Cortona's Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Fortville

We were there in June of 2019. We would absolutely go back! The food was wonderful, and Simone was a gracious and engaging host. I had the saltimbocca, which was excellent, as was the melone e prosciutto appetizer. My wife had the gnocchi and gorgonzola, which was a decadent and filling entree. The gnocchi was heavenly and I wouldn't be surprised if made in-house. Our friends had the butternut squash stuffed ravioli and the lentil soup, both of which they said were excellent.

The portions are generous, and no one left hungry in the least. The bill for cocktails, 2 bottles of wine, appetizers and entrees (plus dessert) was very reasonable (party of 4, about $270 total w/tip). I've paid way more than that for dining experiences that didn't even come close to what we had at Cortona's.

At the end of the meal, Simone came and talked with us and we shared a few glasses of Cynar on the house. He was gracious and warm and we all traded stories of dining and exploring Tuscany.

The atmosphere is inviting and the decorations right out of an authentic place in Tuscany (which is where Simone is from.)

This is a new place, and my guess is most of the less-than-stellar reviews come from new patrons dining there during the working-out the kinks phase. I would absolutely give it the benefit of the doubt and try it.

So, if you are looking for authentic and delicious Italian food served in an authentic way with a gracious chef and host - look no further. I'd put it up against any Italian restaurant in Indy.

Any review should have some points for improvement, and Cortona's (as any restaurant) can always up their game. In that vein, I offer up a few ideas - not as criticism, but as ways to improve.

The parmesano that comes with the meal seemed like your garden variety/Kraft grated stuff. Some freshly grated parm, shaved tableside would have complimented the meal a little better than the bowl of granular, grated stuff we had. Not a huge point, but I think would really up the experience.

Our waitress was very nice and attentive, but when I ordered cocktails she didn't know what they had on hand and seemed a little lost. I asked for a Campari and soda, which is the perfect accompaniment to a hot, summer afternoon. She said she had to check if they had it (which they did, and it was delicious) but a little more knowledge for the front of the house on what's available at the bar would make the experience more seamless. The wine list was good, but only listed "California Cabernet" (in addition to many Italian wines), so knowing which vineyards their non-Italian wines come from would help make that part of the meal that much better. The wine was also a little warm, but the A/C wasn't working that day, which you can't fault them for.

These are tiny things that shouldn't deter you, though. The overall experience was warm and inviting and it's absolutely worth a try - and a second visit. And also a third. I wish Simone and Beth the best of success and hope that Cortona's becomes a fixture in the dining scene in Fortville and Indy. They deserve it, and they have the food and hospitality...

After reading all of the great reviews (especially about the food) I have to say I was VERY disappointed. Everyone has an off night and perhaps that is what I experienced but based on this single dinner alone, the food is bad and when you factor in the price, it was just terrible. I had the shrimp crostini for an app, it was covered in mushrooms and wet soggy peppers. The prosciutto the about 3 times thicker than I have ever seen, almost like Canadian bacon and the bread was burnt. All it tasted like was burned bread. My girlfriend had a salad that was ok. I had a spicy Italian pizza. The crust of the pizza was burnt and the inside was a mixture of doughy and soggy and completely flavorless. The middle of the pizza was soaked in grease and just wet and mushy. I dont know how you can burn the outer crust of the pizza while the middle still be borderline raw. My girlfriend had the Pasta al Fumo. It was completely bland. No salt, no tomato flavor, nothing. Like eating spaghetti-os. On top of that they asked if we would like some fresh Parmesan. The lady came to the table and scooped it out of a bowl. What Italian restaurant serving 20 dollar entrees doesn't grate your cheese table side? Overall it seems like the restaurant is cutting corners of food quality and just not trying. Perhaps they are usually good and I had a bad experience, perhaps they used to be good and are coasting on their good reputation, or perhaps there is no competition in Fortville. I guess it doesn't...

The waitress we had was fantastic! Other than that it was the worst experience I have ever had in my entire life! It's 8:30pm, we ordered a bottle of wine only to be told they no longer had it. No big deal, we ordered something else. We were told the special of which none of us were interested in ordering. My wife asks for a caprese salad. Sorry, we no longer have any salads this evening, we are out. What!? First disappointment of the evening. So I order a linguine and clam dish. Sorry, we are out of that item. What!? Second disappointment. So I order the veal stuffed with prosciutto plate. Yup, they are out of that also! 3rd time and I ask for the manager. She has no idea that these items are out and asks the waitress if it is true. Manager has absolutely no idea what's going on and doesn't communicate very well. She looks like a deer in the headlights! So later in the evening we are offered tiramisu. Sure, we'd love some...... she comes back to inform us that they are out of that also. Worst money I have ever spent as the pasta that I did receive was not fully cooked and crunchy in the middle. Totally ruined this New Year's Eve evening for me and my wife. Chef can be heard yelling at waitresses but really only has himself to blame. Poor planning and execution on his part. I will not be back. 5 stars for our waitress and minus 4 stars for...