Denham Springs has a spot where the wine list runs longer than the menu, and that's meant as a compliment. Bonta del Forno calls itself an Italian kitchen and wine bar, and it backs up the second half of that title with a custom-built wine room holding about 300 bottles from around the world.

Classic, Modern and a Little Inventive

The kitchen is led by Chef Sabillon, whose menu the restaurant describes as nuovo tradizionale: classic Italian recipes alongside modern and more inventive takes. Bonta says it buys from regional suppliers whenever it can and imports some ingredients from Italy.

Starters include arancini di riso with Fontina and fresh marinara ($14), sausage-stuffed mushrooms and a chef's charcuterie board with house-made pesto ($38). From there the menu moves through pastas like carbonara with guanciale and linguini with grilled shrimp and bacon in a creamy marinara, plus veal and chicken piccata, Marsala and Parmesan plates. Gulf redfish with lemon butter sauce ($32) and a lineup of pizzas finish things off. The Bacia la Mia Pesca pie pairs pesto, bleu cheese, prosciutto, arugula and fresh peach ($17).

Brunch, Italian Style

Sunday opens at 10 a.m., and the brunch side of the menu has some fun with the format: a Bonta's Benedict on a house-made biscuit with salami and pesto, Italian shrimp and polenta ($23), and biscuits topped with Italian sausage and Alfredo gravy.

Parties and the Wine Room

The wine room doubles as a private dining space for up to 10 guests, and the patio handles bigger gatherings. Bonta also caters office lunches, family reunions and holiday parties across Livingston Parish and Baton Rouge, with orders placed through its website.

Plan Your Visit

Bonta del Forno is at 2660 Sac Au Lait Lane in Denham Springs, minutes from I-12. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Book online or call (225) 408-5393.

Pick a bottle you've never tried and let the kitchen take it from there.

Photo courtesy of Bonta del Forno.