Best Casual Restaurants in North Branford

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex Brasserie restaurant

1. The Essex Brasserie

4.3

Awesome(51)

Price: Moderate

• French • Branford

Booked 4 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

2. Saltbrick Prime

4.4

Awesome(87)

Price: Expensive

• American • Branford

Booked 8 times today

At Saltbrick Prime we are committed to sourcing the finest ingredients and unparalleled attention to detail with a menu that showcases the best in prime steaks and seafood, featuring beef dry-aged with our U.S. patented process. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and expertly crafted cocktails add to the overall experience, making Saltbrick Prime the go-to choice for any special occasion or night out.

3. HOME

4.7

Exceptional(202)

Price: Moderate

• American • Branford

Booked 6 times today

What does home feel like? In our welcoming space, we craft a variety of delicious comfort food dishes to give you that feeling every time you visit. Comfort foods with a twist and nothing but local support is our specialty!

A photo of Gioia - Wooster Street New Haven restaurant

4. Gioia - Wooster Street New Haven

4.8

Exceptional(358)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 19 times today

PLEASE NOTE: The rooftop at GIOIA does not accept reservations. Seating is first come, first served. Cheerful Italian food and drink in Wooster Square. Follow us @GioiaNHVOnline reservations are now available through our website!!!

A photo of Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina restaurant

5. Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

4.7

Exceptional(58)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Madison

Booked 12 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.

6. Caffe Bravo

4.7

Exceptional(324)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 1 time today

In New Haven, Connecticut, Caffe Bravo is an Italian restaurant that serves up quality authentic Italian dishes and other European specialties. Each of our pastas are house-made. The Caffe Bravo menu has extensive options for any taste, including starters, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees. Caffe Bravo provides only the freshest ingredients and emphasizes classic Italian meals using recipes that have been handed down for generations. Its elegant, cozy dining room & outdoor heated patio provides customers with a relaxed atmosphere that makes the meal even more enjoyable.

7. South Bay

4.5

Awesome(447)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • New Haven

Booked 8 times today

In early 2019, the Siguenza Family welcomed the newest additions to the JS Restaurant Group with the openings of South Bay New Haven and South Bay Greenwich. These are the eighth and ninth restaurants for the Siguenzas as they continue to share their creativity, energy, and passion to provide an exquisitely warm and welcoming dining experience in the communities they serve.

8. Siena New Haven

4.6

Exceptional(239)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Haven

Booked 4 times today

Located inside The Blake Hotel, welcome to Siena New Haven... a bridge where Italian tradition meets modern contemporary flare. Antipasti, artisanal crostini, from scratch pasta, and so much more available to you. Our menu features a carefully curated cocktail program and extensive wine list. Siena New Haven is located on the lobby floor. Guests can also visit the High George by Siena - New Haven's premiere rooftop bar, located on the 6th floor and open year round. It is outfitted with a full bar and lighter food options. High George by Siena Rooftop is open Thursday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended, but not required. We are open to the public and available for semi-private and private events.

A photo of 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar restaurant

9. 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar

4.3

Awesome(155)

Price: Moderate

• American • New Haven

Booked 8 times today

80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar is a modern twist on classic fare with a focus on shareable plates, elevated bar food & approachable craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere with two bars, a large private patio, and multiple options for private dining and events. Chef Sonia Salazar of Te Amo Tequila Bar & Barracuda Bistro & Bar delivers another delicious menu to the area. menu highlights include wonton tuna nachos, watermelon feta salad, short rib tacos, mussels in a lobster bisque, and the specialty drink menu features a seasonal selection of delicious summer cocktails with ingredients such as vodka, bourbon, tequila and gin with fresh watermelon, blackberries, basil & mint. Don't miss the Sunday Brunch from 11am - 3pm.Our summer patio dining is an oasis in the center of the theater district with quick access to the Shubert Theater and College St. Music Hall.

10. Elm City Social

4.3

Awesome(311)

Price: Moderate

• American • New Haven

Booked 6 times today

Voted Connecticut’s Best New RestaurantElm City Social evokes the spirit of the 1920s, bringing back to life the craftwork of cocktails that has been lost until now. In the kitchen, Chef John Brennan draws you in with seasonally inspired menus that can only be described as “comfort food with a flavorful twist.” People love our style; we were even named one of the Best New Restaurants this year by Connecticut Magazine.We’re located inside the historic building that once housed Kasey's Restaurant in the early 1900's. By the corner of Chapel and College Streets, we're situated across the street from the famed Shubert Theater and just off the New Haven Green. Join us today.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Clara
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Gioia is our favorite restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut. It’s a whole experience and everything on the menu is delicious. You just gotta go there. Make a reservation first. We will keep going back!
More info
Gioia - Wooster Street New HavenPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Haven
•
4.8
C
Christian
New York City •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Love having new option. A steakhouse is always a higher price point, thus expectation is higher. The venue was done well. Food was done well. If there was a 10-scall, I'd give this a 9 - SOLID. But to get a 10 it needs to be a "blow-my-socks-off" in all avenues.
More info
Saltbrick PrimePrice: Expensive• American• Branford
•
4.4
M
marciaVIP
New York City •69 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Food was interesting and unusual and yummy. Lobster beet fusili was unusual and tasty. I had it as my main after delicious clam chowder. Husband had the boullabaise and could not have been happier. We were cold in the restaurant. A warm sweater would have been appreciated. Service was great until we had finished our meal.
More info
The Essex BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Branford
•
4.3
D
DianaVIP
Greater Boston •46 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Always good to visit. Good choices for all palettes.
More info
HOMEPrice: Moderate• American• Branford
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
Greater Boston •47 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 7, 2024
Good, solid Mexican food with friendly service in a nice atmosphere. Would definitely return.
More info
Comomango Mexican Kitchen and CantinaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Madison
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

North Branford

Best Casual Restaurants in North Branford

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

16 restaurants available nearby

1. The Essex Brasserie

2. Saltbrick Prime

3. HOME

4. Gioia - Wooster Street New Haven

5. Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

6. Caffe Bravo

7. South Bay

8. Siena New Haven

9. 80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar

10. Elm City Social

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable