By Eric Barton

My first Hartford restaurant memory is a good one, back to the days when my dad worked in the Travelers Tower downtown. It looked impossibly tall to me, pointing up to the clouds as if made by every brick in the world. Dad took me to a greasy spoon nearby one day before he started the night shift, and we ordered burgers, fries, and shakes—perhaps the moment, now that I think of it, that I got hooked on that meal.

Back then, Hartford had a reputation as a gritty bare-knuckled-fighter of a city. There’s still that feeling in corners of Connecticut’s capital. But now there’s also something new and far more welcoming: chefs and restaurateurs bringing new innovations and ideas to the dining scene. Mix in the old standbys and you’ve got this list below, the 10 best restaurants in my hometown.

Hartford's Top Restaurants: 11 Must-Try Spots in Connecticut’s Capital

The Place 2 Be

1. The Place 2 Be

With locations in the South End and West Hartford, this brunch powerhouse feels like an Instagram reel come to life. With neon signs declaring “I’m just here for the food,” you know exactly what you’re getting into. Their Fruity Pebble-studded pancakes are ridiculous in the best way, but it’s the lobster-topped avocado toast that steals the show. Run by an all-women ownership team, The Place 2 Be has turned brunch into performance art, and honestly, I’m here for it.

2. Sorella

This Parkville gem isn’t just Italian—it’s hyperlocal Italian. House-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas dominate the menu, with a rotating selection of seasonal specials. The mushroom risotto, cooked with foraged fungi from nearby farms, is a masterpiece. Sorella’s owner-chef Raffaella Gilberti makes sure every plate feels like it was crafted in Nonna’s kitchen, but with a modern, Hartford edge.

3. Max Downtown

A Hartford institution for a generation now, Max Downtown combines old-school sophistication with modern flair. Known for its power-lunch appeal, the star of the menu is the bone-in ribeye, well-seared and served with sides like truffle mashed potatoes. The sleek, art-deco-inspired dining room makes every meal feel like a special occasion, whether you're here to seal a business deal or simply indulge. Don’t skip the raw bar—it’s as grand as the city skyline visible through the towering windows.

4. Story and Soil Coffee

Yes, it’s a coffee shop, but hear me out: Story and Soil in Frog Hollow serves arguably the best toast in the city. The fennel-cured salmon toast, with its dollop of crème fraîche and microgreens, is more art exhibit than breakfast. Pair it with a perfectly poured cortado, and you’ll understand why this spot has a loyal following of creatives and caffeine seekers.

5. Tangiers International Market

Part deli, part grocery, and all heart, Tangiers in the West End is the spot for Mediterranean magic. Their falafel wraps are crunchy, herby bites of perfection, but the chicken shawarma steals the show. Don’t leave without grabbing a side of house-made hummus or a box of baklava.

6. The Spicy Green Bean

Don’t let the name fool you—this favorite a short drive away in Glastonbury is all about indulgence. The Reuben egg rolls are a genius mash-up of deli and comfort food, and the stuffed French toast will ruin you for all other breakfasts. The Spicy Green Bean is quirky, it’s cozy, and it’s an original.

7. Bartaco

In West Hartford, Bartaco is a little slice of beachy nirvana. The baja fish tacos are light, crispy bites of perfection, and the pork belly tacos as decadent as you hoped. With margaritas as strong as their playlist, it’s easy to see how Bartaco spread from southern Connecticut to a growing mini national chain.

Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar Hartford

8. Black-Eyed Sally’s

This Downtown joint is a love letter to the blues and barbecue of the South. The ribs are smoky, sticky perfection, and the fried green tomatoes would make a Georgia grandma weep. Come to Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar for the cornbread, stay for the live music.

9. Toro Mexican Street Food

New to the Front Street District, this Latin fusion spot is already shaking things up. Toro chef Maria Alvarez crafts vibrant dishes like the pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus with citrus glaze) that taste as good as they look. With moody lighting and a killer cocktail menu, Toro Loco strikes a balance between casual and upscale.

10. Salute

Tucked into downtown Hartford, Salute is the kind of place where everyone seems to know your name, or at least your drink order. Their signature Firecracker Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy hug of a dish that feels like it should come with a therapist. Regulars swear by the garlic bread—pillowy, buttery and deserving of its own cult following.

11. Berkins on Main

Now located in the Hartford Public Library, Berkins on Main has reinvented itself as a cozy café with a literary twist. Its signature Oxtail Cheesesteak Sandwich combines two American classics. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or diving into their hearty menu, this spot is a delicious addition to downtown Hartford.