Ciera Velarde
Senior Editor
Ciera is a senior editor at The Infatuation who edits restaurant reviews and guides across all of our major cities. By the age of 12, she lived in five different places (El Paso, Tampa, San Francisco, Detroit, and Orange County, CA) before finally settling in Dallas, which explains why she occasionally says “y’all” but doesn’t have a Texas accent. Before joining the Infatuation in 2023, Ciera has worked as an editor and writer at places like BuzzFeed, AFAR, Thrillist, and Martha Stewart Living. She believes in the healing power of a dirty martini, a dozen oysters, and a basket of french fries, and as a current Connecticut resident, is constantly searching for the perfect (hot) lobster roll.
All Posts
The Times Square Chain Restaurant Power Rankings
Choose your fighter: Dallas BBQ, Olive Garden, or Margaritaville.
The Best Restaurants In New Haven
These are our favorite restaurants near a certain college in Connecticut. And yes, there’s apizza.
Tavern on State
The menu changes almost daily at Tavern on State, an American restaurant serving the most inventive dishes in New Haven.
Fair Haven Oyster Company
Despite looking like a teeny seaside shack, the inside of Fair Haven Oyster Company has the feel of a swanky yacht club.
Menya-Gumi
All of the ramen bowls at Menya-Gumi in New Haven are comforting and jammed with noodles longer than your arm.
Olea
Olea in downtown New Haven is perfect for a special mid-week date—that’s when you can order their six-course tasting menu.
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill
Shell & Bones is an oyster bar where you can sip on expensive martinis and look out into the Long Island Sound.
Sherkaan
This Indian spot right next door to the Yale Bookstore specializes in street food-inspired dishes in giant portions.
Hot Murga
Hot Murga is a casual counter-service spot that makes Nashville-style hot chicken brightened with Indian flavors.
Claire’s Corner Copia
Claire's Corner Copia is a go-to spot for Yale students, but also a cafe that serves excellent coffee and pastries.
Union League Cafe
Union League Cafe is a classically French restaurant with a killer wine list and a high-end bread basket.
Where To Have Your Next Team Dinner
The best places to have a celebratory meal with the people you see every day.
Ramen Misoya
This walk-in-only ramen spot serves reliable miso-based bowls, in case you need a last-minute option in the East Village.
The Best Restaurants In Fairfield County, Connecticut
Waterfront seafood, a clubby hotspot with peking duck, the best pastrami sandwich outside of NYC, and more of Fairfield County’s best places to eat.
Bar Rosina’s
Order as many appetizers that can fit on your table at Bar Rosina’s, an Italian spot in Greenwich.
Match
Match is a great neighborhood spot in South Norwalk with our favorite margarita in Fairfield County.
Luc’s Cafe
Come to Luc’s in Ridgefield on a summer evening and sit on their patio, and you’ll be transported straight to Paris.
Hanna’s Middle Eastern Restaurant
Get ready to go home with leftovers at this Middle Eastern spot in Danbury that serves huge combo platters and entrees.
Norwalk Art Space Cafe
Enjoy freshly baked pastries made with local ingredients at this cafe that’s located inside an art museum.
Super Duper Weenie
This Fairfield institution serves seven dog styles that are inspired by cities all over the country.