Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, is a vibrant city with so much to offer you and your travel buddies.
It is the ideal destination to spend the day touring, unwinding, and discovering various outstanding dining establishments.
Satisfy your taste palates by discovering various eateries serving juicy steaks, flavorful seafood dishes, hand-crafted pasta, the freshest salads, brick-oven pizzas, pastries right out of the oven, exquisite desserts, and endless more.
It can get overwhelming choosing which place perfectly meets your budget, cravings, and dietary restrictions.
That’s why I narrowed down the best restaurants in Hartford, as shown on the list below, just for you!
1. Salute
100 Trumbull St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 899-1350
Salute is an Italian restaurant located at the LAZ Parking, a corporate office in the downtown neighborhood.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Catch up with your travel buddies over delicious food by dining at one of the best places to eat in Hartford, Salute.
It is an upscale eatery with a trendy setting, refined dishes, an extensive selection of fine wine, group meals for families, and more.
What to Eat
Try a house specialty by ordering the Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna, served with cucumber salad, crisp vegetable spring rolls, and ginger jus.
A must-try for pasta lovers is the Rose Pasta.
It consists of mushrooms, spinach, sweet sausages, four-cheese tortellini, and a light tomato cream sauce.
2. The Capital Grille
44 Front St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 244-0075
The Capital Grille is one of the top Hartford restaurants, boasting a high-end setting and classic American fare.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy fine dining in Hartford with your travel buddies at the renowned Capital Grille, boasting an upscale atmosphere and more than 350 wine bottles.
It offers valet parking, premium dry-aged steaks, Sommelier-selected wines, and the tastiest dishes prepared from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
What to Eat
Have a sophisticated dinner by ordering a glass of wine and the Sliced Filet Mignon, served with wild mushrooms and cipollini onions.
If you prefer seafood-based dishes, opt for the Chilean Sea Bass with a saffron tomato broth and heirloom tomatoes.
3. Max Downtown
185 Asylum St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 522-2530
Max Downtown is an award-winning fine dining restaurant that opened its doors over twenty years ago.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Spend quality time with your companions at one of the best restaurants downtown, this fantastic dining establishment.
It is an upscale eatery with a relaxed ambiance, a stunning space featuring modern decor, excellent service, and exquisite cocktails.
What to Eat
Can’t decide between seafood and pasta?
Enjoy both by ordering the Colossal Shrimp Scampi.
It is a handmade spaghetti with escarole, confit tomato, Meyer lemon nage, crispy caper, and garlic crumble.
Order the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl for a tasty lunch option.
It features sticky rice, sweet chili aioli, avocado, and tempura vegetables.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hartford Marriott Downtown
4. Trumbull Kitchen
150 Trumbull St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 493-7412
The Trumbull Kitchen is a contemporary restaurant offering a fine dining experience and an eclectic menu.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you searching for the best dinner places in Hartford to end a fun-filled day of sightseeing?
If you are, I strongly recommend the Trumbull Kitchen.
It is one of the coolest restaurants in the city, boasting a lively bar scene, accommodating staff, an industrial-chic setting, and beautifully plated dishes prepared by professional chefs.
What to Eat
End the day with an elegant meal by ordering the Seared Point Judith Scallops, served with chickpeas, cauliflower piccata, and sliced lemon.
If you don’t eat meat, I suggest the Vegetarian Pad Thai.
It features rice noodles, chili lime sauce, bok choy, and roasted peanuts.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Hartford Downtown
5. Bear’s Smokehouse
25 Front St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 785-8772
The Bear’s Smokehouse is a local barbecue restaurant established in the downtown area of the city.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Consider this fabulous eatery if you are a foodie looking for best rated restaurants in Hartford that offer delectable smoked-meat entrees.
It offers a casual vibe, authentic Kansas City-style wood-smoked barbecue, friendly service, and combo meals for groups.
What to Eat
Try a house favorite by ordering the Super Spud.
It is baked potatoes with bacon, meat, red onions, mac and cheese, and sour cream.
Order the Macho Nachos to order the perfect treat for sharing.
These are tortilla chips with salsa, jalapenos, meat, beans, cheese, and sour cream.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites East Hartford
6. Black-Eyed Sally’s
350 Asylum St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 278-7427
Black-Eyed Sally’s, founded in 1995, is officially known as Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Consider this dining establishment when looking for casual spots to eat that offer an array of dishes.
