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Arugula

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953 Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06107

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(860) 561-4888
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Reviews
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Best

Arugula is simply the finest restaurant in West Hartford - that is why I chose to host a birthday luncheon for 18 there yesterday - it exceeded my expectations in all ways. I have...

Worst

This restaurant has only been able to stay in business because the food is decent, but God help you if something isn't quite satisfactory because the owner will not only insist yo...

WORLDS BEST SWEET ONION SOUP 2/17/2009

My wife and I have a new favorite restaurant, Arugula in Farmington. At lunch this weekend we had the WORLDS BEST SWEET ONION SOUP with our meal. Friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere, and always a creative menu with fabulous results. We always include a stop to Arugula when we entertain out of town guests. Enjoy! Pros: Great menu selections, fantastic food, friendly service Cons: Limited Seating (reservtions recommended) more
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hidden gem in West Hartford center 2/14/2009

stopped in for lunch last week and went back for dinner that same night.....will be making this a regular stop; the ambience, the decor, the food were all outstanding and the gentleman that served us was extremely knowledgeable about both the food and the wine (the wines they offer both by the glass and bottle are great...a nice variety and match with the food perfectly); the chef/owner came out and stopped by several tables, including ours; Arugula has about 20 tables but would easily fill the place at twice that number....bravo, bravo for this hidden gem!!! Pros: great spot for a date and great wine specials more
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Scrumptious dining experience 6/4/2008

I had the pleasure of going to Arugula for the first time last week and can't wait for my next trip there! The wait staff was attentive and helpful without being pushy. I was there for a casual lunch with a dear friend and we stayed for just about 2 hours. Our waitress, Becca, was so pleasant and helpful when it came to suggestions from the mouth watering menu. Pros: Salad, Food, Dessert, Ambience, Service, Date Spot more
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This is a place that takes pride in customer service and food preparation. 2/22/2008

My husband and I live in New York ? Arugula is our favorite restaurant in CT! We dine there every time we?re in town visiting family. It?s a small restaurant, so it?s cozy, warm, beautifully decorated, and a great place for a romantic dinner. Pros: Excellent value for such amazing food, service and atmosphere Cons: Parking can be tricky, no bar more
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Reservation meant nothing to these arrogant folk. 2/18/2008

We made a reservation a week in advance for a party of six. We arrived on time and were told that our table would not be ready for 15 to 20 minutes. There was no room for us to wait in the restaurant and we were directed (not asked) to leave the restaurant and get a drink at another establishment. I returned 25 minutes later and was told that our table had been given to another party. When I complained, the hostess called the manager from the kitchen. The manager was an older woman who angrily told me it was my fault for not being there ""on time."" When I pointed out that we had been on time for our original reservation and it was Arugula that wasn't ready, the manager turned on her heal and told me that there was nothing that could be done. Cons: They don't honor their reservations. Mean people in charge. more
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Make Reservations. 8/18/2007

As you enter this restaurant, you are immediately in the middle of the dining floor. The menu is very unique. My wife is more of a ""chicken with gravy"" type of diner. She likes it simple and American. This menu did prove to have something for the both of us in the end. She chose the steak and I chose the wild mushroom lasagna. more
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Great food 6/2/2007

There is something extremely special about the food at Arugula. It may be the unique use of spices; it may be the creative menu; it may be the love that the owner, Chris, pours into each dish. But this place is unlike any other. My favorite items are the rosemary polenta appetizer, the israeli couscous (with artichoke hearts, black olives, and peas) and the sea bass with pesto and roasted potatoes in a garlic-tomato compote. There is also an amazingly delicious mixed green salad side dish. The food here is soulful and interesting -- nothing like what one might cook at home, so always worth the trip. I am not a dessert person, but the white chocolate bread pudding is about the best sweet thing I've ever had. Pros: Excellent food with creative and interesting menu. Cons: A few pasta dishes that don't have cream sauce would be desirable. more
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The dessert is worth worshipping 6/2/2007

Just ate there for the third time and had a FABulous meal. Everything on the menu is so delicious that making a choice is an anxiety-producing experience. The moules et frites are better than any I've ever had (including in Paris and Belgium!). The way Christine assembles flavors is truly inspiring and every single one of my tastebuds gives her a standing ovation. Whatever you choose for dinner, you won't be disappointed - but make sure you save room for dessert; if you leave without eating the bread pudding, the food police will be waiting outide to put you away and throw away the key. Eating this bread pudding is nothing short of a religious experience. Enjoy! Pros: Great meal, great people who are clearly passionate about feeding people well Cons: I live in NYC and can't eat here every day of my life!! more
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My favorite restaurant in WH! 12/15/2006

This is my favorite restaurant in WH for a variety of reasons. First off, you HAVE to get the mushroom lasagna. Out of this world! The other menu choices offer a wide variety and are equally as tasty (but remember the mushroom lasagna is foremost - at least in my book). Great selection of wines and the ambiance is a cozy / romantic setting. This is the place if you want an amazing dinner and actually be able to hear the conversation without shouting. It's not a huge restaurant which makes it much more personable & intimate. I would suggest getting reservations. Perfect 10! Pros: Ambience, Wine List, Mushroom Lasagna Cons: Typically need a reservation on Fri/Sat nights, however they might be able to squeeze you in. more
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Arugulas is amazing!! 12/11/2006

Everything on the menu is nothing short of amazing!! The cozy atmosphere, the colors, the food, the whole experience from start to finish is mind boggling (preparation to presentation)! The chicken caesar salad is THE BEST I have ever had and the home made desserts (made by the talented chef herself) are to die for. The only bad thing about Arugulas is that at some point your dining experience ends and you have to leave........but.....the great thing is that you can come back over and over again and have a different dish everytime and ALWAYS be amazed, I mean blown away. How many things can you say that about??!! more
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Fresh, Fun and Fabulous Food 11/16/2006

