Twin Pines Diner: A Diner You Can Count On

The Twin Pines Diner is there for you literally all hours of the day and night with its offerings of classic diner fare. Twin Pines has the typical dier amenities of an extremely casual dress code, somewhat hokey décor, cheap prices, and friendly servers. But really, where else can you get baked moussaka and roast prime rib at three in the morning? You should probably stick to the dishes diners are known for, though: greasy breakfast meats, goodie-stuffed pancakes, classic deli sandwiches, and lip-smacking french fries. The menu has a few healthier options, too, like salads and veggie burgers. If you make it to Twin Pines before dusk, you can also enjoy lunch specials for under $6 or Early Bird entrees such as stuffed pepper and roast turkey with stuffing. Then order a bottle of wine and stay until 3 a.m. for a second dinner!

Twin Pines Diner
34 Main Street
East Haven, CT 06512
(203) 468-6887

Indian Favorites at Zaroka

Whenever you need your fix of Indian cuisine, Zaroka has you covered. Meals are served seven days a week, with a lunch buffet as a nice daily value. The menu offers an impressive selection of vegetarian treats—the navratan korma and bhaingan bhartha are especially popular, as well as the vegetable biryani. The appetizers are always fun and yummy, for example, samosas and pickles particularly hit the spot. The Lamb is also lovely and don’t hesitate to go with seafood—the tandooris and chicken dishes appeal especially with diners less familiar with Indian cuisine.

Zaroka’s atmosphere is pleasant and interesting—don’t hesitate to ask for dinner recommendations, as the staff is happy to steer you in the right direction. Zaroka also has a good bar and an array of interesting beverages that will add a touch of celebration to your meal.

Zaroka Bar & Restaurant
148 York Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 776-8644
www.zaroka.com

Delaney’s Restaurant & Tap Room: A Neighborhood Spot For Good Food and Friends

Delaney's wants to make you happy—starting with the selection of more than 60 beers on tap and another 70 bottles, as well as a just as extensive wine list. A choice of several venues allows you to tailor your setting to fit your purpose. There’s a tap room, pub dining room, outdoor patio, and a more conventional dining room to enjoy the menu filled with American comfort food. The kitchen is open late and serves the same fare wherever you decide to land. Weekend brunch is a local favorite, with complementary bloody marys and mimosas.

For lunch and dinner eats, the spinach artichoke dip is a popular starter, Thai spiced stir fry is a winning entreé, and the hamburgers and mussels come with multiple treatments and always seem to please. The menu is extensive, so you can eat light with a big salad, or enjoy a heartier meal of mac 'n cheese or a turkey dinner. Check the website for various specials and events—happy hours and beer tasting flights are best spent with friends, experiencing Delaney’s famous variety of offerings.

Delaney’s Restaurant & Tap Room
882 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 397-5494
www.delaneystaproom.com

116 Crown: Small Plates and Creative Cocktails

A 2008 review in The New York Times called 116 Crown, “Theater . . . a comprehensive artistic vision that marries cuisine to music and design.” Come here when you want to spend a little extra for exciting drinks and tasty small plates in a venue that also takes pride in its appearance and sound. It works and it rocks.

The cocktails are so forward that bartend/owner John Ginnetti has acquired celeb status arranging special events and classes featuring different aspects of the art. Wine at 116 Crown reflects a carefully pre-screened, less-is-more selection that the establishment believes pairs most appropriately with its kitchen. Diners enjoy the mussels and marrow, as well as pizzette and burgers. The oysters are well selected and fresh, and there is nothing like a portion of the Parmesan and truffle Frites! From one happy reviewer, “Run, don’t walk. But save us a seat.”

116 Crown
16 Crown Street
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 777-3116
www.116crown.com

Malaysian Dishes and Delights at Bentara Restaurant

Recognized by the city for its major contribution to community renewal, Bentara Restaurant also dishes up tasty meals. The style is Malaysian, and word is, that chef/owner Hasni Ghazali adapts his mother’s recipes in a restaurant named for the “king’s servant.”  Guess we could all appreciate one of those in our kitchen!

Some diners especially love Bentara for its vegan-friendly dishes. Mussels and satay are popular, as well, and fried wok favorites include mee goreng and kew tao goring. The peanut soup also ranks quite high, while Bentara salmon and other fish specialties regularly please diners. The wine list is long and strong. This place has a magnetism that draws loyal patrons from significant distances!

Bentara Restaurant
76 Orange Street
New Haven, CT  06510
(203) 562-2511
www.bentara.com

A Sublime Burger Experience: Louis’ Lunch

Unadulterated burgers with claims to history—Louis’ Lunch has cultivated a rather holy image and a fiercely devoted congregation. The lore of this tiny, yet nationally-recognized eatery dates back to 1898 in the days of its founder, Louis Lassen. Once, when a customer needed a quick lunch on the go, Lassen grilled up his special ground meat blend, and sandwiched it in between two pieces of white toast, thereby fashioning the original hamburger.

