The Ultimate Guide to Food (& Drink!) Near Yale University

(Updated 02/01/2024, Originally posted on 1/21/2021.)

New Haven may be best known for pizza, but you’d be seriously missing out on the food scene if you stopped there. New Haven has so much more to offer! Being a Yalie has its prestige and the flexible dining programs make life easier, but food from the dining halls can get boring. 

As soon as you venture out of the dining halls, your tastebuds will start to water with all of the delicious options out there. We’re not just talking about your simple meat and potatoes meals. We’re talking about authentic dishes that are specific to so many cultures. Indian, Asian, Latin American, Italian…you name it and New Haven has it. With so many different types of restaurants to enjoy, you can map out an entire year of restaurant trips and more! As our employees at New Haven Towers can attest, the most common question we get is, “Where’s the best food near Yale University?”.

Whenever you get annoyed about the fact that you can’t cross the street from all the traffic, or Northeastern students keep chanting “Down the Field” as if that’s remotely clever or original, go to one of these restaurants or bars and remember why going to Yale University in the downtown New Haven area is so great.

Fun Dining:

Where to head on Friday night with the gang? Love a fun brunch? Looking for lunch near Yale? We’re on it with some fabulous choices that will give you just another reason to love living and eating in New Haven!

Geronimo’s – Drinking margaritas and tequilas on the porch has never been more relaxing. Try their Southwestern fare for some delicious dining in a subdued atmosphere. The Grilled Shrimp tacos are a must-try as well as the tableside guacamole. Unlike some other places that just offer your traditional guac, you can turn it up a notch by adding lobster or bacon and roasted corn. 

Pacifico– Tapas, mojitos, and a lively bar…that should be enough to make a trip. While the indoor dining room is colorful and fun, Pacifico also has outdoor dining when the weather is nice. This is a great way to check out the scenes going by while enjoying your favorite foods. When it comes to apps, we recommend the queso fundido is super tasty. Besides tapas, there is a full dinner menu. One of the many favorites is the Salmon Caramelizado, if you like fish. New for 2022, check out “Barcito”, the new lounge downstairs in Pacifico. It’s a fun and lively atmosphere with crafted cocktails and tapas.

Barcelona Wine Bar– If you’re looking for a chic tapas restaurant with a wine list that goes on for days, Barcelona Wine Bar is a stop for you. Large plates are also served if you get a little hungrier.

BAR Pizza & Brewpub – “Great pizza, great beer, great atmosphere. If you’re from New Haven you know.” Quote from a Google review that couldn’t say it better. The Mashed Potato pizza is a must. While this place is mostly known for its pizza, you can’t forget about the Bar Salads. Get enough for just you or for the entire table. We think the crumbled blue cheese and freshly sliced pears make this salad delicious. Plus, there are plenty of craft beers and a DJ on the weekend. Need we say more?

Louis Lunch – Whether they invented the hamburger or not, they definitely deserve a visit! (Edward, our leasing agent, says he’s inclined to believe it! Talk to him about it next time you see him.) But don’t expect a bun, this historic spot serves it on toast. Don’t knock it until you try it because these burgers are out of this world. You can’t say you’ve lived in New Haven and not have a burger from Louis Lunch.

Barracuda Bistro & Bar– Lunch, brunch, or Happy Hour, this place has you covered. This Latin America Gastro Bar combines Latin American ingredients with American comfort food.

Claire’s Corner Copia – This cafeteria-style eatery next door to Yale was started by a deeply in love couple. You can still feel the realness and family atmosphere there all those years later. Go for their kosher vegetarian fare and Lithuanian coffee cake and stay for their awesome Mexican options! That’s the great thing about this place. With so many different choices, you can go in for lunch one day and coffee and treats the next. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options which is a bonus.

Atticus Bookstore Cafe – Awesome lunch place for the bookworm and their friends!  Their café style food has rave reviews and of course, make sure to try their staple – homemade bread. Fun fact, Atticus has been a New Haven staple since 1975.

Arethusa Farm Dairy – They got us there at their fresh waffle cones! There’s ice cream that will make you melt but stop by for their full line of cheese, yogurts, milk, and other dairy products too. During the summer, the lines can get long here so make sure you carve enough time so you get the full experience.

Looking to go even more casual? Go visit Food Truck Paradise! Read what’s hot with New Haven food trucks on the New Haven blog.