In January 2026, the Connecticut culinary landscape welcomed a significant new addition: Adé Restaurant, located at 212 Main St. in East Haven. Owned by Bosede “Adé” Amoo and her husband Taiwo, the restaurant is more than just an eatery—it is a “dream come true” for a family that has spent over 30 years building a legacy in the United States.
1. A Partnership of Academics and Artistry
The story of Adé is one of professional excellence meeting personal passion. Taiwo Amoo, a Ph.D. holder and long-time educator, manages the business operations, while Bosede, who holds two master’s degrees and is a celebrated caterer in the Tri-State area, leads the kitchen.
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The Name: “Adé” translates to “Crown” in Yoruba, symbolizing the premium experience the family aims to provide.
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A Family Affair: The couple’s four children—Dami, Aminat, Khadijaht, and Abe—are all active participants in the business, ensuring the restaurant remains a multi-generational heritage project.
2. Redefining the Nigerian Dining Experience
While Connecticut has a growing number of West African eateries, Adé distinguishes itself through its atmosphere.
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Upscale Ambience: Moving away from the traditional “quick-service” or “takeout-heavy” model, Adé is designed as a 75-seat upscale establishment.
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Target Market: With a bar and patio area, the restaurant is positioned as a destination for date nights, formal events, and “dressed-up” celebrations, filling a gap for sophisticated West African dining in the New Haven area.
3. The Menu: Authentic Flavors of the Motherland
The menu at Adé focuses on rich, authentic seasonings with a range of spice levels to suit all palates.
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Signature Rice: The Nigerian Jollof Rice is the specialty, praised for its smoky, parboiled perfection.
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The “Swallows”: For a traditional experience, the restaurant serves Pounded Yam paired with Egusi Soup (melon seed and spinach).
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Modern Appetizers: A fan favorite is the Suya Wings, which utilize the traditional West African dry rub (Kuli-Kuli based) to provide a nutty, spicy kick to a classic American appetizer.
4. Grand Opening & Soft Launch Schedule
Adé is currently in its soft-opening phase, operating exclusively for takeout until the official grand opening in March 2026.
Current Hours of Operation:
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Tue – Thu: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Saturday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Monday: Closed
The Bottom Line
Adé Restaurant represents a shift in the West African culinary narrative in New England. By combining a “high-end” aesthetic with the deep, home-cooked flavors of Bosede’s catering background, the Amoo family is not just serving food; they are inviting the East Haven community to experience the “Crown” of Nigerian hospitality.
