Arturo's Restaurant — Restaurant in Branford

First, let me say that Arturo’s is a small, independent, chef owned, family operated business. THOSE are the types of restaurants I search out and try to support and you should too!! They are ALWAYS going to be better food and a better experience than any chain or corporate-owned place. Trust Me…

I started following Arturo’s Restaurant on Instagram during Covid Lockdown when my sister told me there was someone in Branford doing Mexican Breakfast (Yes Please!), but I didn’t get there until last night (July 19, 2022). In actuality what Arturo’s is doing is Breakfast, Lunch AND Dinner. The menu is half Italian and half Mexican (hard for me to imagine a better cuisine combination actually). Chef Arturo was the Head Chef at Tre Scalini Italian restaurant in New Haven, CT for 24 yrs. Right before Covid he opened his own restaurant and survived Lockdown doing take out. And Thank God he did!!

The place is small (but very nice inside) and in a very unassuming location in a little office park type spot close to Exit 54 off I-95. There is also plenty of outdoor seating which turned out to be delightful. We went as a party of 6 and ordered as many things off the menu as possible, heavy on the Mexican choices (it’s going to take me MULTIPLE visits in order to work my way through all Arturo’s menus, but I am here for the challenge!).

Food came out so fresh and PIPING hot. You have to be careful about diving right in…if your food is something fried give it a moment to COOL DOWN!!

Service was paced PERFECTLY. We were not rushed, nor were we waiting. We ate 4 courses and they came at just the right times for us to enjoy and eat everything. Pacing a multi course dinner takes skill and attention. Arturo’s NAILED it.

Highlights!

Ricotta Stuffed Fried Zucchini Flowers App: WONDERFUL! It’s been years since I’ve had fried Zucchini Flowers, because where was I going to get them?? And they are extremely seasonal. Served with the house marinara sauce, which is delicious. Marinara sauce is the sign of the quality of an Italian Restaurant: So simple, but so often not good. Arturo’s Marinara is perfect.

Guacamole App: entirely fresh, from scratch and served with The Best Pico de Gallo I have ever had in my life. I usually avoid Pico like the plague because it is so incredibly disappointing. Not THIS Pico. Beautiful, fresh, flavorful, with enough fresh jalapeños to give it a delightful little “kick.” Accompanied by house made tortilla chips.

Fried Mozzarella App: This had to be at least a pound of actual, fresh Mozzarella, breaded and then fried. Topped with the delicious House Marinara. This was CRAZY!!!! Soooooo good. This what God meant when she invented Fried Mozzarella. Not those HORRENDOUS, preformed, frozen sticks….

Penne alla Vodka. I ordered a "child portion" just so I could try it. This was clearly NOT the child portion. It was an entire pound of penne. Cooked PERFECTLY (do NOT be overcooking my pasta...) with a fantastic Vodka sauce. If I see Penne alla Vodka on a menu I will order it as my "test" Italian dish (although has to be vegetarian...since I don't eat Pork). This was perfect.

And then Chef Arturo came out, presumably to actually lay on eyes on the crazy people who ordered Every Thing on the menu. SUPPORT this restaurant. You will not be disappointed. Food is fresh, delicious, prepared with skill and care. Portions are beyond generous. Also? Full bar and an excellent...

Arturo's Restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment that has been serving the Branford community. The restaurant is known for its classic Italian dishes, but their brunch menu is also a big draw.

The brunch menu features a variety of dishes, including omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and Benedicts. There are also several seafood options, such as lobster eggs Benedict and shrimp and grits.

I recently had the opportunity to try Arturo's brunch, and I was not disappointed. My wife went with a more traditional brunch (eggs, toast, hash) but I decided to go with some wonderful tacos (chorizo and ground beef) The tacos were cooked perfectly, and the tortillas were really fresh.

I also had a chance to try the Bloody Mary, which had a little kick that I love. The bloody mary was perfectly balanced, and it was the perfect way to start my brunch.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Arturo's Restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I would definitely recommend Arturo's Restaurant to anyone looking for a great brunch spot in Branford.

Here are some specific things that I liked about Arturo's brunch:

The food was fresh and flavorful. The portions were generous. The service was attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was casual and inviting. If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying brunch in Branford, I highly recommend Arturo's Restaurant.

I can't wait to come back during the week. Although it will probably need to be multiple times as I want to try everything on the menu....

Arturo’s stands as a vibrant beacon of breakfast brilliance, offering a Mexican fusion experience that promises a fiesta for your taste buds. Known for its mouthwatering breakfast creations and the best salsa in town, this establishment is a must-visit for those seeking a morning culinary escapade.

Arturo’s takes breakfast to a whole new level with its Mexican fusion menu. Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of huevos rancheros with a modern twist or savoring chilaquiles that dance on your palate with a burst of flavors. The breakfast creations are a symphony of textures and tastes, demonstrating a mastery of Mexican cuisine blended seamlessly with breakfast classics.

No visit to Arturo’s is complete without indulging in their legendary salsa. Whether it’s the perfect balance of heat in their traditional salsa or the unique twists of their specialty variations, each bite is an explosion of freshness and spice. It’s the kind of salsa that elevates every dish it accompanies, setting Arturo’s apart as a salsa sensation in its own right.

Arturo’s is a standout destination for those who appreciate bold flavors, inventive twists, and a culinary journey that starts the day on a high note. Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or a fan of Mexican cuisine, Arturo’s beckons with a promise of a morning fiesta that lingers in...