Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Hartford

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Hartford? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Millwright's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (4093)

$31 to $50

American

Simsbury

About the restaurant

With its unique setting perched atop a waterfall in Simsbury, Connecticut, Millwright’s invites guests to dine in the 17th century mill with acclaimed, James Beard nominated Chef Tyler Anderson and his team. Featuring daily-chosen farm ingredients, the freshest and most select product, proprietary cocktails, and exciting wine menu, Millwright’s offers a new experience to the Farmington Valley farm-to-table dining scene. The culinary team understands the impact of the highest-quality fresh ingredients. Millwright’s kitchen thrives on local ingredients – grown, raised, produced, foraged and prepared – whenever possible. They also take the farm-to-table concept one step further. Millwright’s has partnered with a farm that will grow most of its organic produce. The “Inspired New England” cuisine at Millwright’s pays homage to the land, to the flavor-rich quality of local, fresh ingredients and to the time-honored cooking techniques that enhance the natural goodness of those ingredients.

Top review

Bette

Dined 5 days ago

Tuna Crudo appetizer was delicious -- and a perfect Cosmo made by the bartender!

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Popular dish

Steak & Eggs

Popular dish

Chicken and Dumplings

Popular dish

Duck Breast

Nataz Restaurant - Southington

4.7

4.7 (441)

$31 to $50

American

Southington

About the restaurant

Prepared by Hand from Scratch

Nataz is about Food; serving you a lot of fresh, excellent and top-grade food, prepared by hand from scratch with the cleanest and most professional presentation possible. Everything is served with a smile, based on our ability to render service. We are about giving you what you want, when you want it, no matter what!

Top review

Raf

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent kitchen and dining service. The dining experience was second to none.

The Russell Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (213)

$31 to $50

Caribbean

Hartford

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown Hartford, Visitors love the Russell’s interior, which reminds them of an intimate getaway in a classic island hotel. “The Russell should feel like home,” says owner Hugh Russell, “I wanted to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.”

Open for, happy hour, dinner, and special events with live entertainment, there’s always a memorable moment to be made at The Russell.

Top review

Fayne

Dined 5 days ago

Lovely Jamaican restaurant right near the train station. Elegantly designed place. Perfect for a special occasion.

New Mill Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2044)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Southington

About the restaurant

Plantsville's well-known Old Mill is now New Mill Restaurant, featuring the culinary talents of its new Executive Chef, Bob Martucci. This lovely 1737 cider mill has been a Connecticut favorite for many years, and has now completely renovated by its owners, Chris and Michelle Calvanese. Menu specialties include fresh-only seafood and raw bar selections, "chop house" Angus steaks, and homemade pastas and desserts. An expanded wine list and a large sociable bar round out the new offering.

Top review

Gerri

Dined 2 days ago

Lindsey are server was excellent! Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. The food was excellent, as always. Had a great experience!

The Laurel

4.8

4.8 (114)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Hartford

About the restaurant

The Laurel is a celebration of global flavors crafted with love and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Ashley Flagg takes a farm-to-table approach creating inventive share plates that highlight the freshest local produce. Guests can enjoy this culinary experience in a cozy, brick-walled, candlelit atmosphere alongside a uniquely crafted cocktail. Now offering Private Dining!

Top review

Leah

Dined 1 day ago

Very impressed. The food was phenomenal, service excellent. The duck egg flan...sublime. It was a lively atmosphere, very pleasant. I loved everything about this place.

The Capital Grille - Hartford

4.8

4.8 (2837)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Hartford

About the restaurant

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

Top review

Roxanne

Dined on Apr 29, 2026

Carlo and his crew never dissappoint! Food and service was OUTSTANDING as usual. This is our favorite place to celebrate a special occassion. This is our favorite place for Happy Hour too!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon 10oz

Experience

Introducing Capital Hours

J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood – Glastonbury

4.9

4.9 (10855)

$31 to $50

Steak

Glastonbury

About the restaurant

Located just west of Glastonbury’s Main Street on tree-lined Glastonbury Boulevard, J. Gilbert’s has been lauded as one of Glastonbury’s finest hidden gems. Consistently an OpenTable Diners Choice Winner and J. Gilbert's Glastonbury has been named in the top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US for two years running (#1 for Connecticut).

Some consider us the best steakhouse in Glastonbury. Others simply consider us the best restaurant in Glastonbury. Enjoy our Prime wood-fired steaks and seafood – led by award-winning Executive Chef Erik Blommstran and inspired by Kansas City-steakhouse fare – in a luxe, yet warm atmosphere, all served with impeccable care. Guests enjoy the finest cuts of steak, fresh seafood (including award-winning crab cakes) & other house made favorites like our hand-cut Blue Cheese Potato Chips, 24 Layer Cake and more. The extensive cocktail, martini & wine list offers the perfect compliment to an excellent meal. Reservations are highly recommended.

Top review

Jeffrey

Dined 5 days ago

We had a incredible dining experience. I would give the food 5 stars. We found the waiter to be friendly and very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this restaurant for a great dinner.

Feng Chophouse

4.8

4.8 (1306)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Hartford

About the restaurant

Feng Chophouse is Downtown Hartford’s premier dining experience. Each time we set our table we invite you to join us for the refinement of fine dining and the flare of a modern casual environment. Our mission is to showcase our passion for service excellence. Whether at the bar, in the cocktail lounge, or any of our dining rooms our Team will delight in the opportunity to provide a full menu experience. We've assembled the most expertly trained Chefs both locally and abroad in order to make every dish at Feng Chophouse one worth remembering. At Feng Chophouse, we've worked tirelessly to find the perfect balance of flavors to satisfy any Guest, from the sushi novice to the most refined palate. Gather with friends and coworkers. Treat a client to lunch or dinner. Enjoy a special occasion with a special someone. However you need to use our space, you’ll find decor, amenities, & furnishings rivaling the most hospitable establishments. Eastern. Western. Downtown.

Top review

MichelleGold

Dined on May 2, 2026

It is always a pleasure to dine at Feng. The staff is fabulous. Excellent food. We love hitting Feng before the theater. The ambience is fantastic too.

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4.7

4.7 (839)

$31 to $50

American

Hartford

About the restaurant

Union Kitchen was nominated for Restaurant of the Year: Hartford County by the Connecticut Restaurant Association in 2023 and 2024. In a space that formerly housed a speakeasy, the ambitious restaurant combines New American cuisine with a world class beverage program.

Top review

Marcus

Dined on Apr 26, 2026

The experience as always was wonderful: great food, delightful service and great atmosphere.

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Popular dish

Brunch Burger

Cafe Aura

4.8

4.8 (839)

$31 to $50

Italian

Manchester

About the restaurant

CT Magazine's pick for Best Italian Restaurant, Cafe Aura brings authentic Italian cuisine to your table in a beautifully redesigned restaurant. An award-winning wine list paired with Executive Chef Erminio Conte's signature specials create a dining experience that rivals the most well-known restaurants throughout Connecticut. From brunch to Happy Hour, to date night and private events...Cafe Aura brings a versatility that covers a wide customer base. Owner and Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma has created an atmosphere that combines dishes from the old country with a modern but understated decor. Don't miss the opportunity to come enjoy all that Cafe Aura has to offer.

Top review

Susan

Dined on Apr 29, 2026

Very good authentic Italian dishes and a smattering of other offerings that are equally as good. The staff are obviously happy and do a wonderful job.

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Popular dish

Veal Parmesan

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