West Hartford

A.C. Petersen Farms
American.  A.C. Petersen’s has more than 30 ice cream
flavors, including Cake Batter and Moose Tracks, vanilla
with chunks of chocolate and peanut butter cups. Burgers,
sandwiches, salads and wraps. Breakfast served all day;
Lunch and dinner daily.
240 Park Road; (860) 233-8483

Arugula

Mediterranean. The open-air kitchen at this eclectic, colorful
bistro allows diners to watch as their meal is prepared.
The menu is constantly changing, with mediterranean fare
such as roasted wild mushroom and rosemary lasagna, and
filet mignon of tuna. The soups and dessert, all housemade,
are equally delicious.
Lunch Tu-Sa; Dinner M-Sa.
953 Farmington Ave.; (860) 561-4888
CC, R, WC, $$$

Barcelona
1/2
Spanish/Mediterranean. This restaurant and wine bar in
West Hartford features a stylish bar and bar room and a
spacious patio. Barcelona offers hot and cold tapas such
as sea scallop cazuela and herbed goat cheese with wild
mushrooms, along with delicate entrees such as rioja
braised lamb shank. Lunch M-Sa; Dinner M-Su.
971 Farmington Ave.; (860) 218-2100
barcelonawinebar.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$

Besito
- Read the Review
Mexican. Offering upscale, authentic cuisine, Besito’s menu
is rich with traditional Mexican fare for the discriminating
palate. Familiar items such as empanadas and tacos are
complemented by unexpected flavors like goat cheese and
chile cascabel salsas. At lunch, enjoy an entrée salad with a
pomegranate vinaigrette or grilled chayote squash. At dinner,
try the Camarones con Naranja al Tequila, orange- and
tequila-glazed shrimp over mashed boniato with tropical fruit
pico de gallo. For Sunday brunch, look for the addition of
staples such as eggs and pancakes punched up with
Mexican flare. Open daily, noon to 11 p.m.
46 South Main St.; (860) 233-2500
besitomex.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$$

Butterfly Restaurant

Chinese. With an extensive, traditional menu of more than
100 items, a karaoke lounge, happy hour, a pianist and an
elegant atmosphere, Butterfly has it all. Sing with friends or
enjoy the first class Chinese cuisine.
Lunch and dinner daily.
831 Farmington Ave.; (860) 236-2816
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$

Chengdu Restaurant
Asian. This edgy yet comfortable restaurant offers a bar with
daily happy hour specials. Spicy shrimp and firecracker beef
can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room, which
contains an indoor waterfall.
Lunch and dinner daily.
179 Park Road; (860) 232-6455
B, CC, R, WC, $

Cora Cora
Latin American/Peruvian. A taste of Peru right in the Shield
Street Plaza, Cora Cora specializes in authentic Peruvian
cuisine with dishes like ceviche (citrus-marinated seafood),
arroz con mariscos (rice with shellfish), and bistec a lo
pobre (steak with rice, fried eggs, and plantains). The menu
also features some eastern touches with Asian-inspired rice
dishes. The exotic tastes will bring you in and the generous
portions will keep you coming back for more. Take-out and
delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily; Peruvian and
American breakfast Sa & Su.
162 Shield St.; (860) 953-2672
coracorarestaurant.net

The Corner Pug
American. Known as "The Beer Drinker’s Companion", this
traditional English/Irish pub is aptly described. Its bar boasts
12 premium beers on tap and 20 bottled. Beyond the alcohol,
a full menu is also available, with fish and chips and chicken
potpies coming specially recommended.
Lunch and dinner daily; Su. brunch.
1046 New Britain Ave.; (860) 231-0241
cornerpug.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$

Cuvée
Eclectic. Labeled a “food, wine and champagne room,”
Cuvee’s focus is decidedly the beverages. With dozens
of international wines and champagnes to choose from,
you might find yourself looking for food to compliment the
wine for a change. The menu includes a variety of
“small plates” for enjoying with your drink of choice.
Try sushi, burgers, salads, and even a small selection of
sweet treats including bananas foster and chocolate soufflé.
By-glass wine tastings available.
Opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
37 Raymond Rd.; (860) 756-5590
cuveewesthartford.com

East-West Grille

Thailand/Laos. Curry is at the heart of this East-West menu.
One of the few pan-Asian restaurants in Connecticut that
specializes in Laotian food, the East-West grill brings a new
combination of traditional and fusion dishes from Laos,
Thailand, China, Japan and Vietnam.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tu-Su.
526 New Park Ave.; (860) 236-3287
eastwestgrille.com
CC, R, $$

