I was pleased with the dinner experience at il Gabbiano. It's definitely an upscale American-Italian vibe versus strictly authentic Italian cuisine, but all the dishes were enjoyable. The service was friendly and drinks were also very good. Definitely priced to match the environment and vibes, but no complaints. 4 solid stars - was it the best Italian food I've had in Connecticut? Probably not, but it's very good and a great place to try on a night out. Highly recommend to try at least once. read more

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My friends and I visited IL Gabbiano during restaurant week, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. While the waterfront views were beautiful, that was the highlight of the evening. Our server gave the impression of being rushed and inattentive. At times she disappeared for long stretches, and we had to request water multiple times. As for the food, although the portions were generous, the flavor was lacking. I ordered the chicken Milanese, which was dry and overcooked, with no sauce and very little seasoning. One of my friends also didn't enjoy her meal -- the gnocchi -- mentioning that the texture was unusual and the sauce lacked flavor. Based on this experience, I wouldn't be eager to return. read more

Truly, I really did have the highest of hopes. I've only heard great things about here and we were super pumped to finally try it. Total-Let-Down. We made reservations for 5:45pm this past Saturday and were promptly seated upon arrival. Well... at least we tried to sit. We were brought to a small 2 person table against the window. Both of our chairs were pushed in. The backs of the chairs on either side of the table, with customers seated in those, were right up against it. It was almost impossible to even get in the seats without disturbing 2 tables. One of the tables noticed what was happening and asked to move to a nearby table. We only then could jiggle our table a few inches backward and finally sit down. At one point during the meal, I strategically got up to use the bathroom only when the customer behind me did so in an effort not to disturb them aside from that. Walking through the restaurant, this place was huge. There was no need to cram the tables that close together. For our meal, we started with two cocktails, they barely filled the glasses they were in (you can see in the picture posted, we hadn't even sipped them yet). For apps, we had the arancini and meatballs. The arancini sauce had a nice lemon flavor, but was oddly almost sweet. The meatballs, although presented and plated beautifully, were so incredibly tough. The texture was consistent, almost as if they had it going in a mixer too long. For my meal, I had a truffle mushroom pasta and my husband had the chicken cordon bleu. Mine was just alright, wish it was creamier and wished I was offered grated parm for it. It was just placed on the table and no one checked in. My husband enjoyed his, but said that it didn't blow him away. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays. But, we asked for the check as soon as we could. read more

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Beautiful waterfront location, especially inside with all of the windows overlooking the water. I ordered the classic penne alla vodka with chicken cutlet and it was delicious. The portion was huge, which I loved because I happily left with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. The service was also great -- our server was very attentive and even packed our leftovers for us, which was a thoughtful touch. Definitely looking forward to coming back to try more of the menu, especially the seafood dishes. read more

IL Gabbiano - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Great Happy hour and Bartenders James and Adrianna gave exceptional service and recommendations read more

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The restaurant has great water views although the day we visited, it was cloudy. For starters we had the antipasto plate which was huge. Lots of cured meats and cheeses. My girlfriend had the eggplant rollotini and I had the ribeye steak. The portions are huge, you get plenty to eat. I ordered my steak at a mediums rare temperature unfortunately it was a bit overdone. read more

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I've been here for both dinner and lunch, and I have to admit, both times were really memorable. I especially enjoyed their fresh oysters with the water view, and I also liked their salad. Definitely planning to return. It's one of my favorite summer spots to dine at! read more

IL Gabbiano - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Some friends here last night. I actually sat in the dining room for a change instead of the bar. I ordered a salad with a meatball on the side. Was very good.I actually ordered a second meatball and some bread , delicious with a piece of tiramisu for dessert , absolutely phenomenal. read more

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Wow! What a place... Came here on a Saturday to sample their happy hour which goes from 3 to 6 PM, with seating only at the bar- full menu service at the tables. The offerings for the happy hour were so extensive, you have 12 choices for appetizers each costing $12 with numerous choices from various martinis to other cocktails for $10. First thing I have to say is how quick the services from the bartenders, they greet you and they fill up a glass of water for you immediately. They give your menus they ask you what you'd like to drink and immediately they tend to your cocktail... Swear to God they were quick draw McGraw! Love the attention. I ordered the blood orange martini which was delicious and my husband ordered a Moscow Mule, which he enjoyed. We have to do solely the appetizers as our mail so we split the zucchini blossoms, the fettuccine Ragu, and the eggplant rollantini-they were all generation portions and they were extremely tasty. The eggplant is such a great texture, plant, and feel heavily fried, and the ricotta filling was light and flavorful, and the sauce had the perfect amount t of tang to it. The zucchini blossoms had the perfect amount of crunch on the exterior and we're so flavorful and large in size and the dipping marinara was perfect. The portion of fettuccine Ragu was a perfect amount for two to share. We had three appetizers between the two of us and that was more than enough! I cannot say how impressed we were by this place and we will be back very soon. Looking forward to it between the attention, the service, and the food, you cannot go wrong here. The parking is ample, and the restaurant itself is large enough to accommodate many large parties. Look forward to trying dinner here one day. read more

