Excellent place. Great service and beautiful decor. It's a shame we live outside the NYC area because this would be our 'go to' place read more

I've been frequenting this restaurant since it opened and I'm not sure what going on but...it's putting out consistently great food the last few months. The dishes new menu (some old standbys) are flavorful and generous in portion. The main reason I'm taking the time to write this is a new addition to the staff. Maria is courteous, professional, attentive and has great instincts serving the customers. She engages with the clientele, makes suggestions and offers the services customers want, without being asked. Bravo La Foresta!!! Service that matches the cuisine! Can't wait to go back read more

Went here last night for the 1st time ever for our anniversary. It will also be our last! The 2 stars are for the service and the drinks, they were excellent! The food deserves ZERO stars! We ordered the Arincini balls as an appetizer, they were not like any we had ever had. It seemed they were made with actual rice and were gritty, weird. I ordered the lobster linguini with vodka sauce, when it arrived it was NOT vodka sauce! It was a red sauce that tasted like they opened a can of Chef Boyardee and just dumped it in the plate over little pieces of lobster. My husband had the veal with burrata cheese. Sure the plate was interesting when it arrived, but the veal was dry and hard to swallow. I'm EXTREMELY disappointed in this restaurant as it came highly recommended by a friend, but it was a Disaster! And to top it all off the price for 2 people for dinner came to $162!!!! And that didn't include the tip!!!! Are you freakin kidding me?!! Talk about Throwing Good Money Down the Drain, and Ruined our "Special Evening" too. On a positive note, it was a nice evening to sit outside under the tent. read more

Food was great. Was seated outside at night, not given a choice to be seated inside. Very cold. Asked twice to turn the heat up and got laughed at. Our waiter did not introduce herself and never checked back after she took our orders. She disappeared and asked for the busser to go find her and got a nasty response. Wish the experience would have been better! read more

I am sorry to say, I was very disappointed with La Foresta. The prices were high (46.95 for a small pie sized piece of swordfish, with 5 small ravioli) and I shortly became very ill from it, and I am still feeling the effects 4 days later. Our waiter was sweet as can be, but the maitre de was very aloof. The atmosphere was nice enough, but overall, I will not go back. For over $250. for 3 peopled (and only one person had a glass of wine), it was expensive, both literally and physically for me. read more

We had a table of 6 this weekend. When we got to the restaurant we were told our reservation and table was given away. When we were finally sat we were given appetizers that were for another table. And then before we could even get our appetizers organized we were told that our meals were coming and our appetizers needed to be cleaned up. Mind you we haven't ordered a single thing yet. It took us close to 3 hours to get our meal. So be sure to cancel the rest of the night when attending. What's the most disappointing is this was a place we haven't ventured before at my mothers request. We also asked for seating indoor specifically for her. But because of mix up we had to sit outside. The poor woman is deaf and she couldn't hear anything over the band. Sadly the owner of the restaurant offered us not even an apology for the night. Save your time and energy and go elsewhere. It's going to take us a while to take another bat at this restaurant. read more

Horrible customer service! Showed up around 6:30 on a Saturday night. There were a few people waiting to be seated. Went up to hostess counter and was greeted by a very unfriendly man. Asked what the wait time was for a table for 2. He quickly and rudely snapped at me and said "I have no tables night now, you have to go to the bar and look for yourself" than waved me off. Went to check in bar area and found a high top table that was available. Same gentlemen came in to tell us we could not sit there because they were reserved tables. Said we had to take 2 seats at the bar. Told him we were going to go somewhere else and he disgustedly responded with "fine, whatever" We had never been to this restaurant before and will certainly never be returning or recommending it to anyone. read more

Not sure why it took so long to find La Foresta after living in central CT for 10 years but this place is a gem. Classic family run Italian restaurant. Food was outstanding salad was from their onsite garden entrees were perfect. They have the largest wine cellar in CT we got to tour it with the sommelier whose knowledge and passion for wine was inspiring But the wine list was amongst the best I've seen. Values galore. The service was on the mark. We felt like we were welcomed into their family for a special evening. Well done! read more

