Greater New Haven:

The melting pot

For centuries, the coastal Connecticut city of New Haven, with its current population of approximately 130,000, has long been a magnet for people who come hail from a wide swath of ethnicities and cultures.

Attracting immigrants from virtually all corners of the world—including England, Ireland Scotland, Germany, China, Russia, Poland, India, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad, West Indies, Portugal, and Mexico, among others—this region has evolved into a veritable melting pot of foods, flavors, and cooking methods by those who brought with them such a rich, diverse heritage.

Not surprisingly, then, the city, and the Greater New Haven area, today offers a smorgasbord of exceptional ethnic restaurants. While the options are competitive, readers voted on area eateries to visit for Best Ethnic Cuisine, and here are some of their top choices.

Best Authentic Irish Pub

You don’t have to be of Irish descent to crave a plate of Smithwick’s Fish & Chips (fresh cod hand-battered with Smithwick’s Irish Ale, deep-fried and served with fries) and a pint of Guinness at your local Irish pub, and in this category, Duffy’s Tavern in West Haven is no slouch, as our readers voted it as top three in no less than four “Best of” categories, including Best Authentic Irish Pub. Established in 1983, Duffy’s

Tavern Ol’ Irish Pub, with its warm, inviting interior decorated and authentic Irish decor, evokes the feeling of an old-time speakeasy and offers a comprehensive drinks and food menu, including Irish Skins, Pub Meatballs, and Blackened Jumbo Sea Scallops as appetizers; burgers, sandwiches and salads; and entrees such as Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Francaise, JW’s Baked Meatloaf, Horseradish Flat Iron Steak, the aforementioned Smithwick’s Fish & Chips, and Hot Lobster Roll— seemingly, a mix of traditional Irish comfort food as well as more contemporary gourmet options.

“We really try and change up the food and drinks menu regularly and seasonally, and I feel that our diverse menu keeps people coming back,” said Chris Walsh, owner. “Currently, comfort foods, such as meatloaf, pot roast, Shepherd’s Pie, and liver, bacon and onions are popular, as are the massive 10 oz. burgers we offer.”

During the warmer weather, customers often turn to lighter fare, including one of the tavern’s Steakhouse or Baja salads, among others, and ahi tuna and tempura shrimp street tacos.

Drink specialties are ever-evolving, according to the season, with a Pumpkin martini, made with the tavern’s own homemade pumpkin vodka) offered during the fall; now, patrons can savor ooey gooey S’mores martinis (the marshmallows are roasted at the bar), Irish mules, and of course, a large selection of beers and other drinks.

Tommy Sullivan’s Cafe in Branford and the Playwright Irish Pub in Hamden round out the top three in this category. Sláinte!

Best French Cuisine

Union League Café (ULC), an authentic French brasserie located on Chapel Street in

Contributed photo Chris Walsh, owner of West Haven’s Duffy’s Tavern (readers voted this spot as top three in no less than four “Best of” categories, including Best Authentic Irish Pub) stands in front of his establishment.