As we walked into the restaurant and surveyed what others were dining on we knew we were in for an amazing meal. We had to make some challenging decisions on what to eat and decided to begin with a salad with raspberry infused cranberries and seasoned almonds which was simply delightful. We went on to share the lamb meatballs with pine nuts and then the flat bread pizza with smoked salmon and cheese. It was an intimate dining experience, the food was very well prepared and we would definitely return for another memorable meal. Pros: Great atmosphere, location terrific Cons: Parking is a bit of a challenge but worth it to circle the area. more
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Fabulous food! 10/7/2006

I was extremely pleased with the food selection and the creativity and flavor presented. I had the filet mignon of tuna and it was ridiculously good. The tuna steak was made as I requested and the accompaniments were extraordinary. The food and wine that we had were just fabulous. However out waiter was a bit flaky and seemed to have forgotten about us a few times. For dessert we had the chocolate voodoo cake which was extremely rich and quite a healthy helping. I really enjoyed our time at Arugula and would highly recommend it to anyone! more
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Amazing desserts! 9/4/2006

While visiting friends in W. Hartford, our hosts insisted we go to Arugula for their desserts. The plan (light on food to share, load up on desserts) worked well - we got 3 appetizers, 1 entree, a bottle of red wine & 4 desserts for 5 people (~$125 incl tax/tip) & we were happily stuffed! The lamb kebobs w/ pita, goat cheese, veggies was yummy, as was the salad (something. w/ ""P""), but my favorite was the mussels served w/ sweet potato fries & saffron dipping sauce. I've always loved SPF w/ soy sauce, ketchup, sour cream, but the saffron flavor was esp savory! The duck confit & sausage flatbread was a great choice too - w/o it I probably would've been hungry. Desserts - Carmelized pear bread pudding was my favorite - warm, good texture, not too mushy. I didn't think I wanted to get the Affogato (excellent vanilla ice cream, shot of expresso) was my 2nd fave. Lemon curd coconut cake was ok. If you love rich chocolate desserts (I don't), get the chocolate pate - it's pure death by chocolate. I recommend this place! more
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User review by bistrogirl 5/16/2006

Moving to West Hartford 4 years ago, we were delighted to find this wonderful restaurant. The blend of fresh ingredients served up in the most innovative recipes has made this a special place among the host of ordinary establishments that abound. The clam chowder is the best we have had anywhere. From the exotic middle eastern fare, to the flatbreads and salads, there is something for everyone. Even the hamburger has been elevated to the status of gourmet - you'll have trouble branching out once you have tried this one! We almost never fail to top off our meal with the delicious espresso brownie served with black raspberry gelato. The service is always prompt and friendly, the ambiance is warm and inviting with a touch of elegance. Saturdays often find us waiting outside the front door for our favorite restaurant to open! Oh, did i mention the brunch? more
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My Dining Experience 5/8/2006

I ate at your restaurant this evening for the first time and I must say, I was very impressed. The food was spectacular and the promt efficient manner in which the waiter attended to us was a delight after a very difficult week. My husband and I ordered the fillet of tuna and the sea bass while our guest ordered the two bistro steaks. The window seat gave us a view of the busy street. Thank you. I would like to thank you and your staff for a wonderful dining experience. After dining at other establishments in the West Hartford area, it's a pleasure to see such professionalism in your staff, great food coupled with a relaxing dining experience. I commend you and your staff. The chocolate pate and port was the icing on the cake. Thank you again for making the evening memorable. Best Regards, A Satisfied Customer Pros: Fantastic Food, Prompt service, Wonderful environment more
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Worth the drive from NY! 9/13/2005

The most amazing food.. Chefs Christian and Mike surprise and delight the foodie in me with each new menu. The wine list is chock full of value with bottles in the 20$$ range that easily command 30% more at similar restaurants, Bravo!!! Pros: food, cost, accessability more
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You'll keep coming back! 9/12/2005

Arugula is our favorite! I spent my birthday there with 13 friends and family and it couldn't have been nicer if it was my dining room at home. Lovely ambience, nice music, great service, wonderful food and something for everyone (even my picky vegetarian brother). Arugula is the reason I go to West Hartford - it is a destination. We travel 45 minutes as often as we can to eat there. Try to wonton napolean or the yummy flat breads! You'll keep coming back...I have no doubt. Pros: Small excellent menu, Vegitarian Options, Nice Music more
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Mediteranian to the T 5/18/2005

I stopped in for a quick view of the restuarant and to have some dinner. I had been told about the place from a few people I knew. I was pleasntly surprised when more so when I sat down and ate. The food and atmosphere were superb. I cant wait untill next week when I return. To all please check it out. more
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A Flavorful, Sunny Food Experience 5/17/2005

This place is a little slice of the Mediterranean located right in West Hartford Center. The owner Chris Gehami and her staff make you feel most welcome to coast through this flavorful, sunny food experience. Their warm roasted eggplant and wonton napoleon is wonderful - tossed with sweet red onions, tomatoes, feta, watercress and tahini in a light curry viniagrette is a great appeteizer to start your food experience. Pros: creative foods, great atmosphere more
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DellliiiicIoSouSos FOOdERoNi 12/11/2002

Oh MAH GOD>>this is by far the best fattening meal ive consumed in weeks!! (second only to straight up lard)...i looove food and this here people is food...edible atthat!! wooHOO everyone go to Arugula more
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Menu for Arugula


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Editorial

  • Locals flock to the cozy restaurant for Mediterranean cuisine, an extensive wine list and desserts served in a romantic atmosphere.

  • 2/2/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon. - Sun. 11:30am - 2:30pm
  • Payments: Visa, American Express, Master Card, Discover
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