Trumbull Kitchen in downtown Hartford is Max Restaurant Group’s distinctly hip, contemporary showpiece—stylish, cool, and intentionally inventive. Shaped by owner Richard Rosenthal and executive chef/partner Chris Torla, the restaurant pairs a globally eclectic menu with a high-energy, design-forward space. The kitchen leans into progressive, cross-cultural dishes that put a fresh spin on familiar favorites, balancing intense flavors and satisfying textures across a lineup of tasters and tapas as well as larger plates and entrées—ranging from Trumbull’s take on mac & cheese to steamed mussels fra diavolo or a Chinese chicken salad. The room’s custom details reinforce the vibe: elliptical light fixtures cast a warm glow over leather-upholstered walls finished with satin aluminum nail heads, while a loft-style dining space—enclosed by French glass doors—overlooks the action. A mosaic motif carries from bar to kitchen via a colorfully tiled floor and an opaque glass wall that offers a partial peek into the kitchen, and the bar anchors the scene with communal “family style” tables and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.