New Family-Owned Italian Restaurant Planned To Open In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Less than a month after longtime neighborhood eatery Pasquale's Osteria closed its doors for good, a new family-owned Italian restaurant has announced plans to open in the former Pasquale's space.

Alex Rakaj, whose family owns and operates La Fortuna Bar & Restaurant in Stratford, confirmed to Patch that Portofino's Trattoria is planned to open at 186 Main Street this fall.

Rakaj said the family is currently aiming to open the new Norwalk restaurant in early November, subject to final permits and inspections.

Much like the Stratford restaurant, Portofino's will be a family-run endeavor, according to Rakaj.

The Norwalk eatery will be owned by Rakaj's oldest son, Frankie, and his wife, File, will serve as executive chef and guide the culinary direction for both of the family's restaurants.

According to Rakaj, the family opened La Fortuna with a simple goal: to serve generous Italian meals and make customers feel at home.

The couple's children, Frankie, Linda and Anthony, all began working at the Stratford restaurant at a young age, where they bussed tables, washed dishes and helped wherever they were needed, according to Rakaj.

"They learned the business one job at a time," Rakaj said in an email to Patch. "They didn't just grow up around the restaurant; they grew up inside it."

Rakaj also noted the new restaurant will offer his oldest son a chance to build on what the family started while creating a restaurant with its own identity in Norwalk.

According to additional press materials provided by the family, Frankie Rakaj has been a part of the family restaurant business since he was 14 years old.

Over the years, he became a server, bartender and an important part of La Fortuna's daily operation.

His goal is to create a restaurant where outstanding Italian food and personal service come together, and where every guest feels remembered, welcomed and appreciated.

Linda and Anthony Rakaj will also continue helping the family deliver the warm, attentive and personal service for which La Fortuna has become known at Portofino's, according to Rakaj.

As the main chef and culinary leader for both La Fortuna and Portofino's, File Rakaj will guide the menus, recipes and standards of both kitchens.

She will also be joined by her sister, Gjeline Celaj, who spent years living and cooking in Italy and has worked side by side with her sister at La Fortuna.

They will bring that experience to Portofino's, Rakaj said.

"The family has grown, and now so has the family table," Rakaj said in an emailed statement. "We can't wait to welcome Norwalk to it."

According to Rakaj, the family plans to update the Main Street building's current dining room and bar, which includes plans for a decorative wine display.

"Our hope is to create a place where guests can enjoy Italian food made with care and feel that someone is genuinely glad they came in," Rakaj said.

The new restaurant's website teases Portofino's will soon be Norwalk's spot for every occasion.

"From date nights to family celebrations, Portofino's Trattoria is the kind of place you keep coming back to — warm faces, generous pours and dishes that taste like home," the website reads.

Pasquale's announced last month plans to close on Sept 29 after nearly 30 years in Norwalk. The restaurant first opened in 1997 and served a wide menu of Italian favorites.

Located at 7365 Main Street in Stratford, La Fortuna opened in 2019 and is known for its handmade pastas, wood-fired brick oven pizzas and bold, authentic flavors, according to the restaurant's website.