We went on a recommendation from our son's friend. Very lovely spacious outside covered dining. Good service. Food was good. Prices obscene. Two apps, 2 pizzas and 2 desserts. A half bottle of wine. 2 sodas. 1 iced tea. 1 coffee. 1 espresso. 1 baileys. $200.00 with tip. The stuffed mushrooms were a special appetizer. We didn't ask the price. Be sure you do on specials. $23.00 and they weren't Psychedelic mushrooms. I didn't tell my husband until 2 days later because I knew he'd be mortified. They were good. But I make better stuffed mushrooms and I won't charge you $23.00. The shrimp pancetta was very good but also pricey. That was on the menu so we knew it was $19.0o. We ordered a large cheese pizza and a medium with half pepperoni and half sausage. They charged us $4.00 per topping though we only got the topping had we ordered a full pepperoni or full sausage. I questioned it and they removed one of the charges. Though they were perplexed how to do it. Evidently people pay $8.00 for $4.00 worth of topping and don't question it. The espresso gelato was absolutely delicious. The crème brûlée was served in a deep cup. It was good but I wouldn't order it again. Overall the restaurant is very nice. The service was good though they do not pour the wine and I do not tip on it if you do not pour. But on a $170.00 bill before tax we still left a $30.00 tip. The restaurant was not very crowded. Vacations? Or just way overpriced? We will go back but have entrees and the gelato. That will still be a hefty price tag. But we did like the atmosphere and the food overall was good though not up to the prices they charge. read more

Had great pasta and service but they charged dinner prices at lunch time .The menu showed lunch price but was very different when the bill came . Would return though as the food was really good read more

I have to agree with the other 2 and 1 star review here. The food is good but the staff is not friendly and stiff. Not even a HELLO when we walked or a THANK YOU when we left! My veal saltimbocca had good flavor but the veal itself was tough. My wife had the rack of lamb. She enjoyed it, just a bit heavy on the salt. My caeser salad was very good. My wife had the fried calamari, which she enjoyed. Over all the service was sub par. Our waiter was almost non existent, we felt as if we were bothering him when we asked him for a second round of drinks. We also noticed him bickering with a co worker. Not professional at all. The ultimate question is will we return? I don't think so. There are many other restaurants around that are much more friendly, and would appreciate my business. read more

Have to report, and I'm sorry to say, but we went here last nite for a birthday dinner and the meal was sub par! And the price was astronomical!!!!! I was here previously and everything was fantastic-not tonite! The veal was chewy, the pasta was boring and plain-lack luster meals all around! I don't know why the bill was so high, I feel maybe the bill was padded because it just didn't add up! I asked our server why the bill was so high-she Tried to make it seem like we were getting a deal!! We payed over 80.00 dollars per person!!! 160 a couple for pasta and house wine!!! Won't be returning! read more

VERY good food. Classy establishment. Great for dates and business gatherings. Not just a local watering hole. That said, they have a great wine list. Dress nice. Enjoy a great atmosphere. They also have a wonderful collection of local art on display/ for sale. A nice way to get the local talent involved. I give it 4 stars just because it is a little pricy, but worth every penny! read more

Eight of us went there 1 afternoon for their "happy hour." They advertise 1/2 price apps and drink specials. One friend ordered the Clams Casino. She was expecting 6 clams, which was on the menu, and received 4. Yes they were 1/2 price, but they manipulated the menu, which is just wrong! We ordered the fried mozz, which is the only thing we liked on the menu. We don't eat fish and 95% of menu was fish. There definitely was not enough variety. And the regular price was $18.95. Again, half price but the half price should be the regular price. All in all, our "happy hour" cost us over $100.00! The service was just so so. Our waiter was also the bartender. Good thing we were the only ones there! It was slow enough without other patrons there too. And the "drink special" was a sangria and that's it. We didn't ask but we were never told either. We ordered off the regular menu, not a happy hour menu. These things should be standard. Even I know how it should be done. We definitely will not be going there again. Too expensive and they acted like they were doing us a favor. Snobbery at its worst! read more

The food was awful I got a steak with cheese sauce my hubby also got a steak but his didn't have cheese on it and my daughter got pesto macaroni with salmon all way over priced and rather disappointing read more