Today’s Louis’ Lunch is still a family shop, preserved—if slightly relocated—from modern developments (which includes ketchup, as well as credit cards and high rise commerce). Best to leave your preconceived notions and burger habits elsewhere and enjoy Louis’ Lunch on its own terms.  Appreciate the antique cast-iron vertical grills, the lack of condiments, and unapologetic fiberless toast.  Remember to order the potato salad and birch beer. Then good luck controlling your cravings.  Louis’ isn’t open on Sunday or Monday, and as its name hints, it’s only open for lunch.

Louis’ Lunch
261-263 Crown Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 562-5507
www.louislunch.com

Modern Apizza: A-Listworthy Thin Crust Pies

Modern Apizza has your pizza needs completely covered (except for Mondays when they’re closed), and has been outdoing local competitors for years. Here you get thin crust, tasty sauce, good choices, reliable and friendly service, and reasonable prices in a clean place that appreciates its mission since 1934. This leading pizzeria has pocketed many “bests,” and most recently hit Playboy’s A-list. Although it’s their white clam pizza that takes the crown—a sauceless pizza, loaded with garlic and topped with fresh littleneck clams—people also love the Margarita and the bacon pies as well. Appetizers like garlic bread and salad make a good prequel to your pizza, and the menu also offers entrees like calzones, grinders, and baked ziti. But the pizza's where it's at, proven by Modern Apizza's far-reaching reputation—Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein and team President Larry Lucchino have eaten here, as well as Steven Spielberg, who visited while filming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Modern Apizza
874 State Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 776-5306
www.modernapizza.com

Geronimo: A Vibrant Taste of the Southwest

Come to Geronimo for an education in tequila, as well as a great Southwestern meal and a blast. The restaurant seems to take its mission to heart—preparing authentic, traditional flavors of the native Southwest with care, so that even the restaurant’s namesake would feel right at home. The tequilas are well organized on the menu, so that you don’t even have to fess up to not having a clue.  You can order a tasting flight in order to sample a variety. If you enjoy margaritas, know that some are flavored with a hint of distinctive peppers of the land, from which they derive special appeal. Spicy passion fruit and cool pepper are among the favorites.

Soups, chiles and stews—elk, pumpkin, or pork posole are extraordinary. Don’t miss the chorizo & fig frybread. Geronimo really knows how to prepare their corn-based dishes. You’ll have to return again and again to tackle all of the great main plates and sides. Know before you go: the yucca fries are glorious.

Geronimo Southwest Grill
271 Crown Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 777-7700
www.geronimobarandgrill.com

Bentara: Striking Space, Tangy Food, and an Authentic Malaysian Experience

Combining a dramatic space, dishes with spices and flavors from around the globe, and fine service, Bentara is a fantastic introduction to the world of Malaysian cooking. Bentara’s food is a blend of cuisine from India and China with Dutch, English, and Portuguese influences thrown in. The restaurant's specialty is noodle bowls, and for around $15 diners get shrimp, tofu, chicken and beef in a choice of broth. Another must-try is the traditional appetizer satay, skewered meat grilled over charcoal and served with a stewed peanut in coconut sauce and spices. Meals are catered to order, with a choice of mild, medium, and hot, and each dish is carefully explained for the first-time Malaysian eater. The beautiful décor of a huge converted warehouse, with touches of Malaysian art and design, complements the modern pallet. Bentara is a relaxed environment perfect for an intimate date, causal lunch, or business dinner.

Bentara
76 Orange St.
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 562-2511
www.bentara.com

L'Orcio: Upscale Italian Dining Straight From Italy

The head chef at L’Orcio, Francesco d’Amuri, earned his culinary knowledge by traveling around his native Italy and learning about the local cuisine from the masters. HIs education and experience is evident in the high level of quality L’Orcio presents in everything from homemade pastas and finely-crafted mixed drinks to delectable desserts and rustic Italian countryside décor. The homemade pappardelle pasta is a standout entry that can be substituted in any dish, and is only rivaled by the gnocchi and rabbit ravioli. Pasta can be ordered in half sizes for an appetizer or lunch, and are still very sizable!

Desserts are also a high point of the meal—the cheesecake with strawberry puree is a must-try. The relaxing atmosphere includes an outdoor patio perfect for a summer evening, and the attentive staff will help you select the perfect wine to complement your meal. L’Orcio combines delicious, fresh food with an engaging atmosphere and great service to ensure a uniquely elegant dining experience. 

L’Orcio
806 State St.
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 777-6670
www.lorcio.com

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