It features a vibrant atmosphere, mouth-watering Southern fare, live music performances, and a terrific beer selection.
It is also one of the best birthday restaurants in Hartford, offering an open bar, four semi-private venues with striking decor, a custom menu, and tons more.
What to Eat
The St. Louis Pork Ribs is a superb option if you are sensitive to gluten.
It is a famous, slow-smoked specialty with a house-made barbecue sauce.
End your meal with a delectable dessert by ordering the Chocolate Banana Cream Pie.
It is a flaky pie crust with decadent chocolate, a rich vanilla cream layer, sliced bananas, and whipped cream.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Hartford Hotel and Suites
7. City Steam Brewery
942 Main St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 525-1600
The City Steam Brewery is a brewpub that opened in 1997 in a historical building dating back to 1877.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This eatery is a fantastic option when searching for Hartford eats that offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable bonding experience with your companions.
It is one of the most popular local restaurants in the city, featuring arcade games, pool tables, and an impressive menu of tasty dishes and shareable snacks.
What to Eat
Order a classic 12-inch thin-crust pizza by trying out the Franklin Avenue Original.
It has a red sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella.
If you prefer sandwiches, I suggest the Cheddar Chicken.
It is a beer-battered, deep-fried chicken breast with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Delamar West Hartford
Also See:
Mystic RestaurantsPlaces to Eat in Storrs
Restaurants in Glastonbury, CT
8. Agave Grill
100 Allyn St #1418
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 882-1557
The Agave Grill, founded in 2004, is a well-known restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy some of the best food in Hartford by dining at the Agave Grill with your significant other, friends, or family.
It is ideal if you’re searching for the most popular restaurants to try traditional, Mexican-inspired dishes, like fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and so much more.
What to Eat
The Chilaquiles con Pollo is a delicious dish to try when visiting during brunch time.
It includes two fried eggs and corn tortilla with sour cream, grilled chicken, Oaxaca cheese, and roasted tomatillo salsa.
Try a specialty taco by ordering the Agave Street Tacos.
It is soft blue corn tortillas with barbecue pulled pork, melted chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and a choice of a chipotle sauce, avocado sauce, or sour cream topping.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury
9. Carbone’s Restaurant
588 Franklin Ave
Hartford, CT 06114
(860) 296-9646
Carbone’s Restaurant, dating back to 1938, is a highly acclaimed dining establishment serving traditional Northern Italian-style dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You can find countless good restaurants in Hartford, but consider this outstanding eatery if you are craving mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
It boasts stunning decor, an intimate ambiance, stylishly plated dishes, an impressive wine selection, and renowned service.
What to Eat
Start your meal by ordering the Fall Salad as an appetizer.
It consists of arugula, candied pecans, shaved parmesan, arugula, and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette.
Do you want to try a one-of-a-kind pasta dish?
If you do, I recommend the Stuffed Acorn Squash.
It is fregola pasta with carrots, peas, butternut squash, romano, and sweet potatoes.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hartford South – Rocky Hill, an IHG Hotel
10. ON20
400 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 722-5161
ON20 is a fine dining restaurant established in 1983 at the Hartford HealthCare, a teaching hospital founded in the 1850s.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you looking for where to eat in Hartford that offers mesmerizing riverfront views and tasty New American Fare?
If you are, there is no better place than ON20.
This magnificent restaurant offers an urban space, colossal windows, and jaw-dropping views of the cityscape and the Connecticut River.
What to Eat
If you like white meat-based dishes, consider ordering the Rohan Duck Breast.
It features plums, spiced jus, and fennel.
The Colorado Lamb Saddle is the ideal option if you prefer red meat.
It includes pansies, sheep’s milk yogurt, and cucumber variations.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford South-Glastonbury
Also See:
Restaurants: New Haven, ConnecticutBest Restaurants in Manchester
Best Restaurants in Greenwich
11. Muse Paintbar & Eatery
69 Raymond Rd
West Hartford, CT 06107
(888) 607-6873
Muse Paintbar & Eatery is a painting studio, wine bar, and eatery that opened at Blue Back Square, a popular shopping center.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Do you want to dine at restaurants near you that offer yummy food and a unique experience?
If so, the muse Paintbar & Eatery is a brilliant choice.
Here, you can have an unforgettable time with your companions by signing up for a painting class while snacking on tasty treats and sipping fine wine.
