No Budget Dinner

Submitted by SomoHapiens t3_yqq9s7 in newhaven

If you had no budget limitations and could go out to dinner anywhere within 40 minutes of New Haven, where would you go?

For that dinner that you talk about 5 years later..

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Comments

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mozzking t1_ivpsuxh wrote

Some of the states best restaurants are right here in NHV. Union League, Tavern on State, Fair Haven Oyster Co. All 3 are just outstanding

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HeadyRoosevelt t1_ivpvztl wrote

I just had Zinc for the first time since moving to NH and it was fantastic too!

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United_Possession_20 t1_ivq2671 wrote

I would also add Shell and Bones to this list. I thought the food was fantastic and it has a great view.

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catsmash t1_ivr9xc0 wrote

the prices at shell & bones are unconscionable.

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curbthemeplays t1_ivqehj7 wrote

I’d add Rockfish to that.

Also Hachiroku, though I wish they’d get their service figured out.

I’ve heard great things about Luke from friends.

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mozzking t1_ivqffvg wrote

Haven’t tried Luke yet but heard great things

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CountKrill t1_ivr6nvf wrote

Hachiroku is phenomenal. So grateful they're here and seem to be generating good buzz and clientele

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kshelley t1_ivq9tqn wrote

Olea - tasting menu

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CountKrill t1_ivr6gq5 wrote

The best and most memorable dining experiences I've had in Connecticut has been the omakase at Otaru sushi in New Haven. The quality of the meal and service is a bargain when compared to similar offerings in New York City, where the chef and owner worked before starting his own place here. I've eaten at Union League, Millwrights, Tavern in State, and many of the other places listed in the comments. Otaru bests them all, in my opinion.

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adultdaycare81 t1_ivqdzr9 wrote

Millwrights in Simsbury, Arathusa in Litchfield, Max Downtown in Hartford

RIP On20, I hope it comes back

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Codems t1_ivr27qo wrote

I recently ate at millwrights and was wildly disappointed.

I’m a chef by trade so let me first say I really respect Tyler Anderson for being a huge proponent of keeping his businesses alive during covid and acknowledge all the accolades he and his team have received.

But man, just overall “meh” experience at Millwrights, over seasoned steak frites, over toasted focaccia app, RARE borderline raw (and I like my salmon mid-rare) salmon. Out of 6 dishes I was pleased with 2, but not the experience I expected.

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adultdaycare81 t1_ivtay9l wrote

Yeah I have had really really good and only decent meals there. At this point Tyler seems to be more of a Restauranteur than chef (at least from what I can tell, I don’t know him from Moses). But I have generally been impressed with the food. Ironically during COVID it was better than the last time I went after.

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HockeyandTrauma t1_ivr2exl wrote

I loved on20.

Big fan of present company too. But it's not 20 minutes from new haven.

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adultdaycare81 t1_ivtaozm wrote

Present Company needs to sort out their HVAC situation. I have had two experiences there where it was really hot or really cold. Like cmon, that’s so basic for a place making amazing food.

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nerbm t1_ivq7mmv wrote

ION restaurant in Middletown. Vegan, but super delicious even if you're not. Amazing specials, and good cocktails too. Afterward, shuffle across the street to Eli Cannons to pound some beers from their awesome tap selection.

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kittensneezesforever t1_ivs2ehz wrote

I adore ION. They’re also really not that expensive.

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nerbm t1_ivtbkb3 wrote

Well, sorta true, but it depends on your idea of expensive. Certainly it's not a "money is no concern" place. But with an appetizer, entrée and a couple drinks (even non-alcoholic) you're looking at $45-60 per person. Worth it, but not cheap.

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CTRealtorCarl t1_ivqgotj wrote

No budget = Winvian

Other amazing options in no particular order: Arethusa al Tavolo, Millwrights, Swyft, Shipwrights Daughter

All have amazing food and a great atmosphere. Honorable mention is Artisan which has locations in West Hartford and Fairfield, not quite the same tier but a place where you can go a little more often.

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curbthemeplays t1_ivql5ph wrote

I found Artisan just OK. Better spots in New Haven. I’d like to try Winvian and also RSVP.

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CTRealtorCarl t1_ivqllty wrote

I agree, its nothing to write home about...just a decent restaurant on the nicer side, the dishes are hit or miss. Personally I always get the Steak Frites and it has never disappointed. Their Espresso Martini's are on point too.

I forgot about RSVP and also Community Table.

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HockeyandTrauma t1_ivr2jdd wrote

Winvian is one of the only places I haven't been to that sits atop my list.

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cb020429 t1_ivqzrgq wrote

Union League Cafe

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SkateAndEnjoi t1_ivqskzk wrote

If you're looking to spend nothing is as expensive as NYC around here. But I believe New Havens restuarants are quite close for a fraction of the price. Cast Iron & Union Leauge are great options. Olea as well.

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PajamaSamsMom t1_ivq2mwv wrote

Second Sayulitas and also consider Millwrights in Simsbury. Do the tasting menu with the wine pairing. My husband and I still talk about our meal we had there in 2020.

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curbthemeplays t1_ivqm38d wrote

Tyler of Millwright’s was chef at Hamilton Park in New Haven for a minute. Not sure what happened there. They can’t seem to keep a chef long.

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rachelvmd t1_ivrs6rx wrote

Olea, how come no one has mentioned olea? Go to olea!!!!!!

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Boratkan t1_ivq0j8l wrote

Paradise thai cuisine in Orange is my fav restaurant so far!

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malak5300 t1_ivu33l5 wrote

ZINC - was treated to a many-course meal there once by a university thing and it was utterly phenomenal and completely unaffordable

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cesarxp2 t1_ivppri0 wrote

Is it for a specific occasion or are you just looking for a good experience? My top restaurants, where food and service are consistently great, are Sayulita (Glastonbury), Tao (Mohegan), Rio (Mystic).

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