The Portofino Restaurant

Jada valencia

a month ago •

I personally loved this restaurant and shocked by the reviews. As someone that lived in Italy for many years the outdated appearance very much so reminded me of a typical restaurant in Italy. I bought the Carbonara. Yes it had peas but some places in Italy did it this way as well. I added Gorgonzola to mine and chefs kiss. I had my 9 year old daughter with me and they were beyond kid friendly and so nice to her. I asked for little sauce in her meal and they were able to do it. She got the ravioli (can’t remember exact name). I got wine and dessert also. Everything was great and we enjoyed the service. I recommend you try before knocking it based on reviews because had I seen reviews I wouldn’t have tried it but I’m glad I did and will be back 100%.

D MUR

2 weeks ago •

I struggle with this review. The service was great, the ambiance was outdated (not rustic or charming but a throwback to the 1970s) and the food was good. We enjoyed the Portofino ravioli, lobster ravioli topped with shrimp in a sage butter sauce (special of the day), the flash fried softshell crab, pistachio creme brulee and the caramel ice cream. The reason I struggle with this review is mainly due to the mold clearly found on the labels of our bottled water. It made me feel uncomfortable with the food safety at this place.

Robert Zilbauer

4 months ago •

Fun family-friendly Italian place conveniently located on 23rd. Reservations are recommended. Go around back for parking and the entrance to the restaurant. Comfort food is the name of the game. Tasty ravioli and decent pasta in general. Great limoncello and the Nutella mousse pie is a must-get. Go during Happy Hour and get your bottle of wine half off (up to $50)!

Daniel Gentile

a month ago •

If you're a big fan of roach soup you will love this place... Gentlemen at the table next to us had a roach in his soup (see picture). My partner and I lost our appetite and returned our unfinished entrees. The entire wait staff was in the dining room looking at it. Not only did they charge us the full price, after we asked for the check they brought us over a dessert menu first. 🤦 Take a hint. At least they apologized. Before the bug arrived, the food was unimpressive. They were drenching the cured meats with olive oil with a canned anchovy laid on top of the delicate prosciutto. Federico's across the street pulls off the Italian classics without needing to pretend to be highbrow. Plus they didn't serve any bugs last night.

Carmen Dunlap

a month ago •

Good option for local Italian in the Crystal city neighborhood but not my favorite. The after dinner drink was my favorite part (cappuccino with amaretto). I had a seafood dish that was pretty tasty but my partner had the veal and was disappointed. Would go here again but probably try something different!