Strega Restaurant

This restaurant was so special! Very small, lovely atmosphere. Dishes were wonderful. The antipasti was mouth watering. The bread and olive oil were delicious. The carpaccio was beautifully presented. Main dish was elk cooked perfectly. Every little thing looked like thought and care was put into it. We even loved the coffee cups. They were unique! Photo below. Oh and the wine- recommended by our waitress was Lirica Primitivo di Manduria and it is my new favorite!

We decided to dine here based on an article in the local newspaper about a month ago. When you first walk in the space is very beautiful. They did a nice job with renovation. There are only six tables of four chairs in the entire restaurant. It’s very contemporary in the dining area. We were immediately greeted and sat within a few minutes. The table settings were also very contemporary. We both started out with wine and they were both very good. Bread was brought to the table along with olive oil poured in each of our individual bowls. I have to say that the dishes, bowls and the table settings were very unique in style. I really like the flatware rests so you don’t have to place your flatware directly on the table. Also, of note is the flatware was replaced between courses. I chose a salad for an appetizer and my other half had the scallops. My salad consisted of arugula with lettuces, radishes and shaved carrot. It had a very simple dressing on it. My partner’s scallops were accompanied by a green sauce that we couldn’t figure out what it was, but it was very tasty. My partner chose the salmon for his entrée, and I had the rigatoni. At this point I’m going warn all of you big portion eaters, the portions are small. You may want to go to Pepe‘s or Sally’s or modern Pizza after here or order two entrées. My partner’s salmon was more of a normal size, but the rigatoni that I ordered was very small. I’m not a big portion eater when I dine out. It was satisfying for me, but it would have been nice to bring leftovers home because my entrée was very very good. My partner also enjoyed his salmon. For dessert we both had the pistachio gelato imported from Italy with a pour over of pistachio cream liqueur. With the tip for the two of us, it was about $200. I can say that I went there, tried it , I’m good and not sure that I will be going back.

As soon as we walked into the Wayfair-decorated restaurant, we knew it was going to be below expectations. We decided to come here after seeing the great review in the magazine and on Google. However, it could not have been more disappointing for the price point. The atmosphere was weird. All of the plates and flatware were strange and were not cohesive in style of theme, unless their goal was to pick the strangest looking plates or cutlery in the world. The servers, except for the one taking our order, were inexperienced and spilled multiple times on the table pouring water and olive oil. Two of the servers walked back and forth in the small restaurant the whole time, and it felt like we were being watched like school children in a cafeteria. The dinner starts with bread and olive oil, however, the bread was stale and the olive oil had little to no taste. We ordered a salami appetizer. It was in a plate that had what looked like a UFO on top. There were four different types of salami that sounded unique on the menu, but only the wagyu one had a flavor discrepancy. The crackers accompanying the appetizer were stale and crumbled everywhere much too easily. Our drinks, wine and a cocktail, were very good. The pasta dishes are all $30+ and are not worth it. We got the carbonara, which was creamy and rich, but had way too much salt added, which was distracting. We also got the rigatoni ragu, and the beef was unseasoned, as was the sauce. It tasted like chili if pasta was added. It was disappointing considering all the rave reviews and the marketing campaign to make this sound like amazing traditional Italian food. I would have cared less if the price point was lower and it wasn’t attempting to pass as a luxury experience. In short, everything is overpriced and overhyped, except for maybe the alcohol. The atmosphere and decor is not cohesive, and the majority of the servers are inexperienced in a restaurant that has the price point associated with fine-dining.

First things first; Please understand that this is Strega’s fine dining experience. It’s a different vibe than the Milford location. A bright and modern aesthetic, no pizza, a few speciality mixed drinks and the restaurant holds 6 tables with 24 people max. Please don’t let the stark difference deter! It’s very intentional. The experience for us was truly special. The staff were top notch, and the food absolutely delivered on taste, presentation, quality and intrigue. We did the chefs tasting menu. We were pleasantly surprised with plates we would have never ordered otherwise. An experimental dive into Italian cuisine, the chef plays with interesting pairings and bountiful ingredients, but absolutely sticks the landing. Fettuccina Di Seppia - Cuttlefish Linguini, Orzo Alle Erbe Di Campo - Barley Risotto, and Trofie Al Pesto with Shrimp Tartare were among some of the offerings we enjoyed. A few specialty cocktails were available. We were delighted with a Grapefruit and Rose libation, but all sounded tasty. I went with a wine - a couple wines-by-the-glass are available. I asked for a dealers choice, and it delivered. Tons of wines available by the bottle. We wrapped it up with 2 small deserts; tiramisu and cannoli with freshly made cocoa whipped cream. All and all, Strega New Haven did not disappoint. We knew the experience would be different compared to its Milford location, and we embraced it tenfold. Thank you to the chefs and staff - we’ll be back! EDIT: 6/18/25 - We went back. It didn’t disappoint. More photos added!

We had an amazing dinner that reminded me of my time enjoying high cuisine in Italy. We were celebrating my wife's birthday with friends. The octopus and scallop appetizer was out of this world! If you're looking for a unique Italian experience, this is you place

Very special meal. Intimate atmosphere, beautifully presented dishes, innovative on Italian classics. Truly fine dining in New Haven.

Fabulous meal. We did the Chef Tasting Menu, which was five courses. Absolutely flawless service and attention. Every course was incredible and well-paired with a regional wine choice. The Carbonara dish was the best pasta I've ever had, period - we'll be back for that on its own. Fantastic experience.

A true culinary experience unlike anything around. Expertly executed, everything from start to finish was incredible. Well done! Cannot wait to return, thank you brining something of this caliber to New Haven!

This small and modern Italian restaurant is amazing! I had read an article about how New Haven had one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, by some rating that is similar to a Micheline star, but only for Italian places. The service was excellent and the wine choices were delicious. While all the food was great, the stand out was the pasta, which was a duck based carbonara, that used duck yolk for the sauce and duck breast prosciutto to replace the panchetta. If you are looking for a wonderful dining option in New Haven, or just want to try something special, come to Strega! Yummy

Came here with my boyfriend for our 4 year anniversary. You first walk in for 8 tables in a small room. There was only one or two other party's dinning. The setting was modern and elegant, great for a date night. We ordered the 6 course tasting menu along with the wine pairing. The pasta dish was by far my favorite though all corses were exquisite. The servers were very knowledgeable about all the ingredients/ origin of the food and wines. Overall it was an amazing experience. Will definitely be coming back for another special occasion.

Strega is quaint, elegantly designed and welcoming. The staff were gracious, informative and well timed. I will for sure be back. The environment is wonderful for a privacy and romance. The food was next level. So lift, fresh and elegant. All dishes were both light and decadent creating a guilt free luxury indulgence. I failed to photograph the first dish of eggplant. The dish was pure perfection.

I have been to Strega in Milford several times. The owners ,Rosanna and Danielo, are a great couple, both very passionate about their restaurants. Tonight I went into their newest restaurant that goes by the same name. Strega New Haven is a tiny place with 6 tables, beautifully decorated with impressive china and accouterments. The food tonight was outstanding, perfect really. The Strega micro green salad was super fresh and light. The melanzane (eggplant) was so tender and had such a pleasant taste- it was great. The short ribs were tender, juicy and nicely presented. The ziti ragu was so tasty-I couldn't stop eating it. The bread was crusty and had a rich flavor. Great food, very attentive service I rarely give out 5 stars but it's well deserved. . This is a special place and worth the price. $200 with wine and 2 courses. Get a reservation before it becomes impossible.

Let me say upfront why 3 stars- the noise level in the restaurant was overwhelming. Its a small, narrow restaurant with a relatively low ceiling and just six tables. Five were occupied. With other diners talking, we could barely hear each other at our table of four. Not sure what can be done to fix this important issue, I'm guessing its just a bad space for a restaurant. The food was good. The menu is a bit tricky (and expensive). I had a pasta dish seasoned with beef cheeks and tail. Despite having only one waitress, there were two helpers so the service was ok. The bottom line is, because of the noise level, it was not a relaxing dinner.

As an italian, (who speaks italian) this place is authentic! It is a very high end restaurant right across from Yale: the restaurant Itself is small, just a few tables, but very warm and inviting! It just breathes modern and high end. We did make a reservation and the night we went, the owner came to our table and explained the menu, serving as a waitress. The owner is passionate and the food was so good we did not want it to end! Literally everything on the menu that we tried was a 10/10. Do not expect fake italian; this is like going to a high class italian restaurant in Italy.

Small space with good ambiance and excellent service. The Paccheri al Ragu and Orzo alle Erbe were delicious. I thought the Stracotto was on the dry side for me. Overall very happy with my meal. I would come visit again.