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We went for happy hour which is 7 days a week, 14 different selections and 10 dollar martinis and mixed drinks, we had zucchini blossoms, pasta ragu and eggplant rollatini all were great in taste and portions. Staff was very nice and attentive a must try when down in New Haven! We also hit Nolo, Lucibellos and Arethusa as we did our own little food crawl. read more

Happy hour here is amazing and cannot be beat. Happy hour is every day from 12 noon to 6 pm. Most cocktails are $10 and small plates are $12 during happy hour. One app may be even enough as a light meal. The location is on the water of the New Haven harbor and quite picturesque. Bartenders are experienced and welcoming. read more

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Honestly VERY poor service to keep it short. I was seated at a table directly underneath the air conditioning vent which was leaking on the table the entire time and when asked to change tables I was told that there were no accommodations because of reservations. However, I spent over an hour and a half in the restaurant while other suitable tables were open (ADDITIONALLY another group came in and was able to switch tables). To add to the bland service my beer came WARM and in an UNCHILLED glass now that's just absolutely criminal. The foods okay is okay at best, wouldn't reach for this restaurant again. read more

Very beautiful place to come to near the water sit by the water or by the bar it's very pleasant live music on Friday we had Fabio as our waiter and he was excellent 10 out 10 I love coming to this place with my girls to have girls time out and enjoy our life but he was super wonderful and it's very detailed in his service amazing we're definitely come back again read more

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In honor of the Kentucky Derby today, the perfect place to celebrate and have lunch was at Il Gabbiano. The ambience was upbeat and the restaurant was packed. Service with Mauricio was beyond our highest expectations. Valentino provided phenomenal fresh seafood, and everything was delicious. read more

When here for a financial seminar. Nice place and the food was very good. I had the Chilean sea bass which was very good. Came with fantastic spinach and bread. I wish I had ordered a baked potato or mash but it was a great dish. Did not take pictures because it too the meal so long to come out at order of facilitator. Not a good look because we came from work and it was almost 7:15 before we got our meal. Not the restaurant at fault here. The upstairs area was very nice. Just very cold. No elevator to get upstairs. Plenty of parking available outside. The wait staff was wonderful. I would go back again and this time get some pictures. Go check it out. read more

We have been here before with Leeann as our server. We previously gave them five stars but today's experience was so sad. We were promptly seated in a two top on the window below the bar. A group of staff (severs) were huddled upstairs within our sight and theirs but besides being given water, we asked for lemon for them, which never arrived, nor did a server. After 12-15 minutes of no one approaching, we walked out. The hostess thanked us for coming. We told her no one waited on us so no need to thank us. Another huge disappointment was they had a limited menu today. The prices for the exact same items we have ordered in the past were today, $6-$8 more. Don't they know their regular customers know their prices and this, compared to NO service is the reason we weren't able to enjoy a meal In this gorgeous restaurant on the water, so the reason for one star. We cannot recommend based on today's experience. We left, went to Brazi's and had an excellent meal. read more

IL Gabbiano - Outside view - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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The food is atrocious. Just be forewarned. Soggy calamari, zucchini blossoms looked and tasted like pigs on a blanket and this was just the appetizers. Need I say more. Service was good though. Ambiance was great. Basically what made the stars on this review. What made this really a bust was the fact that it was pricey for no reason. read more

Wanted pizza as I know this area is known for it, but the lines were too long so opted for Italian. Found this local place by the pie, love the views of the Bay area. They had a happy hour, but I chose to sit in the dining room with a view. Dining room was pretty empty, so plenty of seating. I had the chicken Parm and it was very good. Huge portions I could not finish it . I did enjoy the meal however the server was odd. He was hard to understand and didn't do a whole lot but overall, it was a good experience. read more

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My friend came into town for the weekend. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally try this place. We were seated at a table for two next to a window overlooking the water. Perfect! She got steak and I got grilled salmon. Both were done to perfection. Her steak was prepared exactly as ordered. Our desserts of crème brûlée and Limoncello cake with coffee was the perfect way to end the evening. Service was great , though as it got busy, there was a definite slowdown. Overall, we loved it. read more

