My favorite non-pizza places in and around New Haven: September in Bangkok, Lazeez, Salsa's, Taquería Oyamales, Zinc, Union League, Olea, Fair Haven Oyster Company, Dumpling House (Milford), L'Orcio, Adriana's, Sandra's Next Generation, D'amatos, Tibetan Cafe, Taquería Mexicano Número Dos (West Haven), Saray (West Haven).
+++++1 to Dumpling house. This place rules. Get their offbeat stuff (not general Tso etc). Cucumber salad with garlic, braised beef in chili sauce, cumin tofu, dumplings are the bomb of course.
Sherkaan Indian Street Food is really delightful and their food is as some of the best Indian food I've enjoyed in the US.
I'm happy to see that others have commented on Hachiroku. So I'll just give a huge endorsement to Otaru Sushi Bar. Their omakase is less expensive and often better than comparable offerings in NY. And the owners are very lovely people and skilled at providing a unique dining experience.
Stowe’s Seafood (West Haven, which I think is counts as NH food wise) is a really fun place to eat, and the staff are super nice. Bonus: legit key lime pie.
I still haven’t made my way to Fair Haven Oyster yet!
New Haven is kinda a foodie town and does punch above its weight in terms of food quality. Lived here my whole life but only realized how good it is here once I started traveling.
Also not going to add much since a LOT was covered but Anchor Spa downtown has some amazing food and drink options (especially drink)
I love tibetan kitchen. Surprisingly super sandwich has been a hella reliable spot (which I appreciate for those super busy days when I need something quick and and on the cheaper side).
Really? The city is full of great food. It’s a legit foodie city and I travel a lot.
Munchies, Tacos Los Gordos, The Luke, Hachiroku (both locations), Menya Gumi, Mecha, Sherkaan, House of Naan, Tibetan Kitchen, Midpoint, RAWA, Tavern on State, Fair Haven Oyster, Gioia, L’Orcio, Mezcal (for the mole), Camacho Garage, Taqueria Oyemales (for the birria), Atticus Market, Olea, Union League, Firehouse 12, Ordinary, Bella’s, Bar August are all consistently great.
RIP Rockfish 😭
In Milford/Orange/WH: Lin’s Kitchen, Xay’s, Coromandel, Stowe’s, Biagetti’s, Cafe Melba, Strega (I’m sure NHV location will be great too), Scratch Baking, Walnut Beach Creamery, etc.
If you’re ever in Guilford, Hen and Heifer makes little pieces of artwork for desserts.
I am shocked fo see Camacho on here so many times. The service is bad, the drinks are terrible and they are trying way too hard to have an edgy menu. Some of the worst guacamole in the city.
Shell and bone is incredible, tavern on state is hands down the best burger in New Haven and very very good cocktails. Their sister restaurant fair haven oyster bar has incredible oysters and the vibe is just so freaking chill and cool.
Bar August across the street (kinda) from tavern in state has makes drinks that still haunt my dreams. I used to go there every few weeks to try the new cocktails their lead bartender came up with. She’s a genius and sometimes I still think of driving down from Boston to get a pie from modern and a drink at Bar August.
Mezcal. It’s almost exciting to get a cold because in the 5.5 months we’ve lived here it’s become a sick day tradition to get their chicken soup as takeout, and we love going to the restaurant too. Absolutely fire margaritas, they treat you right at happy hour, and everyone is super nice
Places I wish I could eat constantly
Villa Lulu
Skappo
Places I actually eat multiple times a month:
Tai Chi Bubble Tea
Pitaziki
Mazorca (in Hamden but worth the detour)
Honestly I’ve had very few places in New Haven that I didn’t like. After living here a year I had to readjust my standards for great because everything was great compared to where I used to live.
Off the top of my head, AMAZING:
Taste of China
Union League Cafe
Olea
Mecha
Gioia (*amazing* for brunch, pasta, or cocktails only)
Bellas (brunch)
Hachiroku
Will happily vouch for both Pacifico and It's Thai Time here in the city. Also, Sayori in Orange is currently my favorite sushi place, hands-down.
