Love the food very tasty and traditional. Love the people they are very nice talk to you and are very friendly

This is quite literally the best Italian I have ever had. It was authentic Italian made with quality ingredients that were frankly good enough to bring tears to my eyes. The first course was a black truffle crostini that was not only the perfect size for an appetizer to the following amazing meal. Next was a fresh greens salad with nuts and a house made vinaigrette. This did not have any of the usual overbearing vinegar flavor of the average salad. Instead, the read more

A lovely little Italian restaurant run by a family. The food is really well cooked. The presentation is rustic giving it the charm of an authentically cooked homemade Italian meal. We often come here when we are celebrating a special occasion. I can honestly say that every meal we have ever had here has been beautifully cooked and prepared with the freshest produce. My personal favorite is the rabbit dish. The meat falls away from the bone and melts in your mouth. The desserts are great too. To ensure a table and avoid disappointment make sure you make a reservation. read more

An excellent restaurant run by a lovely family! The menu is small, but everything I've tried has been delicious. In particular, the crostini appetizers (with a variety of toppings) make for great tapas. The gnocchi are also fresh and light. If you like the food here, I'd suggest you visit their store (around the corner). They sell their family's olive oil, which is expensive but totally worth it. read more

Always a delight at Skappo. You think you are dining with YOUR family. Even if your family doesn't happen to be Italian. Even if you only speak three words of Italian. Had artichoke pesto pasta special and "nonna's"meatballs. Nice wine with appetizer "piatto misto" with charcuterie and cheeses. Oh my was it good. As usual. read more

I've only had dessert and coffee here, but both were fantastic! I had the chocolate cake, which wasn't at all what I was expecting, but it totally hit the spot. I was expecting a slice of rich chocolate cake, but what arrived looked like a chocolate muffin with chocolate chips. It had the consistency of cake and came with strawberry preserves and a chocolatey sauce - all warm! I would go back just for that cake. I also had a cup of coffee, which I really enjoyed. I have always loved coffee, but have never been able to drink it black. I drank this whole cup of coffee without cream or sugar, and it didn't taste bitter at all. I don't know what kind of coffee they use or how they brew it, but I want some of it for my house! I'd love to go back and have a full meal here sometime. read more

One word: delizioso! This place is great for a night out, date night, celebration with family, or just a serious craving of true, authentic Italian food! First things first, take the time to choose a drink of choice. My girlfriend and I ordered different glasses of wine (from a very local Italian region). The wine was paired incredibly with a cheese plater. The plate consisted of (Gouda, a Spanish Cheese and a very dry, bold cheese). The portion sizes were huge! It was greatly paired with fresh baked bread and a side of olive oil. BRAVO! For dinner, my girlfriend had the gnocchi. It was so soft that you didn't need any teeth for it. I never had anything like it. It was rich with flavor and extremely creamy. Definitely recommend! I had the chicken plate with eggplant and peppers. Unfortunately, they were out of the rabbit thighs. Again, the chicken was so soft and tender. The chef truly brought the Italian essence into the cooking. If you love authentic Italian food, you must go and be one with the culture! Also, it looks like they do Italian Language classes here. We didn't do that but I'd love to try it! read more

Arrived here on a saturday night without a reservation but we were graciously seated right away (unlike another place we were turned away from that night). The food tastes truly homemade and fresh. If you are looking for a more typical Italian (i.e., chicken parm, spaghetti/meatballs) you won't find it here. Best meal ive had in a while. Got the most fall apart tender beef on a bed of creamy polenta. I almost licked the dish clean! Hubby got the rabbit which he raved about. Desserts were great. The biscotti were impressive and full of big chocolate chips- looked homemade. One drawback is parking but I guess that's to be expected in the area. I only wish this place was closer to my house! read more

