Fortina

- 120 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06902

Fortina, located in the dynamic community of Stamford, CT, stands as a premier destination for modern, straightforward Italian cuisine, specializing in exceptional wood-fired dishes. Far surpassing the typical local pizzeria, Fortina is a full-service **Restaurant** known for its energetic atmosphere and diverse menu that successfully blends Italian-American comfort food with sophisticated, seasonal fare. The heart of the restaurant lies in its kitchen, which boasts twin wood-burning ovens imported directly from Naples, Italy—these ovens are responsible for the deliciously charred crusts of their signature pizzas and the unique flavor imparted to many of their antipasti and main courses, including their acclaimed Chicken Scarpariello.

While the **Pizza restaurant** aspect is a major draw, with standout pies like the *Classic Margherita* and the popular *Tenderoni*, Fortina's reputation is built on an expansive culinary portfolio. The menu extends from a generous selection of *Salumi & Formaggi* to hearty main courses like *Wood Fired Half Chicken* and *Steak & Fries*, ensuring there is a high-quality Italian meal for every preference. Patrons often rave about the substantial and well-executed portions, though, like any restaurant, consistency can occasionally be a factor, as noted in a review regarding the preparation of the short rib pasta.

The atmosphere at Fortina is distinctly **Casual** yet **Trendy**, creating a welcoming space that appeals to a diverse **Crowd**—from **College students** and **Family-friendly** groups to large **Groups** and those seeking a safe space, being explicitly **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**. Furthermore, the inclusion of a full **Bar onsite** with a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and a **Great wine list**, coupled with dedicated **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**, cements its status as a lively evening and late-night spot.

Adding to its allure, Fortina offers desirable outdoor dining options, including a sought-after **Rooftop seating** area, which provides a fantastic environment for enjoying a meal or drinks with a view. This makes Fortina a perfect spot for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, or a weekend **Brunch**, and reservations are recommended, especially for peak **Dinner** times.

Fortina is conveniently located in the bustling waterfront district of Stamford, CT, making it a prominent feature of the local dining landscape. The specific address places it easily within reach for those living or working in the downtown and Harbor Point areas:

120 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06902

The restaurant has made significant efforts to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, offering high marks in **Accessibility**. Features include a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. For drivers, the location is accommodated by a **Free parking lot** and ample **Free street parking** nearby, which can be a valuable amenity in the Stamford area.

In addition to standard accessibility, the restaurant provides a delightful experience for those utilizing the waterfront's recreational transit, with customer reviews noting the pleasurable experience of arriving via water taxi. For pet owners, **Dogs are allowed outside** on the designated patio and outdoor seating areas, adding to the casual, community-focused environment.

Fortina offers a comprehensive suite of dining and hospitality services, designed for maximum convenience and a complete Italian dining experience:

• **Flexible Dining:** Offering **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, **Delivery**, and **No-contact delivery** to accommodate any preference.
• **Multiple Seating Options:** Features standard **Seating**, **Table service**, and desirable **Outdoor seating**, including the highly-coveted seasonal **Rooftop seating** (typically 21+ only).
• **All-Day Menus:** Provides dedicated options for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and even **Late-night food**, ensuring quality meals are available throughout the day and evening.
• **Event Planning:** Full **Catering** services are available to bring the Fortina experience to off-site events and gatherings.
• **Bar Services:** Includes a full **Bar onsite** with a focus on a curated **Great wine list** and unique **Cocktails**, as well as **Beer** and **Hard liquor**.
• **Reservation System:** **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to its popularity.
• **Family Accommodations:** Clearly **Good for kids**, providing **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu** with favorites like *Kids Cheese Pizza* and *Chicken Tenders & Fries*.
• **Modern Amenities:** Provides **Wi-Fi** and includes a **Gender-neutral restroom** in addition to a standard **Restroom**.

Fortina’s distinction in the Connecticut dining scene is defined by its unique features, blending culinary authenticity with a lively, contemporary vibe:

• **Wood-Fired Excellence:** The majority of the menu, including all pizzas, is cooked in Napes-imported wood-burning ovens, imbuing the food with a characteristic smoky, charred flavor that is a significant highlight.
• **Iconic Rooftop Seating:** A standout feature in Stamford, the seasonal **Rooftop seating** offers a memorable dining and social experience with attractive views, often described as having a 'chill vibe' and being perfect for a fun night out.
• **Acclaimed Italian-American Comfort Food:** Known for consistently excellent dishes like the *Chicken Parm With Ziti*, *Fried Meatballs*, and *Arancini*, the restaurant is a local benchmark for **Comfort food**.
• **Exceptional Beverage Program:** Features a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails** like the *Marone* and *Gumad*, and a well-curated **Great wine list**, supported by a generous **Happy hour drinks** menu.
• **Diverse Dining Options:** Catering to various needs with **Small plates** and robust options like **Vegetarian options** and a full **Dessert** menu featuring classics such as *Tiramisu* and *Brown Butter Bread Pudding*.
• **Energetic & Welcoming Atmosphere:** Described as high-energy, lively, and a **Transgender safespace**, it's an excellent spot for both large **Groups** and **Solo dining**.
• **Efficient Service:** The staff is often praised for providing **Fast service**, contributing to the excellent overall dining experience, even during busy periods.

To secure a reservation, inquire about private events on the rooftop, or place an order for **Delivery** or **Takeout**, Fortina can be reached through the following details:

Address: 120 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: (203) 703-9080

For first-time visitors to Fortina, focusing on the restaurant's signature wood-fired items and proven Italian-American classics is highly recommended to fully appreciate the experience. Since all pizzas are cooked in the imported wood-burning ovens, the crust will have a desirable, perfectly charred edge.

In the **Pizza** category, the *Tenderoni* (pepperoni, fresh mozz, parm, calabrian chili-honey) is a favorite for those seeking a sweet and spicy kick, while the *Classic Margherita* serves as a perfect benchmark of their traditional skills. Another unique and locally celebrated pie is the *Queen Bee* which often features a hot honey component, a staple on many specialty pizzas. For those wanting to get creative at home, they even offer *FORTINA PIZZA DOUGH* to take away.

Do not limit your visit to just pizza. The **Antipasti** section is a strong performer; the *Wood-Fired Wings* (with spicy maple - calabrian chili) and the *Fried Meatballs* are highly praised as flavorful starters. The *Whipped Ricotta* with truffle-lavendar honey is a decadent small plate that pairs perfectly with a glass of red from the **Great wine list**.

For main courses, the *Chicken Parm With Ziti* is consistently lauded as a superb example of the classic dish. Those looking for authentic wood-fired flavors should try the *Wood Roasted Chicken Scarpariello*, which is a burst of fresh and savory notes, as noted by happy customers. Additionally, the **Pasta** section offers the excellent *Sunday Rigatoni* (served with “Gravy,” meatball, and hot sausage) for a deeply satisfying traditional Italian-American experience, and the *Lemon Bucatini* for a lighter, brighter pasta dish.

Finally, if visiting during the weekend, be sure to check out the reinvented **Brunch** menu, which includes creative items like the *BEC Pizza* (bacon, egg, and cheese) and the savory *Scarpariello Hash* for a truly unique start to your Connecticut Sunday.

Fortina

120 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06902, USA