Viñas Wine & Tapas — Restaurant in New Haven

I have been so desperate for a decent tapas restaurant, emphasis on desperate and decent for years that I was willing to travel from Hartford to New Haven just to try Viñas, and I’m so glad my desperation drove me to such a decadent palate, I’m already planning my next visit! Viñas soared over my ‘decent’ requirement, skyrocketing it to ‘I actively think about this restaurant’ status. Considering the rarity of exceptional tapas restaurants in the area, I urgently write this review in hopes to keep this restaurant thriving.

I deliberately ordered common foods that many restaurants take shortcuts on, a true test of a restaurant’s expertise. Viñas used these menu selections to showcase their sophistication with each plate! Their empanaditas are incredibly flavorful, the homemade salsa delicately emphasizing the savory cornucopia tucked into its crisp crust. I had to consciously stop myself from licking the plate, which I later came to find is a recurring theme at this establishment.

And the pork belly? I never find myself praying mid-meal for the food I’ve already began consuming, but God knows how grateful I am for the tastebuds Viñas liberated from their Connecticut incarceration. The coconut sauce, caramelized onions, and microgreens complimented the masterfully-prepared, salivation-inducingly tender pork belly. I couldn’t tell if my face was wet from drool or tears of joy. This dish was so revolutionary in my plight for tapas restaurants, I added Viñas pork belly to my very short list of reasons I’m still 10% practicing carnivore.

Tres leches cake is a great way to seal a meal in any restaurant, Viñas is a perfect example. The cake was moist per its namesake but not overly moist, a careful line Viñas walks in delivering excellence to their customers’ tables.

And despite the plethora of televisions, they were on a silent screensaver of vineyard footage, certainly a clever use of the screens when not being used for a broadcasted event. This restaurant does well to cut down on senses distracting from the taste explosions visiting every table, I appreciate the sensory relief.

Now here’s for the FOMO: I wish I arrived HUNGRIER! I wish I showed up so starved for food that I could order the whole tapas menu! I was sad at my own mortal weakness for digestive capacity. Additionally, as I am allergic to most alcohol, I could not enjoy the extensive selections of wine, but I am confident the pairings are as exceptional as their menu selection, I saw what I assumed was a sommelier (or multi-talented managerial staff) making recommendations to neighboring tables.

I’m already dreaming of my next visit, thank you Viñas for improving my faith in Connecticut...

When the second leg of my flight from Paris was cancelled at 11pm I found myself in quite the daze. No where to fly, to cars to rent, just a lone traveler weary and Delta fed. I blindly made my way to New Haven and passed out.

After a day with some family we all found ourselves looking for the perfect mix of hardy but not Cheesecake Factory platters. Quaint but not overbearing. Wine but not a vineyard. Variety but not confusion. I sheepishly directed them to this humble abode hoping for a miracle after a long 48 hours of travel.

At first seating we were greeted by the owner, Mario. Although not accompanied by Luigi, he was accompanied by a secondary more Italian tradition. Fantastic food, and an innkeeper’s spirit.

The menu had meaning beyond a call to the kitchen. As I focused on the options the black inked items dripped from my mind to my stomach. Each drop a foreshadowing of the elegant taste each dish was signed off with.

As we ordered a healthy variety and also had the pleasure of trying a homegrown Sauvignon Blanc. I could tell that the grapes had soaked up tales of the land before them. That they carried that history into their new story now within me.

A buzz of the speaker snapped me out of the trance as I heard the strum of a guitar and a voice so clear from above I assumed God had a message for me that could not wait. I arose and peered around the corner only to find the real Angel singing cherubic hymns of the weekend. As I listened I felt my soul settle, blissfully aware that a simple day like today should be forgotten tomorrow, but Mario and people made it stand out, just a...

What a great time we had here. The food and atmosphere were wonderful, but the service really is the highlight of the entire experience.

Our server, Christian, was just an absolute delight. He was attentive and helpful. He accommodated our need to split the bill in a rather unusual way. He recommended many of our dishes that we absolutely LOVED. Clearly a very hardworking man that takes pride in what he does. The next day, after already leaving NH, I realized that I had forgotten my itemized receipt (which I needed, since this was a business expense) and Mario took time out of his day to find my receipt and send it to me. Everyone at this restaurant was so kind and helpful.

I don’t remember the name of the live singer that night (9/12/25), but she was fantastic, too.

Overall this place was a 10/10 experience. I have a very good reason to come back to New Haven now.

Food I recommend: Crispy buffalo wings (as a native of Buffalo, NY, I can vouch for these). Shrimp in garlic (don’t remember the exact name). The steak with rice (again, don’t remember the name, but it was 10/10). The flan and the...