Romantic restaurants in Hartford are where New England charm meets quiet sophistication: soft candlelight, historic brick walls, and menus that feel both thoughtful and indulgent. It’s where I unwind with a glass of wine and conversation that stretches long past dessert.
I’ve got seared scallops over butternut squash purée, a smooth glass of Chardonnay, and the city lights twinkling just beyond the window—right here in graceful, tucked-away Hartford, Connecticut. Who knew this capital city could feel so intimate?
"Historic ambiance, intimate tables, and flavors that linger? This is Hartford’s romantic side—elegant, cozy, and quietly unforgettable."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Romantic Restaurants in Hartford:
1. Enjoy South American and Caribbean cuisine at 50 Elm Cafe & Spirits
50 Elm Cafe & Spirits is a vibrant and eclectic eatery in Hartford’s South Downtown (SoDo) neighborhood, offering a bold blend of South American and Caribbean flavors. With tropical-inspired cocktails and tapas-style dishes, this lively spot brings global flair and local energy to the city’s dining scene.
Recommended For: Global small plates, tropical cocktails, casual gatherings, and flavorful Latin-Caribbean cuisine in Hartford.
- Dine on diverse tapas like Colombian empanadas, Puerto Rican mofongo, and Cuban black bean soup.
- Savor signature dishes such as Jamaican oxtail stew, Peruvian ceviche, and jalea mixta.
- Enjoy a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere perfect for sharing plates and stories.
- Pair your meal with exotic cocktails like pisco sours, mojitos, and Brazilian caipirinhas.
50 Elm St, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-206-3322
2. Best Family Restaurant in Hartford: Artisan Restaurant, Tavern, and Garden
Artisan Restaurant, Tavern, and Garden blends 18th-century Scandinavian elegance with New England farm-to-table cuisine for a refined and romantic dining experience in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Located at the Delamar Hotel, Artisan offers a tranquil setting with a beautifully curated interior and expansive garden patio.
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, elegant garden dining, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, and special occasions in West Hartford.
- Dine in a serene space adorned with Gustavian Swedish furnishings, antique books, and soft lighting.
- Savor creative, market-driven dishes like Royal Shrimp and Grits, Bison Carpaccio, and Baked Vegan Tian.
- Relax in the enchanting 1,500-square-foot garden under lantern globes and soft music.
- Enjoy seasonal breakfasts, lunches, and dinners crafted by Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer with locally sourced ingredients.
1 Memorial Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: 860-937-2525
3. Order classic Mediterranean fare at Arugula Bistro
Arugula Bistro is a cozy, contemporary restaurant in West Hartford, offering Mediterranean cuisine with innovative twists. Serving the neighborhood since 1996, this beloved bistro crafts house-made dishes inspired by French, Middle Eastern, and Northern Italian flavors using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Recommended For: Mediterranean-style dining, intimate lunches or dinners, and creative, scratch-made cuisine in West Hartford.
- Dine in a warm, modern space ideal for relaxed yet refined meals.
- Savor scratch-made dishes like flatbreads, mezze platters, and fresh seafood or prime meats.
- Explore the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with charcuterie, dips, and organic vegetables.
- Pair your meal with global wines, craft beers, and artisanal cocktails from the full-service bar.
953 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: 860-561-4888
Date Ideas:
4. Sample Italian dishes at Carbone's Restaurant
Carbone's Restaurant is a beloved family-owned Italian eatery in Hartford, proudly serving authentic cuisine since 1938. With Old World charm, spacious dining rooms, and a lively bar, Carbone’s blends tradition with a modern farm-to-table approach for a memorable dining experience.
Recommended For: Classic Italian dining, family gatherings, date nights, and long-standing local flavor in Hartford.
- Dine in one of three warm, inviting dining rooms or enjoy casual drinks at the bar with TVs.
- Savor time-honored Italian favorites like lasagna, wood-fired pizza, and veal entrées made from scratch.
- Explore a farm-to-table menu with fresh seafood, antipasto, and housemade pasta dishes.
- Pair your meal with handcrafted cocktails, global wines, or local craft beers from the full-service bar.
5. Try Peruvian cuisine at Cora Cora Restaurant
Cora Cora Restaurant is a standout destination in West Hartford for authentic Peruvian cuisine, located in the Shield Street Plaza Shopping Center. With its inviting atmosphere, contemporary décor, and flavorful traditional dishes, Cora Cora is perfect for both casual meals and special celebrations.
Recommended For: Peruvian cuisine lovers, romantic dinners, casual gatherings, and flavorful Latin dining in West Hartford.
- Dine in a cozy, softly lit space that blends modern style with warm hospitality.
- Savor traditional dishes like Saltado de Pollo, Empanadas, Cora Tamal Criollo, and Chaufa de Pollo.
- Enjoy vegetarian-friendly and customizable menu options for diverse dietary needs.
- Pair your meal with global wines, imported craft beers, or handcrafted cocktails from the full-service bar.
162 Shield St, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-953-2672
6. Have a romantic dinner at Feng Chophouse
Feng Chophouse is a premier fine dining destination in Downtown Hartford, offering an elevated blend of Southeast Asian fusion and New American cuisine. Formerly known as Feng Asian Bistro, the chic, newly renovated space features sleek décor, an elegant wine room, and refined culinary experiences in a vibrant urban setting.
Recommended For: Upscale sushi and steak dinners, business lunches, special occasions, and elegant evenings in Hartford.
- Dine in a stylish, modern space with large windows, a cocktail bar, and private dining options.
- Savor expertly prepared sushi, omakase, and dishes like dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood.
- Explore a fusion menu combining Japanese techniques with bold New American flavors.
- Pair your meal with fine wines, top-shelf spirits, or a handcrafted cocktail from the expansive bar.
93 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-549-3364
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What are some fun things to do in Hartford?
- There are many fun things to see, do, and eat in Hartford, including plenty of romantic restaurants and cozy eateries that are perfect for intimate dinners and special celebrations.
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What types of dining options are available in Hartford?
- From casual cafés to bustling bistros and elegant eateries to fine dining establishments, Hartford has a special spot for every occasion.
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