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Welcome to Encore by Goodfellas

Welcome to Encore by Goodfellas, a culinary gem nestled in New Haven, CT. Our story weaves together a passion for food and heartfelt hospitality. Founded by Chef Gerry and his dedicated team, we create memorable dining experiences through meticulously crafted dishes like the succulent Grilled Shrimp and rich Rigatoni Vodka. Our inviting atmosphere is enhanced by live jazz and attentive service, making each meal special—whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual night out. Guests rave about our vibrant flavors and exquisite presentations, ensuring every visit feels like an encore worth savoring. Join us for an unforgettable taste journey!

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Encore by Goodfellas, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut. Located at 702 State St, this restaurant beautifully marries tradition with innovation, offering an exceptional dining experience that celebrates both classic Italian fare and contemporary twists. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Encore has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The ambiance at Encore is inviting yet sophisticated, perfect for any occasion—be it a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration. Patrons frequently rave about the attentive service from the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Feedback from guests like Julianna Maisano highlights how the team, including Chef Gerry and event coordinator Andrea, create a warm and accommodating atmosphere, making events seamless and stress-free.

At Encore, the menu shines with a variety of starters, pastas, and salads. Each dish is a testament to culinary craftsmanship:

  • Fried Calamari: Crispy, tender calamari paired with a zesty pomodoro sauce for a kick. ($16.00)
  • Eggplant Rollatini: Lavishly rolled eggplant filled with mozzarella and ricotta, finished with a rich pomodoro sauce. ($14.00)
  • Cavatelli Calabrese: Delight in andouille sausage mixed with smoked mozzarella, mushrooms, and fresh tomatoes. ($26.00)
  • Butter Salad: A refreshing mix of Boston bibb and arugula, accented with candied pecans and roasted tomatoes. ($17.00)

As shared by other diners, the baked stuffed shrimp is often a standout dish, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to freshness and flavor. Customers like Cheryl Wilson describe it as “nothing short of spectacular,” with tender shrimp complemented by a rich stuffing that makes every bite memorable.

The reviews are a chorus of praise for Encore’s overall excellence. Whether it’s the live jazz setting enhancing the meal or the meticulously curated wine selections, guests leave with full hearts and full stomachs, ready to return. Eliel and Nay Nay both expressed their enthusiasm for Encore, emphasizing superb food and service that keep them coming back for more.

In summary, Encore by Goodfellas is not merely a restaurant; it’s a destination for anyone seeking high-quality food, impeccable service, and an elegant ambiance. If you haven’t yet dined here, make the journey to experience the brilliance of Chef Gerry’s kitchen and the exceptional hospitality of the staff. You’ll understand why Encore has earned its place on the list of must-try eateries in New Haven.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Encore by Goodfellas
Julianna Maisano
Julianna Maisano

Over the past few years, I’ve had the joy of hosting several special events at Encore—including my brother's 25th birthday dinner, my sister''s high school graduation celebration, and my grandfather's post-funeral reception. Each and every time, Chef Gerry, Andrea, and the entire wait staff made us feel cared for with their kindness, compassion, and incredible attention to detail. The food was nothing short of outstanding—beautifully prepared, abundant, and absolutely delicious. Our guests always left full, happy, and often with leftovers to enjoy later. Andrea was wonderful to work with—so accommodating with our requests and deliveries, allowing us early access to set up, and coordinating seamlessly with our vendors. She was also incredibly responsive to every question and special request, which made the process smooth and stress-free. Chef Gerry’s cooking consistently exceeded expectations, and he generously sent a few extra treats to our tables, which made the meals even more memorable. Kenny and the wait staff curated the perfect wine selection and were genuinely attentive to every guest’s needs throughout the events. I cannot recommend Encore highly enough. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, you will be in the very best hands. We are so grateful for everything they have done for us and look forward to many more celebrations there.

Eliel
Eliel

I went to Encore by Goodfellas with my wife and we had a wonderful experience! I'd like to sincerely thank the team for the excellent service and amazing food. Without a doubt, it's one of the best restaurants we've ever been to — and we'll definitely be coming back! Kudos to the entire staff!

Nay Nay
Nay Nay

The service was up to par thanks to Floane, He takes pride in his work and I enjoyed my experience and will return!! Thanks for making my birthday dinner special The Lamb chops were tasty and the flirtini with sugar rim was 10/10

Cheryl Wilson
Cheryl Wilson

Dining at Encore was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. The highlight of the meal was the baked stuffed shrimp, which was nothing short of spectacular. The shrimp was incredibly fresh, perfectly tender, and cooked to perfection. The stuffing, moist and flavorful, complemented the shrimp beautifully, adding a rich, savory depth that had me savoring every bite. From the appetizer to the main course to the dessert, every part of the meal exceeded expectations, making Encore a must-visit for anyone who truly appreciates fine dining. 10 out of 10!

Genisse Gill
Genisse Gill

Amazing! Everyone was lovely. Carlos served us and he was kind, caring and attentive. The food was superb. The live Jazz music set the perfect ambience. My girlfriends and I had a great Friday night out thanks to the amazing staff and Encore. We will definitely be back.

Lauren Conigliaro
Lauren Conigliaro

SPEECHLESS! 10/10 recommend. This restaurant and its service is ALWAYS top notch. I actually left The Cast Iron chop house after a cold appetizer to come here and finish my dining experience for the evening. Frank is absolutely amazing, and his Lemon Drop Martinis match! Thank you for once again making my visit exceptional. Their pre-fixe menu is an every day option that I highly recommend, you truly won’t regret it. Perfect establishment for celebrations, birthdays or even just a date night or some girl time. They also offer live entertainment as well which is usually the perfect touch.

Justin D
Justin D

Total 5 Star experience from Encore by Goodfellas. Parking directly across the street was simple and convenient. We had reservations and were immediately seated without any wait. Angel and Kenny were both of our servers. We had a party of four and the service was absolutely exceptional. They were very tentative. The filet Mingon and lobster tail for 49 was an absolutely steal and delicious. The bread was awesome, the crab cakes were amazing. Everyone enjoyed their dish. It was my first time here and I’ll be bringing friends and family back multiple times from here on out. If you haven’t been, go.

Kevin Luchun
Kevin Luchun

Second visit to Encore. The first was for a private party with a special menu. The food was amazing so I was interested to see how the normal menu compared. It did not disappoint. Fresh bread. Bruschetta that was delicious and I rarely eat raw tomatoes. The crab cake appetizer was ALL crabmeat and extremely flavorful. The anti-pasto board was mind blowing. For the entree I had the Porterhouse veal chop. Melted in my mouth. And the cannolis, well I had been waiting for those since the private party. Well done! We will be back.