Hartford and the Connecticut River Valley Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Hartford and the Connecticut River Valley - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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1. Max Downtown
$$$$ | |With its contemporary design, extensive martini list, and sophisticated cuisine, this chop house is a favorite among the city's well-heeled—as well as a popular after-work spot. Creative entrées include filet mignon Oscar, sesame-crusted tuna, organic Scottish salmon, and a range of perfectly prepared steaks: New York (boneless) or Kansas City (bone-in) strip, cowboy cut ribeye, and tomahawk.
185 Asylum St., Hartford, Connecticut, 06103, USA860-522–2530Known For
- Whiskey bar with more than 200 selections from around the world
- Simply but exquisitely prepared fish
- Tavern menu with sandwiches and small plates
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential -
2. First and Last Tavern
$$ | |What looks to be a simple neighborhood spot south of downtown is actually one of the state's most hallowed Italian restaurants and pizza parlors, serving superb thin-crust pies and much, much more since 1936. The old-fashioned wooden bar is jammed most evenings with suburbia-bound daily-grinders; the main dining room, which is just as noisy, has a brick wall covered with celebrity photos.
939 Maple Ave., Hartford, Connecticut, 06114, USA860-956–6000Known For
- Brick-oven pizzas and great bread
- Sauce like Mom used to make (if she's Italian!)
- Take-out available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted, Closed Mon. No lunch Sun. -
3. Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre
$ | |The post-and-beam buildings of Comstock Ferre & Co., the country's oldest continuously operating seed company (founded in 1820), is now home to a "seed-to-plate" natural foods café. It's open all day for wraps, toasts, soup, salad, juices, coffee, tea, and smoothies. You can also purchase heirloom seeds, groceries, and gardening supplies.
263 Main St., Wethersfield, Connecticut, 06109, USA860-257–2790Known For
- Locally roasted coffee and espresso
- Fresh-baked pastries and breads
- Organic juices (red, green, or orange, depending on the ingredients)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner -
4. Mozzicato De Pasquale's Bakery & Pastry Shop
$ | |Located on Franklin Avenue in Hartford's Little Italy neighborhood, this shop serves delectable Italian pastries in the bakery and espresso, cappuccino, and gelato in The Caffé.
329 Franklin Ave., Hartford, Connecticut, 06114, USA860-296–0426Known For
- Cookie platters to take home or gift
- Authentic Italian atmosphere
- Full liquor bar, too
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5. O'Rourke's Diner
$ | |This glass-and-steel classic is the place to go for top-notch diner fare, including creative specialties like the omelet stuffed with roasted portobello mushrooms, Brie, and asparagus. Arrive early for lunch, as the line often files right out the door and the place closes at 1 pm!
728 Main St., Middletown, Connecticut, 06457, USA860-346–6101Known For
- Steamed cheeseburgers—a favorite since 1941 but not available on weekends
- Irish dishes, like bangers, colcannon, and Irish stew
- Breakfast served 6 am–1 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Oak Room at The Copper Beech Inn
$$$ | |Crystal sparkles, silver shines, and candles glow in Copper Beech Inn's main dining room—or you can dine more casually at the bar. Notable dishes have included a starter of jumbo lump crab cakes with remoulade dressing and entrées ranging from steak frites and honey-grilled chicken to grilled swordfish and blackened salmon.
46 Main St., Ivoryton, Connecticut, 06442, USA860-767–0330Known For
- Venerable country inn environment
- Many gluten-free selections
- Happy hour at the bar Tuesday-Friday
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
7. Peppercorn's Grill
$$$ | |This mainstay of Hartford's restaurant scene (beginning in 1898) presents contemporary "farm-to-chef" Italian cuisine in a lively but cozy setting. Enjoy homemade potato gnocchi, ravioli al'arancia (orange), slow-roasted osso buco, or a simply grilled veal chop—but save room for the warm Valrhona chocolate cake or homemade gelato or sorbet.
357 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut, 06106, USA860-547–1714Known For
- Consistently good food and service
- Good choice pre-theater or pre-sports event
- Tuesday through Friday happy hours
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.–Thurs. -
8. River Tavern
$$$ | |This sleek, sophisticated tavern in the heart of Chester functions both as a cheery neighborhood restaurant and as a bona fide destination for fans of first-rate farm-to-table cuisine. Your main course might include sautéed mussels, Mexican-style chilaquiles (chicken and tortilla casserole), seafood stew, or a burger made with local beef.
23 Main St., Chester, Connecticut, 06412, USA860-526–9417Known For
- Dinner menu changes daily
- Locally sourced produce, cheese, and fish
- Varied bar menu for quick bites
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues. -
9. Salute
$$$ | |Packed every night, Salute is the downtown spot for consistently delicious Italian fare and pleasant service. The kitchen serves up grilled steaks, seafood, and a long list of pasta dishes—try the chicken gnocchi with pesto cream, perfectly executed shrimp piccata, or classic ragu Bolognese—and traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu and gelato.
100 Trumbull St., Hartford, Connecticut, 06103, USA860-899–1350Known For
- Warm, comfortable, welcoming spot to enjoy good food
- Excellent selection of wine and draft beer
- Half-price garage parking next door—important in the city
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. -
10. Scotch Plains Tavern
$$ | |Share small plates, have a pub-style sandwich, or enjoy a full entrée at this iconic neighborhood tavern—there's something on the menu that will appeal to everyone; the Friday Night Prime Rib Special is a big draw. There's also a great selection of local craft beer and cider and a full wine list.
124 Westbrook Rd., Essex, Connecticut, 06426, USA860-662--4032Known For
- Live music Wednesday through Sunday
- Game room with pool and shuffleboard
- Patio dining by the fire pit in warmer weather
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11. Trumbull Kitchen
$$$ | |Upbeat, hip, and casual, Trumbull Kitchen is the place to see and be seen. A loft-style dining area with leather-clad walls overlooks the action below where an eclectic menu features selections like seared Point Judith scallops, pan-seared salmon, brick-pressed chicken, and truffled onion burger, or a "stone pie" (pizza).
150 Trumbull St., Hartford, Connecticut, 06103, USA860-493–7412Known For
- The place to see and be seen
- Something for everyone, even the kids
- Convenient to the XL Center and nearby theaters
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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