Best Restaurants in New Haven (2025)

Since 1934, this brick‑oven landmark defines New Haven’s apizza culture without the franchise hype. Beloved by locals for the Italian Bomb and clam pies, it’s been celebrated by Food & Wine and praised by The Infatuation and Connecticut Magazine.

A French brasserie in a historic Beaux‑Arts building across from Yale’s Old Campus. White‑tablecloth service, serious wine, and classic technique anchor special‑occasion meals. Recognized by Eater and highlighted by Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 lists.

Chef Manuel Romero’s Spanish‑Mediterranean spot delivers elegant plates and a midweek tasting menu in a sleek downtown room. Frequently cited for overall excellence, including Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 coverage and strong local critic praise.

Right on the harbor in City Point, this independent seafood house pairs raw‑bar towers and wood‑grilled fish with sweeping water views. Recent write‑ups by The Infatuation and earlier New York Times praise back up its hometown favorite status.

A chef‑driven neighborhood tavern where the menu changes daily and technique meets comfort. Featured by The New York Times for one of 2023’s best dishes and praised by The Infatuation; a go‑to for seasonal cooking with personality.

A snug riverside oyster bar from the Tavern on State team, with gin‑ and sherry‑friendly cocktails and a seafood menu that balances nostalgia and creativity. Featured by Eater and named among Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 seafood standouts.

Housed in a converted Westville garage, Chef Arturo Franco‑Camacho’s spot riffs on Mexican street food with house‑made tortillas and a serious agave program. Featured by Eater and cited by Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 lists.

A husband‑and‑wife team from Florence brings handmade pasta, regional Italian cooking, and a lovely garden dining room to East Rock. Regularly recommended by Eater and local critics for its enduring, independent spirit.

Vibrant Thai cooking with a loyal local following, from curries to noodles and cocktails, plus a spacious patio. Recognized among the state’s top Thai restaurants in Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 coverage and praised by area writers.

A downtown mainstay since 1999, serving injera‑based platters, fragrant stews, and vegetarian feasts that anchor the city’s Ethiopian community. Highlighted by the state tourism board and local press for its cultural impact and staying power.