Effie’s Place Family Restaurant
American/Greek. For more than 35 years, the Paindiris family
has been serving delicious food, including sandwiches,
salads, seafood, pasta, steaks and Greek specialties.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
91 Park Road; (860) 233-9653
CC, R, WC, $$

The Elbow Room

American. The restaurant puts a gourmet twist on comfort
food, serving some of the best pot roast around, as well as
mouth-watering dishes of fish, lamb, seafood and pasta.
Two-level seating and an upper-deck patio provide a funky,
eclectic atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily.
986 Farmington Ave.; (860) 236-6195
theelbowroomct.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$

Elements Bistro
American. A new addition to West Hartford, this restaurant
has everything from fried artichoke hearts to salads and
upscale pasta to burgers all in a contemporary and
comfortable atmosphere. Start off your meal with a house
specialty – the Elements Smoked Wings – 12 wings smoked
and grilled, slightly spicy and served with a pepper sauce and
Mixmaster Mike’s barbecue sauce. For an entrée, you can’t
go wrong with the chef recommended Pasta Rose –
tri-colored pasta with sausage.
Lunch and dinner M-Sa.
1128 New Britain Ave.; (860) 233-8125
elements-bistro.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- Read the Review
American. This nationally acclaimed restaurant is
sophisticated yet comfortable, offering prime meats and
chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side
orders – plus an extensive wine list with more than 100
wines by the glass. Choosing one is easy with a progressive
list organized by variety, body and intensity. Coupled with
tremendous food, service and value, it makes for a
memorable experience. Open for dinner daily.
44 South Main St.; (860) 676-9463
flemingssteakhouse.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$$

Grant’s

American/Mediterranean. This European bistro does fine
dining Mediterranean style. Elegant but casual, Grant’s
offers a relaxing bar and gourmet meals as well as takeout
service for those on the go. For larger functions, a friendly
and accommodating staff caters to private parties.
Lunch and dinner daily; Brunch Su.
977 Farmington Ave.; (860) 236-1930
billygrants.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$

Harry’s Bishops Corner
Italian. This famous thin-crust pizza is guaranteed to satisfy.
With more than 20 topping choices on the menu, patrons can
be creative. Harry’s also offers several salad options and
specialty pizzas such as  shrimp florentine.
732 North Main St.; (860) 236-0400
harrysbc.com
CC, WC, $

Harry’s Pizza
Italian. Beloved by residents, this upscale pizza restaurant
has a warm atmosphere, great food and a friendly,
knowledgeable staff. The original Harry’s Pizza is a great
place to take the family for wonderful food in a comfortable
setting. Breakfast Sa-Su; Lunch Th-Su; Dinner M-Su.
1003 Farmington Ave.; (860) 231-7166
harryspizza.net
CC, $

Hot Basil Thai Cafe
1/2 - Read the Review
Thai. Named after a sacred Herb in South Asia, Hot Basil
offers exotic cuisine, including vegetarian choices.
Try coconut curries, the stir fries or the seafood speciality
banana leaf salmon. Guests can bring their favorite beer or wine.
Dinner Tu-Su.
565 New Park Ave.; (860) 523-9554
hotbasilcafe.com
CC, R, WC, $$$

Ichiro Hibachi and Sushi
- Read the Review
Japanese. Ichiro  offers authentic Japanese food and fresh
sushi. You’ll be entertained by the hibachi experience.
Try the popular Tuna Wasabi Dumplings and Yellowtail
Jalapenos, and, for dessert, the red bean mochi ice cream.
Lunch and dinner daily.
962 Farmington Ave.; (860) 232-7888
ichirohibachiandsushi.com
C, R, WC, $$

Luna Pizza
Italian. Try the ultimate pizza, featuring fresh mozzarella
made specifically for Luna, Italian plum tomatoes, imported
Romano cheese, and pure olive oil—the classic, traditional,
thin crust pizza. Grinders are made on fresh bread
delivered daily from New York City. Salad, wings, soda,
wine and beer.
999 Farmington Ave.; (860) 233-1625
CC, WC $

Max Burger
American. This newest addition to the Max family takes
casual food seriously. Offering comfort food with a Max flair,
Max Burger offers every type of burger imaginable, including
turkey, tuna, lobster and Kobe beef. Popular dishes from the
other Max locations round out the menu.
Lunch and dinner daily.
124 LaSalle Rd., (860) 232-3300
maxrestaurantgroup.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$