IL Gabbiano - Crème Brûlée and Limoncello cake - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I really enjoyed our dinner here on a Thursday ladies night. The pros the food was delicious (chicken cordon bleu, eggplant rollatini, cannoli) portion size great, bread to the table fantastic, my pomegranate martinis on point, our server was attentive and when not available other servers swoop in. The cons the noise level is LOUD, and the prices are a bit high but acceptable bc of portion size. read more

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We went here last night phenomenal is putting it mildly! Merel was our server also fabulous . We had the most amazing food and drinks ever!! We were in the upper lounge are gorgeous. Everything was to die for ty read more

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Portion sizes are huge. Service is great. The outside of the building and the area in general that it's in is kind of run down. The food is pricey. read more

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Great service and great food . And also great value . Nice location . Portions are very generous also. read more

Food was 10/10 Services 10/10 Ambiance 8/10 Our portions are HUGE. But so dam good. cocktails were so dam good. Taste like juice but Hit. Our waiters cause I couldn't tell. We're so amazing tonight. When we mean ambiance is the out side of this building does not match what the inside look like. Inside is so beautiful. Can't wait to come back. read more

So happy I stopped at Il Gabbiano today! It was my first visit, but not my last. The views are amazing, the food was delicious and the service was phenomenal. Adriana at the bar was so welcoming and hospitable and really made the experience so fun. She welcomed everyone with the same cheer! I will definitely return again next time I am in New Haven! Thanks for such a nice dining experience! read more

I have to be honest, while I was impressed with the service (especially the manager after the issues we faced) and atmosphere, the food was very underwhelming. My pesto pasta did not taste like pesto at all. I couldn't eat it and I really dislike sending dishes back.. I ended up with the pasta bolognese which was better. I didn't like how chewy the homemade pasta was though. My dad ordered veal parmigiana and they brought him chicken parmigiana. My dad said just to let it be and he'll eat the chicken, but thy ended up bringing out the veal later. When it was time to pack the food up, they never brought him his veal parmigiana back.. just the chicken. My grandma didn't love her meal either. The manager did everything he could to rectify the issues, which is super appreciated. I really wanted to like this place and hopefully if I come back it'll be better. read more

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I've never had a bad meal here. The service is excellent. It's so pretty inside and the water views are fantastic. Tonight we shared an Il Gabbiano salad, Fettuccine al Ragu and Pollo Scarpariello. Massive portions. Bread and olives on the table as soon as you sit down. This place is great. read more

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Had a lovely night here with friends celebrating a birthday! I would first like to shoutout the service our waiter and the whole staff was super patient even though we came later in the evening and stayed til about closing! They never rushed us even when my table looked around and realized we were the last ones there. They were amazing! The portions are huge and you will definitely have leftovers. While they are huge portions they definitely are quality as well. Everyone was pleased with their meal. The branzino was nicely cooked and the lemon sauce was flavorful. I loved the special crab cake appetizer. The ambiance is beautiful. Inside and outside look gorgeous with a great view of the water. Will definitely be back in the summer! read more

IL Gabbiano - Chicken special - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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If you really want to enjoy a meal and the ambience and excellent service this is the place. The food was outstanding, the service was excellent and the ambience was amazing. The employees were wonderful and went above and beyond. Thank you all it was amazing. read more

IL Gabbiano - My grandchildren and my gorgeous daughters - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Dined in with a party of 3 late on a Tuesday night and was surprised to see the restaurant was packed! We were seated by the water which was nice. Service was great. We had some drinks and appetizers and ordered pastas for our entree. We wished the server would have told us the pastas were family style (one could have easily fed 3 people)! The pastas were delicious. read more

IL Gabbiano - Pesto - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Let's start with the good. The wait staff was attentive for the most part. The ambience was ok but I find that building cold and does not matter what business is there. The portions are decent and would be good if the food was good. But alas not so much. I had the fried mozzarella. The crust was bordering on burnt and the sauce was lukewarm. Also had the pork chop. It came warm and covered in potato chips. What?? The sauce had too much vinegar for my liking and needed more seasoning to balance it out. Not tasty at all. I don't mind paying for delicious food. But food that is not good and overpriced? That's a bridge too far. Won't go back. read more

We dined here last night, Sat 10/18 7:30 reservation, and were seated along the window overlooking the water, very nice view at night with all the lights of NH harbor. Was happy to see the dining room was PACKED, always a good sign! I had a vodka Martini, she had the "Don" cocktail (ha ha!) both were perfect. Appetizer was the stuffed zucchini flowers, then the beet salad - both were delicious. I had the pork tenderloin special and she had the John Dory special ( HUGE portion) both were excellent. Another round of drinks & a shared cheesecake = $200 bucks plus tip. Expensive? A little, but def worth it. I just wished guys dressed better for dinner on a Sat evening. I was 1 of only a handful of men wearing jackets, and am always surprised as to why the women will all dress so lovely and their partners, meh... read more

