Peppercorn's Grill

Italian restaurant · Hartford

Peppercorn's Grill

Italian restaurant · Hartford

1

357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106

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Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null
Peppercorn's Grill by null

Highlights

Upscale Italian cuisine, handmade pastas, excellent wine, intimate space  

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357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106 Get directions

peppercornsgrill.com
@peppercorns.grill

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106 Get directions

+1 860 547 1714
peppercornsgrill.com
@peppercorns.grill

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 30, 2025

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Run by the Cialfi brothers since 1989, this Main Street stalwart serves housemade pastas and Roman-leaning classics. Frequently praised by the Hartford Courant and local magazines, it’s a downtown standby for traditional Italian done with care.

https://peppercornsgrill.com/
Best Restaurants in Hartford (2025)
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Meghan Amaya

Google
I was looking for a romantic restaurant that my boyfriend and I can celebrate our 3 year anniversary and I am so glad we ended up at Peppercorns Grill!! From beginning to end it was a lovely experience! Hercules was our server and he was so attentive! The food was delicious. We’re looking forward to coming back.

Anita Carpene

Google
I would characterize Peppercorns as fine dining in every respect. The meals were excellent. The special entree of the day was pan seared Branzino with baby potatoes and haricots vert. Beautiful presentation and delicious. There are a number of unique pasta dishes and the red sauces are made with San Marzano tomatoes. They clearly pay attention to details. The atmosphere was perfect with table linens and the wait staff was pleasant and efficient. All in all, we decided we would be returning again on a special occasion.

Zack Campbell

Google
Peppercorn’s Grill is an absolute gem in the heart of downtown Hartford. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality and the enticing aroma of authentic Italian cuisine made with love and precision. Every dish we tried, from the handmade pastas to the rich, perfectly balanced sauces, was outstanding — a true testament to the chef’s artistry. The wine selection is excellent, and the desserts are an absolute must. Equally wonderful is the location: Peppercorn’s sits in one of the most beautiful parts of Hartford, surrounded by charming streets, historic architecture, and an inviting urban energy that makes the whole experience feel even more special. Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a spontaneous night out, Peppercorn’s Grill offers an unforgettable dining experience in a setting that showcases Hartford at its best.

Indira Chakravarthy

Google
Had a lovely Mother’s Day lunch here. The food was delicious. I would give 4.5 stars, only because there was a mixup in the ravioli we ordered. But they corrected their mistake and gave us a fresh order and also offered us complimentary desserts. Great food and ambience!

Alicia Sleight

Google
My family went here recently and had a negative experience. The appetizer we were given was not the appetizer we ordered. We mentioned this to the waitress, and it was not taken off the bill. We ate it anyways since we were hungry, so we didn’t have a problem with this. At the end of the meal, we were given our check and we paid, however our card was charged for the wrong table’s bill. The other table’s bill was larger than ours, so we noticed it when we were given the receipt to sign. Upon alerting the waitress, she corrected it. The waitress we had was working very very hard and covering many tables. I assume she was spread too thin, thus causing these issues. Overall, this was a very negative experience for such an expensive restaurant.

KC M

Google
Thanks Josh! Our drinks were great. Refreshing as well as tasty! Thanks to our bartender Josh.

Food of CT

Google
What a gem in downtown Hartford! We had a fantastic meal here and I will absolutely be keeping this spot in mind for dinner before or after a show at The Bushnell. We visited the day after Valentine’s Day, so we were able to take part in their crab and burrata salad, as well as their fig and ricotta special appetizer of the day. We were so impressed at how tender the veal ossobucco was, and the ravioli I had were so unique in an orange citrusy sauce. Our homemade biscotti even came with chocolate truffles made in house! Our server was very professional and attentive, and the restaurant was so beautifully decorated. Since this was my first time, I’m not sure if it was decorated just for Valentine’s Day, but it definitely was a nice vibe for our date night!

Sammi

Google
I came here with my boyfriend for happy hour before seeing a show at the Bushnell. Happy hour ran from 4 to 7, which was great sense it was in extended time frame compared other restaurants nearby. They had drinks anywhere from $5-$7 and good appetizers. There was only one person behind the bar however and I think that made service a little slow, because it was really popular night. However everything was delicious and I'd recommend it.
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Paul M.