Max’s Oyster Bar
Seafood. Muted colors, funky lighting and an understated
atmosphere put emphasis on the food at this comfortable
fish house. A full menu of seafood favorites including
paella and lobster complements a raw bar offering a
variety of shellfish and oysters. Pasta, chicken and steak
are also available. Lunch M-Sa; Dinner daily; Brunch Su.
964 Farmington Ave.; 236-6299
maxrestaurantgroup.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$$

McLadden’s Irish Publick House
Irish. McLadden’s promises true Irish warmth and hospitality.
This cozy, traditional Irish pub and restaurant is a destination
spot in West Hartford for those seeking a comfortable, laid
back alternative to the glitzy martini bars and trendy modern
establishments that dominate today’s restaurant landscape.
Come for authentic Irish beers, delicious comfort food, and a
great time with friends. Lunch and Dinner daily; Brunch Sa-Su.
37 LaSalle Rd.; (860) 231-8773
mcladdens.com
B, CC, M, OD, WC, $$

Murasaki Japanese Restaurant and Foods
Japanese. Murasaki is the place to go for authentic Japanese
cuisine. Take advantage of outdoor dining as you indulge in
salmon teriyaki or sushi and sashimi dinner.
Lunch and dinner daily.
23 LaSalle Road; (860) 236-7622
murasakijapaneserestaurant.com
CC, OD, R, WC, $$$

Plan B Tavern
American. Burgers and beer are the specialties here, and
they do both well. There’s an extensive list of bottled beers,
sorted from lightest to darkest, and about 10 microbrews on
tap. Burgers are big and juicy.
138 Park Rd.; (860) 231-1199
planbtavern.com
B, CC, OD, WC

Pond House

American. Nestled in the midst of beautiful Elizabeth Park,
the Pond House offers fine dining in a comfortable
atmosphere. The  menu is available for takeout and
catering and there are rooms for private parties. While there
isn’t a bar, BYOB is encouraged.
Lunch and dinner Tu-Sa; Brunch Su.
1555 Asylum Ave.; (860) 231-8823
pondhousecafe.com
CC, R, WC, $$$

Prospect Café
Italian/American. Fabulous cuisine in a casual atmosphere
since 1965. Full dinner and pub menu available. Enjoy al
fresco dining during the warmer months on one of West
Hartford’s largest patios. Full-service catering is available
on or off premises. Lunch and dinner daily.
345 Prospect Ave.; (860) 523-8069
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$

Restaurant Bricco

Italian. Loud and festive, Bricco’s dining room and bar are
always bustling. The rustic space is casual and contemporary,
and the menu offers treats like pistachio crusted goat cheese
salad and cedar-planked salmon. Outdoor seating is also
available. Lunch M-Sat Dinner M-Su.
78 LaSalle Road; (860) 233-0220
restaurantbricco.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$

Reuben’s Delicatessen
New York/Jewish style deli. Reuben’s offers traditional
New York deli-style fare so good you’ll think your
grandmother made it, but there’s nothing old-fashioned
about the Reuben’s experience. The deli guarantees a
contemporary, family-friendly, high-energy atmosphere
that’s light and open. You’ll find deli cases stocked with
your favorite meats and tantalizing desserts, and the
freshest vegetables for your own custom-built salads.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily.
35A LaSalle Rd.; (860) 233-3354
reubensdelicatessen.com
CC, OD, WC, $

Rizzuto’s Kitchen and Bar
- Read the Review
Italian. In the newly developed Blueback Square, Italy comes
alive. From the all-Italian wine selection to entrees and
desserts, nothing is forgotten. Take a bite out of the
hand-crafted pastas for a meal that is sure to be a winner.
Lunch and dinner daily. Catering available, private dining
room for parties.
111 Memorial Rd.; (860) 232-5000
rizzutos.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$

Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan
- Read the Review
Afghan. Those unfamiliar with Afghan food will experience
a culinary adventure at the Shish Kebab House. Vividly
colored Afghan rugs and tapestries adorn the dining room.
Each dish is cooked with a unique marriage of spices.
Mild yogurt sauces create a mild and spicy karma.
Lunch M-Sa; Dinner daily.
36 LaSalle Road; (860) 231-8400
afghancuisine.net
B, CC, OD, R, $$

Tapas Restaurant

Mediterranean. Hip and Bohemian, Tapas serves authentic
Greek and Mediterranean food as well as Spanish-style tapas.
The blackboard items change, but the kabob platter is always
a treat, and the Greek diner rice pudding is great for dessert.
Try the Four Tapas shrimp, artichoke hearts, zucchini, and crab
baked over ricotta. Lunch and dinner daily.
1150 New Britain Ave.; (860) 521-4609
tapasonline.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$

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