Hot Tomato's

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mcaldarola

Joined 8 years ago

Not what I expected.. The ambiance is not what I expected. The decor is non-descript unless you eat in the wine room which is terrific. I had expected a more upscale dining area. The service was fabulous but the food was only fair. My sirloin was tough, the calamari were over breaded and the salmon ossobuco was bland. Every thing is a la carte which is ok if the food is worth it. I didn't think the value was there.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

People watch and enjoy the modern Italian fare created at this hip, urban eatery.. The Scene
The bi-level scene is centered around a huge bar on the main floor, teeming with young professionals and hipsters. The dining room offers several intriguing views, with tall windows overlooking downtown on one side, and an open kitchen along another.

The Food
Crusty Italian bread disappears under thick smears of smoky compound tomato butter. Sweet and salt contrast in the sweet potato pasta appetizer drenched in thick, fresh sage-cream sauce. Crispy calamari with roasted tomato remoulade spills from a takeout carton. Italian and chorizo sausages add more fire to Three-Devil shrimp, dotted with Sicilian olives and spinach, served in garlicky red sauce over linguini. Chunks of sweet, fresh lobster stud toothsome tagliatelle in lobster Pinchiori. Desserts include pumpkin brulee with layers of pumpkin and vanilla custards, crusted in burnt sugar and served with a cookie spoon; and fragrant apple crostata floating in warm caramel sauce, draped in melting vanilla bean gelato.

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rstar7606457

Joined 9 years ago

Warm Atmospherewith a Comtempary Spin. Hot Tomatoes has a warm inviting atmosphere and their italian is fresh and new along with some classics. Their bread with the tomatoe basil butter is the first thing to hit your table and is incredible. All of the staff is friendly and attentive and the manager tries to visit every table and see them off at the door. This place is outstanding as far as restaurants go!

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abatardi

Joined 10 years ago

Great place. Strongly recommend to anyone in the area.

I really liked the open kitchen, and the garlic bread there is fantastic.

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Detay61

Joined 11 years ago

Wonderful!. From the moment I walked in the door...

The bartender, if somewhat reserved, poured a great Martini. I was seated promptly by a gratious host, served by a professional who was intimate with the menu, and the food was well thought-out while maintaining its edge. An outstanding dining experience.

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pounciest

Joined 11 years ago

Nuveau Italian Comfort Food!. The Lobster Mac N Cheese is to die for. Much as you may be tempted, do not fill up on the scrupmtious Garlic-Cheese Bread, it's addictive. Consistently awesome Trottoria-style atmosphere, food and service. It is truely difficult to choose what you want, especially if you eat there often, everything is soooooo yummy.

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wfmusic

Joined 11 years ago

oh so good!. I've lived in Hartford all my life until a friend took me to Hot Tomato's for a diiner/business meeting. I'd tried the 3 devil shrimp and I almost lost my mind! The staff and managment made me fell right at homoe with the service, and the food was Grrrrrrrrreaaaaat! Now, I can't stop going there, LONG LIVE HOT TOMATO'S!

Walt

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versed911

Joined 11 years ago

Delightful. The appetizers here are incredible and the salads are meals. The mozzarella salad is just that, a HUGE portion of fresh mozz with roasted red peppers and awesome greens. The portobello mushroom appetizer comes with polenta and a decadent cream sauce. Needless to say, we didn't get the chance to have an entree.