LA BANCA | milton, wv
- WineCheeseScallops
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
La Banca – Italian Elegance in the Heart of Milton, WV
If you’re searching for an unforgettable Italian dining experience nestled in small-town charm, La Banca in Milton, West Virginia, deserves a top spot on your list. The name itself, La Banca, translates to “The Bank” in Italian — a nod to both its culinary roots and its history. Once home to the City Bank of Milton in the early 1900s, this stunning brick building now houses one of the region’s most sophisticated new restaurants. Since opening in December 2024, La Banca has built a reputation for pairing home-style Italian cooking with the refined atmosphere of a vintage speakeasy.
Address: 1105 N Main St, Milton, WV 25541
Phone: (681) 451-0700
Website: labanca-miltonwv.com
Veteran-owned and operated, La Banca’s mission goes beyond serving food — it’s about honoring service and strengthening community. Their team invites guests to join them in recognizing those who serve, while savoring scratch-made dishes that celebrate time-honored Italian tradition. Chef JR Mallory leads the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in comfort and craftsmanship. His approach blends soulful, home-style Italian flavors with creativity and precision — every plate feels both familiar and elevated. From rich, slow-simmered sauces to hand-crafted doughs, you can taste the pride in every bite.
We’re excited to share that Wine Cheese Scallops is now part of the Amazon Affiliate Program! 🎉 When you shop using our special link, ANY item you purchase—whether it’s kitchen gear, home essentials, books, or even dog treats—helps support our blog at no extra cost to you.
It’s a simple way to help us keep creating recipes, reviews, and foodie fun you love. So whether you're restocking pantry staples or grabbing your next favorite gadget, your support means the world to us. 🛒💛
A Stunning Blend of History and Modern Style
Stepping inside La Banca feels like stepping into another era. The warm glow from chandeliers reflects off exposed brick walls and wrought-iron accents, while the high ceilings and mezzanine-style dining area add a sense of grandeur. You can see the restaurant’s history woven into every detail — from the vintage lighting to the vault-inspired décor that nods to its past as a bank. The downstairs bar area offers a cozy yet elegant vibe, perfect for an intimate dinner or a night out with friends.
Upstairs, where we were seated, the mood is equally inviting. With its soft lighting, dark wood, and stylish artwork, the space strikes a perfect balance between classic sophistication and relaxed comfort. The photos truly capture the charm — the kind of setting where every corner feels like it tells a story. From the moment we were greeted by the hostess and led to our table, we knew we were in for a special evening.
Sponsored Ad
An Evening to Remember
We arrived on a Saturday evening around 6 p.m. and were immediately welcomed with warm hospitality. Our server, Autumn, was absolutely delightful — friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu. She mentioned that it was “Sippin’ Saturday,” meaning that ordering a wine flight came with a complimentary appetizer. Naturally, we couldn’t resist that offer!
For our free appetizer, we chose the Bruschetta Dip — a fresh and flavorful combination of cherry tomatoes, garlic, balsamic, and basil served over a creamy feta spread. The contrast of the tangy tomatoes and sweet balsamic glaze against the salty, whipped feta was divine. Every bite was vibrant and perfectly balanced, setting the tone for what was to come.
Sponsored Ad
Our second appetizer, the Stuffed Mushrooms, featured a rich three-cheese blend with mozzarella, topped with crisp garlic breadcrumbs. These were melt-in-your-mouth good — the filling was creamy, cheesy, and savory, while the breadcrumbs added just the right amount of crunch and roasted garlic flavor. Both starters showcased the kitchen’s attention to texture and taste.
Stuffed mushrooms have a long and flavorful history that traces back to early Italian and French cuisine, where chefs sought creative ways to elevate humble ingredients. In Italy, the dish evolved from traditional recipes that used breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese to fill vegetables like zucchini or peppers. Mushrooms, prized for their earthy depth and natural “cup” shape, became the perfect vessel for these savory fillings. By the mid-20th century, stuffed mushrooms gained popularity in American kitchens and fine dining menus alike, often served as elegant appetizers at dinner parties. Today, they remain a timeless favorite — versatile enough for endless variations, yet always offering that irresistible blend of creamy filling and roasted, umami-rich mushroom flavor.
Sponsored Ad
The Main Course
For our entrées, we ordered two Italian classics: the Manicotti Bolognese and the Chicken Piccata.
The Manicotti Bolognese was the ultimate comfort dish — tender pasta shells stuffed with velvety cheese, covered in a hearty, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce. The flavors were deep and rich, with that perfect blend of tomato sweetness, ground meat savoriness, and a hint of herbs that made every forkful satisfying. The house salad with Italian dressing that accompanied the dish was crisp, refreshing, and balanced the richness beautifully.
🎉 Exciting News for Wine Cheese Scallops! 🎉 We’re now officially Amazon Affiliates! If you’re planning any Amazon shopping, you can support our blog just by using our link – no extra cost to you, no matter what you’re buying! 🛒💖
🔗 AMAZON.COM 🔗
So whether it’s kitchen gadgets, books, holiday gifts, or anything else you need, every purchase through our link helps us keep sharing delicious recipes, foodie tips, and restaurant finds! 🌟 Thank you for being part of our journey!
The Chicken Piccata came with capers, lemon, and garlic over linguini in a lemon butter sauce. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauce had a bright, citrusy flavor with delicate notes of garlic and butter. The lobster bisque side was so delicious — velvety, luxurious, and full of sweet, buttery lobster flavor. It was easily one of the best bisques we’ve had in the area.
Sponsored Ad
Sweet Ending
By the time dessert rolled around, we were so full that we decided to take it to go — a Cherry Tart that looked almost too beautiful to eat. As we write this review, we’re finishing it, and let’s just say it’s every bit as good as we hoped. The crust is buttery and flaky, the cherries are tart and sweet, and the filling has just the right touch of almond-like richness. It’s the perfect finale to a truly memorable meal.
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
Sponsored Ad
Our visit to La Banca was everything we hoped it would be — and more. From the breathtaking atmosphere to the thoughtful service and delicious food, every detail reflected care and passion. Autumn made us feel right at home, and the entire experience felt both elegant and welcoming.
We’re so thankful for the hospitality we experienced and thrilled to have finally visited La Banca. The atmosphere is astounding, the food is delicious, and the service is outstanding. We can’t wait to go back to try the pizza and grinders next time — because if our first visit is any indication, they’re going to be incredible.
Sponsored Ad