Villa Lulu

Moe Gad and Executive Chef Rafael Palomino, who have made Pacifico Restaurant one of New Haven’s popular dining destinations, have recently opened a unique Italian restaurant concept — an old-school Italian eatery that embraces the comfort of regional Italian cuisine set in a modern, café-style environment.

Executive Chef Palomino was classically trained as a chef in southern France, working at Eugenie les Bains. He’s used his classical training and experiences to create Villa Lulu’s menu. Chef Palomino is focusing on healthier food with a clean eating concept, using less cream-based sauces, chickpea pasta and cauliflower pizza crusts, and vegan options. 

The New York Times released a list of 52 places to visit in 2023. Among the historic, must-see places across the globe — like the artsy city filled with Roman ruins in Tarragona, Spain, and the orange-sand beaches of La Guajira, Columbia — is New Haven, Connecticut. Specifically, the NYT features NXTHVN, the arts center building founded in 2019. It’s a space among the African American artists’ community, built inside two abandoned factory buildings in the Dixwell neighborhood. After viewing exhibits, the Times suggested guests head over to try some Parmesan aioli and pork belly with Tuscan cabbage at the newly-opened Villa Lulu on College Street. View The New York Times article, here!

We can’t wait for you to experience Villa Lulu.