This is our new favorite place for authentic Umbrian italian food. Very intimate eating with family atmosphere! Imported sun dried tomatoes, imported grains. Local veggies and cheeses. Delicious desserts and wonderful wine list. Love Nonna! We were celebrating a special night with our family and she could not help herself to join in with us! Truly an excellent family experience! Thanks to all. read more

Silence D's review was "spot on"! The food was fabulous and the wait staff was both attentive and informative. A visit from Momma made the evening that much more enjoyable! Great food and great company made this a memorable evening! We'll be back! read more

Everything was just as it should be - atmosphere, food, service and price. I'd recommend the Fig dish, the Gnocci and the beef - all out of this world delicious. "Mama" came out towards the end of the night to personally thank everyone and asked her son to play some Italian songs on his guitar - and beautiful voice. We'll certainly be back. read more

Quaint, delicious, simple! The owners were fantastic! This will be a number one place to call home for great food! I am first generation italian, so this restaurant touched my heart. We will cherish our special moment here. Thank you! Mille grazie! read more

Went on a relatively uncrowded weekend with the gf. We were sat next to two other couples shoulder to shoulder on what was like a park bench. It felt very claustrophobic and constantly intrusive to conversation. (Couple next to us started talking about the same topic we were, sort of awkward). Food is overpriced. 11.50$ for a couple dumpy fried cornmeal balls somehow passing for gnocchi was the low point. I wanted to like it but could not. read more

Where was this the last time I came to New Haven? This is the first time I've done Italian "tapas," and I'm already looking forward to coming back. We did a walk-in around 7:30 pm on a Thursday and the room was only half-full. The strange thing was that they only had a few smaller tables and two big, long ones, so we were the first group to be seated on one of the long tables. We got the Crostini con Pomodori e Parmigiano-Reggiano, Piatto Misto, Gnocchi di Ricotta e Ceci con Salsa di Carciofi, and a special-of-the-day that was something like pesto lasagna. The crostini was the unanimous favorite, followed by the cheese-and-meats plate. I'm not a huge fan of chickpeas, but my friends really raved about it. The family-owned aspect was really nice ("Did my sister get your orders yet?"). The only thing I felt missing was some kind of curtain that separated the long hallway in the back from the dining room. My girlfriend commented that the tables didn't have any accouterments... some flowers, candles, or the like would have gone a long way in truly making it something special. read more

OUTSTANDING AUTHENTIC REGIONAL ITALIAN CUISINE We went to Skappo to celebrate my mother's 75th birthday. My teenage son and I had never been before, but my mom chose Skappo -- one of her FAVORITE restaurants in New Haven. Everyone in my family adores Italian food. In its many forms: Italian-American home-cooked food like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna; famous New Haven pizza (everyone has their favorite); award-winning Mario Batali restaurants here in New Haven and in NYC; gourmet Northern cuisine and Southern cuisine restaurants in LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and NYC; and drum roll.......what I call "Italy" Italian cuisine......which I savored on 2 beautiful, delicious vacations in cities and towns all over bella Italia. Skappo was sensational -- "Italy" Italian cuisine right here in New Haven. You don't have to take METRO North to NYC or pay for a flight to Roma. Especially pleasurable, it is REGIONAL cuisine, Umbrian, lovingly transported to America by the owner, Anna, who grew up in Assisi, Umbria. With Florence to the North and Rome to the South, the region of Umbria has distinctive dishes, flavors, sauces, and preparations. I sincerely felt like I was savoring dishes in a lovely ristorante in Italy!!! Our antipasti and piatti (entrees) which we shared family style ALL STELLAR: ***Salsa Tartufata con Mozzarella Fresca: Umbrian black truffles and mushroom shaved over fresh mozzarella on slices of savory bread ***Fichi Riempiti con Gorgonzola: sauteed figs, soaked in wine and stuffed with Gorgonzola ***Polpette di Carne e Peperoni Rossi con Spinaci: baked beef and roasted red pepper meatballs in a red pepper sauce, with a side of Bechamel sauced spinach ***Torta di Pollo con Polenta e Formaggio: chicken and mushroom torte (like a light quiche) in a fruity tart sauce surrounded by creamy polenta ENVIRONMENT: long shared wooden tables and a few tables of 4, pretty Italian art and decorations, casual yet refined SERVICE: warm, friendly, informative, well-paced, personal.....and then the unique charm and engaging personality of Anna, the Umbrian owner. To Anna, piacere! Mille Grazie!!! PRICE: moderate for New Haven dining, yet the quality and experience of expensive places. If you want to try a new Italian restaurant in New Haven and experience the flavors, textures, and atmosphere of Umbria, Italy, GO TO SKAPPO. Mangia tutti. Buon Appetito. read more

