Rizzuto's Continues to Make its Mark in Bethel

For the past seven years, Rizzuto's Wood-Fire Pizza Kitchen & Bar has been a favorite among local restaurant-goers.

Recently, the "rustic Italian" style restaurant has updated its menu and is looking to spread the word about its catering and take-out options.

After moving back to Bethel after working in California, owner Bill Rizzuto opened the restaurant after being in the hotel and food and beverage industry.

His said his work background and his Italian heritage were big influences in creating Rizzuto's.

"Food is a big part of the Italian culture," Rizzuto said. "You eat when things are good, you eat when things are bad and you're used to eating meals made from scratch and appreciate when things are done right."

Along with quality food, Rizzuto also cited the importance of great customer service as a reason for his restaurants’' success.

"It's all about quality, fresh ingredients and going above and beyond for our customers," he added. "If you have a special request, we'll do all that we can to fulfill it."

Rizzuto said customers of all different dietary requirements can enjoy a meal at his restaurants, as they have many vegetarian options and gluten-free and wheat pizza crusts.  

General Manager Jeffery Hodson said while many of Rizzuto's specialty dishes and pizzas are popular, often customers come for the classic Italian dishes.

“I hear all the time that we have the best spaghetti and meat balls," Hodson said.

No matter what they come in for, Hodson also said customers are the ultimate priority.

“We’re very guest conscious and are consistent with quality and price," he said. "But we are always looking to improve and expand."

During the past seven years, Rizzuto's has done just that - there are now locations in West Hartford, Westport and soon (later this year) in Stamford.

Assistant General Manager Matt Alongi said: "Each location has its own style, we’ve tried to make every restaurant different to match its market. It's a different experience in each town."

Alongi also said the restaurants have different specials each week, half-off bottled wine night on Mondays and the Westport and West Hartford locations offer live music. 

Customers can also always order take-out or have Rizzuto's cater their next business lunch or big event.

"Whether it's just a tray of pasta or a four-course dinner for a wedding, we can do it," Rizzuto said. "We'll do whatever we can to make our customers happy."

The original Rizzuto's Wood-Fire Pizza Kitchen & Bar is located at 6 Stony Hill Road in Bethel. For more information call 203-790-4444, visit rizzutos.com or send them a note on their e-mail page. You can also get updates about Rizzuto's on Facebook and Twitter (@rizzutos).