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    Caffe Bravo

    4.1 (121 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Open 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Caffe Bravo Photos

    CAFFE BRAVO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Caffe Bravo

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    Rigatoni bolognese

    Some of the best Italian I have had around New Haven. Great service and ambience as well. The homemade pasta adds a great level of quality to the dish and the sauces tasted like a homemade meal.

    White fish with crushed pistachios, purple potatoes and grilled spinach

    We were surprised to find there's a Wednesday special menu for couples. We chose raw oysters on half shells for antipastos, a lobster fettuccine and a branzino with crushed pistachios for main course, one more side dish of broccoli rabe, and a cheesecake with forest berries as dessert. The lobster fettuccine was perfect. The lobster was sweet and firm. The light seasoning indeed brought out its freshness. The fettuccine was al dente to the perfect second. I don't think I'm exaggerating to say it's the best lobster fettucine I've ever tasted. The branzino was also surprisingly tasty. Somehow the mildness of its taste was complemented by the sauce and the roasted crushed pistachios. And the purple potatoes were indeed pleasing to the eye as well as to my palate. And we loved the sauteed spinach and broccoli rabe. It's just so rare to have vegs that are neither overcooked nor undercooked, and with the right flavour and texture. In terms of ambience, it was just right - not crowded at all for us to enjoy a quiet lovely evening, but comfortable enough to see and hear the waiting staff talking with the guests here and there like friends. And the service was great. We didn't feel intruded, watched or bothered at anytime but whenever we needed something Francesco was there with that really cute Italian candidness.

    Tiramisu
    Allison C.

    From the moment I walked into Caffe Bravo, I knew I was going to have a great meal. We dined in their patio area and absolutely loved the vibe and decorations. The Italian bread was so fresh and was truly some of the best I've had. Delicious calamari and meatballs for appetizers, followed by their incredible housemade pasta. There's a nice variety on the menu, and my fiancé enjoyed the lamb chops. I'm so glad we saved room for dessert, because the homemade lava cake and tiramisu were great! Our server was friendly and attentive as well. What a nice neighborhood spot!

    Pasta genovese
    Giuseppe L.

    Pasta genovese was just like I was in Naples Italy. I also got the pasta special that seemed a little odd but I was intrigued to order because im a sucker for culinary creations, blew me away it was so good and creative. Authentic food not your typical Italian American home made pasta you can taste the freshness. I will be back and i am excited to see new specials everytime I go

    Aragosta
    C S.

    Reminded me of a small modern Italian restaurant in Milano.....lots of old world traditional dishes....what I have to absolutely Yelp about is the Polpette "Meatballs" the best I have had in any restaurant even in Italy.... They remind me of my aunts in Italy almost identical....that was a great feeling while Dining. Most items are made fresh and authentic to traditional Italian modern meal....our waitstaff was patient and on point for the cafe being so busy...very good service!! for dessert definitely try the Tiramisu and wait for the hazelnut surprise......Delish!!!

    New Haven sidewalk along Cafe Bravo
    Susan C.

    A bazillion stars for Cafe Bravo in the East Rock section of New Haven, CT. Not just because it's the exact spot where I fell in love with coffee 40 years ago this November(yes, I remember that morning like it was yesterday :)), but because you can't beat the atmosphere of an authentic old fashioned Italian cafe. Where else can you relax outside on a terrace under a lemon arbor with htwinkling lights and try your coffee with a twist of lime? When you've had enough, take a stroll on the pretty city sidewalks lined with 100+ year old Oak and Elm Trees. Notice the architecture of the historic Victorian homes, and Yale University Buildings along the way. If you like, this small neighborhood, family run business offers dine in or take out with delicious homemade food to take back home with you.

    Bread dish after we ate some bread
    Richard A.

    Was seated outside in a enclosed room with large windows. Small restaurant, but it had a great selection of dishes. Parking is a challenge, due to the fact that they only have street parking. They start you off with a nice crusted Italian bread and a bruschetta. Appetizer I ordered the Spanish Octopus, Shrimp, and Sea Scallops mixed with carrots and peas in a puréed Peruvian yellow pepper sauce. It was delicious it also had a little bit of a kick , but not enough to be real hot , just enough to be a little spicy , it was very good. The sauce was so good I used the Italian bread to mop it up Entree Pan-seared Mederterian sea bass topped with sautéed fennel and cherry tomatoes in a citrus wihite wine sauce served with roasted vegetables . This was also very good, but not as flavorful as the one I get from Pasta Cosi in Branford. The service was excellent and they kept it very clean ,

    Bruschetta and bread
    Olivia J.

    One of my favorite restaurants ever! This is one of those restaurants I grew up going to and will never get tired of. It's the type of place that attracts locals and the regulars who recognize each other when they're dining in. The food is outstanding, however, I do have to say that since the new owners took over in the past year, it hasn't been AS good as it originally was. The pics attached are from before the new owners took over, but I think the original owners still help out sometimes (from what I understand based off my last visit in February). I had one bad experience in February of this year for my birthday dinner when I got lasagna con carne and it came out ice cold in the middle not once, but twice. I ended up getting fettuccine bolognese and that was amazing (and hot!) Definitely recommend going to this restaurant.

    3

    Excellent customer service and food. Loved the holiday decor- especially the center pieces on the bar!

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    Great food. Not overpriced. The specials were outstanding! Wanted to carb up before the road race. The homemade pasta really fit the bill!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Caffe Bravo

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    Caffe Bravo - italian - Updated May 2026

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