13 Best Restaurants in West Haven, Connecticut
In Connecticut, West Haven is a small seaside city that lies directly to the west of New Haven. West Haven draws a large number of tourists every year because of its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and near proximity to Yale University. The city is also home to a thriving restaurant industry that offers mouthwatering cuisine.
13 Best Restaurants in West Haven, Connecticut
Best Desserts – Sweet Justice Bake Shop
Do you have a sweet tooth? Behind the bakery case of Sweet Justice Bake Shop, racks of delicious goodies await. This well-known bakery, which won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, has received praise across the country for its delicious cupcakes, which come in flavors including cookies and cream, cherry amaretto cheesecake, and churro. Don’t overlook their brownies, blondies, cream puffs, rugelach cookies, and layer cakes, though.
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For those on a limited diet, there’s always vegan and gluten-free options. Savor the treats on location in their cheery yellow interior, or pack a box full to go and try them all. Custom celebration cakes fill up quickly, so place your order at least a few days in advance. It’s simple to understand why Sweet Justice has been dubbed West Haven’s best cake by fans after just one bite of their luscious and delicious creations.
Best Outdoor Dining – Bella Vista Ristorante and Pizzeria
Bella Vista is the best place to eat Italian food and see the skyline of New Haven from above. Situated at the highest point in West Haven, its wrap-around patio provides breathtaking views of the harbor filled with sailboats below.
While enjoying a meal from the brick oven, customers can enjoy some sun from this elevated position. Fresh mozzarella and basil on top of Neapolitan pizzas; linguine with littleneck clams scattered throughout in a garlicky white wine sauce; oozing cheese-covered chicken parmesan; and saltimbocca alla Romana with prosciutto and sage. It’s easy to see why Bella Vista has been making diners drool for more than 60 years when you take one look at the breathtaking environment. Arrive at the ideal time of day to witness a breathtaking sunset while sipping exquisite Italian wines and raising a toast to la dolce vita. Mangia!
Best Hidden Gem – Little Kitchen Food Truck
On weekends, venture into an empty lot on Captain Thomas Boulevard to find West Haven’s adorable hidden treasure food truck, Little Kitchen. Don’t be fooled by the modest appearance; every bite of their limited menu is bursting with flavor. Owners Delmy and Walter specialize in Salvadoran street food, serving up plantains, yuca fries, pupusas, and carne asada tacos made with Delmy’s family traditions.
Along with experimenting with weekly specials, Chef Walter has made full loaded nachos, ramen noodles, and Korean fried chicken wings. Little Kitchen has become a cult favorite thanks to its affordable rates, colorful Latin cuisine, and welcoming owners. You’ll become addicted as well as me after tasting their delicious pupusas. It will take some work to find this rough diamond, but the search is well worth it.
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Best Family-Friendly – Jimmies of Savin Rock
Jimmies of Savin Rock is the best spot for family-friendly beach classics. Since 1948, this beloved neighborhood restaurant has been serving ice cream, lobster rolls, hotdogs, and hamburgers directly on the picturesque boardwalk. While adults savor fish tacos, clam chowder breadbowls, and shrimp po’ boys, children tuck into grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers, and corn dog bits.
Leave space for Jimmy’s Famous ice cream, which is prepared on the spot and comes in flavors including cookies and cream, cotton candy, and cookie dough. Take your sweets to go for quick bites on the pier or enjoy them beachside at picnic tables with a view of the ocean. Families come here all summer long for the great meals, breathtaking views of Long Island Sound, and an arcade room full of games.
Best Coffee Shop – Moonlight Café
Want a hot cup of coffee or a comfortable spot to work from home? In a chic café surrounded by plants, Moonlight Café offers sweet delights and locally roasted beers. Customers gush about their beautifully blended espresso drinks, which include macchiatos and red eye coffees. Nutella sea salt brownies, lemon lavender scones, and fluffy cinnamon rolls oozing with frosting are a treat for sweet tooths.
The menu is completed with heartier lunch fare including avocado smash toasts, grain bowls, and grilled cheese sandwiches. There is free wifi, lots of seats, and friendly baristas in this cozy and inviting space. It makes sense that locals and students choose here as their morning, lunch, and nighttime hangout.
Best Deli – Frankie’s Deli
Do you want sandwiches with everything on top? Frankie’s Deli, which has been providing Brooklyn’s Best Bread with New York-style sandwiches and deli classics since 1972, is the place to go. Here, when it comes to sandwich fillings, the maxim is “go big or go home.” They have mouthwatering Reubens filled with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, foot-tall pastrami on rye brimming with luscious meat, and overstuffed wraps lined with crispy bacon.
Don’t be intimidated by the enormous sandwiches, though; half servings are also offered. A meal is complete with their unique rainbow cookie, creamy coleslaw, and loaded potato knishes. Adorned with retro Coca-Cola signage and customer license plates, this classic deli serves you memories and sandwiches in equal measure.
