East Haven, CT sits between New Haven and Branford on the Connecticut shoreline, offering 44+ restaurants that blend the New Haven pizza legacy with waterfront seafood and international cuisine. From the Cosey Beach boardwalk area to the Foxon neighborhood and the Main Street commercial district, East Haven's dining scene is more diverse than many visitors expect.
The Cosey Beach neighborhood is East Haven's crown jewel for dining with a view. The Lobster Shack on Cosey Beach Avenue serves lobster rolls, fried clams, and whole bellies right on the waterfront with views of Long Island Sound. Nearby, the Sandpiper Restaurant is a longtime local favorite for fresh seafood in a casual seaside atmosphere. During summer months, the Cosey Beach area buzzes with beachgoers looking for a meal after a day on the sand.
East Haven carries on the proud New Haven apizza tradition with some of the area's best pizzerias. Tolli's Apizza & Restaurant on Hemingway Avenue has been a neighborhood staple for decades. DePalma's Apizza, Gia Marie's Pizzeria, and Apizza Abate' each put their own spin on thin-crust pies. For Italian dining beyond pizza, Capotorto's on Foxon Road serves classic Italian-American dishes, while Aniello's Pizza & Restaurant offers both pizza and full Italian dinners.
East Haven has a growing Latin American food scene that sets it apart from neighboring shoreline towns. The Little Colombia Restaurant brings authentic Colombian cuisine, while Donde El Paisa and Emociones Restaurant offer other Latin American specialties. Sabor Latino Deli CT rounds out the Latin options. For Asian cuisine, Pho Zaaap serves Thai dishes, Koi Sushi and Niu Sushi & Ramen offer Japanese fare, and several Chinese restaurants including Foliage and China Star serve the Foxon and Main Street areas.
For hearty American comfort food, East Haven delivers. Twin Pines Diner on Main Street is a classic diner experience, and Country Kitchen serves generous breakfast and lunch plates. The Rib House on Short Beach Road is known for barbecue, and Nick's Place on Hemingway Avenue is a neighborhood go-to for sandwiches and casual meals. Moxie Breakfast has become a popular brunch spot, and the Village Inn provides a cozy tavern atmosphere.
Bistro Mediterranean & Tapas Bar brings a touch of international sophistication to East Haven with its Mediterranean-inspired small plates and entrees. Transilvania Restaurant and Bar offers a unique Eastern European dining experience that you won't find elsewhere on the shoreline. Briellies Gelato & Cafe serves authentic Italian gelato and cafe fare.
East Haven restaurants are spread along three main corridors: Main Street (Route 1), Hemingway Avenue, and the Cosey Beach/Short Beach Road waterfront area. Free parking is available at most restaurants. East Haven is easily accessible from I-95 exit 51 or via Route 1 from New Haven or Branford. The town is also served by CT Transit buses from downtown New Haven.
Want to learn more? Read our guide to East Haven's 16 cuisines — from Nigerian and Colombian to New Haven-style apizza and waterfront seafood.
Our East Haven restaurant list is compiled from official health department data, making it the most complete dining directory available. Exploring beyond East Haven? Check out dining in neighboring Branford, or get your restaurant featured on A Bite of Nutmeg.