Was at the restaurant with family and friends, wow were we surprised!! The owner, Francesco, and his brother Mario continued to talk terrible about their staff!! The wait staff were fantastic. However, we watched them be treated like second class citizens/slaves!! The food was great!! We will not be going back, as it was quite stressful watching the staff be treated like crap at best! read more

Very disappointed, will not be returning...ribeye was undercooked and had more than a 1/3 of grizzle throughout...not marbeling, not outside of area like on a ny strip...it consumed the whole inedible $46 steak..bartender (very nice) apologized and spoke to inexperienced chef who said thats how it is you need fat (would have been better if it was fat) ...host not manger said same thing and he was incapable of understanding customer service...pasta on 2nd dish was extremely greasy...caprese salad bland...be wary overpriced for not quality food...disappointed not returning because sommelier Frank is one of the best in the business read more

Picked this restaurant for a 60th birthday celebration for 5 people. Service was good but meals were disappointing. Swordfish special was not as expected and for $67 the lobster risotto that came with it should not have been tiny pieces of diced lobster. The description the waitress gave us did not even compare to what we were served. Another dish that we ordered was supposed to have risotto with lobster meat and shrimp, and other seafood. The dish literally had 2 pieces of lobster the size of a nickel and 2 shrimp. The rest of the dish was filled in with mini tiny shrimp and calamari. Dish was mostly a tomato based risotto. Again, For the price we expected a much better dish. Probably will not try this restaurant again. read more

First time here and fell in love. Such a beautiful building which is actually a barn!! The inside is absolutely gorgeous!! They also do parties, there was one going on while we were there . When you walk in the owner is by the door greeting you right away and seating you. The menu isn't as big but they do offer a lot of different choices. They are very willing to substitute, which I liked because not a lot of restaurant allow it anymore. When you order a meal you also get a salad and absolutely delicious bread!!! One of my favorite breads, so yummy! The service was really good as well, the waiters were very attentive. Prices are definitely high but the meals were absolutely delicious. Very worth it for what you're getting. I will have to come back and visit in the summer. I really enjoyed it. read more

La Foresta - So beautiful - Italian Near Me - Killingworth, Connecticut

Others have said that La Foresta's current 3.5 rating is too low and that they deserve 4 or more stars. I disagree and think that 3.5 stars is generous. I also think this is a $$$ restaurant, not a $$ restaurant. The restaurant itself is attractive and well-maintained, with plenty of off-street parking. Interestingly, it's way out in "the sticks" of Killingworth. Strange location for a restaurant like this. The staff is very friendly and professional. Smiles, jokes and pleasant conversation. Our waiter knew all the details of a fairly extensive list of specials without referring to his notes. The other four people I was with enjoyed their meals, but only one person was truly excited. She had the NY strip special and really liked it. I had the Zuppa de Pesce and it was grossly overcooked. Good flavors, but the clams and calamari were like eating rubber and the mussels had shrunk to a tiny version of their former selves. I had to ask for a spoon to enjoy some of the sauce (the only good part) and the server who handed it to me looked at me and said "Ah, Americano?" with a sly smile. Really? Then there was the recommended wine. A Tuscan blend for $49 that is apparently rated 93 by someone at Wine Spectator. At a retail store, it costs around $15. My review of their extensive wine list (bible) revealed other wines that I knew, at equally dizzying markups. This is my second time there and probably my last. I think better food and good wines at more reasonable prices can be had elsewhere, so why wander off into the woods for this? read more

I have been here twice with the same girlfriend. Dinner at a table and dinner at the bar. Both times "the guy" at the front of the restaurant has not greeted me! I feel like I get looked up and down with his eyes. But no gregarious Italian roar of "good evening, how are you ladies this evening.....would you like a table in the dining room or the bar?" Nothing. And now I find out that the dark haired fellow is Francesco? The owner? I spend a lot of money where I go. I am well dressed. Each time when I enter I thought that the owner needs educate this "Italian" on how to greet the incoming guests. "Good evening Ladies" would be a start instead of some sort of look and fumbling with paperwork. A smile might be the next order. My mother told me she judged restaurants by the neatness of the ladies room. I'm still stuck on how I'm greeted before spending $100+. This is not McDonalds, but I get a better greeting at their counter. The restaurant might be better served by placing a woman hostess out front and putting him out back. The last salad was ok. Nothing special. The chicken dish was drowning in an uninspired sauce. The runner could not say 2 words. Dessert was fine. The bartender was the most friendly of the bunch. I liked seeing squash growing in a flower garden outside. read more

