Best Authentic Restaurants in West Haven

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Strega - New Haven restaurant

1. Strega - New Haven

4.6

Exceptional(26)

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.

2. L'Orcio

4.5

Awesome(2260)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 10 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.

3. Villa Lulu

4.6

Exceptional(519)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 8 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!

A photo of Barracuda Bistro & Bar restaurant

4. Barracuda Bistro & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(74)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • New Haven

Booked 3 times today

Named one of the top Latin American restaurants in the state by Connecticut Magazine, Barracuda Bistro & Bar is a Latin American Gastro Bar, now located on Crown St in downtown New Haven directly behind 80 PROOF. The owner & chef of Barracuda, Sonia Salazar, grew up in Colombia but trained as a chef in the United States. The food & drink menu she has cultivated combine the authentic flavors and ingredients of Latin America with traditional American comfort food. The food, the drinks & the casually sophisticated ambiance is perfect for happy hour, dinner, or a late night affair. Noteworthy: Arepas, yuca nachos, mojitos, margaritasLocated near the Yale campus, Yale Rep Theater, Art galleries and much more. If you have tried Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos or 80 PROOF come taste where Chef Salazar started it all!

A photo of Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven restaurant

5. 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.

6. Caffe Bravo

4.8

Exceptional(320)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 5 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.

A photo of Pho Thai - New Haven restaurant

7. Pho Thai - New Haven

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Moderate

• Thai • New Haven

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to Pho Thai, your go-to destination for an authentic Thai culinary journey right in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut. We offer a wide array of Thai delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Thai cuisine, with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and robust flavors. Our dishes are a feast for the senses. Our extensive menu also includes a variety of appetizers, salads, fried rice dishes, chef's specials, and northeastern Thai foods. To complement your meal, we offer a selection of refreshing slush series, fresh fruit teas, milk teas, and bubble teas. Join us at Pho Thai, where we serve not just meals, but traditions. We look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant and sharing the rich flavors and culture of Thailand with you.

A photo of Bangkok Room - Milford restaurant

8. Bangkok Room - Milford

5.0

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• Thai • Milford

Authentic Thai cuisine with cook to order. Many vegetarian and gluten free options. Customer satisfaction is our priority. We are a BYOB! No charge.

A photo of Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar - Shelton restaurant

9. Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar - Shelton

new

4.0

Excellent(2)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Shelton

Booked 25 times today

At Mercato, a new-school Italian restaurant, we embrace our motto: Mangia, Bevi, Ridi—Eat, Drink, Laugh. Enjoy delicious pasta, pizzas, salads, and authentic Italian dishes crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.Join us in our warm, inviting atmosphere for a casual dinner or a special night out. At Mercato, eating, drinking, and laughing are at the heart of everything we do.

10. Strega Milford

4.6

Exceptional(363)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Milford

Booked 7 times today

Our mission at Strega is to bring the diner to the Italy that we know and love. Influenced by the traditions of several parts of the Italian peninsula, Strega is keen on creating a deeply authentic Italian experience. With a home-grown appreciation and knowledge of Italy’s historical and culinary past, we focus on imported Italian products and are committed to authencity in our recipes and menu choices.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Johnvip
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Nov 2024
They are the definition of fine dining. Truly remarkable.
More info
Strega - New HavenPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Haven
•
4.6
L
Lindy Leevip
New York City •66 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 Nov 2024
Great ambiance and gracious hospitality Service was attentive but inexperienced Food was beautifully plated and very good We chatted with other diners who were equally pleased.
More info
Villa LuluPrice: Moderate• Italian• New Haven
•
4.6
S
Susanvip
Chicago / Illinois •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Nov 2024
Wonderful food, charming staff, and beautiful decor - in a pleasant residential neighborhood. I've been eating here for 25 years and never had a bad meal.
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Caffe BravoPrice: Moderate• Italian• New Haven
•
4.8
S
Saveena
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 21 Nov 2024
The dishes were excellent! We ordered the sea bass, lamp chops, and butternut squash pasta. The grilled veggie appetizer and burrata salad was exquisite as well. We loved the service; our server was so attentive to our needs and did an excellent job. We also enjoyed the cocktails and mocktails as well. Thank you for a wonderful family dinner experience!
More info
L'OrcioPrice: Moderate• Italian• New Haven
•
4.5
M
Mercedes
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 Sept 2024
Me and my friend drove an hour and a half to eat here and it was worth every mile!!! The food was amazing the drink I got which was a passion fruit mojito was off the charts and the service was excellent! I will definitely come back soon!! Thank you for a great experience.
More info
Barracuda Bistro & BarPrice: Moderate• Latin American• New Haven
•
4.6

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West Haven

Best Authentic Restaurants in West Haven

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Strega - New Haven

2. L'Orcio

3. Villa Lulu

4. Barracuda Bistro & Bar

5. Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

6. Caffe Bravo

7. Pho Thai - New Haven

8. Bangkok Room - Milford

9. Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar - Shelton

10. Strega Milford

See what locals rave about

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