13 Must-Try Restaurants in New Haven

Westville stands out as one of New Haven’s most tranquil suburban areas, yet chef Arturo Franco-Camacho — known for his work at the waterfront favorite Shell and Bones — has transformed an old gas station into a vibrant spot for contemporary Mexican street food and nightlife, demonstrating a demand for more excitement in the neighborhood. Enjoy a drink at the emerald-tiled central bar or relax on the spacious, semi-enclosed terrace overlooking the Central Patio, a revitalized street area that hosts arts markets and free dance classes from nearby Alisa’s House of Salsa. Alisa Bowens-Mercado, the studio's owner and Connecticut’s first Black woman brewery owner, complements Franco-Camacho’s braised lamb barbacoa flautas and wild mushroom quesadillas with her refreshing Rhythm Brewing lager or a pisco sour.

Just off the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, nestled between the NXTHVN art center and the Q House community center at the intersection of Dixwell and Henry, chef DeAri Allick prepares lamb chops paired with smashed potatoes and crispy steak-and-cheese egg rolls accompanied by his signature DND sauce, rich in seafood umami. As an anti-violence advocate and community organizer, Allick operates his laid-back Mytoury near Hillhouse High, where he once played basketball. Dope N Delicious serves as a community hub where locals gather for meals and events that attract lively crowds.

After winning over New Haven with her new American gem Tavern on State and the city's only whole-animal butcher shop Provisions on State, chef Emily Mingrone has turned her attention to Northeast seafood at her latest establishment. Whether you’re gazing through the portholes in the stylish midcentury modern dining room at Fair Haven Oyster Co. or enjoying the deck's view of the Quinnipiac River, small plates are the focus — think Maine scallop crudo or roasted littleneck clams with gochujang butter — paired with cocktails like the Diamondback Smash, a delightful mix of shiso-infused bourbon, cognac, yellow Chartreuse, vermouth, and lemon. Don’t forget to order a round of East Coast oysters for the table, served with Zab’s Hot Sauce and nori mignonette.

Located in a charming Queen Anne Victorian building on State Street, L’Orcio is a highlight of New Haven’s vibrant Italian dining scene, especially within the popular East Rock area. With its Florentine-inspired dishes, house-made pasta, and a spacious, private garden patio, it’s a must-visit. Start with antipasti like pan-fried stuffed sardines, then enjoy the decadent casarecce con funghi, featuring three varieties of mushrooms in a creamy tomato sauce. After your meal, consider visiting nearby community spaces such as Never Ending Books or the Bradley Street Bicycle Co-op for some local flavor.

Venture down a pedestrian-only path off the lively Broadway Triangle, where indie shops like Neville Wisdom and Grey Matter Books still thrive amidst the encroaching chain stores, to discover Sherkaan’s vibrant dining space and spacious patio nestled among Eero Saarinen’s midcentury Yale architecture. This trendy spot is a standout in New Haven’s diverse Indian food scene, offering dishes like goat biryani and chickpea chole bhature, inspired by Central and South Indian street fare. The drink menu is just as creative, featuring shareable punch bowls and intricate mocktails; don't miss the nimbu pani, a refreshing mix of lime cordial, black salt, lime juice, masala soda, and mint before heading to a show at Toad’s Place.

A beloved destination from lunchtime to late-night bites, Mamoun’s began in Greenwich Village in 1971 before the Chater family launched its New Haven location on Howe Street in 1977. Situated conveniently between popular bars like Three Sheets and Rudy’s Bar, this cozy Mytoury has expanded significantly, now boasting a lovely patio in what was once a parking lot. While the falafel — crispy outside and delightfully green inside — is a must-try, don’t overlook the kebabs, shawarma, fava bean ful medames, and eggplant makdous.

