“Great locale for a dressed up night out or business meeting. Casual clothing is allowed; however, the atmosphere (and pricing) is upscale so be mindful of your attire and spending.Walk-ins are accepted but it is often busy so reservations may be preferable.All the entrees were plated beautifully; however, the lamb was by far their most aesthetic and flavorful dish. Keep in mind some of the dishes are experimental but all of our dishes were exemplary.Overall dining experience was that of a high quality upscale food only topped by union league cafeParking: Street parking is limited. You may have to walk a considerable distance to find parking“
“The vibes, the drinks, the experience is worth trying. I love the ever changing menu-- like a different experience everytime. Good apps. Not for a large party but I would say a group of 6 would be max. Make reservations. Service is good-- they make great recs.“
“An oldie but a goodie! I first went to this place in 2013 and really liked it, and recently checked it out and still think it’s great. Love the ambiance, the food is fun and adventurous and the service is attentive. One of my favorite spots in downtown New Haven!“
“Excellent service, especially for a busy Friday night. The server made a clutch recommendation with the fresh garden tomatoes on the white pie. Mozzarella and tomato was phenomenal. Both pizzas were out of this world. Surprising beer list too. I cannot wait to go back.Parking: I found a spot a block away at 6PM on a Friday. Parking was wide open, but not an issue either.“
“Came here for some drinks which were excellent! Happened to be happy hour so that was also a bonus. Ambiance of the whole place is super chill and cozy and not too loud for how busy it was which was great, didn't have to tell for the person sitting next to me to hear me. Didn't order any food but I watched a bunch of food come out and it looked amazing so I will definitely be back!“
“Food is always amazing here, great atmosphere, delicious cocktails. But I'm really writing this review as a shout out to Felix, he was the best waiter I've had in recent memory! Great vibes, attentive, friendly, all around a 10/10 he was the best!!“
“Our meal at Cast Iron Chef was a game changer! It’s no wonder they’ve received such great recognition - this was for sure one of the best steakhouses I’ve visited. Instead of bread, you get to snack on popcorn before your meal, which we couldn’t stop eating! It has a spicy, yet sweet and smoky seasoning to it that is SO GOOD. Having all of the food in a cast iron skillet is a game-changer because your food stays warmer for so much longer and cooks more evenly, which I think is why everything is so high quality! The staff was very professional and attentive, and the dining room was really classy - I loved the black and red color scheme! We will absolutely be back, especially for another special occasion. We brought my grandfather for his birthday, and he was so happy!“
“Love the atmosphere and location on the River. 2nd weekend went for brunch. Still no Lobster Benedict, last week got the breakfast pizza, it was outstanding. Got breakfast sliders today, a little disappointing. Karaoke Wednesdays are fun, they tolerated my awful singing.(Maybe that's why the sliders weren't good lol). Going back next Saturday for one more try.“
“Took a couple friends for their birthdays. Drinks were on point. Tried several amazing salads, fries, oysters and chicken lollipops. Everyone loved their dinners as well, salmon, risotto and short ribs were fantastic. Chef Olivier always delivers.“
“This is my first time coming to this restaurant, I usually try something new weekly.I was treated very well, the food and drinks are A1, read the menu and, pay attention to what you order before you complain.The staff constantly checked in on me multiple times through out my stay.If I was a “social media” person I’d definitely suggest this place to Everyone!“
“I feel like a lot of people don’t know that there really is an embarrassment of riches of restaurants in New Haven County. If you love good food all you have to do is look around here. Dad is the one who made the reservation at Fair Haven Oyster Club (I’m pretty sure you must make a reservation, the spot is small and if the weather is bad the only seating is the bar and a row of two tops behind the bar). I looked up the menu and it looked pretty SPECTACULAR. Reminder: I don’t eat beef, pork or poultry. Lots of times my choices are somewhat limited when we dine out, not at Fair Haven. WOW. Now, if you don’t eat seafood I’m pretty sure you’re out of luck. I don’t think there was anything vegetarian, let alone vegan. Note: Dad reserved “in the bar” on Resy. Turns out that is stools AT the bar. “Dining room” is the two tops that are right behind the bar. So choose wisely. Outdoor seating I think is weather dependent and we got the most spectacular evening last night. We arrived very early for our reservation because we were out and about anyway and it worked out because they sat us out on the deck overlooking the water and the boats. Hands Down now of the very best settings I have ever dined in (and I have dined all over this country and world). Weather was perfection, beautiful blue sky, big, fluffy clouds;s tide was going out, water was crystal clear; across the Quinnipiac River you could see old homes and an old church; off in the distance I could see the cars and trucks on 91. I LOVED THAT. I was a little worried when they gave us tiny water glasses. I drink water. Plenty of it. But they kept those little glasses full. Which is no mean feat when the place just got progressively busier and also, keeping water glasses filled is a common “weak point” when I eat out. The service here was ON POINT. While Dad was griping about the QR code menu I ordered a Hendrick’s and Tonic. Just because they looked like their cocktail game was strong. FYI, most places make terrible, undrinkable gin and tonics. Not Fair Haven Oyster Club! They served me the perfect G&T, even in the correct highball glass (!!) with super fizzy tonic water (!!!). That G&T set the tone for the rest of the meal…knocked directly out of the park. The menu is broken into Raw (they have an impressive oyster selection and caviar service, if that’s your thing), soups and salads, small plates and large plates. My plan was to eat my way through salads and small plates. I did order Scallop Crudo (olive oil, lemon, salt, herbs) and Tuna Crudo (over foie gras mousse on a brioche cracker) for the table. But then I ate them… Dad ordered Gildas to share (tiny skewers of anchovies, piparra peppers, castelvetrano olives & Mahon cheese). Super fun bar type snack. Things I ate: Fair Haven Clam Chowder. Which really tasted like a very good escarole (it was actually kelp) soup with clams. Baby Butter Lettuces (w/fried oysters, green goddess, bonito). This is EVERYTHING a salad should be. Delicious, filling, fresh, UMAMI. The fried oysters make it a legit meal. Heirloom Tomatoes (w/bottarga): beautiful, delicious tomatoes served in the most Umami-forward way possible. Uni Toast (w/ white shoyu, sesame & chive). I eat A LOT of Uni. Because I eat A LOT of Omakase and Kaiseki in NYC. So, for me? There are better ways to savor Uni. But, again! UMAMI BOMB. And I am always here for the Umami. Mom and Dad ordered the Grilled Black Cod (over cucumber & snap pea salad w/ kelp ponzu & shiso). SNAPS to them for stretching outside their culinary comfort zones after I explained o them that Black Cod is one of the most delicious fish out there and ponzu us right up their alley! This dish is just glorious: Perfectly grilled fish adrift in a sea of incredibly fresh and delicious vegetables. The snap of those snap peas was perfection. For dessert we ordered Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with honey fennel pollen & wild fennel. I. LOVE. Fennel and will eat it in any form. This really did not taste of fennel. But! This was one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever h“