Havenly

What was advertised vs what I got were two very different things. The meatballs were so overcooked that I could barely cut them. The rice was good, I will say that. Where is the sauce though? I added tzatziki on top of the meatballs to try to add some moisture but you can't taste any spices in it either. Even a little salt would have gone a long way. I also got the side house salad and it was a flop. The menu looks great, I think there are just some little improvements that could've made things better.

Havenly is one of those places I passed by so often while I was in downtown New Haven and wondered what they served - I always thought the sign was unique but didn’t know a thing about them. We finally made a visit and I’m so glad we did - I had no idea that our meal would be towards a greater purpose! I really loved the space itself. It was super cozy, bright, and inviting. The juices we had were very fresh, and the baklava was a stand out. The wraps were delicious, and all of the menu items were healthy and nourishing. Though overall I feel that I’ve had better Middle Eastern food, everything was still good, and to me, it’s worth it to go knowing that I’m supporting a non-profit with a learning environment. Love this cause and I’m so glad I finally know what Havenly is all about!

Havenly isn’t just a café—it’s a mission-driven space rooted in empowerment, culture, and community. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the care behind every detail. Chef Nieda, inspired by her journey from Iraq to Syria to Turkey and now New Haven, creates wholesome, healthy meals that reflect the love she put into cooking for her own children. The food is flavorful, comforting, and deeply nourishing. It’s amazing to support a place that not only serves delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes but also uplifts refugee and immigrant women in the process. If you're in New Haven, this spot is an absolute gem.

Our food here was great as was the tea and baklava, the service and presentation was also fantastic. Love the mission behind the restaurant as well. Will definitely be back again

It feels good to eat here. The food is delicious and it’s for a good cause. We tried one of each thing on the menu and they were all good. I especially enjoyed the lentil soup.