Yelp
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Peppercorn Grill has its own parking lot--always a bonus when you're trying to avoid the great Connecticut parking hunt! Upon my arrival, a lovely woman escorted me to my table, only for the owner to swoop in and upgrade me to a bigger table to accommodate my, let's say, "larger-than-life" presence. A thoughtful gesture that made me feel like royalty! The waitress, whose name I promptly forgot (sorry, kind lady!), suggested I try the meatballs as an appetizer. Naturally, I took her advice--because who can resist meatballs? I paired them with some calamari, and for the main event, I ordered the ribeye steak, cooked medium rare. Let me tell you, the flavor of that steak was so magnificent, it could've had its own fan club! I also enjoyed a side of broccoli, rhubarb, and potatoes, which I can only assume were there to make me feel healthy while I indulged. All in all, this is a place I'd recommend to anyone in the Hartford area. Just remember to bring your appetite--and maybe a friend to help you finish all that deliciousness!
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Kent H.

Yelp
We returned here a year after a very bad experience to give it another chance. This time the service was good and responsive. We were initially seated at a table for two in the adjacent room that should not be offered to any guest. We were reseated after a little angst. The mission figs were very nice. The honey dressing and pomegranate seeds complemented the figs arugula and goat cheese nicely. My rigatoni alla vodka was well prepared with a flavorful spicy sauce. My companion's black bass was OK, but a little bland. The fish was cooked well, but it had little flavor, and the vegetables were unremarkable.
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Claudio F.

Yelp
Used to be our family's place for celebrating... it is no longer. Sadly, this restaurant has passed its prime and is living on past glory.... But with stupidly high prices. The food quality was no more than average and very heavy. It is easy to put tons of butter on something and have it taste good, but great chefs let the ingredients' flavor shine through. Everyone in our party felt similarly. So disappointed, but we will nut return. PS: the service was lovely.
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Allison C.

Yelp
What a gem in downtown Hartford! We had a fantastic meal here and I will absolutely be keeping this spot in mind for dinner before or after a show at The Bushnell. We visited the day after Valentine's Day, so we were able to take part in their crab and burrata salad, as well as their fig and ricotta special appetizer of the day. We were so impressed at how tender the veal ossobucco was, and the ravioli I had were so unique in an orange citrusy sauce. Our homemade biscotti even came with chocolate truffles made in house! Our server was very professional and attentive, and the restaurant was so beautifully decorated. Since this was my first time, I'm not sure if it was decorated just for Valentine's Day, but it definitely was a nice vibe for our date night!

Mickey Z.

Yelp
We have been here several times over the past decade. The food is amazing and the wine list is great. They will accommodate mostly anything you request as long as they have it. The staff is excellent. The bathrooms in the back room are much cleaner than the bar restrooms.

Scott P.

Yelp
Our family of 5 dined at Peppercorn's before an evening show at the Bushnell. Peppercorn's is one of the closest to the Bushnell which makes it an ideal pre-theater spot. We were a bit concerned with the time to dine as well as the spotty reviews, but we were fortunate to have a great experience. It was the perfect pre-dining experience. We felt super welcome, as our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the food came out quickly which allowed us to walk to the show with plenty of time. The salads and calamari were excellent, and the boar bolognese was made perfectly. The kids all had the penne alla vodka, and the classic dish tasted great. One of the best things of all was that all 5 dinners were served at exactly the same time and all super hot. This seems like a lost art, even among high end dining. Great pre-theater spot, highly recommend.
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Nanette G.

Yelp
We were in Hartford for a show at The Bushnell. We were walk ins, greeted warmly. We had a table near the bar. The bartender took care of us even though she was quite busy. Excellent service, delicious food and out in time for us to enjoy a great meal before heading to the show. Will definitely be back.
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Rose F.

Yelp
The Caesar salad was a complete disappointment. I cannot believe this was $13. It was barely a cup. No shaved Parmesan, no anchovies, barely enough dressing. Not fresh at all. I feel this restaurant used to be wonderful back in the day, but completely overpriced with tiny portions.
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Benny R.

Yelp
Yikes. Very mediocre- i don't understand how this place stays in business. It's not good. Service. Cleanliness and food all subpar. WAs hoping the "fresh" pasta would be good. Sorry, they missed the mark on everything.
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Philip M.

