The best restaurants in Hartford
80 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Hartford today
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Two pinned places a day in Hartford — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Rebel Dog Coffee Co. & Tavern PLAINVILLE
RestaurantsCoffee shop by day and tavern by night featuring wood-fired pizza and brunch dishes, plus an outdoor deck.
Rebel Dog Coffee Co. & Tavern PLAINVILLE
RestaurantsBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe
RestaurantsRelaxed venue for bagels made fresh, sandwiches, muffins and pastries, plus coffee and tea.
Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe
RestaurantsGiulia's Pizza Restaurant
RestaurantsTraditional Italian specialties, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, served in a casual setting.
Giulia's Pizza Restaurant
RestaurantsYume Hibachi Steak and Sushi
RestaurantsStylish, understated spot with unique sushi/sashimi combos & dramatic, flaming hibachi grill dishes.
Yume Hibachi Steak and Sushi
RestaurantsKensington Pizza
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant serving a variety of pizzas, plus grinders, salads, and other comfort eats.
Kensington Pizza
RestaurantsZerio's
RestaurantsItalian kitchen offering pizza, soups & deli-style sandwiches in modest digs with a warm vibe.
Zerio's
RestaurantsElizabeth’s Bar & Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual Italian dining featuring gluten-free options, plus happy hours, and a kids' menu.
Elizabeth’s Bar & Restaurant
RestaurantsMazatlán Mexican Grill and Bar
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving Tex-Mex fare such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos and fried red snapper, plus margaritas and cocktails.
Mazatlán Mexican Grill and Bar
RestaurantsJ Timothy's Taverne
Restaurants"Dirty" wings are the specialty at this tavern set in a circa-1789 building.
J Timothy's Taverne
RestaurantsDave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, trendy eatery known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders in a range of spice levels.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsEast Side Restaurant
RestaurantsGerman comfort food & beer in a vibrant destination that has a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.
East Side Restaurant
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsHungry Bowl Mongolian Grill, Sushi & Ramen
RestaurantsCasual spot featuring a mongolian grill where guests build their own bowls.
Hungry Bowl Mongolian Grill, Sushi & Ramen
RestaurantsCapitol Lunch
RestaurantsCirca-1929 joint serving hot dogs, burgers & fries in a no-frills space hung with musicians' photos.
Capitol Lunch
RestaurantsSyriana Cuisine
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving a menu of Mediterranean classics such as falafel and lamb kabsa, plus pita and pies.
Syriana Cuisine
RestaurantsCriollisimo Restaurant
RestaurantsSimple kitchen serving typical Puerto Rican eats such as pernil & plantains in a buffet-style setup.
Criollisimo Restaurant
RestaurantsSeven Moons Thai cuisine
RestaurantsCasual, clean eatery featuring traditional Thai mains, such as pad thai, curries and spring rolls.
Seven Moons Thai cuisine
RestaurantsEl Sarape
RestaurantsEl Sarape is the kind of Hartford spot you hit when the craving is real, with legit tacos, hefty tortas, sizzling veggie fajitas, and…
El Sarape
RestaurantsSampizza Bar
RestaurantsSampizza Bar is where Brazil meets your table, with handcrafted pies that riff on Brazilian flavors and a legit bar to keep the night…
Sampizza Bar
RestaurantsPho & Grill Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsVietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and other classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Pho & Grill Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsSorella
RestaurantsRelaxed, upscale restaurant serving housemade pasta, brick-oven pizza & other Italian standards.
Sorella
RestaurantsRooster Co.
RestaurantsLocally sourced roast chicken is the forte of this New American eatery with a warm, industrial vibe.
Rooster Co.
RestaurantsJosie's Corner
RestaurantsCasual cafe dishing up homestyle breakfast options, as well as lunch fare such as cheeseburger omelets, bread loaves, omelets, pancakes,…
Josie's Corner
RestaurantsBear's Smokehouse Barbecue
RestaurantsLocal BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue
RestaurantsThe Russell Restaurant
RestaurantsBi-level Caribbean restaurant with a curved bar, stylish decor of wood & leather & DJ nights.
