Best Italian Restaurants in New Haven

Real videos of Italian Restaurants in New Haven — 8 places, filmed by creators on the ground.

Ranked venues

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill
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$$UpscaleCasualWaterfrontFresh oystersLobster rollsGrilled fish
About the venue
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill is situated on Water St in New Haven, Connecticut, specializing in fresh seafood and a selection of delicious oysters since 2015. The restaurant boasts waterfront views and an upscale yet casual dining experience, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Menu highlights include their raw oysters, lobster rolls, and a variety of grilled fish options. The outdoor patio is a perfect spot for enjoying seafood and cocktails during warmer months.
What the videos show
The video showcases a close-up shot of a plate of pasta with scallops, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. The camera remains static throughout the clip, focusing on the presentation of the dish.
100 S Water St
@AMtheDon
Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana
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$CasualAuthenticCozyWood-fired pizzaNeapolitan styleHouse-made desserts
About the venue
Zeneli Pizzeria, located in New Haven's historic Wooster Street, is famous for its Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. Opened in 2016, the pizzeria emphasizes high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. The cozy interior has a casual vibe, attracting both pizza aficionados and families alike. In addition to pizza, they offer a selection of Italian wines and house-made desserts, including tiramisu.
What the videos show
The video showcases various Italian dishes at Zeneli, including pizzas and pasta. It begins with the restaurant's exterior and transitions to a menu and different dishes being served.
138 Wooster St
@adventureswithchass
L'Orcio
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$$$AuthenticWarmIntimateHomemade pastaSeasonal dishesCurated wine
About the venue
L'Orcio, located on State St in New Haven, embodies the essence of Italian cuisine since its opening in 2004. The restaurant is celebrated for its homemade pasta and seasonal dishes that represent Italian culinary traditions. With a warm ambiance and a focus on fresh, local ingredients, it attracts both regular diners and out-of-town visitors seeking authentic Italian flavors. The wine list is carefully curated to complement the menu, enhancing the dining experience.
What the videos show
The video showcases L'Orcio Italian restaurant at night, featuring a dining area with tables and a menu. It highlights various Italian dishes such as gnocchi with red sauce, ravioli with mushrooms and cheese, and gnocchi with meatballs and brown gravy. The video concludes with a birthday cake decorated with a mouse figurine, suggesting a celebratory atmosphere.
806 State St
@adventureswithchass
Villa Lulu
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$$VibrantWelcomingCasualWood-fired pizzasHomemade pastaCulinary classes
About the venue
Villa Lulu, located on College Street in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a mix of Italian-American cuisine since its opening in 2020. The restaurant features a spacious ambiance with vibrant decor that welcomes both families and casual diners. The menu highlights include wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta options, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Villa Lulu also hosts regular culinary classes and events to engage the community.
What the videos show
The video begins with a view of a tree-lined sidewalk leading to a restaurant named Villa Lulu. It then transitions to the restaurant's entrance, where a woman is taking a selfie while holding open the door. The camera then shows a menu with Italian appetizers and a wine pairing, followed by a view of the bar area with various bottles of alcohol. The video ends with shots of appetizers, including fried cheese balls, bruschetta, and calamari.
230 College St
@adventureswithchass
Olives and Oil
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$$MediterraneanCasualArtisanalArtisanal dishesSeasonal menuOlive oil
About the venue
Oils and Oil located on Temple St features Mediterranean-inspired dining with a focus on olive oil and artisanal dishes. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu complemented by a curated selection of wines from the region. A casual dining atmosphere encourages sharing dishes like their famous olive oil cake and various dips. The restaurant's dedication to health-conscious ingredients attracts a diverse clientele in the New Haven area.
What the videos show
The video showcases the 'Olives & Oil' restaurant at night, featuring the interior with tables and booths, staff working at the counter, and a variety of food and drink items including espresso martinis, pizza, and pasta dishes.
124 Temple St
@adventureswithchass
@adventureswithchass
Portofino
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$$RusticElegantInvitingWood-fired pizzasFine winesSeasonal specials
About the venue
Portofino's Restaurant & Bar, located at 937 State St in New Haven, Connecticut, serves Italian cuisine in an elegant setting since its establishment in 2002. The restaurant features a diverse menu range that includes traditional pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of fine wines. The interior design reflects a rustic yet upscale aesthetic, making it suitable for both casual dining and special occasions. Events such as wine tastings and seasonal specials add to the dining experience.
What the videos show
The video showcases a dining experience at a restaurant, focusing on a plate of pasta covered in creamy sauce and garnished with herbs, along with a fork placed to the left. The camera then pans up to reveal additional dishes, including two crab cakes with red sauce and green vegetables, and other items such as breadsticks, condiments, and glasses of water. The setting is a typical restaurant environment, suggesting a visitable location where viewers could replicate the experience by dining there.
939 State St
@MissLaz
South Bay
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$$$ChicLivelySocialCreative cocktailsShared platesLive music
About the venue
South Bay is an upscale lounge located on College Street in New Haven, providing a vibrant nightlife experience. The venue features creative cocktails and a diverse menu of shared plates, including gourmet sliders and seasonal seafood. Open since 2017, it has quickly become a favorite for both the university crowd and locals looking for a stylish night out. With frequent live music events and a spacious outdoor patio, it's an ideal destination for an evening hangout.
What the videos show
The video showcases a plated dish consisting of a piece of fish, couscous, asparagus, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, garnished with microgreens. The camera slowly zooms out to reveal more of the table setting, including bread rolls and condiments.
228 College St
@DanielleNYC
Pasta Eataliana Trattoria Napoletana
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IntimateAuthenticItalianHandmade pastaDaily freshExtensive wine
About the venue
Pasta Eataliana Trattoria Napoletana at 127 Wooster St in New Haven, Connecticut, features authentic Italian cuisine rooted in Neapolitan traditions. Known for its handmade pasta and fresh sauces made daily, the restaurant focuses on providing a genuine Italian dining experience. Its rustic decor and intimate setting make it ideal for families and romantic dinners. Pastas such as carbonara and bolognese are popular among diners, alongside an extensive wine list.
What the videos show
The video showcases the exterior and interior of Pasta Eataliana, a restaurant, at night. It begins with a shot of the restaurant's exterior, transitions to a brief view of the menu, and then shows the dimly lit interior with empty tables and large windows. The video then focuses on various Italian dishes, including risotto with scallops, arugula salad, pasta with parmesan, a green leafy dish, creamy mushroom soup, fettuccine Alfredo, and seafood risotto, all presented on white plates. The dishes are shown in close-up shots, emphasizing their presentation and quality.
127 Wooster St
@adventureswithchass