Let me start off by saying, if I could give this fine Italian restaurant more than 5 stars I most definitely would. From the atmosphere, to service, and of course all the way to their many dishes, everything is on point! I am from NYC and am always ecstatic to head towards CT each weekend to enjoy my one and only favorite Bolognese. As you can see, I substitute the tagliatelle for rigatoni, just to prevent splashing my clothes with sauce while my face is diving into the beautiful dish. I mean look at it, or for that matter go try it out yourself..the homemade pasta cooked to perfection, aldente, is the only way to do it and they sure know it themselves. The sauce to meat ratio is definitely a generous amount, and I definitely can't forget the big ball of ricotta they top it off with right in the middle. I'll say no more-I'm a carb lover, this is hands down the best bolognese I've ever consumed. Trust me and cruise over. You certainly won't be disappointed. read more

La Foresta - Italian Near Me - Killingworth, Connecticut

Food was great! The service was extremely professional and knowledgeable! Nice feel to the place! There was a great piano player as well! read more

I have dined here about 5 times and I just can't seem to be satisfied when I leave. The prices do not warrant the food!! Too expensive!! Last night we had reservations for 5. We were sat at a 4 top table with an end seat for the 5th. I asked the water guy if we could move to an empty 6 person seat. He checked and came back with a "no". At that point I should've got up and asked the owner/manager, whom should have came over if he was aware of the table issue! Also a party of 4 came in right after us and had a choice of a 6 person table!! The food was good but doesn't warrant the average $35 a plate price! We sat at the bar for a drink and the bartender was very friendly and our waiter was friendly. Probably won't be back again!! Poor management and like other people say no thank you when leaving! Also we tried making reservations for 7 and they couldn't accommodate. They had empty tables at 7. They want a quicker turnover. read more

This used to be a favorite establishment. Since the outdoor seating addition, they are overbooked and even more understaffed. No advisement was given when making a reservation that indoor seating may not be available. Owner was rude, sarcastic, and condescending !! No customer service acumen. Waiter apologized on behalf of misguided and inept owner. Brought new customers who were shocked. We left after being seated outside. Never going back! read more

Very nice restaurant. The food is very tasty. Wine selection is huge. Staff is friendly. Good yelp feature to reserve the table.

We met good friends here for dinner, since it was a great half way travel point. We had dined there a few years ago and liked it very much. However, last night was a huge disappointment. The service was extremely slow and our food arrived cold. We sent it back and it is apparent they just put it in the microwave for a few minutes. The food was not very tasty and it was a bit of an embarrassment that we had raved about it to our friends prior to our visit. There was an apology by the waiter, although it was apparent that the owner knew of this issue since we heard our waiter tell him when the food was sent back. There was no attempt to compensate us in any way. Perhaps consideration for a glass of wine would have been appropriate or a dessert. We will not go back there and I do not recommend it at all. read more

I met a friend here for drinks and dinner Friday night at the bar at 5:30. She had arrived before me and was seated already at the bar and already had her glass of wine. There were 3 bartenders in attendance. It took more than 15 minutes for one to take my drink order and I kept trying to get someone's attention. Not good. The bar had 2 other couples at the time. We ordered dinner which came very quickly and was delicious. A piano player started playing at some point which was a nice touch but unfortunately expected you to clap after every song and if you did not, did this annoying thing with the keys basically demanding a response. It really ruined the vibe. The piano music should just be nice background- the piano player was just ridiculously needy. It was actually disruptive. For that reason I don't think I would go back . Ugh read more

Great food, great atmosphere. Francesco and his team make it an unforgettable dining experience.

Quantity... not quality. Big servings . Had dinner on a Sunday evening, not a good experience. We ate in the bar, the service was understaffed (Sunday) .. we waited a long time to get our drink order in, and finally the dinner order in.. food was mediocre and bland. Bartender took great interest in the drunken foursome, bringing complimentary dessert and shots, while other patrons waited tirelessly for their orders and then checks. Not returning. read more

Their effort is commendable but it is not near the quality that is projected by the awards of CT Mag and others. Not the best steak, certainly not romantic in fact the noise level is so loud! Good Bar, great wine list at reasonable prices and the food and service is good enough. They must stuff the ballot box! read more

Great place and great food. Loved the atmosphere and design. They have outdoor sitting as well.

Consistently delicious and well prepared Italian food. Their tomato sauce tastes just like mine and mine is AUTHENTIC! Nice dining experience with a little feel of Italy in the main dining room. I would have given this 5 stars but it is noisy at times. Also, the drinks are a little too pricey....A complimentary shot of limoncello at the end of the meal might make this a true Italian dining experience. They should think about it! It's expensive for this area. I am not saying it isnt worth the money... it is. I am amazed that this area can support such a high end, rather off the beaten path eatery. Obviously, their reputation has traveled to the nooks and crannies of Connecticut and that necessitates reservations to ensure a table. Fine with me! Happy this wonderful restaurant is in my "backyard" YUM! read more

This location was very dirty, the owner was grumpy, offensive, arrogant and uneducated, let's not talk about the food. They have no idea what we are talking about family stars, small portions, without salt (absolutely not Italian dishes) and the absolutely expensive price. I suggest you go to another restaurant to eat. read more

Great place to eat all year round! Food is delicious!!! Perfect place for drinks and appetizers at the awesome, inviting bar area. read more

We stopped by on MLK day after visiting wineries out east. Surprised to find a nice place out in the sticks off E-63 on I-95. We came on a recommendation from a friend who did some promotional activity here a while back. We settled in at the large, warm bar for some martinis which were quite good - chocolate and apple respectively. The wine list was fairly populated with plenty of European varietals and a few Napa / Sonomo favs but we were past wine already. Pork Ossobuco and Pasta Bolognese hit our pallets after a tasty and lightly breaded calamari appetizer with a crusted potato cake. Very tasty food and nice portions on both main courses. We did not have services issues as others experienced - assumed they resolved that or we came on a light day. Nonetheless, we had a very good meal and a relaxing time. We'll be sure to stop by again if in the area. Well done. read more

We arrived early and sat at the bar which was very inviting. The bartender was attentive and the martinis were good. We then left and went to the hosts desk at 7:00 to be seated for dinner. He was a bit curt and unsmiling when he seated us and then we waited and waited..... Finally someone who did not speak English gave us water and bread. The mixture to put on the bread was very good. 15 to 20 minutes had passed and still no waiter. Finally we waved to the host and our waiter Charlie arrived. We ordered wine and our meals because it was after 7:30 by now and we were hungry. The wine came quickly but my Chardonnay was not cold probably because the glass was warm. I summoned the host because Charlie was no where to be found. The host said that is the way Chardonnay is supposed to be drank! I settled for ice cubes. Our salads finally arrived and were deliver by a runner. The salads were tasty. Still no Charlie. 15 minutes after we finished our salads our dinners arrived. We spoke to the host about the delay and he said we sat at the bar for an hour and that's why the food was delayed. This was absolutely not true. His attune was pompous and unfriendly. We were at his desk at exactly 7:00. Still no Charlie. My husbands ravioli which was the special was cold. My gnocchi was hot but had too much sauce on it. The red sauce also tasted like jarred sauce. We barely ate our entrees. Finally we saw Charlie when with the check which was $120. We complained of the poor service and asked for our meals to be wrapped. There was an apology but no suggestion of a complementary drink or dessert for our very negative experience. We tipped the bartender separately but only left $10 on our check. We will not be back. read more

Great food but the owner is very rude Francesco cannot manage time, makes order mistakes, creates excuses like blaming customers and never apologizes Better to go to Quattros or Alfornos nearby and get treated like a valued patron Been going here for years but the treatment has been experienced by not only myself but my son and friends on separate occasions Too bsd read more

If you want good service sit at the bar. I have been here twice. The first time I was refused service in the dinning room by the owner because my friend was wearing shorts. The were kaki cargo shorts with a belt and collared shirt. Not sloppy at all. The second time I was completely ignored. The owner would not even greet us so we walked into the bar where we were given great service. The food is good, but considering the area that doesn't say much. I won't be back. They may think they are the only game in town for fine dining, but I'd rather eat at a dive and be treated like a human than go to this place and be treated by a second class citizen. read more

This place is a wonderful country oasis, beautifully planned and comfortable surroundings. Delicious inspired food and a welcoming atmosphere. We were there on a busy Saturday night (service still excellent) but will return for the mid-week prix fix full menu. The decor, artwork and ambiance as great as the food. read more

One of the best! Love La Foresta. I use yelp to decide where to eat a lot but rarely write reviews. I had to write one for my favorite place. I don't go enough to call myself a regular cause I try to eat everywhere but, La Foresta is a gem. I always sit at the bar and always try to make sure I'm in Joseph's section, probably one of the best bartenders on the shoreline, but the other bartenders are great too and take nothing away from the experience. Food is constantly excellent and the wine list is second to none. The menu is awesome but I recommend the nightly specials. I dont understand the comments about the unfriendly owners and host. I'm always greeted with a smile. Again, I eat out a lot and am never as satisfied as I am after a night at la foresta. From the service to the ambience to the food! What more could you ask for! Highly recommend. read more

Great place for a family reunion. Great food at fair prices, attentive service and beautiful outdoor patio with proper social distancing. Thank you Jonathan for taking care of us. We will definitely return for the next family function. read more

Me and my family love, love, love La Foresta! We've only been a few times in the past, but we recently went and loved what they've done with the place. The food was great as usual and the new deck is gorgeous! I'm so happy they are able to stay open in these tough times. We will make the trip out there again soon. Highly recommend! read more

Just came home after dining at La Foresta. I don't usually take the time to comment on my dining experience wherever, but this time I decided it deserved a superb report. My filet mignon was melt in your mouth cooked to perfection. The side dishes were flavorful and perfectly prepared. The wine that I paired with it (off their regular wine list) complemented the beef to perfection. My husband had a flavorful pork chop meal that he raved about. Before the meal they served hot bread and a spicy relish that sparked the appetite. Even the chilled water was crisp and refreshing. It was simply a wonderful meal in a comfortable, relaxing setting. As we departed, the owner personally greeted and thanked us for coming to his restaurant and wished us a lovely Merry Christmas goodbye. He was very gracious. We'll be visiting this restaurant again in the near future. read more

La Foresta is a gem in Killingworth. The atmosphere is always inviting . From the extensive wine and bourbon selection to the traditional home made Italian food ,La Foresta never disappoints. Staff is very professional and attentive ... always a lovely evening. read more

Stopped here for dinner with my wife and in-laws. Food was good. Prices are insane. There are better options closer to civilization. I had to write this review to comment on the management. The owner was rude and disrespectful to customers and staff alike. Our waiter was friendly to us but clearly miserable working there. In my opinion, with the food being sub par and over priced, the terrible management, under appreciated employees and the location, this place won't last much longer and it likely won't be missed. Always treat people with respect no matter what business you are trying to run. read more

This beautiful restaurant is worth every minute to get to. The new outdoor seating area is massive and impressive. The owner Francesco is overly hospitable and made our experience even more enjoyable. The food was excellent (especially the braised short ribs). Everything from the specialty drinks to the appetizers to the crazy delicious Pot-de-cream was 5 stars. We will be back. Ciao! read more

Rude rude rude waiters. I asked a simple question about markings in the wine closet and the response was cold and short. One of our party members got her food an hour after everyone else and no effort was made to comp the dish. Another member of our party had his food taken away before he was finished! Poor quality of service and average food. Not happy. read more

I LOVE this place! We went for the first time last night and the food was excellent! Its beautiful and the chocolate mousse was the best ever. The service was great too. read more

The food was good on my end. They brought my mother the wrong entree and rushed to to get it out not cooking the pasta all the way, but she said it was still good. Pretty expensive. read more

My fiancé and I went here with my in-laws. We just moved near by and heard good things. We were not disappointed. The food was amazing. I got a homemade pasta with creamy pesto sauce with halibut. This meal was delicious, filling, and a large portion. They have an excellent wine menu, didn't try their cocktails but I look forward to trying those.l next time. The atmosphere is very cool. It's very large with cool artwork. One does need to look presentable this is not a causal attire restaurant. I highly recommend coming here for a date night. Prices are on the higher side but you are definitely getting what you pay for so the prices are fair. So happy this is just down the road from us. read more

My wife and I made a reservation for dinner, but arrived 20 minutes early and were directed to the bar by the Owner, to wait. Once we got our seats at the bar, we decided to stay there to eat. The bartender was not altogether "engaged" in the process of a pleasant dining experience. He told us the "specials" in great unerring detail. However, apparently he had forgotten to mention them to a couple sitting next to us, who had ordered without knowing what they were. When they mentioned that they wish they had known what the specials were, the bartender just said, "Well, you had ordered before I could tell you". Wrong answer. The couple was disappointed and we were stunned at the coldness of the answer. But, this bartender, although excellent in his craft, definitely needs an "attitude adjustment". I mean, it's a local restaurant frequented by the "gentle folk" who reside in the area; so, there's really no need to act like the butler at Dracula's castle when greeting people. A bartender is right out in front for all to see and he, or she, needs to be friendly, courteous and engaging. He should make you want to stay and eat and drink, not run out like you're being chased by a vampire. It's why pubs like Donohue's in Madison are so popular - the bartenders know how to treat the clients. And, while we're on the subject, the Owner needs to get a little more with it. He comes from Roberto's on Crescent Avenue in the Bronx (right around the corner from Arthur Avenue), which gives him amazing "street cred". So, he needs to put a big sh*t eating grin on his face (even if it hurts him to smile) and make people feel welcome when they walk through that front door. If he can't do it, he should get someone who can. The chef seems to know what he's doing. Please don't blow it with weird, inconsistent service and no smiling. You have a restaurant with a lot of potential - the food is good - get your sh*t together. read more

Excellent restaurant nestled in the woods or "forest" of Killingworth. Great food, great atmosphere, and great people! Servers are always on top of their game and good at what they do. The food is always fresh and well displayed on the plates! Fran is the best and always so happy and welcoming. This is not an inexpensive restaurant, but by no means is an expensive restaurant either, it's perfect right in the middle. Eat local and keep the local business going! read more

I would not recommend La Foresta to anyone based on service alone. I made a reservation for our five year anniversary one week in advance. When we arrived, we met the owner and let him know we made a reservation. Without even asking our name, he sat us at the bar. We were a bit surprised that even with a reservation and so many seats open on the patio, the owner sat us where he did. After being served waters by the bartender, I approached the owner. It was clear that the patio was mostly open. I explained that we had made reservations and that we would like to sit at a table on the patio. He said even with a reservation, we had no option but to sit at the bar to balance how many customers each member of the waitstaff had. When I asked again, the owner said I should have made the reservation for later in the evening to get a seat outside. After the third time of stating my preference to sit at a table instead of the bar, the owner rudely walked over to the bar, grabbed our menus, and sat us at a patio table. Around us were at least 20 open tables. While the waitress was very kind, the owner's attitude and poor treatment left us feeling too uncomfortable to stay. We decided to leave and go to another restaurant. If you make a reservation here, don't expect a table! Unbelievable. read more

The food was amazing. The homemade linguini special with shrimp and king crab were absolutely amazing! The atmosphere is beatiful with art and decor. I'll be back again. read more

So missing having dinner and a drink at their spacious bar. Ordered dinners to go four times now, and the food is just as I remember it at the bar. Wonderful specials and on time service for pick-up. read more

Visited on Saturday 2021 Fathers Day weekend. Made reservations for 5 people. Get there and host starts to seat us outside (80 degrees). Asked why. Said big party inside. i was not told this upon calling for reservations. Received limited small menu. told host we had kind of all picked our choices from web site. He explained they had to shorten the menu that very day and didn't update the web site. I find this hard to believe since we were supplied brand new short menus laminated. Octopus app was excellent according to my daughter. Veal outstanding for two others in our party. My lobster alla. Vodka sauce can be compared to store bought jarred. Really no flavor. I'm surprised as we've frequented this place. As a daughter of an executive chef and Italian background. I'm surprised at this dinners outcome. The prices also are rediculously high for eating outside in the heat. Dead flavored sauce and arincini lacking prosciutto. Really not sure what they are charging for. Unhappy customer. Choosing different restaurant next time and will save a ton of money. Lastly host and/or owner rude and full of himself. SMH read more

Food is fine. Not amazing, but for the area, it's good. Service is brusque, at best. Makes you feel like they're doing you a favor allowing you to eat there. Prices are high for what it is. Save yourself the money and drive a little farther to a cheaper, better place. read more

boy is this place very good! the bar is great the food is outstanding I highly recommend trying it.

We had lunch here and the food was excellent, great atmosphere and restaurant staff was friendly. We highly recommend the risotto balls

The restaurant was very nice, service excellent and the food was good. Everyone has their own taste so the fact the taste wasn't perfect for me doesn't mean much. Many folks have complained about the price but the portions were very generous and the prices quite reasonable for a nice restaurant. The additional items, like coffee and dessert were a bit steep but they aren't required. Overall it was a very nice restaurant. read more