Was looking for a nice place to go, that used fresh ingredients, cares about their customers, wasn't the "typical spaghetti and meatballs" kind of place BUT delicious and much more for a special family with dear friends....and let me just say this place hit the mark every single time!!!! We started off with the semi dried tomato crostini with ricotta....delish!!! Bottle of wine...yum! There were a few of us, so I can't recall everyone's food for the night...but from what I can recall: Black Risotto....very creamy and yummy was the census!! Breaded beef...Very delicious!! White lasagna...very enjoyable and filling Mushroom torte...very good Everything was well made, cooked to absolute perfection, and most of all...made with good care!!! The owner.....yikes... I'm bad with names...woman who started the business 13 yrs ago... came out and spoke with us, while our food was being prepared. She was a sweet person, who sees the value in good fresh ingredients, them being put together with genuine care, but also quality customer service. Yes, the place is pricey, portions aren't huge, but they are filling!! I would easily recommend this place to anyone who appreciates quality. The interior isn't huge bit they have two long tables that easily seat 10-12 ppl; as well as 2/3 for seating 2. I wouldn't recommend bringing very young ones, unless they're able to sit for the length of your dinner...but on the same note they do offer (if you'd like) family style dining. (Large plates of various dishes to share amongst your family.) We had a great time with our friends while we enjoyed some really good and quality food. read more

The food here is AMAZING, and the service was wonderful as well. We had a reservation and were seated right away. It is a smaller place so I'd recommend a reservation. I had the rabbit entree and shared several apps, everything was absolutely delicious. It all tasted so fresh! Not huge portions, but I left full and happy. Will be back!! read more

The Black rice risotto has a unique and exquisite taste. And don't forget to have some Italian soda. It is also a family restaurant. The "mama"/chief came out to greet us and she was so very nice. read more

Hands down one of my favorite restaurants of all time. My family and I have been to a few of the porketta dinners there and they have been amazing every time! The Skappo family is full of extremely wonderful people who make the whole restaurant experience amazing. They will welcome you into their restaurant and make you feel like family while you are dining with them. Everything I have tried here has been delicious and I can't wait to go back again! read more

I love this place Everything about it The convenient location, the way I can just exit off of 34 and it feels like I'm home. The easy parking nearby The warm smile that greets us from usually either Mary or Ivette. The small, community style, seating, encouraging you to get to know your neighbor. The specialties that Ivette takes such pride in sharing. The fresh and simplistic deliciousness that Marc cooks up. The way Mama just glows as she moves through the restaurant, and holds court beside your table. Ivette's homemade desserts, except for the special Torrone that always sells out faster than I want. The way this family keeps their culture and shares it with so many. It may not be for everyone but it is for me, I just love it! read more

