Gioia Cafe and Bar — Restaurant in New Haven

This is a copy of an email sent to Gioia over a week ago with no response. I hate to take this to a public review but obviously they have no concern for the satisfaction of their customers.

“I recently had reservations to dine at Gioia for 8:15 on a Friday and the reservation was made on a Tuesday. Friday afternoon the restaurant called and pushed us back to 9. No big deal, except when we arrived the host sat us at the worst table in your establishment even though there were four booths open and even a bigger table away from the front door that never were sat during our entire dinner. We also inquired about the rooftop and the hostess informed us they did not have a dinner menu, even though they do which I just discovered today. Our server Becky was pleasant and we were served our drinks promptly. She took our order and our first course, a pizza was brought out again very courteous gentleman who offered pepper. Pizza was good. Entrees came and the chicken was nice but the rigatoni carbonara was not. I did have reservations from the start because rigatoni is an odd choice for the sauce and I was right. The pasta was too hard undercooked and no sauce, it was dry and lacked flavor. When we were cleared and I clearly didn’t eat it nothing was said by our server, ok fine but $28 for mediocre pasta and I don’t want to wrap it is a clear indication something was wrong. We ordered desserts the almond cake was good tiramisu was ok. Overall this was our second time dining there and our expectations were just not met this time. When the bill came the kitchen service charge sent me over the top. I expect to pay the wages of the waitstaff but now I have to tip the kitchen? Maybe pay them a living wage. I have been in the service industry for over 27 years and rarely get a Friday night off to enjoy dining out and this experience need not meet our expectations. Other than a courteous server and food runner our evening was basic at best. The host could have been more warm and friendly, knowing you pushed our reservation back we could have been offered a better table for the inconvenience especially since they were available. The host should be properly trained on the rooftop menu. If you are known for making your pasta it should be cooked properly for $28. Finally please don’t ask your patrons to not only pay the waitstaff but your...

First time visit. Party of 6 for my wife's birthday. The atmosphere is great, very lively and upbeat. Bar was busy, and the place was packed. They did an excellent job renovating. It's beautiful.

We had a nice table near the front window, and we're seated right away. Our server, Victoria, came right over and offered water and almost instantly asked us if we wanted to put our drink orders in, which we hastily did. Shortly after we put those in, and before the drinks arrived, she asked us about appetizers. I had to tell her I felt "rushed" and we were here to enjoy ourselves. I only mention this because I think they are just maybe overly attentive, which I understand. New restaurant and want to make a good impression. After I said this, she slowed down - and she was amazing. So if you are not in a hurry, and you experience this, just let your server know.

We ordered a slew of appetizers, which were all good. Crispy potatoes, meatballs, arancini. Very tasty.

I had their Black Manhattan (tasty) and my buddy had the Smoked Old Fashioned (excellent presentation). The cocktail menu was great, and there is a full bar, wine, beer - so plenty to choose from.

For dinner, I chose the full rotisserie chicken, which was the highlight of our table. Seasoned well and juicy. We also ordered gnocchi (highly recommended) and Amatriciana (it's white, not red, so it was very cheesy. I've never had it prepared this way, not great) for the table to share.

We also had the hangar steak, which was prepared perfectly, and the sauce was tasty. The bolognese and Agnolotti were also great.

The good thing is they offer full and half dishes, which is awesome for tasting and portion judgment.

There's not a lot on the menu, and if you want pork or beef, this is not your restaurant. There were no "weekly classics" which they should work on. I think a few specials would be great, but maybe that will come as they figure the menu out and what's selling.

I'd come...

On the strong recommendation of a fine local chef / restaurant owner ( Friends and Company in Madison ), my wife and our friends ventured to Gioia on Wooster Street in New Haven last evening . Our friend suggested we sit at the “ Chef’s table “ in front of the open , immaculate kitchen to be able to watch the staff at work . It turned out to be one of the most memorable dining evenings of our 35 years as a married couple , and our friends enjoyed it similarly. We made the wise decision to order many different appetizers , salads , entrees and desserts to have the opportunity to taste as many creative preparations as was possible . EVERY dish was 100% cooked from scratch and the flavors , textures, and presentation were all spectacular. Additionally, every aspect of the service and grace among the spirited staff was so appreciated , and their attention to us felt 100% genuine and sincere ; a sign that they all enjoy their restaurant The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant is very tasteful , and the restaurant has a very inviting bar as well . Gioia is also preparing to open up a two level rooftop bar very soon , which will only add to the dining and drinking experience of this already wonderful restaurant . I really can’t say enough about our dining experience. The head chef , whose name I wish I knew , is clearly a passionate man and we had the privilege of being able to observe his creativity and attention to detail since we were seated at the chef’s table . The pasta dishes are of course front and center and spectacular , but really every item we tasted was fabulous , including the unique appetizers . Oh, don’t miss their restaurant - prepared gelato. Best ever with a wide selection of flavors. The cherry- almond was my personal favorite . We’ve already made a reservation for our return visit ! Diane and...