Yelp
Peppercorns has been around for a long time, and it is for good reason; they are pretty consistent in providing a great dining experience. We were going to a show, and decided to dine inside a restaurant for the first time in a long time. We shared and eggplant appetizer. It was delicious. Thinly sliced eggplant slices with freshly made tomato sauce. They also bring fresh Italian bread with olive oil. My wife had a salad as an entree. They have a large selection of salads - more than the two or three you usually see. I had the ossobuco. They really do this and other Italian specialties nicely. The meat falls of the bone. It was served with mashed potatoes and a medley of fresh veggies. Note: They're busy before the shows. If you want a long leisurely dinner with dessert leave yourself a couple of hours. They do a good job getting you out - but the timing may not be perfect. (We didn't want dessert, but we probably didn't have time if we did - and we arrived at 6 or 6:15. ) If you're going to the Bushnell, they give you a discount, but you have to ask.
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Dennis D.

Yelp
Oh my, I usually try to give a decent rating when there is some redeeming quality about the place. Must say that the atmosphere when you walk in was fine. We had reservations and showed up about 10 minutes before our time. Got to our seats and started looking through the menus. The waitress came over and asked were we ready to place a drink water. I said give us a few minutes. About 20 minutes before she returned to take our drink orders. She brought the drinks, left the table, and she was gone for about 10 minutes before I realized that she was not bringing straws for the drinks. So I went to the bar to ask for straws. Ordered appetizers and before they were delivered she brought bread for the table. I do not remember ever being given cold bread with olive oil; I mean refrigerator cold bread. Be that as it may, we were hungry so we ate. The waitress showed up another 20 minutes later. We decided to place dinner orders knowing that it would take another half hour before she returned. I ordered the shrimp dinner, my wife ordered the lobster and shrimp ravioli. Ravioli was cold with what seem to be a hefty serving of perhaps mushrooms and very light on the shrimp or lobster. My meal was actually decent however with the lack of presence of the waitress and the straw catastrophe and cold bread I would likely never go back despite a decent meal. I do not remember ever having service this horrible. We always give at least a 20% tip. I can only remember one other time we've given a 10% tip in the last two years. This place only got 10%.
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Eric W.

Yelp
My fianceé bought the Entertainment Book again this year so we're determined to use it! Oh wait, it's still December. So we're still using 2018's Entertainment Book! Lol. I'm so behind on reviews and it's already January... Anyway! So we were hanging out in downtown Hartford doing some restaurant and happy hour hopping so we chose this place to start for lunch! Atmosphere/Appearance: Very classic and modern feel inside. There's a touch of elegance, but you wouldn't feel out of place dining here in a t-shirt and jeans among the suits in here on their liquid lunches... Shh... The great big windows illuminate the entire restaurant even on rainy days like today. The decor is plentiful and done in good taste. Service: Very good. I have no complaints whatsoever. Food: We both started with the Black Fig Cosmo which we liked. It was a very different taste, but it was a good kind of different. It's hard to explain, but I think you should try it. Next up was an order of the shrimp cocktail. Nothing to write home about, but the shrimp were good. The cocktail sauce was a bit "ketchup-y" and could've used some more spice. For my entree I went out on a limb and tried the Insalata D'Aragosta which is basically a lobster salad. Now, I KNEW, just KNEW it was going to be some skimpy lil' lobster claw on a bed of lettuce. Nope. Wrong. It was pulled apart Maine lobster meat with arugula and radicchio in a lemon aioli with extra virgin olive oil then garnished with a plum tomato and roasted corn relish. It was delicious. It was a small handful of meat and was honestly a great amount of food for a lunch portion. Value: Not bad. Lunch time meals are usually a bit cheaper due to the smaller portions, but this place won't break the bank, but it isn't a local diner either. The Black Fig Cosmo was $11.00. The shrimp cocktail were $2.00 each and my lobster salad was only $21.00. Not bad at all. This place was pretty good! I'm glad that we came with the Entertainment Book coupon. Would I come back here without it? Eh, maybe... but we do have the book for 2019 so we'll likely be back! Lol.
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Bruce S.

