Pacifico
Pacifico is a popular "nuevo Latino" restaurant in downtown New Haven that specializes in exotic dishes and cocktails. According to Frieda Moon, "neither oysters nor cocktails are the focus, but both are treated well there and are worth seeking out." (See references 1) The menu features seafood paella, shrimp tacos, lobster carrot bisque and East Coast and West Coast oysters. Try the tapas menu of shrimp tempura, fried calamari, Rhode Island mussels and Spanish-style prawns. Come to Pacifico Friday and Saturday night between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. for a special "media noche" menu that highlights shellfish, fish and meats. The drink menu rivals the dishes, and the restaurant won the "Best Mojito" award in 2009. Strict vegetarians have limited options here.
Pacifico
220 College St.
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
(203) 772-4002
pacificorestaurants.com
Central Steakhouse
Central Steakhouse considers itself more than a steakhouse. Located in the historic district, the restaurant serves up adventurous dishes such as scallops with soy sesame wakame seaweed and a pineapple Riesling reduction; panko-crusted crab cakes with Monterey Jack, goat cheese and wasabi aioli; and rare tuna with homemade gnocchi and a mushroom Cabernet reduction. According to Angela Lehman, "there is attractive eat-in wine cellar downstairs where diners can request a table at any time. The walls are made up of no less than 800 bottles of wine," and the wine list is 36 pages long. (See references 2) Reservations are recommended through opentable.com. Open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Central Steakhouse
99 Orange St.
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
(203) 787-7885
centralsteakhouse.com
Westville Seafood
Westville Seafood is the place to go for a classic clam shack experience. Ambiance is second to Westville's authentic and popular lobster rolls, clams and shrimp. After an active day, refuel at Westville with a platter of New England's finest fried fare. Westville also serves tried and true American favorites, like milkshakes, BLTs and grilled cheese. Take out or take your time in the dining room. Westville Seafood is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 9 p.m. on weekends. Summer hours are extended.
Westville Seafood
1514 Whalley Ave.
New Haven, Connecticut
(203) 397-3474
Menu: 943wybc.com/ads/westville_seafood.html
Article Written By Emily Keeler
Emily Keeler is a freelance writer who specializes in travel, religion, environmental and health topics. She holds a B.A. in English and philosophy from Northeastern University and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. She began writing professionally in 2007 with Gulliver's Travels Associates, who published her travel guides on emerging Middle Eastern and European destinations on Octopustravels.com.
