We walked over to the Wooster neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon to try some Italian food in New Haven. After relaxing in the early Fall sunshine in nearby Wooster Square and chatting with folks there, we decided to try Consiglio’s, which is in the heart of the restaurant area along Wooster Street. It is a classic Italian restaurant from the décor to the menu, with the option for substituting gluten-free pasta. We were the first customers as they opened at 1 on a Sunday. The waitress, Nicole, was very friendly and was knowledgeable about the needs of my gluten-free companions; when there was any doubt she checked with the chef.
We started the meal with house salads and stuffed mushrooms. I had the mushrooms to myself, since they are not gluten-free – delicious. I tried the veal parmesan, while my wife and daughter tried shrimp dishes – Shrimp Tortellini Carbonara and Shrimp Consiglio. The veal dish was tender and plentiful, pasta cooked correctly, and the red sauce was mild but tasty; I took half of it home for the next day. Both shrimp dishes, with gluten-free pasta, were reported to be tasty and, again, very substantial. My daughter ended up with leftovers as well.
As a note, there is also a Sunday Cucina offering that sounded great for family style dining – from antipasti to dolci. Maybe next time.
Overall, I think Consiglio’s is a pleasant dining experience with good food and a friendly staff. We were there early on a Sunday afternoon, so we beat the crowds which were gathering in the neighborhood at the various restaurants. The neighborhood feel, friendly folks in the park and on the streets, and good food added up to a great Sunday afternoon on Wooster Street.