The Russell Restaurant
RestaurantsIchiro Hibachi & Sushi
RestaurantsLively Japanese spot grilling meat tableside & serving a variety of sushi & sashimi.
Ichiro Hibachi & Sushi
RestaurantsAgave Grill
RestaurantsTableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant.
Agave Grill
RestaurantsTrumbull Kitchen
RestaurantsSeafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene.
Trumbull Kitchen
RestaurantsSalute
RestaurantsTrendy Italian restaurant with an upscale menu of pastas (gluten-free available) & grilled dishes.
Salute
RestaurantsPeppercorn's Grill
RestaurantsItalian restaurant & bar serving upscale cuisine in a warm, intimate space.
Peppercorn's Grill
RestaurantsVN Phở
RestaurantsTraditional Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and rice dishes, and serving bubble tea.
VN Phở
RestaurantsMonte Alban
RestaurantsLow-key spot for Mexican staples like tacos, burritos & enchiladas, plus breakfast & outdoor tables.
Monte Alban
RestaurantsGinza Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSushi mainstay with an array of unique rolls & happy hour, in a sleek space with neon details.
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsBear's Smokehouse Barbecue
RestaurantsLocal BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue
RestaurantsMax Burger West Hartford
RestaurantsPopular restaurant supplying elevated takes on burgers, boozy shakes & a big beer selection.
Max Burger West Hartford
RestaurantsBonchon West Hartford
RestaurantsCasual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.
Bonchon West Hartford
RestaurantsCarmine's Bar • Grill • Stage
RestaurantsCasual, unfussy outpost offering Italian standards such as pasta, entrees & desserts plus wine.
Carmine's Bar • Grill • Stage
RestaurantsCity Pizza
RestaurantsSmall, spare pizzeria known for offering thin-crust pies & grinders until late at night on weekends.
City Pizza
RestaurantsGather55
RestaurantsComfortable eatery; "pay-what-you-can" business model; community cause; regular guest chefs.
Gather55
RestaurantsPond House Cafe
RestaurantsRefined eatery in Elizabeth Park dishing out imaginative New American meals including brunch.
Pond House Cafe
RestaurantsLo Sano Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering Spanish, and especially Dominican, cuisine, plus a bar and dancing.
Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsThe Laurel
RestaurantsUpscale eatery dishing up creative fare and libations.
The Laurel
RestaurantsBarcelona Wine Bar
RestaurantsBustling, urbane restaurant where diners sample Spanish tapas, sangria & Iberian wines.
Barcelona Wine Bar
RestaurantsMaple Tree Cafe
RestaurantsNeighborhood Italian eatery with regular live music performances in the bar area.
Maple Tree Cafe
RestaurantsPhở Saigon | Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsNoodle soups, banh mi sandwiches & other traditional fare served in a low-key environment.
Phở Saigon | Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsIt's Just Wings
RestaurantsTakeout spot for saucy boneless or traditional chicken wings in various flavors, along with fries and fried Oreos.
It's Just Wings
RestaurantsFeng Chophouse
RestaurantsUpscale eatery offers creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines in a sleek urban setting.
Feng Chophouse
RestaurantsFire by Forge Restaurant
RestaurantsPan-American eatery offering seasonal menus with local ingredients, plus a full bar, and catering.
Fire by Forge Restaurant
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsSoulbaila
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery featuring DJ-spun music, cocktails and comfort food, along with a VIP section.
Soulbaila
RestaurantsBrio Italian Grille
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.
Brio Italian Grille
RestaurantsCampus Pizza
RestaurantsTrinity campus pizza parlor also serving grinders & pasta, with booths & wood paneling; open late.
Campus Pizza
RestaurantsWINGSPOT
RestaurantsChicken wings coated in various rubs and sauces served with potato sides, plus crispy sandwiches.
WINGSPOT
RestaurantsGastroPark
RestaurantsBeer, cocktails, food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere with live music and a fireplace.
GastroPark
RestaurantsThe Brownstone
RestaurantsPizza, wings, and other pub grub offered in a casual setting with sports on TV and live music.