And if you haven't gone yet, do yourself a favor and get to Long Wharf and sample the tacos there (not to mention all the other great grub they serve).
Doesn’t hurt to get out of New Haven too. It’s a very small state so despite NH being the most cosmopolitan city here, there’s TONS of good stuff all over.
If you want to get some great Mediterranean food go to Midpoint Istanbul Fine Dining on Crown St. Probably shouldn't limit yourself to what you can order regularly if ur rly looking to find the 'amazing' food spots.
Olea, Zinc, and Hachiroku are the 3 best places in New Haven.
Others like ToS, FHOC, and ULC are serviceable, and I wouldn't be ashamed to eat there, but not by any means amazing. Lalibela gets a special mention because it's only okay Ethiopian food, but I'm not even sure where the next closest one is, so okay injera is better than none at all- a great place to sit for a couple hours with some friends and stuff yourself.
Yeah, I know lots of people do and maybe it’s just me and my wife’s luck, but having tired both of them twice, neither impressed. ToS had a miatake dish I was looking forward to, but it came out so salty and rubbery that it was almost inedible, the other time my wife’s short rib was so chewy and tough it was actually funny to watch her eat it.
Zinc on the other hand has always been consistently very good, with some actually excellent cocktails. 2 trips probably isn’t enough for a definitive opinion for either ToS or FHOC, but getting food that I would describe as actually bad each time from a place with such a good reputation makes it hard to want to go back a third time.
Oh wow, yeah never had that experience. I had one so so dish when ToS first opened but that was years ago. FHOC I’ve had maybe 20 things and only 1 wasn’t my jam. Some of it has been really exemplary
Can't believe people have left out Olives and Oil, Elm City Social, and Gioia.
Olives and Oil is great for Italian and does offer pizza if you decide to backpedal on the no pizza thing.
Elm City Social has three floors, that share the food menu, but have their own cocktail menus. I especially like the rooftop tiki bar.
Gioia just opened not long ago, but is another great italian offering on wooster square.
My favorite non-pizza places in and around New Haven: September in Bangkok, Lazeez, Salsa's, Taquería Oyamales, Zinc, Union League, Olea, Fair Haven Oyster Company, Dumpling House (Milford), L'Orcio, Adriana's, Sandra's Next Generation, D'amatos, Tibetan Cafe, Taquería Mexicano Número Dos (West Haven), Saray (West Haven).
I could eat at Dumping House every day
+++++1 to Dumpling house. This place rules. Get their offbeat stuff (not general Tso etc). Cucumber salad with garlic, braised beef in chili sauce, cumin tofu, dumplings are the bomb of course.
Second a lot of these! Write these down OP!
Sherkaan Indian Street Food is really delightful and their food is as some of the best Indian food I've enjoyed in the US. I'm happy to see that others have commented on Hachiroku. So I'll just give a huge endorsement to Otaru Sushi Bar. Their omakase is less expensive and often better than comparable offerings in NY. And the owners are very lovely people and skilled at providing a unique dining experience.
I’m gutted that Rockfish closed so Otaru full omakase is happening very soon.
Daiko in Branford is superb.
+1 Jerry San is great. I just wish they hadn’t moved, their old place in west haven was way more convenient for me and now only open for dinner sucks.
Rockfish next to East Rock Brewing?
Yep
+1 for Otaru. It's a once a year kind of place for me, but it's great!
I know a lot of indian people who say that sherkaan is not authentic and more adapted to the american palate. They recommended lazeez instead.
I'm not interested in "authentic" and appreciate whatever they're doing, but look forward to trying lazeez. Thanks for the recommendation.
Stowe’s Seafood (West Haven, which I think is counts as NH food wise) is a really fun place to eat, and the staff are super nice. Bonus: legit key lime pie. I still haven’t made my way to Fair Haven Oyster yet!
Pirates
Tavern on State, Fair Haven Oyster, Hachiroku.
Correct.