Yelp
A great local place. Great food, comfortable ambience and service is pretty darn good. From pasta to fish to steaks, you cant go wrong. Excellent desserts are abundant. Wine prices are fair and they have a good selection. Give it a try, you may find your new favorite place in Hartford.
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Alyssa R.

Yelp
Went to peppercorns for a rehearsal dinner last night. I was impressed as was the rest of the group. There was charcuterie boards & passed around hors d'oeuvres to start , followed by salad & pasta courses. For entrees there was 3 choices, I chose the chicken option and it was absolutely amazing. The 3 men working the party were incredibly polite & attentive. Overall the experience was great, and I can't wait to return to Peppercorns for dinner.
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Jailene H.

Yelp
Currently at Peppercorns for Vday. Made a reservation way in advance just for a couple to walk in after us and be seated first, with no confirmation that they even had a reservation. We were left to wait and watch for the latest table to be cleaned. Once seated, no waitress came over for a few minutes and we didn't even get the wine list/cocktail menu until we asked for it. Came for what is supposedly one of the top places in Hartford but experience is disappointing so far. Update: my boyfriend ordered the salmon dish and asked for it to be cooked medium. His salmon came out completely burnt. My pasta had a portion of the dish not even fully cooked, with strands stuck together. When we addressed the waiter, he argued with us and told us that's the way the food is supposed to be. He insisted repeatedly that my pasta was cooked, yet he wasn't the one eating it, nor did he cook it. He was also very rude to other waiters on the floor and it was visible to other guests. By the time our meals were fixed, we had already been in the restaurant for 2 hours and decided we would pack it all to go. If you don't look a certain way, you will not be serviced adequately.

Gwen R.

Yelp
had a wonderful meal this past weekend - 5 of us and we loved everything - the Bolognese was absolutely the best i've ever had, and i've had, and made it myself. - we both loved it, the risotto with chicken was another winner. also, the charcuterie board was outstanding - lots of different little things - all so good. a very nice night -
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Michael H.

Yelp
Only thing better then the food is the hospitality. The food was hot and perfectly seasoned, not a complaint or issue with our dinners. The waitstaff was attentive, professional, and knowledgeable about the items we ordered. I had my 4 year old son who enjoyed every minute, from the homemade spaghetti to the gelato with extra cherries. I cannot thank the staff for the amazing service. We will definitely recommend, and be returning again
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Sara E.

Yelp
delicious food cooked exceptionally well, reasonably priced. We got their June specials - fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. Great service (don't understand the negative reviews here honestly, go see for yourself great service!). Coffee here is one of the best I've had. Fantastic wine and drinks selection. Beautiful place, clean roomy and cozy at the same time.

david s.

Yelp
Excellent taste. Highly recommend this restaurant. Dennis, our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful in guiding our selection. Ambiance was okay.
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Tiffany B.

Yelp
Stopped in here for a quick lunch. Gesli the bartender makes it seem like he's known you forever and was very welcoming and explained the different dishes and specials that they had available. The bread was delicious and we took his recommendation for the Counter weight IPA which is extremely light for an ipa and doesn't have the harsh bite back that some ipas do. Food was delicious and came fast! Eduardo is also very helpful! Dino the pasta was great! Give this place a try and make sure you meet Gesli! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
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Diana P.

Yelp
Peppercorn's is an Italian restaurant in downtown Hartford. I went on a Saturday night for a small dinner with friends and was pleasantly surprised to see it very busy. I had issues finding a safe place, well lit place to park and was not sure about the adjacent lot as it says parking permit required and will tow signs. I parked on Main Street about two blocks from the restaurant. The service was good, it was busy so it took awhile to clear our plates and the dessert was a bit off. We ordered the white chocolate bread pudding with pistachio gelato and was served something else. The waiter explained that the dessert menu was from New Year's Eve and has not been updated but he tried his best to accommodate. The rest of the evening went very well. The food was absolutely delicious, the ambiance wonderful and it's definitely worth experiencing this restaurant. The calamari and beef carpaccio were tasty both not salty or overly done. The meals were the surf and turf, rigatoni, salmon and rib eye. The drinks were the lemoncello martini and kumquat martini both very good.
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Peter B.