It's a small, family-owned establishment that seats maybe 35. The matriarch, who is quite adorable albeit kooky, may force you to listen to her grown son sing and play the guitar in a language he is not fluent in. The daughter is a waitress. The food is pretty pricey for New Haven - we're talking $25 for an entree (pasta or meat), that is not even remotely a generous serving, nor especially good cooking. This whole place just screams amateur. Yes, authentic, in the way that going over to your friend's Italian grandmother's house for dinner is. Would you pay $35-40 for a dinner cooked by her and then be forced to listen to 15-20 minutes of cheesy song and dance? The menu is small - maybe 7-8 super simple appetizers (not Mario Batali simple, more like Northern-Italian-cooked-by-a-highschool-HomeEc-class simple), 2-3 pastas and 5-6 meat/fish entrees. On the night that I went, not a single of these pastas had a red sauce on it - everything was a creamy or white sauce, which, while I don't dislike, is sort of limiting and unexpected for an Italian restaurant. Just not a terribly professional dining establishment or one that I would revisit. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday night to a full house. We put our name down and when we returned a table was waiting for us. The staff was friendly, informative and extremely helpful. Everything was awesome from the appetizers, the wine selection, the delicious entrees and the meal topped off with scrumptious dessert. read more

I live in Manhattan and this place would have no problem surviving (and probably thriving) in any neighborhood in New York. Great wine selection, creative pasta dishes, A+ atmosphere and owned and operated by a very sweet Italian family. read more

I had a very bizarre experience at Skappo's last Friday. My husband and I were seated for dinner at the full restaurant at 8:30 on Friday. We got our wine and bread in a timely manner, but our mushroom crostini appetizer came out rather slow, and we were served wet plates! These weren't damp, they were sopping. I don't know how the waitress didn't notice! It was at this time when the night took a turn for the worst. The owner and staff decided to hijack everyone's night, and hold us hostage for the next half hour. The owner stood in front of the dining room and started talking endlessly about Italy, wine, etc. The full dining room (with several large groups) had to sit in polite silence while this woman went on and on. One of the chef's snag a nice romantic song, which was actually good, then it was back to the talkative owner for another few minutes, then the Chef decided it was a good idea to promote his band, and sing TWO more songs that he forced the patrons to sing along to! I came to the restaurant for a nice evening with my husband. If I wanted to sit in silence, and then participate in a sing-along, I would have went to Chuck-E-Cheeses. I felt particularly bad for the large group of 8 people, who had to sit in silence during their dinner while the owner went on and on. It's impossible to eat tapas in silence! You have to pass plates, comment on food, etc. To rob the patron's of this was extremely rude! I though the Chefs constant promoting of his band was tacky as well. To sum up, the food was pretty good, but the bizarre service, ugly mismatched plates (which were not charming, sorry) and hijacking of the night by the staff were totally unacceptable. read more

This is by far, one of the best restaurants I have EVER eaten at! My family and I visited there this weekend and were overwhelmed with the service & food. We did make reservations- the space is VERY small. I'd highly recommend reservations. Skappo is family owned by the mother and 3 children. They do everything here & are amazing. Mama even came out and talked to us! Yvette gave us recommendations. The whole idea is to get several apps & entrees to share- they are small. We started off with 3 appetizers & 3 salads to share. It was phenomenal. The Crostini con Pomodori e Parmigiano-Reggiano was the best thing I've EVER eaten in my life. I'd go back just for that! After that, we had about 5 entrees to share- also incredible. I can't remember the names but we had: osso buco, potato-less gnocchi, tilapia, lasagna, cranberry, & apricot risotto. For dessert we had cannolis, apple crisp, and a chocolate cream/ mousse. Interestingly enough, they've been open for 9 years and have not done any advertising. This place is incredible. I can't wait to go back! GO TO SKAPPO- you will NOT be disappointed. They also have their own market next door- I'll be visiting there to buy their imported tomatoes ASAP! read more

Small, intimate, culinary perfection. Meatballs that dreams are made of. Only Italian restaurant in NH where somebody's Umbrian nonna in the kitchen cooking your food comes out to give you a hug and tell you how beautiful you are. I could eat their entire menu and die happy. Delicious wine selection as well. I always forget this place exists but am always pleasantly surprised when I rediscover it. Bring money. Leave satisfied. read more