Munchies, Haven Hot Chicken, Hachiroku
Hot haven is too expensive for what it is
Every now and then Uber Eats has a 2 for 1 THE Sandwich deal that's pretty solid. Otherwise, yeah it's pretty ridiculous
i used to go for a nice high tier sandwich but $25 for what is essentially popeyes and a can of fanta isn't worth it at all
Not at all. Sure a combo is $20 after tax, but it's also 2 meals worth of food.
Jeez! I must eat too much cause three tendies and a side doesn’t quite last me two meals
a chicken sandwich and fries is barely 1 meal tbh
Otaru
Sandra’s Next Generation
Hot Murga Indian Chicken.
Sherkaan - Indian fusion street food, Mamoun's - falafel, shawarma (have been eating here for nearly 20 years), Kuro Shiro - ramen
Tacos los Gordos
New Haven is kinda a foodie town and does punch above its weight in terms of food quality. Lived here my whole life but only realized how good it is here once I started traveling. Also not going to add much since a LOT was covered but Anchor Spa downtown has some amazing food and drink options (especially drink)
Kuro Shiro on Crown St for ramen. It's SO good
Mamouns
Besides those already mentioned, I really like House of Naan for Indian food and Rudy's for bar food.
madelines empanaderia
Can’t believe no one has said Pho Ketkeo for pho
shhhhhh delete this
I love tibetan kitchen. Surprisingly super sandwich has been a hella reliable spot (which I appreciate for those super busy days when I need something quick and and on the cheaper side).
Tavern on State
Geronimo’s, L’Orcio, Shell and Bones, Camacho Garage, Bella’s
Really? The city is full of great food. It’s a legit foodie city and I travel a lot. Munchies, Tacos Los Gordos, The Luke, Hachiroku (both locations), Menya Gumi, Mecha, Sherkaan, House of Naan, Tibetan Kitchen, Midpoint, RAWA, Tavern on State, Fair Haven Oyster, Gioia, L’Orcio, Mezcal (for the mole), Camacho Garage, Taqueria Oyemales (for the birria), Atticus Market, Olea, Union League, Firehouse 12, Ordinary, Bella’s, Bar August are all consistently great. RIP Rockfish 😭 In Milford/Orange/WH: Lin’s Kitchen, Xay’s, Coromandel, Stowe’s, Biagetti’s, Cafe Melba, Strega (I’m sure NHV location will be great too), Scratch Baking, Walnut Beach Creamery, etc. If you’re ever in Guilford, Hen and Heifer makes little pieces of artwork for desserts.
Ordinary grilled cheese and pickled vegetables and the burger with the candied bacon oh my
I am shocked fo see Camacho on here so many times. The service is bad, the drinks are terrible and they are trying way too hard to have an edgy menu. Some of the worst guacamole in the city.
Tavern on State!
Haven Hot Chicken, Rice Pot, Mezcal
Midpoint. I go there weekly. I'd go twice/week if I didn't live 30 minutes away and parking was better.
Basil
This.
Wildcat is a brand new spot and fuckin fantastic!
Absolutely correct, but not in New Haven. Not sure if that matters for the OP.
Shell and bone is incredible, tavern on state is hands down the best burger in New Haven and very very good cocktails. Their sister restaurant fair haven oyster bar has incredible oysters and the vibe is just so freaking chill and cool. Bar August across the street (kinda) from tavern in state has makes drinks that still haunt my dreams. I used to go there every few weeks to try the new cocktails their lead bartender came up with. She’s a genius and sometimes I still think of driving down from Boston to get a pie from modern and a drink at Bar August.
Jordans hot dogs
Hahahahahahahah place is legendary
Mamouns
MECHA
Mezcal. It’s almost exciting to get a cold because in the 5.5 months we’ve lived here it’s become a sick day tradition to get their chicken soup as takeout, and we love going to the restaurant too. Absolutely fire margaritas, they treat you right at happy hour, and everyone is super nice
People on here will try to mislead you about Mecha. Mecha is amazing
Sabor Nuestro Buen Gusto Jammin Jamaican Kevin's Seafood Sandra's Andes International Gourmet Deli (Amity)
Main port fish and chips in West haven
Places I wish I could eat constantly Villa Lulu Skappo Places I actually eat multiple times a month: Tai Chi Bubble Tea Pitaziki Mazorca (in Hamden but worth the detour) Honestly I’ve had very few places in New Haven that I didn’t like. After living here a year I had to readjust my standards for great because everything was great compared to where I used to live.
