Popular Italian-Inspired Eatery Casanova-New Haven Closes Its 'Doors For Good:' Owners

Co-owned by executive chef Joseph Iannaccone and general manager Giuseppe Passeggio, Casanova New Haven was part of the Shops at Yale group.

By Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff

Oct 13, 2026 12:47 PM EDT

"We poured our hearts, time, and energy into making this space a special one for New Haven, but due to unexpected and unavoidable challenges behind the scenes, we can no longer continue operations," the owners of Casanova New Haven said. (Ellyn Santiago/Patch )

NEW HAVEN, CT — The doors opened at the Park Street Italian-inspired eatery in July 2025.

After 15 months in business, Casanova New Haven has closed its doors for good.

The restaurant was co-owned by executive chef Joseph Iannaccone and general manager Giuseppe Passeggio. Casanova New Haven was a popular Park Street restaurant, part of the Shops at Yale group.

As reported in 2025, after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Iannaccone honed his talent working beside celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, including the late James Kent of New York. He worked at Michelin-rated restaurants, including The French Laundry, Le Bernardin, Crown Shy, and Vestry. In 2021, he returned home to Connecticut to work at Goodfella's, now known as Encore by Goodfellas, the New Haven eatery owned by Iannaccone's father.

As a New Haven-area native who hails from a family of successful restaurateurs, Iannaccone said he and Passeggio couldn't have found a better location for the restaurant, the former home of the celebrated Tarry Lodge.

In a post on Facebook Monday, the eatery shared "with a heavy heart" the news of its closure.

To our wonderful community, regulars, and friends,

With a heavy heart, we are sharing the news that Casanova-New Haven will be closing its doors for good tomorrow.

We poured our hearts, time, and energy into making this space a special one for New Haven, but due to unexpected and unavoidable challenges behind the scenes, we can no longer continue operations.

This decision was incredibly difficult, but we want to focus on what matters most: expressing our deepest gratitude. To our amazing team who worked tirelessly every single day—thank you. This space was nothing without your hard work and passion. And to our guests who shared meals, celebrations, and everyday moments with us—thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.

We will share more updates on what's next as things move forward, but for now, thank you for everything.

We will miss you all.