Best Authentic Restaurants in North Branford

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex Brasserie restaurant

1. The Essex Brasserie

4.2

Awesome(59)

Price: Moderate

• French • Branford

Booked 22 times today

Chef Colt Taylor, celebrated for his culinary gem, The Essex in Old Saybrook, is proud to announce the opening of The Essex Brasserie in Branford, Connecticut, This is comfort food at its finest.The Essex Brasserie showcases Chef Taylor’s innovative approach to French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features classic French dishes, including many of the favorites at The Essex. Among the highlights:Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowders & French Onion SoupThe Wagyu BurgerBeef Wellington served with pomme purée, haricot verts, and bordelaiseFluke Meunière: A zesty and flavorful dish with peanut chile crisp Moules Frites: Fresh mussels offered in three unique stylesThe famous Essex Lobster & Beet Fusilli

A photo of Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven restaurant

2. Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

4.6

Exceptional(95)

Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • New Haven

Booked 2 times today

Patio Seating Now Available!Chacra celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to New Haven. Chacra honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name a tribute to Peru’s famous farming fields and its popular national drink “Pisco” Chacra welcomes you to discover our unique take on contemporary Peruvian cuisine, an intriguing blend of authentic and innovative dishes that are, in a word, unforgettable. Bold flavors, exotic aromas, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers, that will take you on an amazing journey that is anything but everyday BUEN PROVECHO!!!We are happy to announce that Chacra pisco-bar has been honored the Best Latin Restaurant & the Best Late Night statewide as well Best Peruvian, Best Brunch, Best lunch in New Haven County by Connecticut Magazine for their BEST OF CONNECTICUT 2024.

A photo of Strega - New Haven restaurant

3. Strega - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(30)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 6 times today

The name of the restaurant is inspired by the Legend of Janare of Benevento. Strega means ‘witch’ in Italian and Benevento is considered the “city of witches”. At Strega, our mission is to transport our guests to the Italy we cherish. Drawing inspiration from traditions across the Italian peninsula, we are dedicated to crafting an authentic Italian experience. With a profound appreciation and understanding of Italy’s rich history and culinary heritage, we prioritize using imported Italian products and are committed to maintaining authenticity in our recipes and menu selections. At Strega, we believe that cooking with seasonal, authentic ingredients means there is not need for unnecessary embellishment - our food tastes great, is fresh, and at its peak. Our experience is crafted through a series of selected choices. We take pride in serving freshly made dishes, embracing wholesome Italian cooking with fresh and healthy ingredients.We look forward to serving downtown New Haven.

4. olea - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(1409)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • New Haven

Booked 16 times today

In the heart of downtown New Haven, Connecticut, Olea offers an innovative interpretation of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Manuel Romero and his team explore these flavors in their food, wine, and cocktails, locally sourcing many products and importing specialty items from the Mediterranean region.

5. L'Orcio

4.6

Exceptional(2264)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 23 times today

RESERVATIONS:Garden Tables - Outdoor DiningStandard Tables- Indoor DiningL'Orcio is an upscale dining establishment serving Contemporary Italian Cuisine. In house made specialty pastas like Ricotta Gnocchi, Papparedelle and Ravioli are only part of the L'Orcio experience. Chef d'Amuri, an Italian native, also works his magic grilling whole fish and juicy steaks and offers a variety of meat and fish dishes daily. Desserts like Tiramisu', Charlotte agli Amaretti and Lemon Tart are also prepared in house. A relaxing and elegant ambiance with a European flair is the perfect backdrop for lunch, dinner or spirits. Located in a refurbished historical home the restaurant offers a unique space their guests. Family owned and operated with an eye for detail L'Orcio has a lot to offer. Come in for a meal, a drink or just to say Ciao.

A photo of Encore by Goodfellas restaurant

6. Encore by Goodfellas

4.6

Exceptional(381)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 24 times today

Goodfellas Restaurant is proud to present our newest venture, ENCORE by GOODFELLAS! New Haven’s most anticipated, fine dining establishment. With a combined 50 years in the restaurant industry, we bring a modern interpretation of an era when dining and entertainment went hand and hand; a space where eating and drinking and performances come alive in a luxury setting with exceptional service. Our newly renovated space boasts upper and lower level dining, a modern 40 seat bar and live entertainment every night. As always, our main commitment is on our award winning, well-rounded cuisine coupled with outstanding service. Our mission is to give our guests the ultimate night out with the highest quality food, wine, drink, service and entertainment.

