We all know Italian food is fantastic. A single bite is like being transported to a sun-drenched piazza, before getting a big old hug from fresh pasta, and the giggles courtesy of our gal, Parmigiano-Reggiano. Life is too short to eat bad carbonara, so with that in mind, these are the Milford spots that always hit the mark of al dente-meets-ragù perfection.
GG’s Wood Fired Pizza
$$ | (203) 876-8000 | WEBSITE
GG’s Wood Fired Pizza is a cozy Italian restaurant serving up some of Milford’s most satisfying homemade dishes. If your pizza cravings are calling then pay attention. GG’s on the Connecticut shoreline even has a constantly changing menu featuring fresh seasonal specials. The wood-fired pies here are consistently outstanding and if you consider yourself something of a food enthusiast, then diving into their colossal appetizer portions is a genuine delight.
Although this spot is primarily a dining destination, the bustling atmosphere is perfect for sharing laughs with friends while watching the local crowd enjoy their meals.
DePuma’s Gluten Free Pasta
$$ | (203) 891-5572 | WEBSITE
We had one of the best Italian meals of our recent memory at a gluten-free pasta spot in Milford. Outside of being privy to our nostalgic food cravings, this anecdote is very tangible evidence that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places, like expertly crafted seafood lasagna at a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Beneath the straightforward exterior of DePuma’s, the homemade pasta is perfect for savoring over thoughtful preparation and, plot twist, the texture is reliably excellent.
You can expect those fresh ingredients that ensure every single bite is flavorful perfection and this welcoming establishment has a wide variety of options so you can select your favorite.
Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (203) 877-1170 | WEBSITE
One day in the not so distant future we will write a sincere and scientific thesis on the intersectionality of places serving great tortellini and exceptional espresso martinis. But for now we will summarise with the statement: order Fratelli’s espresso martini. As well as vodka and coffee liqueur, this cocktail contains a rich espresso, a subtle hint of sweetness, and—ding ding ding—it’s expertly crafted.
The smooth factor and flavor makes it dangerously sippable, and when combined with Fratelli’s family-run friendly-fun feel, it’s the perfect recipe for a stomping mid-week celebration. Hey, you won’t even regret it.
River Street Restaurant
$$ | (203) 882-0071 | WEBSITE
You say Italian, we hear “one Mama Teresa, please”. River Street Restaurant is arguably Milford’s most comforting family spot and there’s no denying that everything from the meatball appetizer to the signature chicken marsala is an instant yes please. But sometimes people overlook its eggplant rollatini masterpiece. Available at this cozy BYOB location, the rollatini features tender eggplant wrapped around creamy ricotta, baked in marinara.
That might make some traditionalists incredibly stressed about missing the chicken parm, but trust us when we say it’s a mighty fine choice. Critical intel for budget-conscious diners everywhere: you can bring your own wine for just a small corkage fee, making a meal here surprisingly affordable.
Reggiano’s Restaurant
$$ | (203) 713-8300 | WEBSITE
Reggiano’s is that reliable neighborhood Italian spot everyone should have in their back pocket but thankfully for our last-minute pasta cravings, not everyone does. With its welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and attentive servers keeping bread baskets plentiful, this Milford restaurant is quietly serving up satisfying no-nonsense Italian fare.
Zero pretension, zero fuss—just fresh pasta made daily, homemade vodka sauce with panchetta, and well-executed classics like chicken parm doing what they do best. The Pollo Francesca arrives on one of those substantial white plates that make you feel like you definitely earned this comforting meal, and the visual explanations of specials make it our go-to spot for a reliably delicious family dinner.
Bella Napoli Pizza
$ | (203) 877-1102 | WEBSITE
Perhaps you have reached a complicated phase in your relationship with pizza. The love was strong but then you ate too many mediocre slices and now you’re considering other cuisines. This, friends, is when it’s time to visit Bella Napoli Pizza. The name of this friendly family restaurant in Milford says pizza but the menu is packed with big Italian-American potential.
As well as their excellent thin, chewy crust pizza and our personal favorite, the phenomenal eggplant pizza with basil pesto sauce, Bella Napoli also offers huge, delicious calzones, tasty wings, and our go-to—the huge, fresh Greek salad perfect for sharing. Between the nice outdoor patio for traveling with pets and the kind, allergy-conscious service, this is the perfect spot to reignite your pizza passion.
Gusto Trattoria Italian Restaurant
$$ | (203) 876-7464 | WEBSITE
Gusto Trattoria wants you to be full. They want you to laugh and linger and share plates with friends and be so content you forget your phone is in your pocket. Sometimes they also want you to leave with a doggy bag big enough for tomorrow’s lunch but that’s a conversation for a different time. The point is Gusto Trattoria is the ultimate good meal enabler.
This warm trattoria in Milford has distressed wood accents, an abundance of soft lighting from the pendant lamps, and—CC: the garlic bread arriving at your table—live Italian music on weekends. The food here is generosity at its finest: that sizzle sound of the veal chop, one great dollop of risotto, and the delightful price of $28.
Mama Teresa’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza
$ | (203) 877-5108 | WEBSITE
When it comes to pizza, Mama Teresa’s doesn’t mess about. For starters, the staff at this popular Milford spot handle large crowds with wonderful ease and anyone who has attempted to feed a hungry party knows that is true skill. The house pizza is served with that good crust and nice flavor sauce but oh-so satisfying for a proper hearty dose of Italian comfort. FYI you can also get their excellent dinners as takeout with those usually good deals.
Slices
$ | (203) 878-5097 | WEBSITE
Slices is the kind of beloved neighbourhood spot where the only thing that will distract you from your pizza is an essential impromptu chat with the friendly owner about life in Devon. You couldn’t just leave this restaurant and never experience true pizza contentment again, could you? That would just be too sad. It’s rare for a pie to cause separation anxiety but in our humble opinion, the large pizza is the best pizza in Milford. Perfect size, perfect hit of flavour, perfectly affordable.
A classic done right.
STRADA Trattoria Italiana
$$ | (203) 283-3720 | WEBSITE
STRADA Trattoria Italiana radiates warm, familial charm. There’s the glow of soft lighting through the windows and the cozy atmosphere inside the Milford trattoria, crafted from a mix of quiet conversation and plates clinking, will welcome you in. The exquisite fresh pasta will keep you coming back like a diner to a perfectly sauced forkful.
In addition to classic marinara and alfredo, the pasta is prepared with authentic Italian techniques—we tried the vegetarian lasagna which added a pleasing, hearty depth. The owner’s attentive presence ensures it’s personal without feeling intrusive. The real key, though, is the reasonably-priced quality which is pretty seamless but elevates the whole delightful experience.
