Bentara Restaurant, New Haven

The food hear is delicious. They have wonderful flavorful sauces that make your taste buds want to explode. The service is polite and the place was clean. I took my parents here before a show and they were very impressed with my choice.

Not sure why all the rave reviews for this place. Have been twice and the food is average and service not great, especially if they are busy.

The food is such a pleasure. We have been a number of times, and always enjoy the dishes. If you like spicy, as my husband does, you're in for a treat. If you can't handle spicy, like me, you can ask for the dishes to be toned down without being embarrassed. I was intimidated our first visit and did not ask if the dishes could be made mild. Instead I ordered the one dish that looked mild. It was awesome, but I had limited my choices without even asking and that was silly. On our repeat visits I've asked for anything that looks yummy to be prepared mild. My requests have been honored and the food is great. My husband orders his as spicy as he wants it, and although I couldn't eat the entire thing I enjoy a taste or two and he swears it's awesome. Out of curiousity, I tried the dinner that comes in the big soup bowl recently. Gone are my thoughts that soup won't fill me up! I barely made a dent in the huge portions! My only issue is the traffic flow for seating. I'm not sure if they don't take reservations seriously, if they're understaffed when we go, or if they need more efficient hosts at the podium. Every time we go we wait to be seated. I mean, literally, every time. No matter if we make reservations early before the rush or not. One time we stood for five minutes, no exaggeration, while the person at the podium finsihed what was obviously a personal call. I was amazed. Fortunately, once you're seated the service is great. Getting to your seat in the first place may frustrate you!

I have been to Bentara nearly a doze times and I have to admit, my experience has never once been less than wonderful. Service is my only qualm, I think they are jaded against Yalies but other than that it is always a great food experience. The plates are wonderfully prepared and the tastes burst in your mouth. Highly recommend making reservations on Friday or Saturday evening.

I've gone to many restaurants and I've become bored with all of the usual Italian establishments in the New Haven county. Bentara is wonderful in so many different ways - the unique food, location, decor, and staff. I'll just focus on the food which is fantastic, different, spicey, and a taste that you can't get enough of. Enjoy!

Excellent place!

excellent food in this small city.