This cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant instantly makes you feel at home. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the smell of garlic, fresh bread, and homemade sauce—it’s like stepping into someone’s kitchen in Italy. The staff treats you like family, checking in just enough without hovering. You can tell every dish is made with love—my pasta came out perfectly cooked, and the sauce tasted so fresh and rich. The garlic knots were warm and buttery, and the tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending. The atmosphere is calm and inviting—soft music, candlelight, and that classic Italian charm with checkered tablecloths and family photos on the wall. It’s the kind of place where you can come for date night, dinner with family, or even solo and still feel comfortable.
Overview
If you're in New Haven, Connecticut, and you're craving an authentic Italian dining experience, Consiglio's Restaurant is a must-visit. Located at 165 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, this gem of a diner has been serving up flavorful Italian dishes for decades, earning a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a pizza lover, pasta aficionado, or simply looking for a hearty meal in a relaxed environment, Consiglio's offers something for everyone.
From the moment you step into the cozy, inviting atmosphere of Consiglio's, you know you're in for a treat. The menu is a mix of traditional Italian favorites and creative modern takes on classic dishes. The combination of fresh ingredients, authentic preparation, and a welcoming ambiance makes it clear why Consiglio's has become a staple in New Haven’s dining scene.
One of the standout features of Consiglio's is its pizza. Known for its thin, crispy crust and generous toppings, the pizza here is nothing short of exceptional. The Margherita pizza, with its perfectly balanced blend of mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy tomato sauce, is a crowd favorite. But if you're feeling adventurous, the specialty pizzas are worth trying too. For example, the "Consiglio's Special" comes loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
In addition to pizza, the pasta dishes at Consiglio's are some of the best in town. The homemade ravioli, filled with ricotta and spinach, is perfectly complemented by a rich tomato sauce that brings out the freshness of the ingredients. The lasagna, another signature dish, layers tender pasta with a savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, making it a comforting choice on any chilly evening.
For those looking for something lighter, the antipasti offerings are a perfect start to any meal. The bruschetta, with its fresh tomatoes, garlic, and balsamic glaze, is a simple yet flavorful way to kick off your dining experience. Another popular choice is the fried calamari, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
The service at Consiglio's is another reason why it stands out. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, offering recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, you can expect to feel like family by the time you leave.
One of the things that really sets Consiglio's apart is its commitment to quality. The restaurant has been a local favorite for years, and it’s clear that they have perfected their craft over time. The owners and chefs prioritize using fresh, local ingredients, which makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the dishes. Even the simplest of meals, like their house-made meatballs, are bursting with flavor.
The ambiance at Consiglio's also plays a big role in the overall experience. The diner has a charming, almost nostalgic vibe, with checkered floors, vintage posters, and cozy booths that invite you to settle in and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion with family, Consiglio's offers a relaxed environment that makes it feel like home.
It's not just the food that keeps people coming back to Consiglio's-it’s the whole experience. The combination of great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures that every visit is memorable. And with its convenient location in the heart of New Haven, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a go-to for both locals and visitors.
So, next time you find yourself in the area and are in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, make your way to Consiglio's Restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, pasta, or just a hearty meal, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at this beloved New Haven institution. The combination of delicious food, a friendly atmosphere, and a commitment to quality makes Consiglio's a top choice for anyone in the area.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Our family of four had a fantastic meal start to finish. We enjoyed the eggplant rollatini as an appetizer along with the freshly baked bread and balsamic olive oil dipping sauce. The side salads were refreshing. Each of us ordered a different pasta dish, and all of them were delicious! Our server was fine, but not exceptional. My only critique would be that the restaurant charges for every drink refill. We had sodas and iced tea, which ran us around $40.00. We are looking forward to dining outside when the weather turns a bit warmer.
Fantastic Homemade pasta just amazing delicious We had the Barrada, and The penne vodka to which we added the meatballs, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms We also got the short rib, ravioli, crazy good
Absolutely fantastic experience at Consiglio’s in New Haven! Taylor was our waitress and she was incredible from start to finish; friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and everything came out perfectly. We’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!
⸻ I really liked Consiglio’s! it’s such a cozy and welcoming place. It was actually the first Italian restaurant I went to with my husband when we celebrated our 2-year wedding anniversary, so it holds a special memory for me. The atmosphere is lovely, and I’d definitely go back!
I was visiting from FL and I am so thankful that I ate dinner here while I was on my trip. We made a reservation before hand, so there was no wait. We also ate in the outside eating area that they had in the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. The waiter that we had was so accommodating and sweet. The food was so fresh and cooked to perfection everything is made in house, I ordered the penne a vodka and chicken and it was without a doubt the best I've ever had in my life and I ordered this a lot!! Love this place. Highly recommend. Hopefully I get to go back one day!! :)
When visiting New Haven and you’re craving Italian food, I recommend making your way to Consiglio’s. The food is delicious and the cocktails are top notch too. The eggplant rollatini and fried calamari are my favorite options for antipasti. The last time I went I had the Chicken Piccata for my entree (photo attached). I’ve always had a great experience here.
Was there Saturday night had dinner for 9 people to celebrate 2 birthdays. Ellie was our server and she was wonderful very pleasant and attentive. The staff as a whole were great, but Ellie put it over the top. We had a great dining experience everyone loved the food. Thank you.