Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar, Bethel, reopened this past July under the ownership of Rocco Selmanti, with brother Louis Selmanti serving as general manager.

“Customers love our food and the ambience,” said Louis, “and say it is a really cozy place.”

The warm and elegant atmosphere is created through the use of brick, stucco, and wood, including a bar crafted of chestnut from a 150-year-old barn in upstate New York.

A dozen people can be seated at the gleaming bar, while seating for another 30 at tables for two and four fills the rest of the bar area. In the second dining room, separated from the bar area by a small foyer, 60 diners are accommodated. In warm weather, customers enjoy the outdoor patio.

The classic Italian fare on the lunch and dinner menus has a modern flair provided by the original recipes from owner/chef Rocco Selmanti, and local produce is used in season. Soups, salads, appetizers, artisan flat bread, pastas, seafood, poultry and meat, and the house made desserts (almond cheese cake and key lime custard pie are two popular items) offer a wide selection.

Pasture-fed veal is another nod to the farm to table movement in restaurants. Accompanying each meal is bread baked on premises, every day. All menu items are available for take out, and a special “take out only” pizza menu is available. Rocco is happy to put together party trays for appetizers or entrees for any size gathering. Reservations are currently being accepted for the 2014–15 holiday season, by calling Rocco at 203-797-8131.

Portofino has a full bar, as well as draught and bottle beers, but it is wine that is the focus for the Selmanti brothers. Customers can choose from 225 wines by the bottle, priced from $30 to $250; or select from more than two dozen white, red, or sparkling wines by the glass. Quick turnover of the wines by the glass keep the wines fresh, said Louis.

Thursday, from 5 to 9 pm, is Ladies’ Night at Portofino, with a buy one, get one free special for any drink. On Sunday evenings, enjoy live jazz by local artists from 6 to 9 pm in the bar area.

Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar, 231 Greenwood Avenue, in Dolan Plaza, in Bethel is open 11:30 am to 10 pm, Monday through Thursday; 11:30 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday; and on Sunday from noon to 9 pm. Reservations are recommended for parties over four by calling 203-797-8131. For more information visit www.portofinorestaurantandwinebar.com/bethel/bar.