Overview

Little Lotus, an Asian fusion restaurant nestled on S Water St in New Haven, CT, stands out as a refined yet approachable destination for food enthusiasts seeking an exceptional sushi and omakase experience. The restaurant artfully bridges traditional Japanese techniques with innovative flavor combinations, crafting dishes that are simultaneously fresh, delicate, and adventurous.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the omakase tasting menus, ranging from 14 to 17 courses, offering an elegant progression of expertly prepared sushi and warm dishes. Each plate reveals meticulous attention to detail, balancing the buttery richness of OToro and A5 Wagyu beef with the subtlety of seasonal seafood like striped bass and sea bream. The inclusion of vegetarian options such as the Royal Mushroom Trio highlights the kitchen's versatility, appealing to a broad spectrum of diners.

Beyond the food, Little Lotus provides an inviting and intimate atmosphere where genuine hospitality shines. Manager Manny and chefs Jay, Tim, and Chef Larry create a welcoming environment, combining professional finesse with a personal touch that turns a meal into a memorable event. This warmth extends to the bar, where thoughtfully curated drinks like yuzu and matcha cocktails complement the menu beautifully, enhancing the overall dining narrative.

The location in New Haven makes Little Lotus an accessible gem for locals and visitors alike who appreciate elevated Asian fusion cuisine without sacrificing authenticity or quality. It caters to a diverse audience—from casual visitors discovering sushi for the first time to seasoned connoisseurs accustomed to Michelin-starred fare seeking a fresh local alternative.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a refined yet heartfelt meal, Little Lotus delivers an experience marked by culinary artistry, impeccable service, and a cozy ambiance. It is a must-visit spot for anyone eager to explore the depths of Japanese flavors through a creative fusion lens.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

What Customers Say

Layla
Dec 11,2025
5/5
My friend and I were on our way to Shell and bones when we happen to see this cute little place that was open and decided to stop in instead of going to Shell and bones. And boy were we happy that we came to Little Lotus. The food is spectacular. We both had the Omakase and shared a crabcake. Every piece of sushi was delicately cared for and tasted amazing. The drinks were also delicious. We love the atmosphere and we loved the workers and especially the general manager Manny. We will absolutely be back, I think this is our new favorite dinner spot!
Sheila Mercado
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Stumbled upon this gem and was i so happy i did. I am in town for my son’s school parents weekend and wanted to take him and his gf for a nice dinner. They love sushi but have never tried omakase. When the first course came out, i knew the kids first omakase experience will not be their last. Every single thing we ate was delicious. We all enjoyed everything! The owners, Chef Larry and his sweet wife, Nia were super friendly and made dining in their restaurant felt like home. I wish i lived closer so i can keep going back for this deliciousness! Thank you, Chef Larry, Nia and all the friendly staff for a wonderful evening!!! P.S. i stopped taking pics after the 3rd course. I was so focused on waiting for the next food that will come out and ate them fast before I could take the picture. Haha
Kathy Ngo
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Fantastic new restaurant. My husband and I decided to celebrate our 10th anniversary at Little Lotus. We have been to our fair share of 1, 2, and 3 star Michelin restaurants in NYC. Little Lotus deserves a 5 star review. The service was fantastic. The drinks were phenomenal. We had the yuzu and matcha drinks and both were fantastic. I’ve had my fair share of drinks in the city as well and these are just as good. We ordered the yellow tail crudo which was a great combination of both flavors and textures. The crab cake is to die for. I forgot to take a picture of the sushi roll, but it was the freshest one I’ve ever had. The cod was great and I was surprised by the portion size. I have nothing negative to say. And I am a harsh food critic.
Angie & Matt Baccaro
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We had the 17 course omakase for my birthday dinner and it was incredible! The service was amazing and each course was better than the last. Everything was so fresh with unique flavor and we would highly recommend this experience. The oyster and wagyu beef were our favorites!
Joanna Kim
Dec 11,2025
5/5
My husband and I had an incredible experience at Little Lotus with their 14-course omakase. The balance of delicate sushi courses with the warm dishes was outstanding — every bite felt thoughtfully composed and showcased both freshness and creativity. Manager Manny went above and beyond to make the evening welcoming. His knowledge and genuine friendliness really elevated the dining experience. Chefs Jay and Tim demonstrated remarkable skill and professionalism throughout the meal — each course was executed with precision and artistry that reflected true mastery of their craft. Little Lotus is a gem in Connecticut, and I’ll absolutely be back. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable omakase experience that delivers both quality and warmth for such a good price.
Sasha Klein
Dec 11,2025
5/5
The food is NYC quality-- every dish better than the next, from foie gras to wagyu beef and sushi. The service is impeccable, the owners Larry and Nia make sure to come and speak to everyone and are beyond thoughtful. We went for a celebration of life for my dad, and they picked up on that, and brought tears to my eyes when they surprised us with a lit dessert ON THE HOUSE! Can't say enough good things about the food and the vibe of this restaurant. Despite being a small place, this is a MUST TRY for anyone in the New Haven area. Worth noting, this couple also owns Red Lotus in Shelton, which has more of a family style and is also quite successful.
Maria Torre
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We had an incredible experience from start to finish at Little Lotus. From the moment we arrived, the staff was warm and accommodating and our waitress explained each dish as it came out. Everything we had was delicious - hard to say which was our favorite. Great wine and drink list as well. Chef Larry and his wife sat next to us and they were lovely - we had a fun conversation. His pride in the food they serve and his staff is evident. We will definitely be back. Thank you to Larry and his staff!

Leave a Review

Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Friday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Saturday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Sunday 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Top Picks for You

More Asian Fusion Restaurants in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Handpicked spots for food lovers. Your next favorite meal awaits!