Best Brunch Restaurants in Hamden

Made a same-day reservation for 7 on a weeknight. We were looking for an Italian restaurant that did not have stereotypical Italian fare, and this delivered. The restaurant was lovely and we were seated in an area that was not crowded; the ambiance was really nice. Service was attentive, the cocktail selection was great (including some really interesting mocktails); the small plates were excellent, and the main courses were good to excellent. We didn't feel rushed, and the whole experience was genuinely enjoyable. This restaurant is pricier than where we would usually go, but it was a memorable dining experience.

This is our regular Christmas or Thanksgiving location. It’s never disappointed. Pricing isn’t “holiday inflated”, food is always on point, service is stellar. I’m big on cocktails and theirs are lovely. Thought out and executed well. Huge wine selection, and deserts that don’t disappoint. Put this place on your list.

I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to go here. Needed a place to dine for Christmas Eve and since Encore by Goodfellas was opened I decided to make a reservation. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I was impressed with the upscale classy decor. We were greeted by the hostess who took us to the upstairs level that we requested only to be more impressed with the atmosphere and classy vibe. The waitstaff was super attentive and couldn’t do enough for us. AND….what a menu! A large array of appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, steaks, seafood veal, pork, and chicken. Took me 15 minutes alone to decide what I would order, Well we placed the order and one dish was better than the next, absolutely outstanding and well presented large portions, Dessert was out of this world as well, Great Chef!!! Our dinner was so special that we decided to make another reservation for a few weeks down the line. Encore doesn’t deserve 5 stars, it deserves 10. Now this is coming from a native New Yorker who has had access to all the finest restaurants ( and dined in most of them as well). Encore by Goodfellas stands amongst them’

Wonderful place with great , carring staff. Food is fresh and delish.

We have brunch at Atelier Florian every Sunday morning for over a year. We have had a delicious meal from a varied and enticing menu in a quiet, intimate atmosphere every week. We have gotten to know our favorite waitress, Trinity, and all the other waitstaff, from the chef (SO glad he's back!!) to the busboys. Everyone does his/her job pleasantly and professionally. The Bloody Marys are the absolute best! Every item on the Sunday Brunch menu is worth a try, from the Eggs Benedict to the "Homerun." The atmosphere is impressively understated, casual, and comfortable. Background music is pleasant while being hardly noticeable. (We miss the live guitar and piano music of the past that made the experience even more special.) The fact that we continue to go back week after week says it all. Whether we go alone or meet friends or relatives, Sunday Brunch at Atelier Florian is one of the highlights of our week.