Attached to the Delamar West Hartford Hotel, Artisan is a true farm-to-table restaurant that sources many ingredients from its own garden. The seasonal menu changes according to what vegetables, fruits and herbs are ready to be harvested. I visited Artisan for lunch and dined in the garden seating area.
- Artisan Exterior and Pear Trees | Photos by Audrey Lee
The restaurant offers three distinct seating areas: an interior dining room with colonial-style décor, a covered patio with a brick floor and ceiling fans, and outdoor tables situated amid the vegetable garden. We chose a table in the garden, shaded by trees and surrounded by herbs, tomatoes, squash and pear trees. Each table was set with white linens and fresh flowers. While we reviewed the menu, we were served a slice of house-made bread with butter. Our server introduced herself as the garden keeper and explained which produce had been harvested recently—she mentioned the squash had been picked that morning, which influenced my choice. I opted for water during lunch, and for my main dish I ordered the garden squash and green zucchini velouté with curry cream. My partner selected the Maine lobster roll.
Garden Squash and Green Zucchini Velouté | Photo by Audrey Lee
Service was attentive and efficient. The velouté arrived beautifully presented: a bright yellow soup finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley. The curry cream added warmth and depth, while the squash and zucchini flavors felt bright and freshly picked. My partner’s lobster roll came on a grilled, lightly toasted roll, generously filled with lobster and accompanied by fries and coleslaw. Although I am allergic to shellfish and couldn’t taste it, my partner praised it as one of the best lobster rolls he had enjoyed.
Lobster Roll | Photo by Audrey Lee
When our server returned to offer coffee and dessert, the lavender crème brûlée caught my eye. Lavender is one of my favorite flavors, and this dessert arrived with a strawberry compote, a citrus madeleine and an edible purple flower. The caramelized sugar top cracked satisfyingly, revealing a creamy custard with a delicate floral note. The combination of textures and flavors made for a memorable finish to the meal.
Lavender Crème Brûlée | Photo by Audrey Lee
Overall, Artisan West Hartford offers fresh, seasonally driven cuisine in a pleasant, garden-centered setting. The combination of house-grown ingredients, thoughtful preparation and attentive service makes it an excellent choice for visitors and locals alike. Reservations are recommended, especially for garden seating.
Artisan West Hartford
1 Memorial Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
tel 860 937 2525