Claire’s Corner Copia, a Vegetarian Restaurant in New Haven, Marks 50 Years With A New Cookbook

New Haven is often known for its famous style of Neapolitan pizza, but this major Connecticut city is also home to an eclectic mix of epicurean offerings.

Among the city’s other restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes, Claire’s Corner Copia is a vegetarian enclave that has also been a longtime staple in downtown New Haven. (Even if you’re not vegetarian, you will find a menu full of appealing choices from soups, smoothies and salads to delicious entrees and desserts.)

In September of 1975, Claire’s Corner Copia was opened by Claire Criscuolo, a psychiatrist nurse, and her husband, Frank, a musician. The Criscuolo's initial idea for the restaurant was a way for the young married couple to spend more time together, with Claire handling the cooking and with Frank tending to the business side.

In starting their restaurant, Claire applied what she experienced while growing up in New Haven in a strong Italian family. She was raised on eating fresh and healthy cooking that incorporated a lot of fruits and vegetables in her meals. 

A lifelong vegetarian, Claire also implemented recipes from her family and her in-laws at the restaurant over the years. She has also added and learned how to make dishes from other cuisines such as Mexican and Middle Eastern. While organic and sustainability have become part of our living lexicon, this restaurant has been practicing these ideologies since the beginning.

As a business owner, Claire continues to make sure that her menu suits vegan and kosher dietary needs. She even adds in little changes such as using a vanilla sugar in place of extracts with alcohol that’s done in mind for Muslim customers.  

Students from nearby Yale University were among the restaurant’s first customers, resulting in an article in the Yale Daily News and a winning entry in the restaurant’s naming contest.

Over time, Claire’s Corner Copia grew in size and released several cookbooks. The latest release, 50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia, contains some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items and fan letters from customers and supporters. Photos of Claire and her employees, some of whom have been with the restaurant for many years, are shown in the book as well. 

Since its beginning, Claire’s Corner Copia has been a communal gathering spot. From the bright dark green exterior, to its cozy cafeteria setup, you’ll walk up the employee counter amid glass cases of enticing desserts. You might see their famous Lithuanian Coffee Cake, derived from a recipe by the mother of a former employee named Sally Tessler. A close favorite is their carrot cake with a flavorful burst from crushed pineapple.

You can take your order to go or sit down for your meal, as the restaurant is open six days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Split Pea Soup is a hearty favorite and the Potato and Corn Chowder can be prepared to be vegan.

The Eggplant Parmesan is perfect and the Lasagna Rolls provide an interesting yet tasty twist on this Italian staple. Other great choices extend to stuffed peppers, burrito bowls or wraps, and flatbread pizzas.

It’s also possible to spot Claire Criscuolo behind the counter or on the floor checking in with her staff and patrons. Sadly, Frank passed away in 2011, but Claire continues to have a strong presence at the restaurant and within the New Haven community.

In timing with the 50th anniversary for Claire’s Corner Copia, Criscuolo launched the BeKinderThanNecessary (BKTN) campaign, in partnership with the Yale Child Study Center that aims to teach children kindness and empathy. Her continuous point of caring for others is greatly shown through her restaurant’s food. She’s truly of New Haven’s culinary gems and Claire’s Corner Copia still shines.

Hungry for more local food finds? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.