Located on Orange Street, Hachiroku — which translates to “86” in Japanese, a term for running out of a dish or cutting off service — opened its doors in spring 2022 and quickly became a well-loved spot. This sake bar and shokudo (casual dining room) attracts both industry insiders and food lovers alike. Delight in chef Yutaka Murai’s sweet and savory miso-cured black cod, roasted rose duck breast, and pickled mountain yam, all paired with expertly curated flights of Japanese whisky or sake, along with desserts from Hen & Heifer. Alternatively, visit Hachiroku at East Rock, a cozy 14-seat, BYOB venue on State Street that specializes in hand rolls and small dishes.

Roger Sherman, one of the Founding Fathers and the first mayor of New Haven, once called this historic location home, situated directly across from Yale’s Old Campus. The current structure, crafted in the Beaux-Arts style by local architect Richard Williams in the 19th century, has previously served as a private social club, an opera house, and a thMytour. Since 1977, the French-inspired brasserie Union League Cafe has occupied this space, becoming a favored venue for celebrations such as graduations and parents’ weekends. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere and begin with duck confit or escargots, then savor butter-poached lobster or oxtail ravioli. Don’t miss pastry chef Teila Chappel’s delightful desserts, like mon coeur, a bittersweet chocolate mousse paired with cherry compote, cherry coulis, and a cocoa biscuit.

The Anchor Spa has been a beloved Connecticut landmark in various forms since 1939. Located opposite the Shubert Theatre, just a short walk from College Street Music Hall and around the corner from Yale Repertory Theatre, it has grown into a cherished, sometimes boisterous dive known for its distinctive blue exterior and eclectic clientele. After closing in 2015, it was revived less than a year later by Yale graduate Karl Franz Williams, who also owns the Harlem cocktail lounge 67 Orange Street. With an exciting menu of cocktails and delicious food, guests can relax in round booths surrounded by collegiate wood shelves. Don't miss the Yale Beets Harvard, a striking yet harmonious cocktail made with two types of rum, beet syrup, orange acid, and molasses bitters, or a mule crafted with house-made Uncle Waithley’s Scotch bonnet ginger beer. For food, consider the goat curry, shrimp and garlic fry bread sandwich, or a hearty serving of plantain chips.

Louis’ Lunch holds a contested title for the invention of the hamburger — a claim that the Library of Congress has both acknowledged and disputed with contrary evidence. Regardless, this quaint brick-walled Mytoury serves patties that are freshly ground and cooked to order on vintage vertical cast-iron grills from the late 1800s. Forget ketchup; burgers are served on white toast with your choice of cheese spread, grilled onions, and fresh tomatoes. Enjoy your meal with potato salad or a local Foxon Park birch beer in a small wooden booth adorned with years of graffiti, or indulge in the original experience of eating on the go.

A vibrant and expanding chain based in Connecticut, Mecha offers a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying roasted mushroom dumplings and grilled edamame tossed in garlic confit, alongside beloved Asian dishes like ramen and pho. This downtown hotspot also features fun cocktails, including the Lotus Flower Bomb Sangria made with plum wine and shochu, as well as a mango lassi-inspired bubble tea with a cachaça twist.

In New Haven, the local take on apizza, inspired by Neapolitan traditions, is treated with utmost seriousness, and it’s essential to try a variety — from Bar’s mashed potato bacon pie to the wood-fired pizza served by the Big Green Truck. When friends visit, however, it's time to introduce them to the art of Charcoal Fingers, so make a trip to Sally’s. Enjoy a Nebco SeaHag IPA in the cozy, memorabilia-filled dining room while watching the iconic coal-fired oven at work. The ultimate order here includes two pizzas: one red (half tomato, half pepperoni) and one white (half potato rosemary, half clam).

Chef Sandra Harris Pittman follows in the footsteps of her mother, Mary Harris, who hailed from Alabama and is the namesake of Mama Mary’s on Whalley Avenue. Located in the Hill neighborhood near Yale New Haven Hospital, Sandra’s Next Generation serves delightful soul food, including oxtail empanadas and a hearty church plate featuring crispy fried chicken, collard greens, Caribbean rice, black-eyed peas, and fried okra. While indoor dining has been discontinued since the pandemic, there are outdoor seating options with covered picnic tables available.