Yelp
It's been over 20 years since I went to this restaurant. Not because of anything bad just never made it. Always remembered it as terrific. Finally made it back this last week and the food was fabulous. Starting with the bread that was like the kind I got in New York, everything was super. The bread had a thick crust very soft center and very tasty. It was served with a nice dish of olive oil. Our appetizers were veal meatballs, and very thinly sliced marinated octopus. Great! For the main, my wife had scallops and lobster stuffed ravioli and I had braised rib is. Also tremendous. For dessert which was sinfully too much food, my wife had a wonderful, rich, chocolate mousse, and I had a more than satisfying berry tiramisu. Our server was very attentive and personable. All in all the wonderful experience.
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Lexie T.

Yelp
This restaurant is great for happy hour and even better for a nice sit down dinner. I haven't had a bad meal there yet.
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John L.

Yelp
Enjoyed a table for Four. The meal from beginning to end was spectacular. The pace a bit slower for some of us, perfect for me. If there's anything I despise is be pushed through your meal. Therefore, 4 out of 5 stars out of respect for our dear friends that introduced is to Peppercorn's. Otherwise, the food is easily a 5th Star. I must admit, I've known about Peppercorns's since 1984, but now I feel like such a "L'r" having never ventured past their threshold until now! Chef's Surprise (for our Wait): A Ravoli All' Arancia for each guest. Fresh pasta, scrumptiously stuffed, and drizzled with a delicate sauce. Appetizers: The guys & my wife shared two orders of Calamari Fritti and the other Mrs' Inslatalta Di Rucola. Mains: Gnocchi Del Ginoro, Salmone Alla Griglia, and two specials for the guys, a Slow Roasted Pork Loin, Potato, Asparagus, and hearty brown gravy, and finally a grilled ribeye served to perfection. Desert (of course!): House Chocolate one Bread Pudding, one Creme Brûlée, one Chocolate Lava (like) Cake, and a Gelato.

Jocelyn D.

Yelp
Fabulous dinner! From start to finish, we had a wonderful meal! Arincini, meatballs, figs, calamari, and artichoke appetizers were awesome. And, our entrees were sooo good. Truffle pasta, short ribs, and Chicken Saltimbuca were fabulous! Great restaurant!
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Thomas F.

Yelp
The regional menu is a great idea. This was the first time we tried it and this time it was the Piedmonte region. The food is rich and so flavorful. The Vitello Tonnato was so good it should have been the only thing we ate that night. But seduced by the bread and super Toscano wine we labored on. The entrée was a succulent cut of beef that had been cooking since the day before. The dessert of strawberries and zabaglione was served too hot to hold the delicate whipped cream. A wonderful meal nevertheless! We plan to return to visit another region's menu.
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Peter Y.

Yelp
Went on a Friday night with a few friends. One of the valet workers called out. As a result the wait for the one valet left to come take our cars was long. The long waits continued inside. We were immediately seated (we had reservations) but it took forever for anyone to bring us water, forgot about ordering drinks or appetizers. The waitress did stop by early on and apologized in advance that it would be a little while before she could come take care of us. Perhaps some of the wait staff called out too? A few other things weren't up to par. It's a small detail but the ink on the menus was running. See attached picture. This would be okay at a lesser restaurant, but I'd expect more from a place like Peppercorns. Not just a sheet of cheap printer paper with blotches on it. Then I noticed lip stick on my water glass. Picture also attached. While I enjoyed asking the bus boy "Who is she?" while holding up the glass, it's concerning and brings into question the cleanliness of the other place settings. We had ordered soup for starters, which took an inordinate amount of time to arrive, and was delivered without any spoons. Granted spoons were brought out shortly thereafter. It all adds to a less than ideal experience. I can say all the food was good. And is one of the reasons I'm giving three stars instead of two. But it wasn't anything amazing. One last disappointment was my espresso martini. Picture attached. For some reason it tasted more like Fruit Loops than coffee. Very strange. Won't be back anytime soon. The devil is in the details and Peppercorns missed the mark on many levels last night.
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Kayla G.

Yelp
Outdoor seating available during summer months. Super authentic Italian food. Perfectly cooked ribeye and great flavor with every dish. We've been coming here for 10 years and haven't been let down. Love the owner & cook Dino!
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Erica L.

Yelp
It was extremely busy thanks to the pre bushnell show crowd but the service was on point and the food was delish!
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Ashwin S.

