There is an elegant sophistication to Italian cuisine and a comforting appeal that's perfect for entertaining. This is also true of the restaurants serving this cuisine, particularly those in Connecticut. The majority of the restaurants and delis in New Haven and Little Italy are owned by the second, third, or even fourth generations of the same "famiglia" that opened them 50, 60, or 70 years ago. New Haven and Little Italy have the highest concentration of classic and nouveau Italian restaurants and delis in the state. Still, visitors and residents of Connecticut can find good and even acceptable Italian food in virtually every town and city in the state. These are just five of the best Italian restaurants in Connecticut.
1. Consiglio's, Connecticut
Any restaurant in business for over three-quarters of a century has to be doing something right. Perhaps the secret to Consiglio's continued and near-legendary success is that this is truly a family business and always has been. Since the Consiglio family's founders, Salvatore and Annuziata, the line has survived and continues to this day. It's evident in every bite of love, pride, and experience. This is family cooking at its finest, from the groaning plates of pasta topped with Aunt Marie's meatballs to the enormous servings of lasagna. Consigliero's is a culinary landmark and New Haven's Little Italy's flagship restaurant. The servings are so magnificent and abundant that no one ever leaves hungry or unsatisfied.
- Location: 165 Wooster St., New Haven, CT 06511
- Website: http://www.consiglios.com/
- Phone: (203) 865-4489
- Store Hours: Wed-Thurs 4:30–9pm / Fri 12–9pm / Sat 4–9pm / Sun-Tues Closed
2. Carbone's Ristorante, Connecticut
Connecticut isn't the only state that has a Little Italy. The South End of Hartford has many fine Italian delis, bakeries, and dining establishments, but few are as famous as Carbone's. The grandchildren of its founders now run the company. As well as the traditional southern Italian recipes passed down from generation to generation, the third-generation family has added their touch, as well as flavors from around the Mediterranean. While Carbone's has come a long way from the little sandwich and chicken shop of the 1930s, it still feels and looks (and is priced) very family-friendly. At Carbone's, Wednesday nights are known as "Pasta Wednesday," when Chef de Cuisine Joe Carbone's pasta of the day is on special and offers from the Captain's List are half price.
- Location: 588 Franklin Ave., Hartford, CT 06114
- Website: http://www.carbonesct.com/
- Phone: (860) 296-9646
- Store Hours: Tues-Thurs 3–9pm / Fri-Sat 3–10pm / Sun-Mon Closed
3. Campania Ristorante And Taverna, Connecticut
Since 1946, the Solevo family has been serving up old-fashioned Italian meals at Campania Ristorante and Taverna with their love and talent. Campania is intentionally not a fancy upscale restaurant. This is still a warm, welcoming, comfortable, and affordable neighborhood place where many Americans - and not just Italian Americans - grew up going for a family dinner. There are many dishes priced under $20 on the dinner menu, including pasta and some calamari and veal entrees, as well as everything but one item from the "Pollo" (chicken) category. Campania is an area in the very south of Italy, and Campania Ristorante specializes in the region's cuisine - especially its seafood.
- Location: 284 E. Main St., Bradford, CT 06405
- Website: http://www.campaniaristorante.com/
- Phone: (203) 483-7773
- Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am–9pm / Fri-Sat 11am–10pm / Sun 12–8pm
4. Treva, Connecticut
Many of Treva's best dishes, such as the sweet Italian sausage, are served at the restaurant's brunch on Sundays. It is primarily an Italian restaurant that focuses on the central and northern regions of the country, which means there is also an abundance and focus on lamb and beef and the traditional pasta found at other Italian restaurants. Moreover, Treva offers delightful chicken and seafood dishes, among them Branzino and Trota (whole fish and whole trout), Merluzzo (cod), and Salmone (saffron rice).
- Location: 980 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06107
- Website: http://www.trevact.com/
- Phone: (860) 232-0407
- Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am–10pm / Fri-Sat 11:30am–11pm / Sunday 11am–9pm
5. Sale e Pepe, Connecticut
This new Italian restaurant is owned and operated by Angelo Marini, a chef, and owner who has the necessary credentials to make Sale e Pepe an authentic Italian experience. Although born in Italy, Angelo was raised in Connecticut and has worked in Italian restaurants for most of his adult life. In 2005 he opened Sal e Pepe in Newtown to add his spin to classic dishes. He was born with such delights as Fettucine Pescatore (scallops, shrimp, calamari, and clams in a spicy plum tomato sauce served over fettuccine) and Short Rib Ravioli (pasta pillows filled with braised short rib and fontina, accompanied by caramelized onions and roasted red peppers). In Connecticut, there are many more traditional Italian restaurants, but only one Sal e Pepe.
- Location: 97 S. Main St., Newtown, CT 06470
- Website: http://www.salepeperestaurant.com/
- Phone: (203) 426-0805
- Store Hours: Mon-Wed 3–8pm / Thur 12–8pm / Fri-Sat 12–9pm / Sun 3–8pm
If you have more suggestions on the best Italian restaurants in Connecticut, please leave a comment below!