The Brownstone
RestaurantsPietro's Pizza
RestaurantsUnassuming Italian eatery serving a lengthy menu that includes pizza, pasta, sandwiches & steaks.
Pietro's Pizza
Restaurantsbartaco
RestaurantsCreative tacos & drinks served in upbeat, industrial-chic digs with patio seating & frequent music.
bartaco
RestaurantsBeachland Tavern
RestaurantsAmerican staples & happy hours offered in a warm, comfortable environment with a long bar.
Beachland Tavern
RestaurantsDenovellis
RestaurantsStraightforward Italian dishes served up in a spacious, homey, brick-walled interior.
Denovellis
RestaurantsSliders Grill & Bar - Plainville, CT
RestaurantsOpen-late pub popular for its wings & other bar bites, plus plenty of TVs tuned to sports.
Sliders Grill & Bar - Plainville, CT
RestaurantsDom's Broad St Eatery
RestaurantsCozy, casual eatery offering an ample menu of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as catering.
Dom's Broad St Eatery
RestaurantsThe Beamhouse
RestaurantsWarm spot featuring beer, American eats, and crafted cocktails in a refitted tannery with a modern rustic vibe.
The Beamhouse
RestaurantsThe 881 Grab & Go (881) Hartford
RestaurantsCasual restaurant with counter service serving Caribbean dishes, including vegan options.
The 881 Grab & Go (881) Hartford
RestaurantsIchiban Japanese & Korean
RestaurantsBasic Korean & Japanese restaurant with a big menu featuring hot pots, bento boxes & more.
Ichiban Japanese & Korean
RestaurantsKoma Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
RestaurantsLow-lit, contemporary outpost offering lively hibachi meals, sushi rolls & other Japanese staples.
Koma Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
RestaurantsWayback Burgers
RestaurantsMade-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.
Wayback Burgers
RestaurantsSalt + Lime Mexican Cantina
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery featuring authentic Mexican favorites such as fajitas and tacos, plus a full bar.
Salt + Lime Mexican Cantina
RestaurantsPhở Boston
RestaurantsTraditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho & vermicelli noodle plates served in basic quarters.
Phở Boston
RestaurantsAvert Brasserie
RestaurantsRelaxed French kitchen serving classic dishes made from local ingredients in a quaint setting.
Avert Brasserie
RestaurantsMarket Place Kitchen and Bar - Avon
RestaurantsVersatile & contemporary venue for seasonal American food, with a sizable wine list.
Market Place Kitchen and Bar - Avon
RestaurantsThe Pho Bar
RestaurantsVietnamese eatery featuring beef noodle soup (pho), stir-fry dishes and rice entrees.
The Pho Bar
RestaurantsRestaurant Bricco
RestaurantsPopular destination for creative Italian fare accented by a vibrant bar scene & a seasonal patio.
Restaurant Bricco
RestaurantsSavoy Pizzeria & Craft Bar
RestaurantsIndustrial-chic hangout for Neapolitan pizza & wood-fired plates paired with wine, beer & cocktails.
Savoy Pizzeria & Craft Bar
RestaurantsElmo's Dockside
RestaurantsFamily-run, nautically themed eatery offering seafood standards along with steaks & chops.
Elmo's Dockside
RestaurantsMax Downtown
RestaurantsUpscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd.
Max Downtown
RestaurantsAdriatic Restaurant
RestaurantsInformal halal restaurant whipping up Italian standards like veal piccata, plus Balkan dishes.
Adriatic Restaurant
RestaurantsI Love Sushi
RestaurantsSuper-friendly owner, fresh fish and sushi restaurant for dine-in, takeout and delivery.
I Love Sushi
RestaurantsArch Street Tavern
RestaurantsMusic venue for jazz & other genres, with hearty pub fare & beer in a lofty barnlike space.
Arch Street Tavern
RestaurantsBlack-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsSouthern fare & BBQ in a hip, vibrant roadhouse with live blues, jazz & soul music.
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsArtisan Restaurant West Hartford
RestaurantsAmerican fare featuring farm-fresh produce, plus cocktails and wine in chic digs.
Artisan Restaurant West Hartford
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