Best Authentic Restaurants in Branford

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex Brasserie restaurant

1. The Essex Brasserie

4.3

Awesome(59)

Price: Moderate

• French • Branford

Booked 9 times today

Chef Colt Taylor, celebrated for his culinary gem, The Essex in Old Saybrook, is proud to announce the opening of The Essex Brasserie in Branford, Connecticut, This is comfort food at its finest.The Essex Brasserie showcases Chef Taylor’s innovative approach to French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features classic French dishes, including many of the favorites at The Essex. Among the highlights:Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowders & French Onion SoupThe Wagyu BurgerBeef Wellington served with pomme purée, haricot verts, and bordelaiseFluke Meunière: A zesty and flavorful dish with peanut chile crisp Moules Frites: Fresh mussels offered in three unique stylesThe famous Essex Lobster & Beet Fusilli

A photo of Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven restaurant

2. Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

4.6

Exceptional(95)

Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • New Haven

Booked 1 time today

Patio Seating Now Available!Chacra celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to New Haven. Chacra honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name a tribute to Peru’s famous farming fields and its popular national drink “Pisco” Chacra welcomes you to discover our unique take on contemporary Peruvian cuisine, an intriguing blend of authentic and innovative dishes that are, in a word, unforgettable. Bold flavors, exotic aromas, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers, that will take you on an amazing journey that is anything but everyday BUEN PROVECHO!!!We are happy to announce that Chacra pisco-bar has been honored the Best Latin Restaurant & the Best Late Night statewide as well Best Peruvian, Best Brunch, Best lunch in New Haven County by Connecticut Magazine for their BEST OF CONNECTICUT 2024.

A photo of Strega - New Haven restaurant

3. Strega - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(29)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 2 times today

The name of the restaurant is inspired by the Legend of Janare of Benevento. Strega means ‘witch’ in Italian and Benevento is considered the “city of witches”. At Strega, our mission is to transport our guests to the Italy we cherish. Drawing inspiration from traditions across the Italian peninsula, we are dedicated to crafting an authentic Italian experience. With a profound appreciation and understanding of Italy’s rich history and culinary heritage, we prioritize using imported Italian products and are committed to maintaining authenticity in our recipes and menu selections. At Strega, we believe that cooking with seasonal, authentic ingredients means there is not need for unnecessary embellishment - our food tastes great, is fresh, and at its peak. Our experience is crafted through a series of selected choices. We take pride in serving freshly made dishes, embracing wholesome Italian cooking with fresh and healthy ingredients.We look forward to serving downtown New Haven.

4. olea - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(1406)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • New Haven

Booked 15 times today

In the heart of downtown New Haven, Connecticut, Olea offers an innovative interpretation of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Manuel Romero and his team explore these flavors in their food, wine, and cocktails, locally sourcing many products and importing specialty items from the Mediterranean region.

5. L'Orcio

4.6

Exceptional(2263)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 21 times today

RESERVATIONS:Garden Tables - Outdoor DiningStandard Tables- Indoor DiningL'Orcio is an upscale dining establishment serving Contemporary Italian Cuisine. In house made specialty pastas like Ricotta Gnocchi, Papparedelle and Ravioli are only part of the L'Orcio experience. Chef d'Amuri, an Italian native, also works his magic grilling whole fish and juicy steaks and offers a variety of meat and fish dishes daily. Desserts like Tiramisu', Charlotte agli Amaretti and Lemon Tart are also prepared in house. A relaxing and elegant ambiance with a European flair is the perfect backdrop for lunch, dinner or spirits. Located in a refurbished historical home the restaurant offers a unique space their guests. Family owned and operated with an eye for detail L'Orcio has a lot to offer. Come in for a meal, a drink or just to say Ciao.

A photo of Encore by Goodfellas restaurant

6. Encore by Goodfellas

4.6

Exceptional(380)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 28 times today

Goodfellas Restaurant is proud to present our newest venture, ENCORE by GOODFELLAS! New Haven’s most anticipated, fine dining establishment. With a combined 50 years in the restaurant industry, we bring a modern interpretation of an era when dining and entertainment went hand and hand; a space where eating and drinking and performances come alive in a luxury setting with exceptional service. Our newly renovated space boasts upper and lower level dining, a modern 40 seat bar and live entertainment every night. As always, our main commitment is on our award winning, well-rounded cuisine coupled with outstanding service. Our mission is to give our guests the ultimate night out with the highest quality food, wine, drink, service and entertainment.

