lots of choices for picky and lax veggies all across the board - in the heart of new haven. reasonable priced, and you actually will be filled up. friendly staff. whole bunch of smoothie options with interesting combination. good desserts - i happen to think butter makes a big difference (non-vegan desserts a bijillion times better than vegan treats). i take my family here when they come for a visit.

Claire's is a true cornerstone of New Haven, self-described city of food. A veggie-lover's delight, Claire's is also recognized for its environmental efforts throughout the business, from using recyclable and compostable containers to organic food to green cleaning products. Claire, the effervescent owner, at times can be found behind the counter, talking up lunch-time customers. A cleaning secret? Says Claire herself "a bit of natural peppermint oil is a great way to keep the ants away from food and the dining area".

At first glance I assumed Claire's was just another neighborhood place. I saw the desserts and thought, "hmm desserts before breakfast, why not?" They had a great selection of desserts, some of which were vegan and/or gluten free. In deciding what to have, I did notice the hot foods under glass, but the lasagna and other cheese-laden dishes did not appeal to me. Despite being vegetarian, natural, and/or organic the cheese looked like faux American cheese slices melted together. I was warned that the look is deceiving. I guess what the restaurant lacks in presentation it makes up for in qualit

Claire's has a large vegetarian menu...I like the eggplant rollatini (when available) and lasagna roll-ups, spinach salad and banana chocolate chip cake and cookies...I am not a big fan of the faux chicken meals however. The free wi-fi is a plus!