The Laurel

The food, service, and vibes were immaculate! Highly recommend the burger, patatas bravas, wagyu beef skewers, and 1000% the unbirthday cake! Easily the best dessert I’ve had in ages. I’ll absolutely be back to try more of the menu and some drinks!

I recently celebrated my 6th anniversary and our dinner at the Laurel met and exceeded my expectations for a wonderful date night dinner. I had eaten at this restaurant months ago and was happy to see how their menu rotates with the season and their local suppliers, with an eclectic menu of wonderful items. They also changed their cocktail menu around as well. My past visit was very satisfactory with food, service and ambiance and had high expectations for this date night. My partner and I ordered 4 dishes-- the spicy caesar salad, the haluski pasta with duck bacon, sausage rolls and wagyu skewers. The spicy caesar was crunchy and delicious with a nice kick of chili crisp. The sausage rolls were tender on the inside, while nice and flaky on the outside with a really delicious horseradish sauce that balanced the richness well. The portion was rather small for the sausage roll but taste bites. The haluski pasta was very al dente and has a nice denseness to the pasta, the creamy oniony sauce was delicious and the duck bacon added nice texture and umami to this dish. The wagyu skewers were my boyfriend's favorite dish-- very tender, with delicious sauces we savored with every bite. We also ordered the luna llena cocktail and false alarm cocktails, from their extremely interesting and at times out there cocktail menu (of which there is a caprese-salad inspired cocktail). The luna llena was very smoky and tart, and the false alarm had a spiced quality to it that was very seasonally appropriate. The cocktails were nice, but pretty expensive, however very worth trying. At the end of our dinner, our waitress kindly congratulated us on our anniversary and brought over a card and surprised us with champagne. It was incredibly nice and made the dining experience extra special. We closed out the night with a salted caramel creme brulee, which was deliciously caramelized with a soft slightly salted custard inside. Overall another amazing dinner here with obvious care going into the menu, ambiance and service.

Held my birthday at The Laurel and it was beyond anything I could’ve expected. The food was so delicious & the cocktails were creative & well balanced. 10/10 recommend. The cornbread, Cesar salad, and the steak & frites were a HIT at our table. The chef is so kind & the service staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to try brunch out!

The Laurel in West Hartford will always hold an incredibly special place in our hearts. My wife and I met on their very first Ladies Night, so choosing The Laurel for our wedding dinner felt deeply meaningful and beautifully full-circle. Having a safe, affirming space as a queer couple was incredibly important to us, and The Laurel truly delivered. Knowing that they are LGBTQ-owned made the experience even more meaningful. From the very beginning, we felt completely welcomed, celebrated, and supported, not just as customers, but as ourselves. The team was attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely excited to help us plan such an important evening. They went above and beyond to make us feel special, and every detail was handled with care. The atmosphere, the service, and the warmth of the staff made our wedding dinner unforgettable. It wasn’t just a meal, it was a celebration of our love story in the place where it all began, in a space where we felt safe and seen. We are endlessly grateful to The Laurel and cannot recommend them highly enough. Five stars, without hesitation!!

Food was wonderful. We got small plates to share because of the suggestion of our waiter. He suggested 2-3 for our table of 4. We ended up with 5. Which was sufficient. 2-3 would not have been enough food for us. My favorite meal was the pasta!

