Italian Restaurants in Hamden, CT

Hamden, a Connecticut town with a population of just under 60,000, is a quiet suburb of the city of New Haven that offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. The town is home to Sleeping Giant Park, a 1,439-acre state park with 30 miles of hiking trails and a 2-mile rocky ridge. After exploring the trails, visitors can relax and enjoy a meal at one of Hamden's many restaurants. Of all the different cuisines available, Italian (especially pizza) is one of the most prominent and popular. There are several Italian restaurants in town that are worth a visit.

Risorante Luce

This award-winning and romantic restaurant has been serving gourmet regional Italian cuisine since 1992. The decor is Tuscan and diners tend to dress formally, including jackets and ties for men. The dining area is simple but elegant with square tables and a mahogany bar. House specialties include classic Italian dishes like penne con pollo, rigatoni vodka and risotto. In addition to an extensive and authentic menu, Risorante Luce offers a superior wine list that includes over 1,000 selections spanning five decades. Risorante Luce is open weekdays for lunch and dinner and weekends for dinner only. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Risorante Luce
2977 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 230-0228
ristoranteluce.net

Eli's Brick Oven Pizza Market

Eli's is an Italian market and casual family-friendly restaurant specializing in thin crust pizza and calzones. The market offers a variety of prepared Italian dishes to go including lasagna, manicotti, chicken marsala and gnocchi. The specialty pizzas are made in imported brick ovens. Order a gourmet pizza or create your own, choosing from 19 different toppings. Many other classic Italian dishes such as lasagna, chicken parmigiana and eggplant rollatini are also available on the menu. In addition, sandwiches and salads are served daily. Eli's is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Eli's Brick Oven Pizza Market
2402 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 288-1686
elisbrickovenpizza.com

Mickey's Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant offers fine dining in a friendly atmosphere with a full bar and cocktail lounge. Established in 2006, Mickey's menu reflects many Mediterranean influences. Although traditional Italian fare like gnocchi, linguine and penne is available, Mickey's also serves Spanish paella, Greek salad and Moroccan-spiced salmon. The wine list is not extensive but it is varied with selections from Israel, Australia, Chile, Argentina, California, Italy, New Zealand and France. Martinis are a specialty of the house and diners can enjoy a variety of unique flavors like mint chocolate, cucumber breeze and farmer's shortcake. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday.

Mickey's Restaurant and Bar
2323 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 288-4700
mickeysgroup.com

Resources

Hamden Town Website

Article Written By Patricia Rose Lynn

Patricia Rose Lynn completed her Ph.D. in Spanish language and literature in 2009 and holds several information-technology and teaching certifications. In addition to her teaching and work in academic technology, Lynn works as a freelance writer and has authored many articles on such topics as the college selection process and animal rights.

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