Popular Restaurant Closing In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — West End Bistro, a popular restaurant on Main Street in West Haven, will be closing its doors later this month after four and a half years in business. Always a favorite with Westies, the restaurant became well-known outside of West Haven when its “Pizza Donut” became an Internet sensation in 2017.

West End Bistro owners Jeff and Lynette Lamberti announced Thursday with “mixed emotions” that the restaurant will be closing on Sept. 29.

“Four and a half years ago we opened our doors with the vision of serving good food to good people and we feel that we were able to do just that,” the owners wrote in a post on Facebook. “This adventure has been a pleasure to share with all those that have come through our doors. The friends we have made, the accolades that we have earned, and above all, the memories that we have made over these past four and a half years will always remain a treasured part of our lives.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we are excited to celebrate our amazing staff who made the Bistro what it is. Without all our fantastic guests our dream would not have been possible. We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts and look forward to seeing you from now until September 29th.

“With much Love,

“Jeff, Lynette and the Bistro Staff”

The restaurant’s fans were devastated by the news. One fan wrote in a comment on Facebook, “Worst news I heard today. I do hope it's for the better for all of you though. Great place.... will be missed.”

Another user wrote, “I AM DEVASTATED. Best restaurant West Haven has to offer.”

“I am at a loss for words,” another fan wrote. “I have celebrated many events with you. October 2015 you didn't even have hot chocolate on the menu and Jeff made one from scratch just for me. It was the best hot chocolate I ever had. Every time I have been in the Bistro I left with a full tummy and a smile on my face. I thank you Jeff, Lynette, Charles and the remaining staff at West End Bistro for graciously every calorie you served with a smile. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors.”

Disappointed fans could take some solace in the fact that Jeff Lamberti will be taking his talents to the Milford Sports Pub & Grill, which is opening soon at 290 Old Gate Lane in Milford. Lamberti will be the executive chef, according to a post on Facebook.

A video of Lamberti's "Pizza Donut" creation, which he said came to him in a dream, was posted on the website Circa.com and garnered nearly half a million views within a week back in May of 2017. The video brought interest in the Pizza Donut from well beyond the immediate area and Lamberti previously told the New Haven Register that a man drove down from Hartford to buy eight Pizza Donuts because he saw it on the Internet.

See below for a video, via the New Haven Register, on how Lamberti made the Pizza Donut: