Like Pop-Up But Better, Gioia To Open Nostalgic Italian Eatery On Roof

NEW HAVEN, CT —Gioia, an Italian restaurant, market, gelateria and rooftop on Wooster Street, will launch 'The Red Sauce Joint by Gioia,' in its rooftop dining and bar space.

Running from Jan. 31 to April 27, the fully-enclosed and heated space will be transformed into an inviting, nostalgic space inspired by classic and beloved Italian American eateries.

The seasonal activation will blend this timeless culture and treasured environment – including red and white checkered tables, warm string lights, classic Italian greenery, Chianti bottles and cured Italian food products - with Gioia’s signature charm, warmth and fun, and a menu featuring classic and familiar Italian American cuisine and beverages.

The special pop-up food and beverage menu will include Eggplant Parm, Beef Carpaccio, Spaghetti sandwich, Fried Mutz with marinara, Clam Casino style Arancini and classic pastas preparations including Alfredo, a la Vodka and Lasagna Bolognese. Dessert options such as fun interpretations on a classic Cannoli featuring a Tiramisu filling and Olive Oil Cake with a Limoncello Zabaglione will be featured. The beverage program will include Italian wines by the jelly jar glass, a Winter Spritz, a coffee-steeped “Corsica Negroni” with Gin and a fun and playful twist on the “Godfather Cocktail.” Shared dish options will encourage communal dining, and classic and interactive dining elements will surprise guests.

“The Red Sauce Joint by Gioia” will be open Fridays from 4-10 pm, Saturdays from 2 pm-10 pm, and Sundays from 2 pm-8:30 pm. Tables and bar seating will be available on a walk-in basis only. The space will also be available for private parties and special events. A dedicated parking lot and street parking in the neighborhood are available for easy access.

For additional information, visit gioianewhaven.com, or the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram channels (@gioianhv).

About Gioia

Gioia – meaning ‘joy’ in Italian – brings the vision of a fun and delicious Italian restaurant, market, gelateria, and rooftop space to life. Founded by beloved New Haven restaurateurs Tim Cabral and Avi Szapiro. Gioia features a seasonally inspired menu of delicious interpretations of Italian classics. Using a wood-fired grill and rotisserie, the menu includes homemade pastas and pizzas, house-made gelato, and vegetarian/vegan offerings, coupled with a robust beverage program with a nod to Italy. Contributing to the DNA of “Little Italy” the market serves the neighborhood and beyond with convenient access to produce, cured meats, cheeses, Italian provisions, homemade pasta and grab-and-go meals. The gelateria window invites residents and diners to enjoy house-made gelato and slices of the unique “Wooster Squares” pizza. The rooftop, which is covered and fully-heated and enclosed to offer year-round dining, extends the fun and energetic atmosphere of the restaurant, offering a unique and seasonal food and beverage menu. Located at 150 Wooster Street, Gioia has received accolades from Food & Wine, Yankee Magazine, and Hearst, among others, and was recognized as the Best Restaurant Newcomer by the 2024 Connecticut Restaurant Association Awards. For more information, visit gioianewhaven.com, or the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram channels (@gioianhv).