A photo of Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina restaurant

7. Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

4.7

Exceptional(64)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Madison

Booked 13 times today

Experience upscale Mexican cuisine with a delightful twist at Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina. Our newly redesigned downtown spot offers a charming ambiance, perfect for enjoying drinks and appetizers at the bar or dining on our enclosed porch year-round. Indulge in our inventive tacos with homemade tortillas, featuring flavors like savory shrimp or succulent pulled pork tamales. Cap off your meal with our creamy Tres Leches dessert. With prompt service and engaged waitstaff, every visit is a celebration of flavor and hospitality.

8. Olives and Oil

4.4

Awesome(216)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • New Haven

Booked 20 times today

Brought to you by the team at Elm City Social, Olives and Oil explores Chef John Brennan's modern take on rustic Italian cuisine, wine, and life in a vintage setting.What you'll find inside: fresh ingredients, small plates, brick oven-fired pizza, and a delicious raw bar.Serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch!

A photo of Consiglio's - New Haven restaurant

9. Consiglio's - New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(557)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 20 times today

Consiglio's Restaurant: A True Taste of Italy in the Heart of New Haven's Little Italy District Consiglio's Restaurant has been a staple of the Little Italy district in New Haven for over 80 years. Founded in 1938, this third-generation, family-owned establishment offers a romantic and comfortable atmosphere and uses old-world, family-inspired recipes to create delicious dishes.Consiglio's menu is focused on delivering affordable, delectable food for guests to enjoy any day of the week. Start your meal with an appetizer like the cauliflower with truffle oil, eggplant rollatini, or the fried calamari. For the main course, indulge in popular dishes like the Lobster Ravioli, Homemade Cavatelli and Braciole, or their award-winning Lasagna, which recently took home the title of "Best Pasta in the State."

A photo of Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT restaurant

10. Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT

4.5

Awesome(211)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 5 times today

Tre Scalini Ristorante in CT is the real deal when it comes to Italian cuisine. Customers rave about the 'authentic Italian food' and 'traditional' yet innovative menu. The ambiance is described as warm and inviting with a touch of elegance. It's clear that this restaurant delivers on both flavor and atmosphere, making it a beloved New Haven icon.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DonaldVIP
New York City •45 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Michelin star level dining in New Haven. Fresh, delicious, exquisitely prepared and elegantly served food in an intimate and lovely space. Can’t wait to get back!
More info
Strega - New HavenPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Haven
•
4.8
S
SusanVIP
New York City •344 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a spectacular meal. Everything was delicious. I love that there are always memorable specials. I had a dozen perfectly chilled oysters with a jalapeño granita that were amazing. The butternut squash soup was perfectly balanced. We had the roast pork and salmon and a new chocolate dessert that consisted of cookies, ice-cream , an ice-cream sandwich and chocolate rice crispies with candied orange. The service was perfect as usual. My top restaurant choice in Connecticut.
More info
olea - New HavenPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• New Haven
•
4.8
P
PhyllisVIP
New York City •109 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and service. What a little gem L’Orcio is. Always dependable.
More info
L'OrcioPrice: Moderate• Italian• New Haven
•
4.6
B
Brian
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
3rd time at The Essex. Food quality is top shelf. Eat at the bar and enjoy one of the best burgers you will ever have!
More info
The Essex BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Branford
•
4.2
J
John
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Aug 20, 2024
Gloomy Monday Night In New Haven with the weather but the cocktails, a strawberry caprioska, crafted by Walter, the manager/owner along with the beef heart skewers off the dinner menu made for the perfect night off and evening, a quick way to turn your day around. A great staple and go to spot if your at Yale and/or in downtown New Haven.
More info
Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New HavenPrice: Moderate• Peruvian• New Haven
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

North Branford

Best Authentic Restaurants in North Branford

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

1. The Essex Brasserie

2. Chacra Peruvian Cuisine - New Haven

3. Strega - New Haven

4. olea - New Haven

5. L'Orcio

6. Encore by Goodfellas

7. Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

8. Olives and Oil

9. Consiglio's - New Haven

10. Tre Scalini Ristorante - CT

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable