(Dec. 10, 2018) — La Foresta is one of those places that welcomes you even before you enter the doors. The cheery, warm lighting emanating from the windows immediately greets you. Once you enter the cozy establishment, you are invited to take your winter apparel off and place them on the coat rack. To the right is the bar – full of life, energy, and a very musical, talented artist playing jazz on the gorgeous piano.
Sounds of clinking wine glasses, soft whimsical strokes of the piano keys, and gentle laughter fill the bar. To the left, you are ushered into the dining area, where perhaps a dozen or so tables of varying seating arrangements (seating of two, four, six) are amply spaced so that each patron feels perfectly at peace.
The décor is unique – a masterfully created horse and bull constructed by a local artisan of wine barrels are mounted on the walls. Beautifully exquisite art is placed throughout – drawing the eye to the ceiling and along the warm-toned walls.
As part of a large party – including a toddler, I was impressed at how gracious the staff was in ensuring that we had enough space at the table, that we had a comfortable high chair for the baby, that we had enough menus, and the like. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable of the menu and the ways in which the food were prepared, and they explained the specials without hesitation and with great attention to detail. They were also more than happy to answer any and all questions relating to food preparation or wine pairings.
Now, to the food. The food was, in a word, remarkable. Prices are on the higher-end of the scale; however, you truly get what you pay for: quality, freshness, presentation– all imbued with meticulous attention to detail. Whether it was the grilled octopus appetizer, Ahi tuna steak special, rack of lamb, “Queen’s Cut” prime rib, delectable oven roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus or the crème brulee to conclude it all – you are in for a real treat. Timing between appetizer, entrée, and dessert was impeccable. And the sheer variety of wines they have on hand is stunning.
Simply put, La Foresta is hands-down one of the best, most vibrant, most welcoming restaurants within the lower Connecticut River Valley. I highly recommend you give La Foresta a try. Not only will you NOT be disappointed, you will want to go back again.
Toward the end, as we were leaving, the owner took quite a bit of time – on a busy Saturday evening no less – to ask us how our experience and meals were. We were unabashedly elated at having dined there and said whole-heartedly we will go back again. And we certainly will. We hope you do too.
*La Foresta Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 163 Route 81, Killingworth. They are open for lunch and dinner. For specific hours and more information, visit their website at laforestarestaurant.com.