Cozy and energetic vibe. Superb service experience. Food was prepared and arrived in what may only be described as spot on. Freshness, flavor, temperature, balance, delicious = 100%. Wine selection is broad. Note: there is not an inhouse pastry chef but the desserts pleasant. The area has been a restaurant "desert" for decades. La Foresta continues to hit the ball far into the outfield. As a local of 50+ years, I'm pleased at the continued stellar performance of La Foresta. #killingworthproud #rememberthehollyloft read more

I have honestly tried to like this place. The service is very good, if anything they have hired good people. Frank is amazing , knowledgeable & attentive. The problem is they go thru a lot people which tells me all I need to know about the leadership. The food is at best mediocre ... large portions but as bland it comes. Not an ounce of creativity in any thing. Am more quality vs. quantity guy! Don't try to impress me by giving me a ton of bland food. I.e. my latest mistake.. the swordfish special, @ $46 What a cruel thing to do to that animal, over cooked, no flavor, risotto was a pile of mush and sautéed spinach was plated with all its water so as to drown my plate. - Sorry for $46, that is simply a rip off. Two Maryland crab cakes for $24 that were heated for second time for sure, and the crab was ..it was MIA. I hope I am finally done trying! Can't wait to see the craziness at the steakhouse they are going for in Madison! If you are into wine, the cellar is awe$ome, go there to experience that. read more

The food is OK. But way out of line for prices. There are so many choices on the Connecticut shoreline for great food. Very disappointed. The worst thing is we paid 78.00 including the tax and tip for a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. This is a 12.00 dollar bottle. I know Restaurants are suffering but this is insane. Do your self a favor and stay on Route 1. read more

Sandi and Ron Love love love this place!!!' Food and Ambience is amazing. I'd love the friday night piano player. Everything about this restaurant is top of the line. Do not miss out on a great dinner and a great atmosphere read more

We heard such great things and drove out of our way to check it out for ourselves; just to be surprisingly disappointed The prices definitely do not reflect the quality of the dishes that they offer. We are accustom to receiving quality large shrimp and scallops when dining at a fine restaurant. This was not only disappointing, but embarrassing! We were served very small shrimp and scallops (equivalent to the ones you would find in a can) and at royalty seafood prices. Shame on them!! read more

Just had a few tapas with friends and they were delicious. read more

La Foresta - Great bar area - Italian Near Me - Killingworth, Connecticut

La Foresta is my favorite date night spot! Great food great service. I love the deck seating.

This restaurant has good food, mediocre service, nice ambiance but is is overpriced! Parking is too far from the actual restaurant. Too many other places, especially in New Haven county. read more

My son and I visited this place during an off hour and that's describes the experience. Off. We got two different pasta dishes and the only difference seemed to be the shape of the noodles. The sauce seemed to be the same and all of it had a gluey consistency. The server disappeared to find the answer to a question I had and never returned. Someone else had to finish serving us. There was one other table occupied by several people who were chattering happily and we were seated directly beside them despite the empty room. It was awkward as we felt like we were eavesdropping on their conversation - we couldn't help but hear every word. I know this place is packed because I live nearby and pass it frequently. So they must do something right, just not the time I was there. read more

Unfortunately my love for this restaurant has diminished. I called on a Thursday for a reservation for 6:30 the following Wednesday, I then called the Tuesday before this reservation and changed it from 4 people to 5, all set right? Nope upon arrival no reservation in the book.... Then dinner is supposed to be ladies night, a special menu which is still posted on their website: https://laforestarestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New-Ladies-Night-4-1-16.pdf however is not the case by a long shot. The "new ladies night menu" is not 3 courses. For example I ordered the salmon & lobster mashed from the ladies night menu, it cost $25.95 on the regular menu and $25.00 on the ladies night menu, it does not come with dessert, or salad, or an appetizer. Appetizers on the ladies night menu were the same averaging $10-12, and martinis $12. I was disappointed that my reservation was not correct or even recorded, although they did put together two tables and seat us. I was also disappointed to see the changes to the ladies night. Our waiter was extremely pleasant. read more

