La Vita Gustosa – Italian
Stepping into this sun-drenched sanctuary feels like a journey to the heart of Tuscany, where the air is perfumed with the scent of roasting garlic and hearth-baked focaccia. Silken, hand-pulled pastas are tossed with vibrant, seasonal ingredients to create a symphony of flavors, while the warm, communal atmosphere invites guests to slow down and savor the spirited essence of the "tasty
9, Main Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423 +1-860-873-8999 https://lavita9main.com/Rating: 4.2/5 (283 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, mediterranean, pescatarian, diabetic, sugar-free, whole30, paleo, heart-healthy, low-fat, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, raw-food, volumetrics, tlc, aip, mayo-clinic, candida, lectin-free
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and prime location across from the Goodspeed Opera House, guests consistently praise this riverside gem. Diners rave about the attentive, friendly service—even during busy times—and highlight standout dishes like the fish and chips, chicken pot pie, and chicken Milanese. The ambiance is frequently described as inclusive and lively, featuring rainbow flags, live music on weekends, and versatile seating options ranging from a cozy indoor dining room to a vibrant bar and outdoor patio.
Menu
Appetizers
Starters and small plates to share
- Calamari: Crispy fried calamari served with marinara for dipping Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Tuna Nachos: Perfectly seared tuna served on fried wontons, topped with scallion, ginger, and a sashimi dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pulled Pork Quesadilla: Tortilla filled with pulled pork and melted cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Eggplant Rollatini: Classic eggplant rollatini with cheese and sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
- Steak Tacos: Tacos filled with seasoned steak Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Salads
Fresh greens and seasonal salads
- Beet Salad: Heirloom variety beets, goat cheese crostini, fried prosciutto, candied walnuts, and a light dressing Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil (August special) Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Steak and Arugula Salad: Fresh arugula topped with sliced steak Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic, Candida, Lectin-Free
Pizzas
Hand-tossed thin crust pizzas available in Regular and Family sizes
- Pepperoni Pizza: Classic hand-tossed pizza with pepperoni Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Meat Pizza: Hand-tossed thin crust with pepperoni, bacon, and meatball Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Sandwiches & Grinders
Served on fresh bread with choice of fries or chips
- Chicken Cutlet Sandwich: Juicy and crispy chicken cutlet on a sandwich roll Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Meatball Sub: Soft meaty meatballs with marinara served on garlic bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Entrees
Main courses served with fresh focaccia bread
- Scallops: Freshly prepared scallops Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Candida, Lectin-Free
Beverages
Selection of beers, ciders, and cocktails
- Fall Sangria: Seasonal sangria blend
- Draft Beer: Wide range of beers including IPAs
Frequently Asked Questions about La Vita Gustosa
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- La Vita Gustosa has an average rating of 4.2/5, with guests consistently praising the attentive service and welcoming riverside atmosphere.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- La Vita Gustosa is categorized as having a moderate ($$) price range for its Italian cuisine and various menu offerings.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Guests consistently praise standout dishes such as the fish and chips, chicken pot pie, and chicken Milanese.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The specific hours of operation for La Vita Gustosa are not listed in the provided restaurant data information.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- La Vita Gustosa is a riverside restaurant located across from the Goodspeed Opera House at 9 Main Street.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Versatile seating and 27 dietary options including keto Caprese Salad and gluten-free Steak and Arugula Salad accommodate groups with mixed needs.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This riverside gem features an inclusive atmosphere with rainbow flags, live music, and a prime location across from Goodspeed Opera House.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options include Caprese Salad and Steak and Arugula Salad, though no vegan dishes are explicitly listed.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- The restaurant offers a casual, inclusive, and lively atmosphere featuring communal seating, live music, and moderate ($$) pricing for guests.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a moderate ($$) price level and 4.2/5 rating, guests consistently praise the attentive service and standout dishes like chicken Milanese.
Restaurants near La Vita Gustosa
- La Vita Gustosa — Italian
- Otto — Italian
- Otto — Italian
- Germano's Ristorante and Bar — Italian
- Rosello's Apizza — Italian
- Higher Grounds at 32 Main — American
- Hadlyme Country Market — American
- The Ivory Restaurant & Pub — American
- Jack's Country Kitchen — American
- Pattaconk 1850 Bar & Grill — American
- The Ivory Restaurant & Pub — American
