Valbella

Valbella Restaurant Review:

Valbella has long been the Old Greenwich special occasion go-to spot for well-heeled locals. Not surprisingly, the ambience, service and Northern Italian cuisine all warrant a hefty price. Start with a thinly sliced filet mignon on arugula, topped with shaved Parmigiano cheese; and a crab and shrimp cake served over braised leeks and roasted pumpkin. The extensive menu offers Italian specialties including pastas like penne a la vodka with fresh basil, scallions and a splash of cream, plus well-prepared meat selections such as seared breaded lamb chops with eggplant, tomatoes and melted mozzarella in a balsamic reduction, served with braised lentils. The dining room exudes romance and elegance, helped in part by a cavernous wine cellar containing some 11,000 bottles of vino. Private parties can dine around a radiantly heated, massive granite table, retiring to the nearby fireplace for an after-dinner drink. If you see a special event on the horizon, it's best to book, and early at that.