Best Brunch – Three Figs Café
Three Figs Café is the best place for long brunches with international-inspired sweet and savory food. Shakshuka fried eggs in a zesty tomato sauce, red velvet pancakes topped with cream cheese icing, and Cuban sandwiches loaded with citrus-marinated pork shoulder are among of the highlights of this airy cafe surrounded in greenery, where mornings begin.
Tropical smoothies, mimosas, and processo coffee go well with every meal. Three Figs becomes a wine bar later in the day, serving shared cheese platters and other nibbles. This urban-chic hotspot’s colorful, mismatched furniture and laid-back atmosphere make it easy to spend hours here, no matter where the day takes you. This hidden gem is constantly busy, so come early or plan to wait for a table on weekends.
Best Fine Dining – The Tavern Off Shore
Make a reservation at The Tavern Off Shore, West Haven’s top fine dining establishment, for a memorable special occasion meal. Situated at a stately home with a view of Long Island Sound, their fixed-price tasting menu showcases the best regional foods expertly prepared by Executive Chef Grace Williams.
Seasonal menu items include their towering seafood display of oysters, lobster, crab, and shrimp; freshly cooked pastas such as squid ink linguine with sea urchin cream; perfectly seared scallops with Meyer lemon butter; and Long Island duck with a cherry glaze are some of the restaurant’s best-sellers. It’s no surprise that The Tavern Off Shore has received major restaurant honors year after year given its polite service and exquisite surroundings. Make sure to cross this trendy restaurant for gourmet cuisine off your bucket list.
Best Latin – Havana’s Cafe
Are you craving real Cuban food? Havana’s Café is the best place to get airy empanadas, tart ceviche, and slow-roasted pulled pork. This vibrant little eatery offers large portions of flavorful rice bowls, sandwiches, and family-style shared platters. Longtime patrons concur that their Cuban sandwich is the best item on the menu, despite the fact that everything on it is bursting with strong Latin flavors.
Lunch fantasies are constructed of layers upon layers of roast pig, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard sandwiched between slices of pressed Cuban bread. To complete your meal, don’t forget to add a side order of rice and beans, sweet plantains, or yuca fries. Keep some room for their delicious tres leches dessert or a cafecito to cap off your dinner. Feliz proyecto!
Best Pub Food – The Corner Restaurant
A must-try for sophisticated gastropub food and locally brewed craft brews is The Corner Restaurant. Nestled within a downtown historic brick building, this gastropub serves up creative bar nibbles and filling main dishes. Start your lunch with crispy brussels sprouts coated in a tangy ginger miso sauce or chicken confit sliders topped with melted brie.
Next, try their famous beer can chicken paired with roasted potatoes and asparagus, or pan-seared fish with quinoa pilaf. The mood is rustic and romantic, with exposed brick walls, dark woods, and flickering candles. And beer enthusiasts will appreciate their options, as there are 20 beers on tap in addition to a long reserve list. Get a table at The Corner for a memorable dinner that’s still smart enough to eat in your jeans.
Best Vegetarian – Shoreline Diner
Light snacks served in a welcoming retro-style diner, Shoreline Diner offers fresh and healthful selections ideal for the vegetarian in mind. Popular plant-based options at this cash-only eatery are their black bean burgers, avocado toast, kale Caesar salad, crispy cauliflower wings, and substantial vegan chili.
It takes the worry out of fulfilling unique requests because almost everything on their menu can be modified to accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets. They make their filling bowls using organic ingredients wherever feasible, so they’re healthy and tasty. If you have a need for fluffy pancakes or a juicy burger, don’t worry—Shoreline Diner offers a wide variety of selections for meat lovers as well. Make room for a slice of their ever-changing pie or a thick milkshake.
Best Italian – Zuppardi’s Apizza
Longtime favorite Zuppardi’s Apizza is the best place to get delicious thin crust pizza in a relaxed atmosphere. They have been a family-run business since 1934 and offer fresh pies straight out of their coal-fired oven. Their crispy-chewy crust is adorned with toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, but locals suggest not missing their traditional tomato pie.
Their red sauce, pecorino romano, olive oil, and fresh basil are the ingredients for pizza perfection—simple yet exquisite. Biting into a slice of Zuppardi’s renowned ‘za makes a vacation to West Haven complete, whether you eat in at their simple restaurant or buy takeout. Remember to leave room for their freshly prepared cannolis, which are filled with creamy ricotta cream on demand.
Best Seafood – The Shack
The Shack is the place to go if you’re wanting fresh seafood and breathtaking views of the coastline. Situated directly on the beach, this casual eatery offers delectably straightforward dishes made with freshly caught seafood from the area. The menu is always changing, depending on what’s been brought in recently.
They have some of the best fried clam strips, luscious meat-filled Maine lobster rolls, and steamers that are oozing with butter and broth. Don’t forget to leave room for their homemade key lime pie with a fluffy meringue topping. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely supper following a day at the beach, with picnic tables offering a view of the marina.