🐾 The Laurel: Where Culinary Ingenuity Meets Flavorful Artistry in West Hartford. If you’re craving a dining experience that celebrates inventive flavors, thoughtful presentation, and genuine hospitality, The Laurel rises to the occasion. Each dish feels like a creative expression—where vibrant ingredients and unexpected pairings come together in ways that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 🥗 A Caesar That Packs Heat We began with a spicy Caesar salad that redefined what a starter can be. Crisp kale and romaine, crunchy focaccia croutons set a satisfying foundation. I requested the chili crunch on the side, since I’m not big on heat—an easy accommodation that made the dish just right for my taste. Ashley, the incredible chef and owner, came out and personally served it along with our prawns—a wonderfully personal touch. 🦐 Massive Prawns & Dreamy Grits Then came the head-on barbecued prawns, which were absolutely huge and packed with deep, grilled flavor. They were served over a bed of creamy pimento grits that were luscious and comforting—a dish that could easily become your new obsession. With balanced seasoning and soulful Southern character, it was as much about texture as taste. 🍖 St. Louis Ribs & Sauce on the Side The St. Louis-style ribs were pure comfort: fall-off-the-bone tender, deeply savory, and smartly paired with housemade pickles that added crunch and acidity to round things out. But what took it all to the next level was the Carolina barbecue sauce served on the side—a mustard and honey-based masterpiece that was sweet, tangy, and gloriously unique. We were so wowed by it, Ashley kindly brought us a small container to take home. It’s the kind of sauce you dream about long after the meal. 🍗 Crispy Chicken Wings With a Flavorful Finish The salt and pepper chicken wings were very enjoyable—crispy, well-seasoned, and satisfying without any trace of grease. While they didn’t steal the spotlight, they still held their own thanks to thoughtful garnishes like green papaya som tom and fried peanuts. The combination added a brilliantly crunchy and slightly sweet garnish that gave the wings a Southeast Asian flair we didn’t know we needed. A solid plate that paired nicely with the bold flavors of the meal overall. 🐶 Canine-Approved Comfort The dog-friendly patio gave us space to stretch out and enjoy the meal alongside our pup, who was offered three tasty dog treats—each happily devoured. It’s rare to find a spot that not only allows pets but celebrates them—and this was exactly that. 🎶 Relaxed Atmosphere With a Musical Lift While the patio does sit near some traffic, the ambient music playing from the speakers helped soften the background noise and keep the vibe relaxed and inviting. 🍽️ Portions That Satisfy, Presentation That Impresses The tapas plates here are delightfully generous—larger than what you’d expect at most tapas spots—making them perfect for sharing or simply indulging. Each dish was plated with artistry and intention, from vibrant garnishes to well-balanced seasoning. We were so thoroughly satisfied, we couldn’t fit in dessert this time… but rest assured, we’ll be back for it. ✨ Final Thoughts From the outstanding food to the warm welcome (for both people and pups), The Laurel is a highlight of any trip to West Hartford. The dishes are bursting with flavor, beautifully executed, and made even more memorable by Ashley’s care and attention. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit—and next taste of that unforgettable Carolina mustard-honey sauce.

Wonderful dining experience, terrific food, and outstanding service. All but one of their menu items can be made gluten free, which was a huge plus for me. We had the spicy Caesar, Brussels sprouts, pimento burger, and wagyu beef skewers. Brussels were incredible and my husband said the burger was one of the best he’s ever had. 10/10 recommend!

We had an excellent time at The Laurel! The spicy Caesar was delicious. I’m already craving another bite of the lobster and shrimp toast. Wish I had room for dessert. Creative, unique cocktails - I recommend the Simple Plan. We left full and happy. I can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic “sharing” dishes! An interesting concept of family style dining but every selection was mouth watering! Only one comment that would serve as a suggestion…sound reduction efforts. Very cute interior and comfortable but very noisy.

Every single item we got off the menu was phenomenal. Each dish was better than the last. Tons of vegan and veg options. Highly recommend and we’ll have to go back ourselves.

Amazing food and cocktails! Top spot in CT, the team clearly cares about what they present, hard to come by a cocktail program as innovate as this one in this state. The dishes are also fantastic, flavor profiles from around the world, most plates shareable. The ukranian pasta, the crab tostoda, and one of the best burgers. This will be a regular spot; don't skip the dessert. The unbirthday cake was actually one of the best desserts ever.

One of the best restaurant experiences my partner and I have had together. Everything we ordered was absolutely incredible from the drinks to the tapas options to the dessert. The vegan options were plentiful and absolutely delicious. My partner said the non vegan options were also incredible. Our server Lily was very attentive, kind, and provided a pleasant interaction during our entire meal. It was my partner’s birthday; he was greeted by the host with a happy birthday, we were given complimentary champagne to celebrate and it was accompanied by a hand written birthday card with best wishes. The atmosphere is wonderful, we never felt rushed despite the quick and attentive service and the entire staff was genuinely so pleasant. We have agreed that this is our new spot for when we want an elevated date night and I will be sure to always recommend this place when our friends come into town. I highly recommend the Laurel. Truly a 10/10 experience every step of the way.

Wow, what a place. I went here for my birthday and it was phenomenal. We ordered about half the menu and it was all superb. My favorite dish was the Wagyu Beef Skewers. The sweetness of the dates with the whipped feta was outstanding. Also, I had a mocktail called the “sandbar” and it was amazing. The crème brûlée was also top tier. In addition, the staff were very kind and knowledgeable. They gave me a handwritten birthday card that was beautifully written. I was not expecting this and I have never seen anything like it at any restaurant I’ve ever been to. Go to this restaurant if you want an exceptional dining experience.

For the first time my vegan mother and brother were able to enjoy amazing and creative dishes while I had the best Trout dish I've ever had in my life. To be able to go to a restaurant and not have to think about dietary restrictions at all is such a unique experience. We always have had trouble finding restaurants that we can all enjoy, and The Laurel is a 100000/10 Thank you so much. Seriously, thank you. You have no idea how grateful I am

Truly a unique dining experience! Ashley and her staff make you feel extremely welcomed from the moment you enter the restaurant. Unique and cozy ambiance sets the tone for a fantastic dinner. I love the small plate concept, lets you try a little bit of everything. The burger was out of this world, along with the Wago beef skewers, all of the dishes are clearly made with a lot of thought, extremely fresh ingredients and lots of love . So nice to see the owner Ashley visit all the tables to greet her customers, you don’t see that enough anymore! Best of luck to this amazing up and coming restaurant, we’ll be back for sure !

Personally I have never written a review for a restaurant ever, but the Laurel made me want to write one. Service, food, experience, all top tier. My fiance and I went for the special Sunday night “date night” special which has a prescribed menu and it did not disappoint. The staff on hand were beyond friendly and helpful. The head chef stepped out to ensure we were satisfied with our meal. The meal itself was incredibly detailed and the flavors were out of this world.

This was an unexpected find. New venue in a prior pub - with updated decor & lighting. Their food delights all five of your senses. Crispy crunch to greens & veggies, colorful presentation & pairings of food, spiced to tingle your tongue with new aromas. Multiple tasting plates to share - ensuring everyone was satiated. Deserts were top notch - grilled peaches with fried corn bread & sauce was fantastic. Would love to keep this Resturant to myself - but The Laurel should flourish & everyone who loves well prepared food when they go out needs to try them

Delicious food and great service. We had the chopped salad, Wagyu Beef Screwers and the Sea Bass. It was the perfect amount of food and everything was so nicely plated, well seasoned, overall great and unique flavors. Highly recommend.

I can't say enough about what Chef Ashely is doing at the Laurel. I haven't tasted food that fresh, delicious and expertly enhanced since I left Farm country in Northwestern Michigan 7 years ago or so. Everything she put in front of us was delightful from the "Simple Plan" from the bar, the delicious tomato focaccia with whipped feta, the roasted eggplant heirloom tomatoes,sourced in East Granby, and the vegan empanadas with just the brightest chimichurri to enhance the Palm hearts and fresh seasonings. I finished my evening with the grilled peaches and a dessert cocktail from the bar. Everything was made lovelier at the window seat in the bar, by the gracious and warm staff. I can't wait to see what the Chef will do this fall.

We came to The Laurel for our anniversary dinner. The food was delicious, especially the spicy Caesar and the Wagyu beef skewer. The presentation of the food was perfect. The environment was really nice, not too upscale. Our service from Megan was top notch, thank you so much. We’re looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend a visit!

HIGHLY recommend The Laurel to anyone who loves enjoying a little bit of everything from a menu. Four of us came here for dinner and ordered a few small plates at a time which came out of the kitchen surprisingly quick. The food and cocktails were excellent, and the staff was extremely friendly! (the food looked and tasted so good that it didn't stand a chance of being photographed)

Fantastic, no notes: pasta, ceviche, cornbread, crème brûlée Very good: chicken w peanut stew Ok: shrimp and grits (shrimp had their heads and grits were varying sizes), unbirthday cake (frosting was a bit gritty and overly sweet) Service was outstanding.

The Laurel is outstanding in every way: the food, the service and the atmosphere. The food is innovative with frequent menu changes to keep it fresh, and dishes like watermelon crudo and kielbasa eggs Benedict keep expanding my ideas of what good food should be. But if you just want a hamburger, ask for it. You'll never have a better one. And the bar menu is awesome.

The menu was exciting. We couldn't decide so we ordered probably 1/2 the menu! The comments on the food may be out of date as it changes seasonally. Calling the menu 'fusion' isn't right but the chef has really wowed with what she has put together in each dish. Personally, the memorable items were the pasta, Brussel Sprouts, cornbread (including the cornbread dessert too!), but it's unfair to leave any of the others out. We also were happy with the staff food and drink suggestions. The tiramisu was maybe the best I ever had.

Came here tonight to celebrate our anniversary, the staff was all very welcoming and made us feel special. The food and drink were all tasty and the menu had a good variety including a wide arrangement of creative vegan options. We will definitely be back.

So delicious we came back for our second visit within a week! Nick is an excellent server. Our favorite dishes are the hand cut fries, Wagyu beef skewers, crab tostada, and prawns and grits. You can’t go wrong!!! The drinks are unique and thoughtful as well. Flavor combos incredible! Our new favorite restaurant

We had a great dinner at the Laurel. I really liked the menu. Bridget was our server and could not have been nicer. We shared the sichuan wings, wagyu beef skewrs, haluski asta, crab tostade, fries, and the chopped house salad all of which were awesome. A giant piece of Tiramisu for dessert.

We have eaten here multiple times and are always satisfied with the delicious vegan options. We sat in the bar area this time and Nick was attentive and kind, he never skipped a beat. Also the ambience is comfy and nice. If your looking to take someone on a date or just want to have a cocktail I highly recommend you won't be disappointed. Did I mention how nice the ambience is 😉

For thanksgiving, we ordered a to-go meal box for 6 people. Everyone was blown away by how delicious the food was and the great portions!! The menu was delicious! Our favorite was the stuffing and the turkey and the gravy and the cornbread! The food was packaged very neatly and with clear reheating instructions provided. Best decision I ever made for a stress-free thanksgiving and will definitely be placing a thanksgiving order again in the future! 10/10.

The Laurel is an absolute must-visit! The food is consistently exceptional—every dish is clearly crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the incredible menu, the service is impeccable and professional, making you feel truly special. The atmosphere is elegant and perfect for any occasion. If you want a top-tier dining experience in West Hartford, look no further. Highly recommend!

It was a great night. We went for a friend's birthday and the food pleased all the picky people in our party. The server was attentive but not overbearing. Then came a hand written birthday card. It was a unique, personal touch. We'll be back

My husband and I went last night for their special Valentines Menu. All the food we had was wonderful! Our waitress Natasha was very attentive and gave us recommendations based on our questions. Their normal menu is a small plates menu which we love because we then we get to try lots of different things. So many creative dishes I’ve never had anywhere else- it’s clear why Chef Ashley Flagg just won chef of the year for CT!

Fun creative and unique menu. Great happy hour selection that allows you to sample a variety of small plates. Handcut fries are a must have with any meal. The only knock was the service which did not really seem that friendly at all.

First time here- they did a phenomenal job with the aesthetics. Super cute spot with beautiful wallpapers and good vibes. Completely revamped from the previous place and they did a great job. Drinks were great- highly recommend the “bitter end” mocktail. Food was overall good for small dishes. Top favorites were the spicy Caesar salad and the scallops (had an AMAZING sauce paired with it). Our other dishes were decent, little disappointed in the duck dish.

Amazing cheese burger. I know it's gourmet, but my 4/5 star is only cause I thought options were a little too pricey. Please don't let that stop you though! Also, it would be smart to make a reservation before you get there.

2nd time here after Ashley Won her Chef of the Year award from the Crazies. Congratulations. This place is so unique in their flavor profiles. Had the goat mezcal drink to start. WOW. Came with a Parmesan crisp on it. So delicious. Had the spicy kale Caesar Saturday night and the beet salad. Both were delicious. The beet salad so unique in that they serve it with lime to squeeze on the beets. Who would think lime would pair well with beets?! Well...it does! Cilantro, sesame, peanuts, lime and a crema sauce - wow! Spicy kale is not for the faint of heart - it's spicy but amazing! The mussels were the grand finale for me. Carrots, curry broth that was drinkable as the waitress said (and was), mussels, cilantro. So good. Very enjoyable second meal at The Laurel. Atmosphere - gave it a 3 because the acoustics aren't great in here but the food makes up for it.

For the overall value, this gets three stars. I heard good things but the food was mediocre. The French toast sticks seemed barely cooked, there were pieces of shell in the oysters and the drinks were only ok. Wish it was better.

So many things to share about this restaurant. First all dishes are side style, shareable sides so you most likely will be ordering 2 different dishes. My husband and I had the cornbread which was good. I had the ribs and the Mac & cheese, and was disappointed. Both dishes were salty, the Mac and cheese more salty than the ribs. My husband had the Sea-bass and Roasted broccoli which he said was good. We spent about $141 excluding tip.

The atmosphere is very nice. They say their menu is tapas but the portion and price say otherwise (an excuse to not bring dinners at the same time?). Fried chicken and burger tasty salty. Mushroom toast much better. We ordered dessert and were almost finished before the hot water/ tea packet arrived. Staff is lovely.

Visited 2/13 and had the Valentine's Day menu. This was our first time at the restaurant. Food was very good; variety of options presented in the menu, everything we had was very well composed, all elements of the dishes complimented each other. Highlights were the fois gras mousse, sea bass, and chicken/peanut stew dish. Pricing and value are highly suspect. We expected to be paying $250+ for the food (Valentine's menu was $95pp), but some of the up charges in my mind are unjustified. Up-charge for an oyster dish which is composed of 3 oysters (not listed on menu online); cost to the restaurant for the oysters was maybe $1 each?!? $5 up-charge for the steak tartar appetizer; came with 3 slices of toasted bread. We asked for more bread, and we're charged $4 for 2 additional pieces of toast - found this out only by looking at the bill. Left the evening with a slight feeling of being fleeced.