The Red Sauce Joint by Gioia
Gioia will be once again launching “The Red Sauce Joint by Gioia,” running from January 16 – April 26, 2026, on its fully enclosed and heated rooftop space overlooking Wooster Street, offering an inviting, nostalgic space inspired by classic and beloved Italian American eateries. The activation will blend this timeless culture and treasured environment – including red and white checkered tables, warm string lights, classic Italian greenery, wicker-wrapped Chianti bottles, old-school photos on the walls of regular guests and cured Italian food products - with Gioia’s signature charm, warmth and fun, and a menu featuring classic and familiar Italian American cuisine and beverages.
New for 2026, a special ticket Sunday night dinner – “Sunday Sauce with Friends” - will feature a monthly guest chef preparing their version of a “Red Sauce” menu. These slow-simmered, family-style dinners will include Renee Touponce from Port of Call/Oyster Club (1/18), Dan Kardos from Café Melba (2/22), Joel Gargano from Grano Arso (3/22) and Andy Kitko from Oceans/Carlotto New York (4/26) (Guest Chefs are subject to change).
“The Red Sauce Joint by Gioia” will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 5-10 pm and Sundays from 2 pm-8:30 pm. Tables and bar seating will be available on a walk-in basis only. The space will also be available for private parties and special events. A dedicated parking lot and street parking in the neighborhood are available for easy access. For additional information, visit gioianewhaven.com.
About Gioia
Gioia – meaning ‘joy’ in Italian – brings the vision of a fun and delicious Italian restaurant, market, gelateria, and rooftop space to life. Founded by beloved New Haven restaurateurs Tim Cabral and Avi Szapiro. Gioia features a seasonally inspired menu of delicious interpretations of Italian classics. Using a wood-fired grill and rotisserie, the menu includes homemade pastas and pizzas, house-made gelato, and vegetarian/vegan offerings, coupled with a robust beverage program with a nod to Italy. Contributing to the DNA of “Little Italy” the market serves the neighborhood and beyond with convenient access to produce, cured meats, cheeses, Italian provisions, homemade pasta and grab-and-go meals. The gelateria window invites residents and diners to enjoy house-made gelato and slices of the unique “Wooster Squares” pizza. The rooftop, which is covered and fully-heated and enclosed to offer year-round dining, extends the fun and energetic atmosphere of the restaurant, offering a unique and seasonal food and beverage menu, as well as seasonal activations. Located at 150 Wooster Street, Gioia has received accolades from Food & Wine, Yankee Magazine, and Hearst, among others, and was recognized as the Best Restaurant Newcomer by the 2024 Connecticut Restaurant Association Awards, and Best Restaurant in New Haven County for 2025. For more information, visit gioianewhaven.com, or the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram channels (@gioianhv).
