12 Must-Try Hartford Restaurants: Where the Hartford Locals Eat

As the capital of Connecticut, Hartford is famous for many things. From its rich history and museums like the Mark Twain House, universities, and parks, to its beautiful views of the Connecticut River and of course, its epic food scene. Italian, BBQ, classic New England fare, Mexican and Mediterranean, Hartford has it all. 

So whether you’ve recently relocated to an apartment in Hartford or have lived in the area for some time, you might be on the hunt for a new restaurant. If so, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve collected a list of 12 must-try Hartford restaurants that will help you get a taste of the city’s cuisine.

#1: The Kitchen

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 559 Broad St, Hartford, CT 06106
The Kitchen’s Website

The Kitchen is a fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch with offerings like breakfast sandwiches, curry chicken salad sandwiches, kale Caesar salads, and freshly baked pastries.

#2: Salute

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 100 Trumbull St Ste 2, Hartford, CT 06103
Salute’s Website

An Italian restaurant, Salute has a lot of dishes for anyone looking for a new place to eat. From chicken gnocchi, sweet potato ravioli, and shrimp piccata to espresso martinis and tiramisu, there’s always something new to try.

#3: Max Downtown

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 185 Asylum St Lobby 1, Hartford, CT 06103
Max Downtown’s Website

Situated in Downtown Hartford, you can find a variety of dishes at Max Downtown – anything from whipped ricotta toast and roasted sea scallops to USDA Prime Tomahawk and seared tuna.

#4: Black-Eyed Sally’s

Cuisine: BBQ joint and southern restaurant
Address: 350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103 
Black-Eyed Sally’s Website

Another awesome Hartford restaurant bringing BBQ to the Northeast is Black-Eyed Sally’s. You’ll find a large array of favorites like fried green tomatoes, crispy catfish, pulled pork, brisket, and jambalaya at their location.

#5: Agave Grill

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 100 Allyn St, Hartford, CT 06103
Agave Grill’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new Mexican restaurant serving tableside guacamole, tortas, chicken tacos, and steak fajitas? If so, head to Agave Grill.

#6: Aladdin Halal

Cuisine: Mediterranean restaurant
Address: 121 Allyn St, Hartford, CT 06103
Aladdin Halal’s Website

Another one of the many Hartford restaurants you should consider grabbing a bite at is Aladdin Halal. A Mediterranean spot you can get a taste of the Middle East whether you get a chicken kabab platter, falafel sandwich, or fattoush salad. 

#7: Republic at the Linden

Cuisine: Restaurant
Address: 10 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Republic at the Linden’s Website

You can find Republic at the Linden located in Downtown Hartford, where there’s a great selection of dishes like bacon wrapped dates, wedge salad, chicken parmesan, and grilled prawns.

#8: Feng Chophouse

Cuisine: Asian-fusion restaurant
Address: 93 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103
Feng Chophouse’s Website

Feng Chophouse is an Asian-fusion spot serving up sushi, shishito peppers, calamari, Chilean sea bass, braised short rib, and kimchi fried rice.

#9: Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue

Cuisine: BBQ joint
Address: 25 Front St., Hartford, CT 06103
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue’s Website

Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue is an excellent spot if you’re looking for an authentic Kansas City-style BBQ spot. Located in Downtown make sure to check out this Hartford restaurant and order some ribs, pulled chicken, or apple crisp.

#10: Peppercorn’s Grill

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106
Peppercorn’s Grill’s Website

Peppercorn’s Grill serves an authentic selection of Italian food like beef carpaccio, caprese salad, tagliolini, ossobuco, and tiramisu.

#11: Sorella

Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 901 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
Sorella’s Website

A pizzeria and Italian restaurant, Sorella is the perfect place to grab a bite in Hartford. Whether you’re looking for wood-fired pizzas with hand-pulled mozzarella, house-made pasta, or awesome salads and starters, you can find it all at Sorella.

#12: J Restaurant Bar

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 297 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106
J Restaurant Bar’s Website

J Restaurant Bar is a delicious spot to check out in Hartford. A restaurant with items ranging from roasted salmon and veal Milanese to artisanal pizzas and coconut shrimp, you can find anything from Italian to classic dishes here.

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