La Foresta - Carrot Cake that was moist & delicious! - Italian Near Me - Killingworth, Connecticut

OMG! Just had lunch here! Absolutely amazing, service, food and atmosphere . Maria was our bartender, waitress. She was awesome and top notch service she gave us. Definitley coming back. read more

Just had an absolutely magnificiemt dinner. The 3.5 rating is far below what tje restaurant is entitled to. 4.5 is more like it should be. The service by our server, Ozi, was outstanding read more

Fabulous everything!!! 15 stars we will be back We ordered appetizer, salad, dinners & desert... Our bartender ( Bryan) was extremely knowledgeable on everything.... This spot was highly recommended and we will be highly recommending as well, just fabulous, we will be back! read more

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Went to a little wedding reception here in the private room. Service was EXCELLENT and food was very good. Staff was very friendly and were on top of everything. The whole night went so smooth. Will definitely be back! read more

Subpar food and an exceptionally rude maitre d, however I will say the bartender was well informed and very pleasant. Maitre d was pouring wine at my table. When he came to me, he began making hand signals behind my back waving to the other members of my party trying to ask if I was over 21. I saw this and asked what the problem was, and instead of taking my ID, which I was happy to offer him to check my age, he asked who my FATHER was to gain his permission to serve me. Will not be returning. read more

I'm so upset. My bill was 550$ for two small dish pasta (cold no taste)family style for 7,one dish calamari 10 coke and 1 beer it is not worth going back. Everyone has a bad night now and then. I wont be back. be aware don't waste money read more

We are locals, and after buying our new house decided to celebrate at what was supposed to be the major restaurant in this small town. It has a nice looking interior and everything on the menu is priced like an expensive place in Manhattan would. We ordered wine, pricey but good, salmon and salad for my wife, and I ordered shellfish with pasta. We were quite hungry, and the wait seemed to last a long time. Finally we were served. My wife is a retired chef from NYC, and when she says the salmon was cheap, you can stake your life on it. The salad was nothing special. My choice had specified "jumbo shrimp", and the ones served were anything but. The mussels were also tiny, and old too. They were pretty inedible. We were really hungry, and had waited quite a while for the food. With our waiter not to be seen, we ate what we could and didn't have a chance to complain about anything. We got our check, which in no way reflected the crappy meal, paid and left never to return. One and done" It was the worst meal we have had since we moved to Connecticut a year and a half ago, and we eat out several times a week!! read more

Visited La Foresta on Sunday, 10/1/17. To be honest, I was underwhelmed. We had the arancini appetizer (deep fried risotto balls), iceberg wedge salad, Pappardelle Alla Foresta, and grilled salmon. The waitstaff was stone-faced and not personable at all. Arancini was interesting, and the red sauce underneath excellent - but the wedge salad had no a single crumble of bleu cheese to be found, just a thin drizzle that didn't even reach the plate. I can't speak for the Pappardelle but the salmon was so piping hot I almost burned the roof of my mouth. Fish should never, ever, ever be cooked to that degree. Ever. Did I mention to not overcook the fish? I think I did. Three drinks total and tip, I was out the door for $145. Come to think of it, rather than being underwhelmed I really didn't like it. read more

We enjoyed another wonderful night at LaForesta this evening. We arrived at 5:30 and sat at our favorite area of the large bar.... A corner seat! My brother in law who was visiting from Boston insisted upon another great whiskey and meal night at this fine establishment. It is his favorite restaurant in CT due mainly in pet because of Frank the superb bartender. Not only is he engaging but my husband and brother in law have fun listening g to him speak so knowledgeably about the various whiskeys. I wouldn't place my drink order until Frank suggested a new type of whiskey/ Manhattan to me. He is a pleasure and makes LaForesta a festive destination spot. Our bartender/ waitperson this evening was Marilyn. We had not met her before but she proved to also be fantastic! Great personality and good general knowledge of the drinks as well as the food which was once again superb! Always a good time here. How can you miss when the employees are as great as Frank and Marilyn! Thank you for a FUN night! read more