La Fortuna Serving Italian Classics In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The team behind Stratford's newest dining establishment, La Fortuna Bar & Restaurant, hopes to offer customers a blend of Italian comfort food and modern culinary technique.

The business opened Monday in the space once occupied by Stella's Restaurant at Oronoque Shopping Plaza, and celebrated last week with a ribbon cutting Friday.

"The food is going to be amazing," said manager Aleks Gjeka, adding diners can expect a homey atmosphere, large portions and a full bar.

Signature menu items include pizza from the on-site wood fire oven, the marinated half chicken, and the ragu alla Bolognese and tagliatelle, which, like all the pasta at La Fortuna, is made in-house, according to head chef Brian Zoni. The kitchen will focus on flavor, quality and fresh ingredients, Zoni said.

The restaurant also has a fresh look. After the owners received the keys to the space in May, they completely renovated and redecorated, Gjeka said. The renovation included knocking down a wall and replacing it with a centerpiece bar, according to co-owner Erald Xhafa, who said La Fortuna is the type of restaurant diners might expect to find in New York City.

La Fortuna is the latest restaurant venture undertaken by Xhafa's extended family, which also operates Adriana's Restaurant in New Haven and the newly opened La Lupa Ristorante in North Haven, said Gjeka, whose wife, Phyllis Gjeka, is a co-owner at La Fortuna and is related to Xhafa.

Xhafa said the family chose the 7365 Main St. space for La Fortuna when a cousin in the restaurant business said he saw potential in the location.

Mayor Laura Hoydick said the family behind La Fortuna bring professionalism and experience to Stratford.

"I know they'll do well here," she said.

In the time since Stella's Restaurant closed, the La Fortuna location has also been occupied by a different Italian eatery and a Mexican restaurant, Hoydick said.

For more information about La Fortuna, visit www.facebook.com/lafortunaitalian.