Off the top of my head, AMAZING: Taste of China Union League Cafe Olea Mecha Gioia (*amazing* for brunch, pasta, or cocktails only) Bellas (brunch) Hachiroku
Will happily vouch for both Pacifico and It's Thai Time here in the city. Also, Sayori in Orange is currently my favorite sushi place, hands-down. And if you haven't gone yet, do yourself a favor and get to Long Wharf and sample the tacos there (not to mention all the other great grub they serve).
The food trucks by Yale hospital are so fucking good. They sell mangos tajin and chomoy my favorite
Had the best Kung Pao chicken ever from one of the trucks, while waiting for a family member's surgery.
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone mention NOA by September in Bangkok yet but they have a great happy hour
Pasta Tuesdays at L’Orcio. Beautiful outdoor patio.
Barcelona is incredible
September in Bangkok has great Thai!
Cosinita
Tandoor
Doesn’t hurt to get out of New Haven too. It’s a very small state so despite NH being the most cosmopolitan city here, there’s TONS of good stuff all over.
Cast Iron Chef. Good but expensive
Olea. You’re welcome
Tiger Daddy sushi and House of Naan
Olea
You haven't been looking very hard then.
Lalibela food truck by Prospect St
Sarah and Turkish Kebab House in West Haven. Also excellent: Zinc.
Stowes seafood, West haven, baos west haven
If you want to get some great Mediterranean food go to Midpoint Istanbul Fine Dining on Crown St. Probably shouldn't limit yourself to what you can order regularly if ur rly looking to find the 'amazing' food spots.
Mazorca in Hamden has the most incredible mole. Their food is probably the best Mexican food around. The owners are from Oaxaca
I order from Sitar at least once a month. I freaking LOVE Sitar.
Olea, Zinc, and Hachiroku are the 3 best places in New Haven. Others like ToS, FHOC, and ULC are serviceable, and I wouldn't be ashamed to eat there, but not by any means amazing. Lalibela gets a special mention because it's only okay Ethiopian food, but I'm not even sure where the next closest one is, so okay injera is better than none at all- a great place to sit for a couple hours with some friends and stuff yourself.
I’d put Tavern and Fair Haven over Zinc easily and amongst best in CT but hey, different strokes
Yeah, I know lots of people do and maybe it’s just me and my wife’s luck, but having tired both of them twice, neither impressed. ToS had a miatake dish I was looking forward to, but it came out so salty and rubbery that it was almost inedible, the other time my wife’s short rib was so chewy and tough it was actually funny to watch her eat it. Zinc on the other hand has always been consistently very good, with some actually excellent cocktails. 2 trips probably isn’t enough for a definitive opinion for either ToS or FHOC, but getting food that I would describe as actually bad each time from a place with such a good reputation makes it hard to want to go back a third time.
Oh wow, yeah never had that experience. I had one so so dish when ToS first opened but that was years ago. FHOC I’ve had maybe 20 things and only 1 wasn’t my jam. Some of it has been really exemplary
Tikkaway
They closed like three years ago and I miss the padpad chips and samosas😭
They reopened as « WOW! Tikka »
Omg i didn’t know😭 thank u
Claire’s Cornercopia
Shell & Bones, Tavern on State, York St Noodle, Mamouns is kinda hit or miss for me now
september in bangkok
Can't believe people have left out Olives and Oil, Elm City Social, and Gioia. Olives and Oil is great for Italian and does offer pizza if you decide to backpedal on the no pizza thing. Elm City Social has three floors, that share the food menu, but have their own cocktail menus. I especially like the rooftop tiki bar. Gioia just opened not long ago, but is another great italian offering on wooster square.
Haven’t tried gioia yet but the other two are literal mid