GIOIA New Haven Launches BRUNCH...and It's Delicious

The CTBites team paid a visit to Gioia right before it opened last fall— you can read about it here. This past weekend, CTBites returned to check out the newly launched brunch menu where you’ll be sure to find everything your brunch-craving heart desires.  

In typical fashion, we browsed the menu with discerning eyes, deciding which items seemed particularly delicious as well as photo-worthy. While doing so we nibbled on some Weekend Pastries – a selection of 3 different baked treats served with honey butter and a fruit preserve. Included was a flaky cherry turnover loaded with fruit and a cornmeal scone. This was not your run of the mill scone; this one was particularly light. The cornmeal added a lovely texture and a touch of sweetness which paired beautifully with the honey butter. These were joined by an old-fashioned glazed cake doughnut, reminiscent of eras past — the kind you want to dip into your cappuccino and savor slowly. 

We opted to try one of the specials not featured on the menu, the Rutabaga Frittata with crème fraîche and caviar. Sumptuous and decadent, thin slices of tender, sweet and earthy rutabaga were sandwiched in between thin layers of the frittata. The caviar offered up a pop of delicate saltiness and the crème fraîche was truly the icing on top. Everything tastes better with a touch a cream, does it not?

Have a yearning for something slightly sweet?  The Yogurt Parfait is that and so much more. The dish’s simplicity – sweet vanilla yogurt, granola, and fruit – seems so much more exotic when you dig in. This treat is really quite flexible; consider it as a starter to share, as your main dish, or even as a dessert, shareable or otherwise. 

I’ll describe the Polenta Waffle as other worldly. Polenta waffles needs to be a thing. A lightly crisp exterior gives way to something wonderfully light and airy. Nutella maple syrup (Seriously?) is generously drizzled above a Bananas Foster inspired banana whipped cream which boasts copious amounts of banana, and then toss in some hazelnuts in for good measure.  This dish is perfectly suited for the gourmand with an insatiable sweet tooth. If that’s you, you’re welcome! Those of you who are unable to decide whether to order sweet or savory, let me help in your decision making process – here’s another dish that could easily be shared amongst the table for dessert.

Looking for more traditional brunch fare? May I suggest the Steak and Eggs? The 6 ounce hanger steak is so beautifully prepared. Sliced, a lightly seared crust on the exterior reveals a stunning pink, tender meat offering up incredible flavor, served with eggs, sunny side up hollandaise sauce, and divinely crisp potatoes. Pro tip, because one can never have too many, order the Crispy potatoes from the snacks section of the menu. Served with grilled lemon and aioli — these put French fries to shame.

When you want pizza but you also want brunch… The struggle is real. The Potato Pizza hits right. Made with ricotta, Taleggio cheese, Rosemary, crispy garlic, eggs sunny side up and crispy pancetta all on top a crispy chewy focaccia.

We sipped on cappuccinos though the cocktails looked extraordinary. Next time…

On a final note, as a palate cleanser, may I suggest a cup of their house-made gelato or sorbet?

The super creamy honey gelato tasted as though it came fresh out of the hive. Little triangles of sesame tuile added a lovely nutty little crunch. If you’re a fan of honey, this is a must. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, the house-made passionfruit sorbet is that with a hint of tartness. Here’s another little tip, order a scoop of each and enjoy them together and you’ve just created a grown-up, elevated, Creamsicle.

If you’re like us and tend to order much more than you can eat, they encourage you to take your food to go. They’ll have everything wrapped up and placed in a brown paper bag and hand you a ticket to present to the hostess in exchange for your bag when you’re ready to leave. 

I’m looking forward to returning as there’s so much I still want to try. My suggestion to you all is to come to Gioia with a group of friends, but only the kind of friends that like to share their food, because this is the type of place where you want to try everything!

GIOIA 150 Wooster St, New Haven (475) 250-3451 @gioianhv