A new restaurant called Gioia, which is the Italian word for “joy,” is coming soon to 150 Wooster St. in New Haven, formerly the site of longtime landmark Tony & Lucille’s Little Italy.
Gioia, which will feature Italian-style cuisine, is a new concept from New Haven-based restaurateurs Tim Cabral and Avi Szapiro and their partners, Anthony and Gerard Bianco of A&G Contracting.
Plans are for the location to include a restaurant, market, gelataria and rooftop bar. It will open in phases this year.
According to Cabral, the name says it all, as they aim to bring “joy” to customers.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming space that the community can enjoy, whether it’s couples out for date night at the rooftop, a group of friends celebrating a birthday in the restaurant or families grabbing a gelato from the convenient window at the corner of Brown Street,” Cabral said.
The menu will include Italian classics, homemade pastas and pizzas, vegetarian and vegan offerings, homemade gelato, wine, beer and cocktails. The kitchen will have a wood-fired grill and rotisserie.
The market portion of the business will sell products such as homemade pasta and sauces, prepared meals, artisanal serving ware and more. It will have its own dedicated entrance and will feature a private dining area and communal table.
Opening in phase two, the rooftop section will be used for three seasons and feature its own dedicated seasonal food and beverage menu. The gelataria with a streetside window will also open in phase two, later in 2023.
The building has been renovated for the new concept. Atelier Cho Thompson has been involved in architectural, interior and branding design work. Jesse LaRock’s Restoration Woodworks, Cambium Carbon, Bold Wood Interiors and muralist Jaime La Jones are among those involved in the transformation.
Gioia will be open six days a week. Details on opening dates will be announced in the coming weeks on the business’ website, gioianewhaven.com.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com