Everything about this restaurant is delightful. Food, service and ambience are the finest. read more

IL Gabbiano - Spectacular harbor views from this beautiful restaurant. Fine dining at its best with excellent food, super service and great ambiance. - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Happy Hour and our first visit. Casey was very helpful and patient while trying to decide which featured app to try. Servings are plentiful and delicious. The location on the water is fun. Will be back for dinner. read more

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The ambiance was wonderful it's cozy and airy with options of outdoor seating for a water view, the service was great from each waiter we had extremely kind, knowledgeable and attentive to details. The food was amazing! Fresh! And well priced especially for the portion size.. this will definitely be my go to restaurant read more

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We celebrated my dad's 90th birthday here and the food and service were beyond amazing. I am Wondering why this place does not have 5 stars. Mark and Maritzio thank you for this memorable evening. There were 17 of us and we were Not an easy group but the patience and service and food were Bryson's expectations! read more

I'm not quite sure how to sum up our visit to Il Gabbiano, other than interesting. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, and had a wonderful facelift after taking over Lenny and Joe's. The ambience is cool and chic, though it is extremely loud inside. The staff is friendly and service is somewhat prompt. Our orders were taken quickly and food came out quickly as well as drinks. For appetizers we ordered the beet salad and calamari. The salad was phenomenal (a massive portion), and the calamari was meh. For my entree I ordered the Salmone al arancia. I asked for it medium. When it was delivered to me, the server asked me to check the cook on it. It was a sure "well done," but it took him 10 minutes to come back to my table. When I told him it was well done and tasted fishy, he replied that "salmon is a pretty fishy fish." I was sure to let him know salmon should not taste fishy if it is properly cooked, so I asked him to have the kitchen refire and cook it medium. When I tell you the portions are atrocious here, I am not exaggerating. Every person's meal was enough for at least four people. My husband's pork was dry and everyone else said their meals were mediocre. When my second salmon was delivered, it was medium well and still fishy. I had a few bites, but it was easily one of the worst salmons I've ever had. We all agreed this place seems to pride themselves on quantity, not quality. Every single table in this restaurant had to go boxes for their dinners. It was just too much food. Though the restaurant was updated, the bathrooms need some love. The toilets had what looked like mold (could have been rust) on the handles and the large garbage cans were overflowing. My husband said the same went for the men's room, and showed me this sign above the urinal, which...while it is hilarious...was just another confusing element of this "high end" restaurant. Our experience was confusing here, to say the least, and we would neither return here nor recommend it to anyone. read more

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The restaurant is beautiful and it's a great location. The staff was attentive and efficient. I ordered gnocchi and a Gorgonzola sauce with a side of meatballs. I give my meal a C- The sauce definitely needed some spice, maybe a bit of black pepper and garlic. I absolutely hated the meatballs. They were dry and lacked flavor. I got most of my meal to go so I fix it up at home. I would not order this again My husband enjoyed his chicken scarpiellio. He would have it again I might give this restaurant another try read more

IL Gabbiano - Terrible - Italian Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Incredible restaurant. Gorgeous views, supremely hospitable team and incredible food. Portions for days, but also the highest quality ingredients. This is the best restaurant meal I've had in New Haven in years. Stuffed lobster was divine, a lovely Duckhorn Cabernet and pastas to die for. Highly recommend read more

Wow what a find in New Haven, CT! Almost the ONLY restaurant open on a Monday too. After some research on finding somewhere open on a Monday, Yelp brought us here for lunch and we had an excellent time. New Haven is honestly the worst with parking but IL Gabbiano is situated perfectly with their own private gigantic parking lot! Finding a parking spot easily made me happier to try this restaurant. Location is beautiful! It's right by the water and super cute. I can definitely see coming here when it's warmer to enjoy the views with a nice cocktail. Interior is also upscale and looks very new and clean. The set up is almost like an observation deck so you get an nice view of the water wherever you're seated. Food is amazing. We came for lunch and assumed the portions would be smaller but we were definitely mistaken! Portions are gigantic here! My husband and I were pleasantly surprised and are looking forward to eating all our leftovers over the next couple days! I got their carbonara and my husband got their veal parm. Everything was delicious! The veal was so thin and crispy and came with the most delicious mashed potatoes and veggies! Unreal! My pasta dish was so hearty and delicious as well. I'm so excited to come back and try more items here! Prices are extremely fair for the amount of food you get, quality of food is top notch and service is very friendly. Will be back! read more

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