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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Branford's best

Italian food spots

The comfort of handmade pasta and rich sauces is exactly what the evening calls for.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Rosso Vino image 1
Rosso Vino image 2
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Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with rustic and intimate atmosphere and great patio dining by the water. The vibe balances casual elegance with a festive, inventive energy, making it easy to hold conversations. Busy and popular spot featuring a nice bar space and lively service.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a real deal feel. Quality and service stand out as excellent.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out alongside Lobster & Shrimp Ravioli and spicy mussels over linguine. The gnocchi with marinara and large meatballs and the oxtail ragu special add hearty options to the Italian menu.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food and service here are great for Date Spots."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan extra time for finding a spot.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

02
Nonna Gina's Prepared Foods & Gelateria image 1

Italian deli and gelateria offers house-made fresh goods and Italian imported products in a comfortable, Italy-inspired atmosphere. The place serves wide variety of sandwiches, pasta, and gelato, with gelato noted as particularly outstanding. Seating is available for dining in or takeout.

Food features fresh, top quality Italian specialties with a wide selection of prepared dishes and small batch gelato. Service is friendly and the food consistently tastes delicious and excellent.

Fresh pasta and eggplant parmigiana stand out here, with cutlets, arancini, and short rib ravioli adding variety. The menu also features spectacular sandwiches, gelato, and a selection of cheeses and meats.

People are saying

"I thought the Italian food here was outstanding and melted in my mouth."

"The pistachio gelato has a delicious, nutty taste."

"I found the food to be really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and accessible.

2

You can eat in or take out from the deli.

3

The portion sizes are large and satisfying.

03
Mi Bella Restaurante image 1

Small space with intimate atmosphere and dim lighting creates a cozy vibe despite occasional crowding. Noise levels stay manageable, allowing easy conversation even when busy. Tables are spaced well, supporting a relaxed dining experience.

Food features huge portions and a wide variety including salad, soup, bread, appetizers, entrรฉes, and dessert. Dishes consistently come out delicious and satisfying.

Fresh pasta comes with amazing sauce. Dishes include seafood risotto, veal parmesan, fried mozzarella, eggplant parm, ravioli, and lobster gnocchi.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and amazing."

"The Date Spots here serve perfectly cooked pork chops and NY strip."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and salmon, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Street parking is easily available near the restaurant.

3

Portion sizes are generous, ensuring good value for money.

04
Arturo's Restaurant image 1

Small dining room with intimate seating and Spanish flair creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The space feels warm and inviting, suited for quiet meals or date nights. Tables set for two emphasize a personal, laid-back vibe.

Food here stands out for its very high quality and fantastic selection. The dishes consistently impress and the service complements the meal well.

Penne Ala Vodka stands out as a highlight with rich flavor. Large portions include homemade gnocchi, chicken piccata, and shrimp pasta cooked perfectly.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are exceptional for date spots."

"The food here is amazing, especially the Mexican dishes."

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pasta."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get fully booked.

2

The restaurant offers a unique combination of Mexican and Italian cuisine.

3

The taco salad is no longer available, despite being listed online.

05
Rossitto's Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with an intimate and pleasant atmosphere. Bar area draws a wonderful crowd, creating a lively vibe. Known for amazing lasagna, tender veal Parmesan, and refreshing margaritas.

Fantastic food shines in every dish, with consistently excellent service enhancing the experience. The menu offers wonderful Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting.

Lasagna stands out with rich, well-known flavor and tender meat layers. The fig and prosciutto flatbread balances sweet and salty perfectly, while the scallop risotto offers a fresh special option.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and sauce, was amazing."

"I thought the lasagna was just amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times on Saturday nights, especially after 7pm.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to find a spot.

06
Benny J's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Warm, cozy interior creates a comfortable dining space. Menu offers wide variety including large portions of pizzas, pastas, and salads. Known for fair prices and generous servings that stand out among similar restaurants.

Food arrives hot and fresh with consistent flavor every time. Delivery is quick, and the dishes feel worth the price paid.

Pasta dishes like Penne Alla Vodka, Pollo Monte Carlo, and Chicken Cacciatore stand out for their quality. The pizza arrives hot and fresh, with options like Florentine and House Special. Starters such as fried calamari and caprese with prosciutto come quickly and taste fresh.

People are saying

"The pizza crust here is cooked just right."

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The Italian food's crust is cooked just right, not too crispy."

Good to know

1

Benny J's Pizza offers a wide variety of salads, pizzas, subs, and pastas.

2

Portions are large enough for two meals.

3

Prices are considered fair for the portion sizes.

07
Pasta Cosi image 1
Italian restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy atmosphere with Sinatra music creating a relaxing vibe. Seating is tight and the space feels intimate, with an outdoor patio available for quieter moments. The place draws a crowd that appreciates unique rotating specials and phenomenal bread.

Food here stays consistently fresh and delicious with excellent quality. The dining experience pairs fabulous service with well-prepared dishes.

Lobster ravioli and grilled octopus stand out with rich, ocean-inspired flavors. The rigatoni with Bolognese and penne vodka with chicken cutlet strips deliver classic Italian tastes done right.

People are saying

"The pasta here, like the ravioli, was unforgettable."

"I found the food here to be excellent."

"The homemade pasta here is unforgettable, especially the lobster ravioli."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Guests must wear jackets unless seated in the back area.

3

Expect higher prices for dinner compared to lunch options.

08
P&M Fine Foods image 1

Deli with quick service and affordable, delicious sandwiches draws a steady crowd. Outdoor seating includes round tables for casual dining when weather permits. Known for Italian-style prepared foods, it offers a convenient spot for takeout near town center and transit.

Fresh sandwiches and prepared Italian food stand out here. The food is consistently excellent and easy to order online.

Lunch options include platters, wraps, and focaccia sandwiches with fillings like sausage and peppers, broccoli Rob, chicken and onions, and chicken Parmesan. Mozzarella on subs requires a special request and extra charge.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be delicious and affordable."

"I found the food here to be delicious and craveable."

"Their Italian food, like sausage and peppers, always hits the spot."

Good to know

1

P&M Fine Foods offers takeout options for quick meals.

2

The deli is close to the center of town and the train station.

3

Ordering online from P&M Fine Foods is very easy.

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