A photo of Consiglio's - New Haven restaurant

7. Consiglio's - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(556)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 21 times today

Consiglio's Restaurant: A True Taste of Italy in the Heart of New Haven's Little Italy District Consiglio's Restaurant has been a staple of the Little Italy district in New Haven for over 80 years. Founded in 1938, this third-generation, family-owned establishment offers a romantic and comfortable atmosphere and uses old-world, family-inspired recipes to create delicious dishes.Consiglio's menu is focused on delivering affordable, delectable food for guests to enjoy any day of the week. Start your meal with an appetizer like the cauliflower with truffle oil, eggplant rollatini, or the fried calamari. For the main course, indulge in popular dishes like the Lobster Ravioli, Homemade Cavatelli and Braciole, or their award-winning Lasagna, which recently took home the title of "Best Pasta in the State."

A photo of Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT restaurant

8. Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT

4.5

Awesome(211)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 8 times today

Tre Scalini Ristorante in CT is the real deal when it comes to Italian cuisine. Customers rave about the 'authentic Italian food' and 'traditional' yet innovative menu. The ambiance is described as warm and inviting with a touch of elegance. It's clear that this restaurant delivers on both flavor and atmosphere, making it a beloved New Haven icon.

9. Caffe Bravo

4.7

Exceptional(329)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 8 times today

In New Haven, Connecticut, Caffe Bravo is an Italian restaurant that serves up quality authentic Italian dishes and other European specialties. Each of our pastas are house-made. The Caffe Bravo menu has extensive options for any taste, including starters, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees. Caffe Bravo provides only the freshest ingredients and emphasizes classic Italian meals using recipes that have been handed down for generations. Its elegant, cozy dining room & outdoor heated patio provides customers with a relaxed atmosphere that makes the meal even more enjoyable.

10. Villa Lulu

4.4

Awesome(528)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 6 times today

Located on “Restaurant Row” in historic downtown New Haven at The Shops at Yale, Villa Lulu’s bi-level space is a multi-sensory experience filled with eclectic artwork, vibrant textiles, an open kitchen, and lively bar scene. The menu is a bold and seasonal illustration of exceptional Italian cuisine, from market fresh and prime meat, to Neapolitan style pizza and al dente pasta dishes. Enjoy a beautiful selection of Italian wine varietals. Mixology comes in the form of creative interpretations of the classics and the use of premium spirits, house-made tinctures, syrups, purees, and infusions. Come check out why Villa Lulu was named in the New York Times 52 Best Places to Visit in 2023!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathy
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything about the dining experience was excellent and memorable, from the moment we were greeted at the door, coats taken, escorted to our prepared table, warmly welcomed by our server, presented with drinks followed by a scrumptious meal. Between the three of us we shared one another’s meal and moaned in delight over each bite. Will definitely return to this restaurant.
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L'OrcioPrice: Moderate• Italian• New Haven
•
4.6
J
Jim
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very creative presentations of terrific food. Was there recently for the third time to celebrate an anniversary and it was a third time home run. Top shelf all the way from creative cocktails to the do not miss desserts.
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olea - New HavenPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• New Haven
•
4.8
B
Brian
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
3rd time at The Essex. Food quality is top shelf. Eat at the bar and enjoy one of the best burgers you will ever have!
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The Essex BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Branford
•
4.3
M
Millie
New Mexico •1 review
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
Excellent. Superb food, gracious service. Highest recommendation.
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Strega - New HavenPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Haven
•
4.8
J
John
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 Aug 2024
Gloomy Monday Night In New Haven with the weather but the cocktails, a strawberry caprioska, crafted by Walter, the manager/owner along with the beef heart skewers off the dinner menu made for the perfect night off and evening, a quick way to turn your day around. A great staple and go to spot if your at Yale and/or in downtown New Haven.
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Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New HavenPrice: Moderate• Peruvian• New Haven
•
4.6

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Branford

Best Authentic Restaurants in Branford

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. The Essex Brasserie

2. Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

3. Strega - New Haven

4. olea - New Haven

5. L'Orcio

6. Encore by Goodfellas

7. Consiglio's - New Haven

8. Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT

9. Caffe Bravo

10. Villa Lulu

See what locals rave about

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