Café Fiori in Branford, CT is a classic Italian restaurant that attracts groups and late-night diners alike. We arrived for a later reservation with a party of seven and were seated immediately at a comfortable round table, an ideal setup for sharing dishes and conversation.

The meal began on a high note with complimentary garlic knots that were absolutely outstanding—buttery, garlicky, fluffy on the inside with a crisp exterior. Drink orders were taken promptly, though they took longer than expected to arrive. Unfortunately, service never quite matched the quality of that first impression. Our waitress was somewhat curt and dry, lacking the warmth and menu knowledge typically expected at an Italian restaurant. While many Italian establishments pride themselves on flexibility and hospitality, the service here felt rigid.

We specifically asked not to be rushed and requested that appetizers be paced separately from the main entrées. The waitress acknowledged the request and assured us it would not be an issue.

Appetizers (Shared)

• Clams Casino
  Half clams topped with roasted peppers and bacon, baked in a lemon-butter white wine sauce—flavorful and well prepared.
• Fried Calamari
  Fresh calamari served with marinara on the side—very good.
• Pan-Seared Scallops
  Served with sautéed asparagus in a balsamic glaze—tasty and nicely balanced.
• Fried Mozzarella
  Crispy and topped with marinara—solid and satisfying.

Main Entrées (Shared Among the Table)

• Linguine with White Clam Sauce
  Savory with garlic and herbs—very good and one of the better dishes.
• Eggplant Rollatini
  Stuffed with ricotta and spinach, topped with mozzarella in marinara—just okay, lacking standout flavor.
• Shrimp Fra Diavolo
  Shrimp sautéed in a spicy marinara over linguine—a favorite at the table.
• Chicken Marsala
  Chicken breast with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce—the blandest dish of the evening.
• Veal Fiore
  Veal medallions with spinach, fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella in a pink vodka sauce—another standout.
• Chicken Parmesan
  Breaded chicken cutlet with mozzarella and Romano in Vodka Sauce. Because the chicken was not pounded thin, the dish was widely considered mediocre.

Pacing & Overall Experience

Despite clear communication, the appetizers, salad, and main entrées arrived nearly at the same time, exactly what we had asked to avoid. It felt as though the restaurant was eager to turn the table rather than deliver a thoughtful dining experience. The entrées were sent back and likely held under heat lamps; when returned, they were warm rather than properly hot, further diminishing the experience.

Given the rushed atmosphere, dessert was skipped entirely.

Overall Impression

Café Fiori delivered some very good dishes, especially among the appetizers and select entrées, but inconsistent execution, poor pacing, and unaccommodating service held the experience back. With decent drinks and flashes of solid Italian cooking, the restaurant shows potential, but it needs friendlier service, better menu knowledge, and more attention to guest requests.

At present, it comes across as a mediocre experience overall—one that could be improved significantly with better hospitality and pacing.

Rating 7.7/10