Welcome to Transilvania Restaurant and Bar
Transilvania Restaurant and Bar, nestled in East Haven, CT, offers an enchanting dining experience steeped in Romanian tradition. This women-owned eatery features a captivating Bavarian decor inspired by Vlad the Impaler, providing an intimate, cozy atmosphere perfect for groups or romantic evenings. Guests revel in authentic dishes like mici and sarmale, expertly prepared with a modern twist, while the bar boasts an impressive selection of cocktails and wines crafted by skilled mixologists. With live music and a range of events, including trivia nights, Transilvania ensures every visit is memorable. Savor delectable flavors and warm hospitality that transport you to another world.
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23 Main St East Haven, CT 06512 United States Hotline: (203) 248-3968
Welcome to Transilvania Restaurant and Bar, a captivating culinary destination located at 23 Main St, East Haven, CT. This unique eatery brings a delightful fusion of Romanian flavors to the charming town, enticing locals and visitors alike. With its intimate and cozy atmosphere, adorned with hints of European decor and historical nods to Vlad the Impaler, Transilvania is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience.
The restaurant effortlessly combines the warmth of a hipster hangout with the elegance of a romantic setting, making it ideal for couples, families, and groups. With ADA-compliant restrooms and outdoor seating, it's welcoming to all, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to accessibility and comfort.
As you step inside, you are met with the rich aromas of traditional Romanian cuisine. Diners rave about the incredibly authentic dishes like mici (grilled sausages) and sarmale (cabbage rolls), which transport your taste buds straight to Eastern Europe. One guest, Simon O., described the pairing of vinete (eggplant spread) with tostones (fried plantains) as a "shockingly perfect combination," emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to creativity and flavor.
Transilvania also boasts a lively bar scene. The extensive drink menu features cocktails expertly crafted by friendly bartenders who take pride in their trade. Whether it’s a smoked old fashioned that tantalizes your senses or a local wine that complements your meal, the drink offerings are as impressive as the cuisine.
The ambiance is enhanced by a variety of live entertainment, from trivia nights to costume contests, creating a vibrant community feel. As Jody M. mentioned, the happy hour prices are fantastic, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day.
Each visit promises an engaging experience, underscored by the dedication of the staff. Guests consistently highlight the attentive service that enhances their meal, making each person feel truly special. Paul A. noted that the staff's warmth is what makes a visit to Transilvania unforgettable, further contributing to your overall dining pleasure.
In conclusion, Transilvania Restaurant and Bar is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination that delivers an extraordinary blend of flavors, inviting ambiance, and genuine hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Romanian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, this charming spot is a must-visit. The combination of satisfying dishes, like the mushroom soup and the unique nachos, along with an eclectic atmosphere, makes every visit special. Plan your trip today; the culinary treasures of Transilvania await!
The food and service was absolutely fantastic!!! I've been to several Romanian restaurants across the US, but this one is by far the most delicious, authentic and beautiful. Incredible mici, sarmale, fried veggies, eggplant spread, and wine! My favorite part was the unexpected pairing of vinete (eggplant spread) and tostones (fried plantains) - it was a shockingly perfect combination! I cannot wait to come back and try the rest of the menu. A total must try!
I have always been so curious about this misspelled version of this eatery every time I have driven by and finally had the pleasure of dinning here after leaving a local auto group and what a treat. First off, the exterior decor is captivating and a real eye catcher from the type they use to the european exterior. The inside looks like a bavarian eatery with lots of history of Vlad the Impaler, the real tale behind Dracula. The ornate bench in the far corner with eclectic chairs surrounding in perfectly set by the bar area is so inviting and quaint. The bar is not big but has great bar stools and a fabulous friendly bartender by the name of Mark who is so proud to be there and wait on you! The knotty pine walls along with dramatic draperies and eastern art all complement each other as well as the mini hangings of coffins here and there and the bathroom, really worth a trip for some comic relief! They have happy hour offering drinks and bites as well as an early bird menu for diners to eat at table service. The menu is great and I really had a hard time deciding what I wanted. Their version of nachos was very intriguing and really satisfying between the chicken stew and beans nicely layered over the nachos. The mushroom soup was outstanding from flavor, texture and serving/absolutely delicious and true comfort food. The winer schnitzel came with a delectably thick side of mushroom sauce, decadent roasted fingerling potatoes and a side of light but yet flavorful cucumber salad. All was served in abundance and was perfectly sharable. For dessert we had their donut with the raspberry topping (Vlad the Impaler)- oh my!!! So good and not over the top sweet as one would think. They have special events nightly from your not so typical trivia night to costume contest to a medium dinner. This spot is a serious 50 minute drive often riddled with traffic but have to say, well worth it...look forward to coming back hopefully soon and maybe even have a session with the medium! Ample parking on the grounds, no stairs to contend with for those who struggle with them, cash and card payments work here-just bring your appetite and be prepared to enjoy your experience!
Went back again today. Just can't get enough of this cozy, quant place. The happy hour prices and options are great. Got the stuffed mushrooms off the happy hour menu. They were delicious. The smoked old fashioned was real smoke! Smelled and tasted wonderful!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Transilvania Restaurant and Bar, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. **Food:** The culinary delights at Transilvania are truly outstanding. Each dish was a perfect blend of authentic flavors and modern presentation. The traditional Romanian dishes were crafted with care and precision, offering a taste that's both unique and comforting. The ingredients were fresh, and every bite was a journey of flavor. **Drinks:** The bar at Transilvania is equally impressive. The selection of drinks was extensive, with a variety of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The bartenders are true mixologists, creating drinks that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, you'll find it here. **Staff:** What really sets Transilvania apart is the exceptional staff. From the moment you enter, the staff makes you feel like a valued guest. They are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Their genuine hospitality enhances the dining experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. Overall, Transilvania Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit. Whether you're looking for a fantastic meal, a great drink, or simply a wonderful evening out, this place delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended!
I went to Transylvania last night for the first time ever. I went for happy hour with a friend from Yelp. we sat at the bar. And didn't realize that it was trivia. Night. I definitely would consider going in the future. the food was okay and we shared an order of wings and An order of nachos as well. The food was. Okay
Atmosphere was better than I expected. Service was very good. Joyce on the menu was great
Back again to Transilvania! This time we tried a delicious feature from their Valentine's Day Menu. The eggplant with Tostones wasn't part of it. This delicious app is always in the menu! Service was excellent. It's just such a cool surrounding and vibe. Different.Feels like Halloween everyday all year long ! The steak was excellent with mashed potatoes. I tried the limoncello gelato and my dear friends tried Romanian delightfulness of dessert. Presentation is always nice and appealing!