The stars here don't lie - as of this post no one has given lower than 4 stars, and they're well-deserved. You would be hard pressed to leave Skappo unsatisfied unless you have a problem with the prices, in which case, I'm sure there's an Olive Garden nearby that would better suit your needs. Everything is tapas style here, which lets you taste more of their delicious dishes than if you just had a bucket of pasta. The food and wine (I too, remember the truffle bruschetta) are excellent, and while I love Tuscany, if you vacation there for the food, don't bother - just go to Skappo's! I honestly think that their cinghiale dishes (wild boar) are better than those in Sienna. You can't go wrong with any of the fresh pasta, mushroom, boar, or rabbit dishes, which are typical to Tuscan cuisine, but the atmosphere is what really makes it for me. Skappo's is small, so small you MUST have a reservation to get a table, but that just means that you have more attention from the family that runs the place. They are attentive but not intrusive, and it seems that the restaurant runs in their blood since they're all so involved. My favorite part is when the mother/chef comes out of the kitchen late in the evening to meet all the diners at each table. If you speak a little Italian, now is the time to bust it out, but if not, don't worry, she's just as genial in English! It's worth taking your sweet time with the whole meal just to be around when she pops out of the kitchen. Every time you meet a chef at their restaurant you learn a little about their style and their food, and la mama is no exception. Great place for small groups (4) or a romantic date, and be prepared for a wonderful evening. read more

Last night was my introduction to Skappo, and I certainly will be returning many times over. This intimate, family-run Italian restaurant hosts a night every month where the youngest son performs with their band while you enjoy a pasta dinner. Last night was a tribute to Michael Jackson done in the band's own style, and it was a blast! Mama and Papa were dancing and cheering them on, and while Yvette and Michael served the meal and tended to everyone's needs. The pasta dinner was simple, but divine with a salad, bread, and a pasta with an exquisite sauce. I will definitely return to try the dishes off the menu! read more

Yvette's hospitality is like no other! For a table of 7, our meals were all superb. We started with the crostini and a mixed meats and cheese plate. Then for meals, 3 of us had the meatballs, by the way, meatball house can't touch these! Two had the risotto and one a pasta dish. I had the same meal as last time, the rabbit. I remember it being exactly the same as the first time I had it, flavorful and to die for. If you want a quality home cooked Italian meal this is your place. It is one of the fine Italian restaurants in the area and the best! read more

We went back twice this year, six years since my last review. Unfortunately it seems the quality of the food and service has gone a bit downhill since our last visit. It seems the chef may have changed. The gnocchi was very good but our other dishes were average at best. On our last visit the server brought us our check without asking if we wanted coffee or dessert. It was bizarre, as if she didn't care that we were dining in her restaurant. Very disappointing. For good Italian food in New Haven I would recommend L'Orcio on State st. read more

Went there for the first time last night for dinner. The restaurant is very cozy, they mostly have long tables that you share with other guests, but they also have a couple of two tops and four tops. The atmosphere is very low key, so no need to dress up. They have an extensive wine list, although they only offer 4 whites and 4 reds by the glass, which felt a tad limited, but I was very happy with the choice the server recommended. The food is amazing! I felt like I was having a home cooked meal by my grandma. Everything is prepped a la carte, so they are flexible on making modifications to the menu. My friend is vegetarian and has a few diet restrictions and they whipped up a pasta dish with olive oil and sautéed zucchini without a problem. We also got the cheese plate for an appetizer which came with delicious homemade plum preserves. I got the rabbit dish that was served with a spinach and cheese torte slice - I devoured it all. For desert we got this warm cake that was topped with nuts and preserves and was served with a side of whipped cream. It was delicious! They give you a huge piece so I would recommend splitting it with someone. The best part of the restaurant is, of course, Anna. She does all the cooking and she makes a point to come and talk to each table for a while. She truly makes you feel welcome and comfortable. I look forward to being a regular here. read more

