Leading the Venue
Lisa Standish
Lisa guides Amarante’s Sea Cliff while protecting the family values at its heart, helping the venue grow without losing the personal hospitality that has defined it for generations.
Our Story · New Haven, CT
More Than a Venue a Family Tradition
Family owned on Morris Cove since 1962
A Place Where Memories Begin
Some Places Are Remembered for how they make you feel
Amarante’s Sea Cliff has always been a place where people feel welcomed. It is where couples begin their marriages, families mark important milestones, organizations bring their communities together, and friends return each summer to enjoy the waterfront.
“Our setting may bring people through the doors, but the way they feel here is what brings them back.”
100+Years as a gathering place on the cove
60+Years of Amarante family hospitality
2ndGeneration of family leadership
Our History
A Waterfront Tradition a century in the making
Long before it became Amarante’s Sea Cliff, this shoreline was already a gathering place, centered on food, music, celebration and the beauty of Long Island Sound.
A beloved shoreline gathering place
Guests arrived by trolley and chauffeured car for dinner, dancing and evenings over the Sound. Even during Prohibition, The Inn was home to a hidden speakeasy.
The Amarante family story begins
After serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Andy “Sonny” Amarante purchased the Sea Cliff with a dream of creating a place where people could celebrate life’s greatest milestones.
A tradition takes root
Through hard work, memorable food and genuine hospitality, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays wove Amarante’s into the fabric of Connecticut’s shoreline community.
The same values, a new generation
More than six decades later, the family still welcomes guests with Sonny’s commitment to food, service and community. Many families who celebrated here now return with their children and grandchildren.
The Next Generation
Three Sisters carrying the tradition forward
Today the Amarante family tradition continues through Lisa, Mary and Teresa. Each brings her own talents, and all three share the same commitment to family, hospitality and the property they have known their whole lives.
The Bar & The Deck
Mary Brushett
Mary oversees the bar experience, from wedding receptions to summer evenings at The Deck, creating the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere guests associate with Amarante’s.
Design & Florals
Teresa Garcaeu
Teresa shapes how the property looks and feels. From greenery and seasonal flowers to centerpieces and event details, her eye brings warmth and character to every space.
Different roles. One family. One shared commitment to making every guest feel at home.
What We Believe
The Values behind every celebration
Our venue has grown and changed over the years. The way we welcome, serve and celebrate with our guests has not.
01
Hospitality Comes First
Every guest deserves to feel genuinely welcomed, from the moment they arrive until the celebration comes to an end.
02
Great Food Brings People Together
Meaningful celebrations deserve memorable food, thoughtfully prepared and shared around the table.
03
Every Event Is Personal
No two celebrations are alike. We listen, collaborate and shape each experience around the people hosting it.
04
Rooted in Community
We are proud to support local organizations and work alongside talented Connecticut businesses and vendors.
Our Promise to You
Why Families have trusted us for generations
When you celebrate here, you are trusting us with one of the most important days of your life. Here is what you can count on.
Family owned. Family run.
Amarante’s is run by the Amarante family, not a hospitality group, and the family is here on the property.
Clear, honest planning
We walk you through menus, pricing and timelines before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Your celebration, privately
Your own building and deck, reserved for your party alone.
A plan for every forecast
We review weather arrangements with you in advance, so you can stay in the moment.
Food made with care
Every menu is prepared by our own chefs and served by a team that takes pride in it.
We listen first
Our team gets to know you and your guests before shaping a single detail.
