“I feel like a lot of people don’t know that there really is an embarrassment of riches of restaurants in New Haven County. If you love good food all you have to do is look around here. Dad is the one who made the reservation at Fair Haven Oyster Club (I’m pretty sure you must make a reservation, the spot is small and if the weather is bad the only seating is the bar and a row of two tops behind the bar). I looked up the menu and it looked pretty SPECTACULAR. Reminder: I don’t eat beef, pork or poultry. Lots of times my choices are somewhat limited when we dine out, not at Fair Haven. WOW. Now, if you don’t eat seafood I’m pretty sure you’re out of luck. I don’t think there was anything vegetarian, let alone vegan. Note: Dad reserved “in the bar” on Resy. Turns out that is stools AT the bar. “Dining room” is the two tops that are right behind the bar. So choose wisely. Outdoor seating I think is weather dependent and we got the most spectacular evening last night. We arrived very early for our reservation because we were out and about anyway and it worked out because they sat us out on the deck overlooking the water and the boats. Hands Down now of the very best settings I have ever dined in (and I have dined all over this country and world). Weather was perfection, beautiful blue sky, big, fluffy clouds;s tide was going out, water was crystal clear; across the Quinnipiac River you could see old homes and an old church; off in the distance I could see the cars and trucks on 91. I LOVED THAT. I was a little worried when they gave us tiny water glasses. I drink water. Plenty of it. But they kept those little glasses full. Which is no mean feat when the place just got progressively busier and also, keeping water glasses filled is a common “weak point” when I eat out. The service here was ON POINT. While Dad was griping about the QR code menu I ordered a Hendrick’s and Tonic. Just because they looked like their cocktail game was strong. FYI, most places make terrible, undrinkable gin and tonics. Not Fair Haven Oyster Club! They served me the perfect G&T, even in the correct highball glass (!!) with super fizzy tonic water (!!!). That G&T set the tone for the rest of the meal…knocked directly out of the park. The menu is broken into Raw (they have an impressive oyster selection and caviar service, if that’s your thing), soups and salads, small plates and large plates. My plan was to eat my way through salads and small plates. I did order Scallop Crudo (olive oil, lemon, salt, herbs) and Tuna Crudo (over foie gras mousse on a brioche cracker) for the table. But then I ate them… Dad ordered Gildas to share (tiny skewers of anchovies, piparra peppers, castelvetrano olives & Mahon cheese). Super fun bar type snack. Things I ate: Fair Haven Clam Chowder. Which really tasted like a very good escarole (it was actually kelp) soup with clams. Baby Butter Lettuces (w/fried oysters, green goddess, bonito). This is EVERYTHING a salad should be. Delicious, filling, fresh, UMAMI. The fried oysters make it a legit meal. Heirloom Tomatoes (w/bottarga): beautiful, delicious tomatoes served in the most Umami-forward way possible. Uni Toast (w/ white shoyu, sesame & chive). I eat A LOT of Uni. Because I eat A LOT of Omakase and Kaiseki in NYC. So, for me? There are better ways to savor Uni. But, again! UMAMI BOMB. And I am always here for the Umami. Mom and Dad ordered the Grilled Black Cod (over cucumber & snap pea salad w/ kelp ponzu & shiso). SNAPS to them for stretching outside their culinary comfort zones after I explained o them that Black Cod is one of the most delicious fish out there and ponzu us right up their alley! This dish is just glorious: Perfectly grilled fish adrift in a sea of incredibly fresh and delicious vegetables. The snap of those snap peas was perfection. For dessert we ordered Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with honey fennel pollen & wild fennel. I. LOVE. Fennel and will eat it in any form. This really did not taste of fennel. But! This was one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever h“
“I've been meaning to check this place out as it's right down the street from our house. I didn't have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised! We tried a few cocktails, a couple of the specials and 2 apps off their regular menu. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, layered flavors... honestly so impressed. And friendly service. We will be back!“
“Great locale for a dressed up night out or business meeting. Casual clothing is allowed; however, the atmosphere (and pricing) is upscale so be mindful of your attire and spending.Walk-ins are accepted but it is often busy so reservations may be preferable.All the entrees were plated beautifully; however, the lamb was by far their most aesthetic and flavorful dish. Keep in mind some of the dishes are experimental but all of our dishes were exemplary.Overall dining experience was that of a high quality upscale food only topped by union league cafeParking: Street parking is limited. You may have to walk a considerable distance to find parking“
“Let me start off with, I really love this place! The game and drink options are great and the service is pretty good, but it would be nice if they could keep the games serviced better. More than a few of the games I played had non-functioning buttons and the coin slots ate my money without giving credits.“
“Fabulous place! Unbelievable food and crafter drinks, I have tried many of them from the cocktails list and they all are just delicious! Wonderful atmosphere, smooth music and the owners never miss the opportunity to stop buy your table and say friendly hello. Now the food, just exceptional (!) always fresh and creative, new items added to the menu. Love the tapas, small dishes that allow to try the culinary talents of the chef. Donnie will great you his wonderful friendly way and Gianna will do her magic to make you feel well taken care of. Thank you for wonderful experience every time we visit.“
“I saw 5 for food basing it off the amazing drinks. They do have pre packaged snacks which the adult snack pack was so good w dark chocolate almonds and fresh cut cheese. But the drinks were the show. The bartenders are so talented. I'm not a bourbon drinker but the male bartender made this smoked marshmallow drink that changed my mind. It's a small space but totally worth it!!!!“