These questions always produce a few camps. I’m most interested in the Olea/Zinc camp.

I’m a Tavern on State person, and I don’t enjoy Olea or Zinc. They’re posing as nice places but all the dishes I’ve had are unimpressive. I think they cater to people who care more about the ambiance than the food.

That’s actually really interesting to hear was staying to Westville side of new haven cause I figured Hamden would have more traffic cutting through New Haven.

I drive from Hamden to Waterbury. I go down to Woodbridge and then through Seymour to route 8 to Waterbury. Barely any traffic, ever. Takes about 25 minutes.

Olea and zinc are very close though, imo.

Hamilton Park is not as good as it was pre pandemic. The chef left and it's not been the same.

Yeah. I was a big fan, and my wife and I went in Jan 22 for our anniversary and it was.....not great to say the least. It fell off a ton. We likely won't go back with so many better options.

Union League is the only true fine dining location. The service is excellent.

Villa Lulu, Olea, Zinc are very good and fine but not at that standard.

Union League checks all your boxes. Always extraordinary.

I said if it’s not logistical I would consider closer places? Just wanted an idea of how long the commute is

best beef tartare i’ve ever had

Same. Go for the food more than for the cocktails, though they are still good, but probably don’t go if you have a vegetarian or vegan in your party. If you don’t, then go.

Sunday/Monday, Barcelona is pretty much your only option for that. Most good places in New Haven are closed those days.

Pre-pandemic they were really good in my experience. Haven’t been back since hut haven’t heard good things post-pandemic either.

It’s true. It’s the staff. They’re terrible. They act like you’re burdening them by asking them to do their job.

Olea, Zinc, or Union League.

Harvest, Hachiroku, and Tavern on State are all good, but I would't consider them "impressive." Haven't tried Fair haven Oyster Co (vegetarian) yet, but I've heard good things.

Bro heirloom is possibly the worst restaurant in town. Everytime I'm there it's full disaster mode

Harvest, south bay, are both S tier.

Take them to McDonalds on Whalley across from the mens correctional facility!

I am going to have to respectfully disagree 😅

Tavern on State is the best in NHV and one off the best in CT (look up CT Crazie awards) Union League is the most “upscale” and it’s delicious. ZINC and fair haven oyster also superb. Hamilton Park also very good.

TLDR: Union League and Hamilton Park prolly the most upscale/fine dining options. But imo Tavern on State has the best food/cocktail program

This post feels like chat gpt is trying to learn about New Haven apizza…

Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant (203) 787-7471

Cocktails are great. Food is lacking

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It's "fine" dining.