My sidekick Laura’s birthday was last Saturday, and here’s what she wanted to do: an IKEA outing and then Gioia in New Haven for lunch. In my opinion, the perfect day! After a fun browse and a few purchases (we’re both into organizational strategies), we headed to Gioia. Lucky for us, it was a stunning and warm fall day, and we felt a bit smug as we passed the long line at Pepe’s for the sunny roof at Gioia. This spot, owned by the movers and shakers behind the restaurant renewal in New Haven, Avi Szapiro of Roia, and Tim Cabral of Ordinary and New Haven Cocktail Week, offers a full dinner menu downstairs in the restaurant and a bar and cafe menu for lunch and dinner on the roof. 

We were tempted by all of the apps, pizza, pasta, and a selection of entrees. Three of us shared plates of fragrant and chewy homemade lemon bucatini, a square-cut margarita pizza, fried fingerlings topped with arrabbiata, and a wedge salad. Sharing many tastes is our favorite way to eat. The drinks were gorgeous and delish, especially the Rossini Spritz:
Aperol, Prosecco, Fever Tree Club Soda, and a hefty dollop of strawberry foam.

After our leisurely lunch, we headed downstairs to the Italian market, picked up some cheese and charcuterie for later (and hilarious Italian cookie wrapping paper), and browsed the beguiling assortment of specialty goods. I’ll definitely be returning here for some holiday shopping. Despite our lunch, we couldn’t resist the gelato counter for a treat. It was a birthday party, after all! 

Can’t wait to head back for dinner. 

Good to know: plenty of options for vegetarians.
gioianewhaven.com