Whether looking to book a small gathering of ten people or a large group of 100 people, guests can reserve their private parties at Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar for any celebration. Perfect for high school and college graduation parties, baby and bridal showers, corporate functions, celebrations of life, and birthday parties, the venue has indoor seating in its main dining room and an outdoor patio area available for reservation.

The family-owned and -operated Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar, located at 213 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel’s Dolan Plaza, was opened in 2011 by brothers Rocco and Lui Selmanti.

Over the years, Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar has continued to make a name for itself as a relaxing spot for family and friends to gather with one another to enjoy lunch and dinner.

Under warm, romantic lighting, guests can pull up a chair in the dining or lounge area and be immersed in the restaurant’s Old World charm or sit out on the patio under large umbrellas to dine while basking in gorgeous spring and summertime weather.

The food on the menu at Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar is inspired by European, Mediterranean, and American contemporary cuisine, allowing a vast selection of everything from sandwiches and burgers to pasta and meat dishes.

Chef Rocco always uses the freshest seasonal ingredients to make his meals, and Lui, who works the front of the house and bar, uses his creative mind to concoct specialty drinks, like his signature Lui-Tini, described below.

Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar is a drinks destination, with a handcrafted chestnut bar and a large selection of fine wines from around the world, a distinctive cocktail menu, beers, and spirits.

Ladies Night specials run every Thursday at the bar from 6 to 9 pm, where drinks are buy one, get one free.

Sample of the Menu

Appetizer: The calamari is a standout among the dozen-plus appetizers on the menu. It comes fried with sweet chili peppers or grilled in a pesto sauce.

Salads: The heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad is the epitome of freshness, made with basil, black and white balsamic glaze, and basil oil.

Entrees: Each entree is served with seasonal vegetables and a starch as well as a side house salad in an herb vinaigrette dressing.

Artisan Flatbreads: Customers cannot get enough of the grilled chicken and vegetable flatbread, consisting of pesto sauce, grilled chicken, oven-dried Roma tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Pasta: Portofino offers a wide selection of pastas, including gluten-free and whole wheat options. The shrimp and scallop saffron risotto is served with peas and roasted green and yellow peppers. Another pasta on the dinner menu is the exotic mushroom ravioli that comes with wilted arugula, truffle oil, and pecorino.

Seafood: Guests love the grilled wild king salmon baked with local vegetables that are marinated in a citrus sauce.

Meats: The chicken gamberoni consists of egg battered chicken breast with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, lemon, and a white wine broth.

Specials: Wednesday night is Prime Rib Night.

Children’s Menu: Available for children ages 12 and under, meals on the children’s menu are served with a small soft drink.

Dessert: All desserts are made on site, including the New York cheesecake, tiramisu, creme brûlée, and chocolate ganache.

Drinks: Portofino’s co-owner Lui Selmanti’s signature drink, the Lui-Tini, gets its beautiful color from a splash of cranberry juice and its invigorating fizz from club soda. There are 11 additional martini options on the menu plus beers, spirits, and an extensive by-the-glass and by-the-bottle wine list.

Catering: All catering is available for pickup at the restaurant, and the catering menus offer something for everyone.

Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar, 213 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; and Sunday, 4 to 10 pm. It is closed on Monday. Call 203-797-8131 for seating reservations and catering information. For more information, visit Portofino Restaurant Wine Bar’s official website portofinorestaurantandwinebar.com; follow them on Facebook; or e-mail info@portofinorestaurantandwinebar.com.