Yelp
This is my first time here; me and my companion were here for dinner. Considering the restaurant is in downtown, parking can be a challenge; but Peppercorn's has valet service. We had our reservation done ahead of time, so we got seated right away. Getting seated can be a challenge, depending on the day of the week; so I'd suggest you make your reservations. We had the Calamari fritters and Shrimp Cocktail for appetizers, the Calamari was rightly fried and the batter was good. I'd wish there was a side of tartar sauce. The Shrimp cocktail was good. For entrees, I had the ribeye steak with a side of french fries and mixed vegetables. My companion had the Filet Mignon with a side of mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Both our dishes were good and cooked as per what we requested. The waiter who was serving us was fairly new, but he was great. He had a good knowledge of the menu and helped us thru our order. To finish off our dinner, we had the chocolate banana pudding with bourbon, this dish was EPIC; LOVED IT and it was a perfect way to wrap up a nice dinner. This place is definitely one of my favorite places to eat and I'll highly recommend to visit Peppercorn's Grill.
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Ashley G.

Yelp
I went to Peppercorn's Grill for the first time this past weekend. They were one of the restaurants offering Taste of Hartford specials. Reservations were made in advance, although they were not really needed and we were seated immediately upon arrival. The tables are very close to each other...so forget any privacy when trying to have a conversation. The food... I had the Polpette di Vitello (veal meatballs) for an appetizer. It was satisfying and well cooked, but nothing amazing. The Fork Tender Short Ribs of Beef as an entree, which came with local vegetables and an Idaho potato purée. The potatoes were bland, but not bad if dipped in the beef gravy. The vegetables consisted of summer squash, zucchini, and carrots. It had good flavor, but the carrots were undercooked. The short ribs where delicious; however, they give you three pieces and one of them was 99% fat...and it just so happened to be hidden between the two good cuts. For dessert I had the Chocolate Decadence. Whipped cream was bland. Chocolate sauce was unnecessary. Chocolate ice cream lacked flavor and had ice crystals in it. Chocolate Mousse and Brownie pieces were delicious. I felt like my experience was just okay. There are better places to eat in Hartford, therefore it's not likely I'll be returning.
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Heather H.

Yelp
All I can say is wow! What a poor excuse for a restaurant! How does this place even stay in business!!!? It's poorly run by half assed bunch of unprofessional staff. Not only does nobody know what they are doing but the food is awful. My family of nine came here for dinner and was seated right away. Everything seemed to be running smoothly. The waitress took our orders brought our drinks and then disappeared for the rest of the night. We ordered three course meals which came with a appetizer dinner and desert. They buy cheap fish and turn around it claim it's seabass. The meat in the dishes are not the meat that's on the menu. The salads are so tiny, food dried out and over priced. You are better off anywhere besides here. Even a fast food joint out weighs the food and service you get here. Needless to say we left before we even got the desert that was suppose to come with the course. All the food was barely edible. Never got our second drink we ordered or was able to place another drink or swipe out the food we already had. The so called manager was incoherent and the waitress was a hot mess. Even after we address our concerns they were not able to pull it together or fix any problem we had.
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Angela M.

Yelp
My partner and I went to Peppercorn's prior to a show at Hartford Stage. He'd recommended it before but it was still closed at that time because of the fire. He was elated that it was back open again. We were dumbfounded that we found street parking right across the street. When we got in, we were seated for our reservation immediately. Our waitress was right there and very friendly and helpful. If you haven't read other reviews of mine, we go big when we go out. We started with lobster carpacciato. It was delicious. We also tried the caprese salad, which was good, but nothing special or that I'd order again when there's other delicious choices. We also ordered a seasonal side - it had figs, goat cheese, bacon, walnuts, arugula, and a dressing. I wish I remembered what it was called but it was simply delectable. I couldn't get enough of it. My mouth is watering thinking about it. If you go there and have the option, please try it. It was just fantastic. For dinner, my partner ordered veal. It was extremely tender and cooked perfectly. He was absolutely thrilled with his choice. I ordered le fettuccine alla bolognese con aragosta. It was heavenly. The lobster was tender and the sauce was perfect. On top of the fresh pasta, I couldn't have asked for more. Overall, beyond my expectations and so glad they came back after the fire. I can see us going there for special occasions regularly.
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Ken M.

