We’ve all heard the old adage “bigger is better,” but one category that certainly doesn’t apply to is restaurants. Sure, there are some great sprawling eateries – we love Hartford’s 20,000-square foot food hall, Parkville Market. But there are plenty of great small restaurants in the Nutmeg State that manage to pack a lot of flavor into a relatively tiny space. One of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants in Connecticut is Arugula Bistro in West Hartford. This place was so small when it first opened up that it was barely more than a collection of a few tables, but word got around and it quickly expanded. It’s still not all that large, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in taste and quality.

If you haven’t visited Arugula Bistro in a while, you might not recognize it.

Jon R./Google Maps

A recent remodeling of the restaurant resulted in new floors, a new bar, and new decor.

Arugula Bistro/Google Maps What hasn’t changed is the comfortable, casual atmosphere here. The restaurant can hold 50 people, but has a familial feeling about it that makes it feel smaller.

The restaurant’s owner is also the professionally-trained chef behind the amazing dishes here.

Arugula Bistro/Google Maps

You’ll find a variety of great Middle Eastern dishes here, with an array of items to choose from.

Arugula Bistro/Google Maps

There are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options here, including some amazing flatbreads and salads.

Emma Blanchet/Google Maps

Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t typically have exotic taste buds - everything here is delicious, and there are enough familiar ingredients that you’ll feel at home even if you’re not typically a fan of international cuisine.

Jeff Rokkum/Google Maps

From the amazing service to the quality dishes, there’s a lot to love about Arugula Bistro.

Arugula Bistro/Google Maps

For more information about this tasty Mediterranean restaurant in Connecticut, check out the Arugula Bistro website.

Jon R./Google Maps

Arugula Bistro/Google Maps

What hasn’t changed is the comfortable, casual atmosphere here. The restaurant can hold 50 people, but has a familial feeling about it that makes it feel smaller.

Emma Blanchet/Google Maps

Jeff Rokkum/Google Maps

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Address: Arugula Bistro, 953 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107, USA