Claire's Corner Copia — Restaurant in New Haven

The food was scanty and bland, and the service was worse . . .

I ordered the “Mediterranean Salad” (described as “Quinoa tabouli, a falafel ball, our hummus of the day, black olives, feta cheese, and wheat pita, over a house salad”), after being assured that the falafel was gluten-free, and that a piece a gluten-free sliced bread could be substituted for the pita. My companion ordered a basic wrap (hummus and veggies). Our order took over 20 minutes, and when it came, mine was all wrong. There was no slice of bread, and no hummus, olives, feta or tabouli. The server deposited them quickly and left, so I got up and took my plate to the entrance of the kitchen and told them it was wrong. I spoke to 2 different employees and both of them brushed me off. The first on (in the kitchen) said the slip had “Falafel Pita Pocket” on it--I told her that was NOT what I had ordered, and she walked away and ignored me. The second was the server; when I told her my order was wrong, she told me that the first person I talked to was a manager and if I chose not to return to the restaurant that was fine. Because of how long our order took, the fact that customers pay in advance, and the fact that we needed to get to a performance, I was stuck with this $10 “Falafel Pita Pocket,” which is billed as “a house salad in a pita, a big, overstuffed, eat with a fork sandwich, filled with falafel, organic mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Served with Sesame Tahini dressing.” Well, this supposedly “big” and “overstuffed” sandwich was served in a soup cup that was no bigger than a small coffee mug! There were only a few tiny bits of tomato and onion and two pieces of cucumber in a tiny portion of greens. Most of the cup was filled with a dry pita that was folded over multiple times. There were half a dozen small falafel balls on top. The portion of tahini dressing had was bland and too small to add adequate moisture to the dry pita, and I searched the condiment station for something--ANYTHING--to add some flavor, but there was only salt, pepper and mustard--not even plain vinegar was available. My companion told me that his wrap had little flavor as well. If I could give this restaurant less than one star I would. Do yourself a favor and go...

Delicious food. Most of the servers are competent and quite kind, but there’s one who seems nice but is kind of clueless. He only gave one of us silverware. I had just ended a 4-hour drive so I was a bit out of it and didn’t notice until after we sat down. I went back to the counter and mentioned that he only gave one of us silverware. He looked really confused and asked “Oh, so do you want a fork?” “Yes, please, thank you.” He gave me a fork. I realized when I sat back down that he hadn’t given me a napkin, either. I went back to tell him, and he gave me a single tiny napkin. We had ordered full meals. I kindly asked for 3 more. Also a confused look on his face. Not a big deal by any means, but it was just strange. They also serve water in the tiniest glasses (probably 4 oz, designed for children), so make sure to ask for a “big” one if you want a normal-sized portion of water to go with your meal. I’ve been there quite a few times and our food usually comes out separately, at least 5 minutes apart. One time they were 10 minutes apart, and I insisted to my lunch companion to start without me because it would have gone cold if she had waited for me. It’s so uncomfortable to just sit there while your companion has food and you don’t. I haven’t gotten takeout before but I’ll probably just do that from now on. They also need to put something under the tables, because some of them wobble like CRAZY, and a thoughtless wrist rest on the table sends drinks flying.

Edit, to the owner: I appreciate your response, but you don’t know who I’m referring to— this incident happened a couple months ago, so the person I mentioned earlier couldn’t have only started a few days ago. I also know, from working in food service myself, that everyone has “off days”, and some people are just spacey. It just happens more often at some places than others, and with the table wobbling and unmatched food delivery times, I just don’t feel totally relaxed and would rather just get your delicious food to go.

However, I do appreciate an owner who goes to bat for her employees (even if you don’t know who it was! Lol) and I fully appreciate that people waste a ton of water and usually don’t drink the full 12 oz if they have a coffee or...

From what I saw my friends attempt to eat you can make all 6 of your friends each a gluten free, kosher and organic Microwaved flour Tortilla 'Pizza' identical to Claire's at your own home for merely the price of ONE of their 'pizza's. The grocery store is right down the road and I'm sure you have a microwave and spices. I was really glad my date and I split a meal because we didn't make it though half and didn't complain because well, look at all the excuses on similar reviews here!! (People have reported paying for sides, never getting them and being asked to pay a second time!!!). We went with some friends who really enjoyed THE CHOICE at least of kosher, gluten free and vegan options including vegan imitation meat/cheese products. (There was a review someone left that their pizza was soggy but edible and owner commented here to confirm that their pizzas are simply made soggy and she was just glad the customer was able to eat it?? This is New Haven! Where's the pizza?! What gives? Soggy pizza with a knife and fork?!) We had a veggie burger and it was home made but came to us as COLD as the tabouli. If you don't have dietary restrictions DO NOT pay almost $8 for the plain dairy cheese quesadilla. It's pretty cramped. Wouldn't have been a problem if you didn't also have to maneuver yourself through other diners to bus your own table after attempting to eat. Shocked that with their emphasis on customers paying to serve themselves they don't have a customer microwave so you can go ahead and finish heating the prepared food that you paid a hot-meal price for! Definitely the place to go ONLY if your dietary-restricted friends insist AND are paying your way! If I hadn't had to compare cost-to-me vs quality-of-food I wouldn't have been so disappointed that I...