Best restaurant ever, in life. The food is amazing. Each dish is so fresh and unique and made with care. Some dishes showcase just one simple, fresh ingredient, and others show a mastery of complex texture, temperature, and flavor combinations. The experience is overall very positive. The atmosphere is intimate. The staff remember their regular guests, even if you've only been there a few times. The family is warm and kind and also professional. I'm from a larger city and have experienced great food from all over the world - but this place in little New Haven is by far my favorite. read more

I came here a few weeks ago to meet a date. I was early (he was late) but since we had made reservations, and there is no bar, they sat me right in the middle of one long table. I am very comfortable eating by myself, but something about this set-up made me uncomfortable. When my date finally got there we ordered, but the food took quite a long time to come out. I had ordered a chicken dish, that was alright, and my date liked his meal. read more

Wow. I have a really hard time with this place. If it didn't get so many 4 and 5 star reviews, setting my expectations so high, I would give it 3 stars. Who knew that charging dinner prices for appetizer portions was going to be the next big hit? The Bollito con Polenta at $15.50 is okay. Polenta, at any price, is hard for some restaurants to do well, but with all the hype I expected Skappo to hit it out of the park. The meat ball dish was okay. I just don't think you should pay over $85 for two small apps and two small entrees of okay food. Then again, considering all of the 4 and 5 star reviews, maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about. I'm going to stop now before I get mad and take away another star. read more

The food at Skappo is wonderful-it helps to know an entire family is cooking your meal and making sure you're enoying yourself. At the end of our meal, one of the chefs came to collect our dishes and let us know he as well as "mama" preapred what we had eaten-really sweet. In my opinion, the truffle crostini should not be missed-the nuttiness of the homemade walnut bread entwined with the earthy, decadent mix of truffle is pure foodgasm-I reluctantly shared with with my man! We also had the tuna crostini, a fine pate of high quality Italian tuna, black olives and capers smeared on deliciously crusty warm bread. Those combined with the piatto misto, a modest selection of great meat and cheese, would have definitely been enough to satiate us, but hey, we were living it up and oredered gnocchi with leeks and a garbanzo bean torte. While these dishes were quite good, I could have done without-maybe too full at that point? My only gripe, and I hate to gripe, is I prefer a dimmer setting-we all look better in low lights! It felt a bit bright, and I never achieved that "nestled in for a nice meal" feeling. It felt a bit like come, eat, pay, leave. Overall, the service was great-attentive, yet invisible, and the food was stellar-and the prices guarantee a return visit when we want to eat well and keep our wallets fat(ish). read more

A bit disappointing actually. The owner was indeed very, very nice. I was greeted during the meal and could really tell this was a family run business where the family absolutely loved what they did. However, after trying to come here twice before, and finding them closed for a concert and then commencement, I really had high expectations. However, their gnocchi was mediocre and I can't even remember the other dish ordered. Overall, I've definitely had more flavorful food. read more

Oh Skappo's - how I love ye! Food is delightful; friendliest service you will find anywhere. This is a truly truly terrific restaurant worth a visit. Everything is homemade and delicious- small (and big) plates so you can have a variety, tapas-style. A MUST visit! read more

One of the best restaurants we have experienced! I love that it is family owned and everything has a story behind it. From where the tomatoes are from in Italy, to the wines and chestnuts. We let Yvette pick our meal for us and it was an incredible dining experience. It was a nice way to try a lot of dishes from apps to desert. The mom even came out of the kitchen to meet us and share a few stories.To top off the night Yvette made a suggestion of where to end our evening and listen to music. Not only did we have amazing food we were throughly entertained and we can't wait to go back! Thank you! read more

My wife and I took my daughter out for dinner. I came here for the great reviews and photos on yelp. The food was amazingly fresh and well prepared. The owner made me feel very welcomed. Her son waited on our table and provided an incredible description on the preparation and tastes of the foods. Skappo is not only a great place to eat. It is a wonderful dining experience. Well worth the visit. read more

This place is just magnificent. Everything is so tasty and even if a dish is a bit lacking, the family that runs this place makes up for it a thousand times over. read more