Yelp
Time for a new experience! My wine dinner at Fleming's was cancelled at 6:30 with NO notification so this place gets the nod on my way home (not driving tonight). Starting it out with a glass of Liberty School Paso Robles Cabernet . Very nice! For my first item, I am trying the Special Salad of Artisal Greens (i.e. insulate) made with clementines (Oh my darling...), cactus fruit (?), sundried cranberries, caramelized walnuts and cheese tossed in a Tahitian vanilla bean vinaigrette with pomegranates. This ought to be interesting! This is an amazing item. The salad tastes like creme brûlée! I think the cactus fruit has seeds in it so beware. For my next item, from the crudo (or "Raw Bar"), I am trying the Polpo Carpaccio which is raw, thinly sliced octopus , celery, crispy fennel, lemon jam and pink peppercorns (well, that is the name of the place!). I have never had a "pink peppercorn." This is very good. Light too. For my next glass of wine, I am trying the Ornellia which is a Super Tuscan "Le Volte" (whatever that is). Time to find out! Wine is delicious. Comes in a huge glass! For my main course, off of the Specials menu, I am trying the pan seared Branzino (Mediterranean fish ) since they ran out of Icelandic halibut (obviously a popular dish tonight). It comes with a crispy, potato pancake, sautéed haricots verts, late harvest vegetables, truffle corn sauce and the "proper garnish." Wow! An incredible dish! For dessert, I am having the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with rum sauce and the "proper garnish." OMG! Look at this artwork! Taste is spot on too! For my final drink, a dessert wine , I am trying the 2008 Maculan Torcolato. Very nice! A small glass of yumminess! This ain't no wine tasting, but 3 glasses ain't bad and they were all real good! To cap it all off, a cup of cappuccino. This place has it all down pat just right!
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Valerie R.

Yelp
My husband and I decided to go to Peppercorn's for a pre-show dinner in mid-October. Having never been there before, I didn't know what to expect. I made a reservation on Open Table and was able to get in, in spite of the fact that there was a show at the Bushnell. The restaurant was quite full, but our table was ready for us when we arrived. We ordered a stuffed squash flower appetizer that was really good. A little small for the price, but clearly made with quality ingredients. I had the sea bass entree and my husband had a risotto made with chicken and fresh corn. The sea bass blew me away. Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. I rarely order this and was so glad that I did because it was perfection. My husband also loved his risotto. All of the staff are lovely. Service was a little slow, which I normally appreciate, but did have the underlying stress of wondering if I would get to the show on time. I would definitely recommend letting your server know if you are going to a show. I'm not sure why I didn't do that myself! We didn't have time for dessert, but we were so full anyway that we didn't need it. We used a restaurant.com certificate with no issue. I also found out recently that Peppercorn's offers 20% off if you're going to the Bushnell, you just have to show tickets for a show the day you're dining. With so many great deals out there, there is absolutely no reason not to try Peppercorn's! We will definitely be back, and next time I'm saving room for dessert!

Karen D.

Yelp
Food was EXCELLENT! This is not the type of restaurant where you are in and out quickly, definitely give yourself enough time. Everything was perfect.
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Cirielle S.

Yelp
This place is delicious. The attention is very good and the food is good! I go often and like the atmosphere! The prices don't match the quality of the food is my only complaint.

Kim P.

Yelp
Food was hot, seasoned perfectly with decent portions. Service was attentive and fast. Deducted 1 star because the tap water was not cold and tasted like the pipes.
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Emily W.

Yelp
Food was delicious, we got the bruschetta and the meatballs to start. All the salads were amazing. Got peaches and cream, the fig and strawberries one and the citrus fennel salad. Steak was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes were super creamy. I would absolutely come back!

Don W.

Yelp
My family and I did a take out order from Dino's fabulous Peppercorn's Resturant last nite. What made it special as always was the food despite being take out was wonderful as ever. From lobster ravioli, polpo carpaccio , petti di pollo, every bite was superb. We celebrate all my families big events with Dino and this one was no different except take out. Miss the ambience of the resturant it self but Dino's genius comes through. Thank you again for your wonderful food and hope the next time will be back at 357 Main St. Don Weston
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frank z.

