Lately I’ve been more open to trying vegetarian dishes. So when I got invited by Visit Connecticut to have brunch at a well-respected vegetarian restaurant in my home state, I couldn’t pass them up.

Over the years, I had heard a lot about Claire’s Corner Copia, a fixture in downtown New Haven for almost 40 years. Last Saturday, as part of Connecticut’s Open House Day, I joined other bloggers to dine at this cozy and colorful eatery on Chapel Street, near Yale.

Claire’s Corner Copia was founded in 1975 by Claire Criscuolo, with her husband Frank Criscuolo, based on the couple’s shared belief in the importance of healthy eating. Each also grew up in a family of bakers and cooks. Still today, Claire owns her “corner copia,” which has a quite a large menu of entrees, soups, salads, smoothies and desserts with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients.

Lines–and waits that come along with them–can happen here quite a bit, but my group lucked out. I ordered a roasted eggplant flat bread pizza with organic baby spinach, mozzarella and garlic oil on a whole wheat tortilla. Other guests chose different salads, quiche and other pizzas with pesto or as a caprese (which the second one was great). I thought my pizza was pretty good. I’m used to picking up slices, but with this version I had to end up using my knife and fork. Next time, I would probably try a salad or sandwich instead.

The desserts at Claire’s are really visually appealing. Treats are an eclectic mix. They include vegan chocolate cupcakes  (which I definitely recommend), a rainbow colored assortment of frosted cupcakes, as well as cakes such as carrot cake, a Lithuanian coffee cake, and a lavender cake (another good choice; I bought a slice to take home). There’s an assortment of cookies too.

Overall, meal portions are well sized, and prices reflect what you find in New Haven. Also note: If you eat in, your food is brought to you by servers, but you’re the one that has to bus your finished plates and utensils. And if you know New Haven, parking can get a bit hairy. I recommend using the parking garage on Crown Street, and then take the short walk over to Claire’s.

In all, Claire’s is worth a visit. Leave room for dessert.

Editor’s note: I was invited to a brunch at Claire’s Corner Copia held on behalf of Visit Connecticut, in which all the attendees’ meals were comped.