11 Best Salad Restaurants in West Hartford

“The Pinnacle of High-Class Dining

Well, folks, let me tell ya, I done seen some fancy places in my day—like the Red Lobster out by the interstate—but nothing, and I mean *nothing*, coulda prepared me for the high society experience that is Olive Garden. This ain't just dinner, it's a dang *event*.

First thing I noticed was the atmosphere. Real cloth napkins, not just the scratchy brown ones from a gas station dispenser. A lady in a button-up shirt brought us bread *for free*, and I nearly fell out my boots. That’s hospitality, right there. The sign says, *"When You’re Here, You’re Family,"* and I gotta say, I ain't never felt more like kinfolk anywhere that didn't have a bail bondsman on speed dial.

Now, the food? *Exquisite*. I ordered the Chicken Alfredo ‘cause it had the most expensive-soundin' name, and buddy, it was like the Lord Himself boiled those noodles. My cousin Bubba Joe said his spaghetti was “real gourmet,” and that’s sayin’ something, ‘cause he usually eats his pasta straight out the can.

Course, not all my kinfolk appreciated the refinement. My Aunt Brenda Sue got kicked out ‘fore the salads even hit the table ‘cause she tried lightin’ a Marlboro right there in the booth. She said, *“I thought this place was Italy! Don’t them Europeans love smokin’?”* The manager did not see her logic.

Then there was my brother Cletus, who took the “All You Can Eat” breadsticks as a *challenge*. After about basket number seven, the waiter started givin’ us the side-eye, but Cletus just kept hollerin’, *“I ain’t full yet, fancy boy!”* I think they were fixin’ to cut us off, but then cousin Raylene started flirtin’ with the busboy and bought us a little more time.

The night took a turn when my Uncle Randy decided to sample the wine list, which we usually don’t mess with unless it’s in a box. He said the house Chianti tasted like “fancy Welch’s grape juice with a kick,” and I’ll be damned if that ain’t the most poetic thing that man’s ever said. He got cut off after his fourth glass and tried tellin’ ‘em he was an *Italian prince* to get more. Didn’t work.

By the end of the night, after a heapin’ pile of pasta, unlimited salad, and just a *tiny* bit of property damage (Randy knocked over a whole display of them glass olive oil bottles while tryin’ to reenact a scene from *The Godfather*), we wobbled on outta there feelin’ like true high society folk. I ain’t never been nowhere that fancy, and I tell ya what, I’m gonna make Olive Garden our new special occasion spot.

*When you're here, you're family,* and I never felt that more than when we all got banned from ever comin’ back.“

“Thank you Liz & Mariella my salad was delicious and you hospitality was amazing thank you so much and keep up the good work ☺️

Vegetarian options: Quite a bit of very vegetarian options

Dietary restrictions: Very good dietary restriction options“

“Used the app for takeout. Easy ordering, quick pickup. Salads were good, but a little difficult to eat out of the bowl. Better to dump it into a larger bowl at home.

Parking: The parking lot is often crowded. You may need to park far away and take a hike...“

“AMAZING food! Great atmosphere too!“

“First time and definitely worth the hour long drive from new Milford! I got the Black&Blue combo with the cheddar and broccoli soup, and it was amazing! I can’t wait to try something different next time!

Dietary restrictions: They have different salads, the Caesar salad was pretty good. They also have vegetarian options as well

Parking: It was a little busy when we came so we did have to look for a spot, but there are plenty of spots

Kid-friendliness: They have a kids menu“

“My name is virgen When I say they make sure that everything they do is at100% I wouldn't go to any other chick fill this one makes me and my family feel extremely comfortable if I could give them 10 stars that still wouldn't be enough 🫶👍🙂“

“Been there a few times since the switch in ownership and the food was great especially the buffalo chicken sub. It was super flavorful and the owner and son are very respectful and will go out of their way to meet the needs of every customer.“

“clean and tidy, the staff are very friendly ect“

“We stopped By Sam’s because my 6 year old was in a trance by the smell coming from the door. The decor was enough of a reason to eat here. But the food was FANTASTIC. My son has never had gyro meat before and he was shocked to learn he loved it. My daughter actually ate a TON which is impressive. The servings were also a great size for the price. We will certainly return and recommend to others!“

“I just had the most heartwarming experience! 8/19/24 at 6:30 pm) I was standing outside of this location for a few minutes, hoping the intense pouring rain would let up so I wouldn’t get completely soaked walking to my car - no more than 5 minutes. An employee (long-ish blonde hair, partially pulled back on both sides) came out and asked if I need an umbrella! I wasn’t a customer, yet she noticed my debacle, and came out to offer help. I think we can all learn from her to keep spreading kindness! To management - you’ve got a true gem on your hands. Thank you for reminding me to pay it forward.“

“The pesto cavatappi was alright. Very little pesto, no Parmesan topping and the Parmesan crusted chicken was burnt. I have eaten and do eat at different restaurants across the US and this was the worst.

The shrimp scampi was great.“