Yelp
Had reservations on February 5. Showed up on time. Was told will be a few minutes. About 30 minutes later we were told our table is being prepared. After an hour plus of waiting, we walked out. We decided to give it another chance so we went back on February 26. We were seated right away. Service was a little off, but acceptable. Ordered a drink and they brought wrong drink. A specific alcohol was requested and they gave us a cheaper version. When bill came, it seemed expensive, but didn't have time to look at it in detail because service was so slow and took too long, we had to get home to relieve our babysitter. Next day we looked at the bill and saw we were overcharged for two of the meals. After a week of going back and forth with then restaurant, they credited our card for the exact amount. Did not credit back the amount we over paid for tax and tip. Food was good, but not worth the price we paid. Couple that with slow service and serving cheap alcohol and charging a premium price for it, we will not be going back.
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Felicia N.

Yelp
The food was amazing. The seafood pasta dish. Was orgasmic. To die for. I only gave two stars. Because we were totally judged for not looking rich I suppose. Waited 45 min for water. We had reservations at 830. Didn't sit till 9. Didn't order drinks till 930. Again. While food was to die for. The service sucked. The waitress we ended up getting. She was amazing. She was middle age with accent. She was great. But she was our third server who finally decided to acknowledge us. That was the problem. We weren't even acknowledged most of the visit. Very sad considering how amazing the food was.
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Marsha N.

Yelp
I am updating my review from 2 years ago from 3 stars to 4 stars after spending some time at the bar during a Monday happy-hour. The bartender was attentive and made sure we had enough chairs at the bar for everyone in our group. I like that they have happy-hour drink and food specials. I had the truffle fries and tri-color salad which was very fresh: arugula, endive and red cabbage in a balsamic dressing. Michael the bartender expressed his foodie-ness to back his recommendations and was able to talk to the flavors in the wine we were drinking. They still have the complimentary valet which is a huge factor in where we choose to get together for these work mingle-networking occasions. I also noticed they were setting up for a Paint-Night event in the back dining area.

Maria P.

Yelp
My lobster ravioli was delicious. However, the service was slow. Not planning on returning.
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ThisIsLee L.

Yelp
My first time at Peppercorns, it a nice classy place. I had their House Salad and Ravioli Al Aragosta. I'm not really a salad person but that was good! It has walnuts, fruits such as orange, cranberries, pineapples, pomegranate and pears. Light balsamic and a hint of vanilla. I was really surprised that I liked it. Ravioli Al Aragosta is a lobster ravioli dish. All I have to say is that the ravioli was SO Delicious. I haven't had a ravioli dish that was this good. The sauce and the lobster balance the whole plate. I recommend you try this dish out, it's that good.
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Aaliyah M.

Yelp
I love homemade Italian pasta and the staff here make memorable and delicious pasta dishes. The wait staff are friendly and very attentive. You may be eating out, but they make you feel like family. I like that you can go casual and have a nice quiet dinner for two or catch up with friends and have a larger party of 12. They offer valet parking and have a bar area. You can also make reservations. Going to a show at the Bushnell, try them before or after.

Kevin D.

Yelp
6 of us went to dinner Saturday night. It was fantastic! The manager greeted us immediately and welcomed us. Our server was Caroline and she was excellent. Proficient, personable and knowledgeable about the menu and food. The food was outstanding, all six of us raved about it. Thank you for a great evening!
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Sammi M.

Yelp
I came here with my boyfriend for happy hour before seeing a show at the Bushnell. Happy hour ran from 4 to 7, which was great sense it was in extended time frame compared other restaurants nearby. They had drinks anywhere from $5-$7 and good appetizers. There was only one person behind the bar however and I think that made service a little slow, because it was really popular night. However everything was delicious and I'd recommend it.
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M P.

Yelp
Dined at Peppercorns on Valentine's Day before a show at the Bushnell. I had made reservations way in advance, fortunately, because it was predictably VERY busy! Our server was Denise, and she was FANTASTIC! Answered our questions, helped with suggestions, attentive but not obtrusive, and very sweet! We never felt rushed, even with a full house, and when we were finished, there was no wait to pay the bill. The food was outstanding (rib eye au poivre and filet mignon, Valentine's salad, oysters). Free valet parking was fast on a very cold night. GREAT experience!