try another of Emily Mingrone's restaurants when I was so unimpressed with her much vaunted Tavern on State. Chef-owner Mingrone and I have never met, but after my second attempt, it's clear to me that my vibe and the chef's vibe simply don't mesh...and that's ok. First, to start with the positives. I loved the oyster selection that was both broad without being silly. We got a dozen oysters and each was distinct to be memorable but also arranged well and tasted fresh. The feel of Fair Haven Oyster Co. is also wonderfully modern while also a bit of nostalgic kitschy. As someone who grew up in and around harbor yards, walking into what looks like a marina dive bar to the beautiful tiny restaurant was a real treat.
Now on to the negatives. There is some fundamental disagreement between this restaurant group's palate and mine. The dishes as a rule are overwhelming flavor forward. Sometimes this works well as in the case of the beets that were well seasoned and creatively dressed with a soy-based finish. Most of the times, this leads to just too much of a palate party that a) destroys any natural flavor in the item (branzini, squash, duck), and b) almost numbs your tongue to any further stimulation thereafter. In the worst case scenarios (the maple chess pie), it leads to something that is simply inedible and tastes like it was baked with the wrong size measuring cup of salt.
Food is foremost, but where I struggled the most was with the extra touches. Our server was present, professional, and friendly but seemed to have equally off base recommendations as befitted my complaints about the food above. Based on our experience at Tavern on State being too flavor forward, we specifically asked for the mildest fish preparation and were recommended the branzini which was served in what essentially tasted like a more chef-inspired pool of tabasco sauce. This same serve also recommended the chess pie which as noted above we took one bit of and left. Perhaps I'm asking too much, but when half a branzini is left uneaten and 3/4 of dessert were ignored, you would think there woudl be a bit more pushing as to what went wrong and how they could make it up (didn't happen).
The final point is how Mingrone's restaurants handle table reservations. I realize these are small restaurants but this practice is abhorrent. Using Resy, first, you're getting texts all times of the day and night for days leading up to your reservation. Yes, yes, I get it. When I booked, I committed to paying for a no-show reservation. I don't need reminders and reconfirmations of that (it's just obnoxious). If I don't show up, charge me as you said you were going to and get on with it (just to be clear, I showed up...and on a related matter don't think I've ever completely no showed a reservation in my life). Next, as you're walking into these restaurants, you get a text warning you that you only have 90 minutes to eat and then get out. Well... they mean it. The couple next to me were ordering drinks and additional small plates when their 90 minutes ended. Not only did the server still take the drink orders, but when they came back around to deliver the drink, they were told they needed to leave their table as their 90 minutes were up...this is absurd in Fair Haven, CT. Also, fair warning to all, both Fair Haven Oyster Co and Tavern on State meals we've had (normal meals, ordered all of the menu) were typically 2-3x longer wait times for orders to come out than I'm used to in peer restaurants. So after seeing the table next to me excused, I'm literally looking at my watch every 10 minutes as I anticipate that our mains would be served after the 90 minute mark and we would be eating them in the parking lot.
I'm sorry to be so negative, but this restaurant group is overhyped. If you're stuck
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Ally was amazing! Service here is amazing! Everyone was so nice and I love a place that’s super welcoming. The manager even came by our table to ask how the food was, of course it was delicious. Definitely a place I will be back too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Tin Scallops
The biggest, HUGE, shrimp I've ever had. Sauce nicely balanced, tasted a slight kick. I had scallops, pine nuts, perfectly prepared. Friend had the burger, and I had burger envy, fries nice and crispy. So many choices and all so different. A culinary delight. Service was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable. Nicely done, Chef Emily. And the view!! Can hardly wait for the leaves to turn.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Tin Scallops
Restaurantji Recommends
5 stars. Amazing food BUT fix your water. The chlorine taste of it ruins the amazing food that you produce.
Absolutely worth eating there.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
We had a delicious meal here. It has one of the tastiest mocktail selections in town. The oysters were fresh and overall good but some were a bit bland. I needed it to be a bit more briny. I was impressed with how well they deboned the trout. I wish the skin had been a bit more crisp. The cod was good, but since it was served in a bowl with long greens, cutting them was a little awkward. The long bean caesars were a nice substitution for romaine and probably more nutritious. There's a lot of flavor in the sauces. I'd definitely come again. The desserts weren't inspiring so we left it at that. with 20% tip, the bill was $165 or so.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
We had a great time at the restaurant last night. We shared a roasted pepper appetizer, and a glazed duck appetizer. I had fig scallops dish, my husband had cod and my son had a hamburger. We all followed up our delicious dinners with a scrumptious chocolate mousse. Our table had a nice view of the river, our waitress Lucia was wonderful along with the rest of the friendly staff. I highly recommend Fair Haven Oyster Company!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best meal we've ever had in New Haven. Creative and unexpected dishes, wonderful service, and obvious care for the smallest details. Absolute must.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has an amazingly friendly atmosphere. Combine that with delicious food; and great drinks... You'll have a wonderful time, guaranteed!! Call for reservations seats are a premium!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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