What to Eat
Order the Smaller Platter if you want to enjoy an assortment of snacks.
It includes boneless chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and pretzel bites.
I recommend the Rosemary Shoestring Fries if you want to order something gluten-free.
It comes with a choice of a cheese or sriracha ketchup dip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard Hartford Farmington
12. Bin 228 (Permanently Closed)
228 Pearl St
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 244-9463
The Bin 228 is a downtown wine bar and eatery that opened at the 5-star Goodwin Hotel in 2003.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have the best lunch in Hartford with your friends or partner by dining at the Bin 228, featuring Italian small plates.
It is a cozy space with a chic setting, trendy decor, a warm ambiance, delicious food, and a broad menu of craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
What to Eat
Try something light with your alcoholic beverage by ordering the Fig & Gorgonzola.
It consists of fig compote, prosciutto, arugula, caramelized onions, and a balsamic glaze.
The Cubano is the yummy option if you want to have a sandwich for lunch.
It has Swiss cheese, pork tenderloin, prosciutto, mustard, and pickles.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Goodwin Hotel
Related: Best Things to Do in Hartford
13. Peppercorn’s Grill
357 Main St
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 547-1714
Peppercorn’s Grill is an Italian dining establishment that opened in 1989 near various attractions and shopping malls.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Peppercorn’s Grill is a spectacular eatery for you and your travel buddies when craving upscale, authentic Italian cuisine.
It boasts beautiful decor, an intimate setting, delicious signature dishes, friendly service, and an extensive menu catering to special diets.
What to Eat
Do you want to sample a best-selling pasta dish?
Then, order the Ravioli Al’ Arancia.
It is spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli topped with an orange and sage butter sauce.
If you like seafood-based dishes, try the Polpo Carpaccio.
It is a thinly sliced octopus with lemon jam, celery, pink peppercorns, and crisp fennel.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Hartford Manchester
Also See:
Restaurants in Darien, ConnecticutRestaurants in Groton, CT
Restaurants in Waterbury
14. J Restaurant | Bar
297 Washington St
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 527-7764
The J Restaurant is a well-loved Italian and Greek eatery and pizzeria that opened in midtown Hartford.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have a terrific dining experience with your friends, a special someone, or loved ones at the J Restaurant.
It has so much to offer you, like the largest patio in the city for outdoor dining, mouth-watering daily specials, fireplaces, and a beautiful setting with calming earth tones.
What to Eat
Try an artisan pizza by sampling Napolitana. Some ingredients are roasted peppers, ricotta, mozzarella, herbs, eggplants, basil, and spinach.
If you want to sample a healthy wrap, order the Athenian Chicken Wrap.
It includes olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Extended Stay America Suites – Hartford – Farmington
15. Tangiers International LLC
550 Farmington Ave A
Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 233-8168
Tangiers International LLC, established in 1995, is a family-owned Mediterranean eatery with a food market.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Before leaving the city, make sure to try out yummy dishes at one of the best restaurants in Hartford, Tangiers International LLC.
It boasts excellent service, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, a food market selling a myriad of products, and indoor and outdoor dining opportunities.
What to Eat
Order the Tabouli Salad if you had a filling breakfast earlier in the morning and prefer a light lunch.
It consists of cracked wheat, tomatoes, olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice.
If you want something meatier, opt for the Fatayer/Sfeeha Pies.
It is a simple but delicious bread stuffed with spinach and beef.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Farmington Inn and Suites
Map of Restaurants in Hartford
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List of image sources
15 Best Hartford Restaurants for 2022
- Salute
- The Capital Grille
- Max Downtown
- Trumbull Kitchen
- Bear’s Smokehouse
- Black-Eyed Sally’s
- City Steam Brewery
- Agave Grill
- Carbone’s Restaurant
- ON20
- Muse Paintbar & Eatery
- Bin 228 (Permanently Closed)
- Peppercorn’s Grill
- J Restaurant | Bar
- Tangiers International LLC
FAQs
What are the 3 most popular restaurants? ›
| Rank | Chain |
|---|---|
| 1 | McDonald's |
| 2 | Starbucks |
| 3 | Chick-fil-A |
| 4 | Taco Bell |
- The Lobster Roll. No trip to New England would be complete without some fresh seafood by the shore. ...
- Apizza. Yes, apizza, not pizza. ...
- Steamed Cheeseburgers. Forget the greasy charred burgers! ...
- Apple Cider. ...
