Articles
New Haven Register – New Haven CT, March 30, 2018
Cafe Fiore named among Winners of “2018 Best of Greater New Haven” in New Haven Register Readers’ Poll.
Press Release – Branford CT, March 14, 2017
Cafe Fiore announces new menu, new promotions, new entertainment.
Hartford Courant, August 5, 2016
Cafe Fiore, Branford
Cafe Fiore’s New Zealand Rack of Lamb Crown |
by Frank Cohen
Cafe Fiore in Branford, Conn., offers an unusually good combination of quality, quantity and fair pricing.
Many claim “location, location, location” is the key to restaurant success, but isn’t it really a question of getting the right restaurant for the right space? That’s why some restaurants might flourish in a location, good or bad, where others waste away.
Likely to fill the parking lot consistently is Cafe Fiore. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because there are also Fiore restaurants in Middletown, Plainville, Westbrook and Old Saybrook. But only the Branford Cafe Fiore has one owner Rusit Cecunjanin, while the other, more casual restaurants are owned by his brothers. Cafe Fiore is firmly upscale, selling no pizza, grinders, and the like. The restaurant’s interior is correspondingly beautiful after a year-long renovation. The main dining room has hardwood floors, a lovely white marble fireplace and brown swag window treatments, while the angular bar is anchored by a black-and-pink granite counter.
Despite its upmarket intentions, Cafe Fiore delivers impressive value. There may be live piano and singing when you visit. Service is on the ball. Virtually everything is house-made. Few appetizers exceed $10, few entrées $20. House wines are available by carafe and half-carafe as well as glass. Factor in great crescent roll-like garlic knots and complimentary house salads with balsamic dressing and Gorgonzola that Olive Garden would kill for and meals seem like a real bargain.
Entrées like the house-made wild mushroom ravioli pomodoro are sourced with great ingredients and apportioned generously. The signature veal and shrimp in pink vodka sauce is topped with eggplant, asparagus and sharp Provolone.
Cafe Fiore, 420 E. Main St., Branford; 203-208-4690
Copyright © 2016, Hartford Courant
zip06.com, May 12, 2016
‘Cafe Fiore’ Grand Opening: Middletown Fave Expands to Branford
By Pam Johnson, Senior Staff Writer • Contact Reporter
Branford’s growing reputation as a restaurant town has drawn the chef/owner of Middletown fave Fiore II to expand here with a new restaurant, Cafe Fiore. The Italian trattoria-style restaurant celebrated its Grand Opening May 12, at 420 East Main Street.
Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove helped Cafe Fiore proprietor Rusit “Russ” Cecunjanin cut a ceremonial ribbon outside the new restaurant this afternoon. Cafe Fiore began serving customers during a “soft opening” earlier this week, in time to serve families out to celebrate Mother’s Day on May 8.
“In the one week he’s been open, I’ve already heard rave reviews from people who’ve tasted the food,” said Cosgrove.
“I’m really excited to be in Branford,” said Cecunjanin.
His restaurants serve delicious Italian standards and chef specialties, all crafted with mouth-watering attention to detail while remaining true to the heart of each recipe.
“It’s the simplicity of the food,” said Cecunjanin of the formula that keeps customers coming back. “There’s not too much complication. It’s easy to prepare and easy to recognize.”
The beautifully appointed, casual-attire restaurant for lunch, dinner and drinks (full bar) offers waiter service for its dining room and outdoor seating. Cafe Fiore takes reservations and welcomes walk-ins. The restaurant is kid-friendly and welcomes groups.
Cafe Fiore is open seven days a week, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday noon – 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. For more information, call (203) 208-4690.
Branford Patch, May 11, 2016
New Branford Restaurant Opens
A grand opening celebration is being held this week.
By Brian McCready (Patch National Staff)
BRANFORD, CT – Branford’s Cafe Fiore is holding a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration on Thursday, May 12 at 420 East Main St.
The ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. The restaurant officially opened for business in late April.
The new restaurant, Cafe Fiore offers “inspired Italian dishes in an elegant European-style eatery. With cream-colored leather seating, chandeliers, and an extensive bar, Cafe Fiore’s management and staff strives to offer excellent food and attentive service in a sophisticated setting.
With signature dishes like Veal Fiore, lobster-topped chicken and classic standards like linguini with clam sauce, their talented chef creates memorable meals that are sure to impress,” according to the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.