- Hot Dogs. ...
- Book Your New England Vacation at the Delamar.
With world-class art galleries, lush gardens, and historic buildings, there are so many amazing things to do in Hartford, Connecticut. Packed with historic attractions and fascinating museums, Connecticut's capital is one of the most captivating cities in the United States.
Does Hartford CT have a downtown? ›The Downtown neighborhood is Hartford's central business district. It is home to the regions leading businesses and Hartford's arts and entertainment. Downtown is located on the site of the first settlement of Hartford and filled with historic sites, landmarks, and cultural attractions.
What is the most popular restaurant in the World 2022? ›Copenhagen's Noma cedes the title of best restaurant in the world to fellow Copenhagen restaurant Geranium. The World's 50 Best Restaurants honorees for 2022 were announced at a ceremony in London today, crowning Denmark's Geranium as this year's top dining establishment in the world.
How do I find the best restaurants in my area? ›Besides Yelp, to find the best food in an area, Instagram is your best bet. Also, these accounts have real people running them, don't be afraid to reach out and ask their must-try spots–they will be happy to share recommendations with you.
Who is the most famous person from Connecticut? ›Katharine Hepburn
She was born here in Connecticut and even retired in Old Saybrook. Her acting credits are long and well spoken-for. What is this? Okay, maybe Katharine Hepburn isn't the oldest, since Henry Ward Beecher was born in the 1800s, and is famous for his activism for women's suffrage and abolition.
Connecticut. Not many states have an official cookie, but the Constitution State has called dibs on the delicious snickerdoodle. This cinnamon-sugar-coated treat would combine nicely with the state's official dessert, ice cream.
What snack food is Connecticut known for? ›- Hot Lobster Rolls. John Hyun/Flickr. ...
- Steamed Cheeseburgers. urban bohemian/Flickr. ...
- Hot Dogs. Marcy/Flickr. ...
- Deep River Snacks. Deep River Snacks/Facebook. ...
- Apple Cider. Ryan Taylor/Flickr. ...
- Homemade Ice Cream. Soli/Flickr. ...
- PEZ Candy. ...
- New Haven Style Clam Pie.
- The Mark Twain House & Museum. The Mark Twain House & Museum. ...
- Wadsworth Atheneum. Wadsworth Atheneum. ...
- Connecticut Science Center. ...
- State Capitol. ...
- Elizabeth Park Rose Garden. ...
- Bushnell Park & Carousel. ...
- The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. ...
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
Is Hartford CT walkable? ›
Hartford has an average Walk Score of 67 with 124,775 residents. Hartford has good public transportation and is somewhat bikeable. The most walkable Hartford neighborhoods are Downtown, South Green and Parkville.
What is great about Hartford CT? ›As one of the oldest cities in the country, Hartford offers knowledge and culture to stimulate your curious side. Greater Hartford has a vibrant arts community with 300 art venues and cultural attractions. Hartford is home to the Mark Twain House, where most of his famous works were written and his family was raised.
How much is the train from Hartford to New York? ›Overview: Train from Hartford to New York City
While the average ticket price for this trip costs around $63 (€60), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low as $63 (€60).
...
Hartford CT Murder/Homicide Rate 2004-2018.
| City Name | Population | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 123,117 | 17.06 |
| Woodbridge | 8,832 | 11.32 |
| Waterbury | 108,378 | 8.30 |
| Windsor Locks | 12,560 | 7.96 |
| Year | 1st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2017 | Eleven Madison Park | Osteria Francescana |
| 2018 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2019 | Mirazur | Noma |
- Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Central (Lima, Peru) *Best Restaurant in South America*
- Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain)
- Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
- Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico) *Best Restaurant in North America*
- Asador Etxebarri (Axpe, Spain)
- A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)
The French Laundry in Yountville, California, made its debut in this year's awards as the #1 Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S. With over 1,100 “excellent” Tripadvisor reviews, this 20-year-old French restaurant is called “bucket list” or “life changing” by diners who visit.
What's the #1 restaurant in the world? ›| Year | 1st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2017 | Eleven Madison Park | Osteria Francescana |
| 2018 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2019 | Mirazur | Noma |
Although the data is a little long in the tooth now, the following figures by Statista demonstrate the huge role played by ethnic cuisine in the United States: 61% of Americans eat Italian most often. 50% of Americans eat Mexican most often. 36% of Americans eat Chinese most often.