Portofino

3.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  1      Service  7      Value  2     

We went here because it was on Sydney Weekender, like everything on Tv it was misrepresented, it had no ambience and didn't really feel like I was in an Italian restaurant. The food had little flavour, the food was warm not hot and it came that quickly I doubt very much if it had been cooked fresh. The dessert menu showed no imagination with just standard desserts. I would only do here if every restaurant in Norton street had shut down except this one. The only upside was the pleasant wait staff. Stay away!!!

Sep 23, 2006 

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Having been a regular here for a few months I was unfortunate enough to venture into Portofino on a night where the service was less than acceptable. We were showed upstairs to the balcony where we were put onto a table that I had about as much space as a bus shelter. Being only 5'10" I don't consider myself claustrophobic but my body was telling me otherwise - might possibly have had something to do with the view of the yellow wall that magically appeared less than 1 metre directly in front of me.

Looking around the restaurant I realised there were a number of tables inside with no patrons (2 reserved, 2 unreserved) - each a 4 seated table. Without wanting to cause too much of a hassle, I politely asked if there was another table available as I was too squashed at my current position and couldn't possibly enjoy a meal (especially given I would be spending close to $100 a head for 2 people). The waitress scurried off, and returned to inform us there were no tables available.

We removed ourselves from the restaurant, went across the road to another restaurant who were more than happy to make us feel welcome, and delivered to us one of the finest meals we have ever had. Portofino can shove it!

Sep 12, 2006 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I was there with a couple of friends last Saturday night and Oh my God!! We had octopus for entree and it was the best I've ever had. Then came the lamb rack for mains. It was beautiful!!!! The ravioli my friends had was terrific too and the desserts were heavenly. Great work chefs. Can't wait to come back.

Sep 07, 2006 

6.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  6     

The owners are always so happy.

Aug 21, 2006 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  8     

Dined at Portofino last Saturday with a group of 4. As seems to be the general concensus - it's pretty loud, not that is necessarily a bad thing. The service was without doubt the best aspect of our night - both friendly and efficient. Had the entree calamari based on previous reviews and found it disappointing - quite chewy. Other than that everyone agreed the food was great and good value.

Jun 29, 2006 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

I'm a Leichhardt local for most of my life and I cannot put anything in Norton street past this place. If are serious about enjoying good Italian food, Portofino is the go.

Jun 28, 2006 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

I recommend this restaurant for a group dinner. I went last night with 6 of my friends and everyone were all impressed with the service, food and the presentation of food. I used to go a few years back and was always impressed but haven't been for a while. Wanted to take my girlfriends for dinner somewhere out of the comfort areas of the Eastern Suburbs and was a great success. My favourite food was the entreee Calimari.

May 19, 2006 

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  8     

My boyfriend and I went to Portofino on our last night in Leichhardt (we're moving to UK) and can I say it was quite possibly the best Italian meal I've had (well, bar the entrée). Had the zucchini flowers for starter (which were a bit heavy for me, that's all) and boyfriend had the grilled scallops which were absolutely delectable. For main boyfriend had the grilled baby octopus and I had the prawn ravioli in lobster bisque which was phenomenal, an absolute stand out. Service was provided by youngings which was okay, I understand it can be really noisy downstairs but we were seated upstairs on the balcony overlooking Norton Street which was fantastic. Food came out very quickly as we booked for 6pm so if you hate waiting I recommend you do the same. What a shame we only discovered this place on our last night in Little Italy!

May 01, 2006 

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

I drive all the way across Sydney for the lasagne - it's amazing. The last time I was there, the owner was so friendly to overseas visitors that they returned two nights later. The kind of Italian food you dream of when you want a filling. Delicious meal - love it.

Apr 20, 2006 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

If you want a night of fine dining food without the stuffy atmosphere and snobby waiters then Portofino is the place for you. The food is phenomenal, I highly recommend the mussels followed by the passionfruit panna cotta dessert. As for the atmosphere, yes it's a bit noisy but you can have a good time, talk as loud as you like and not worry about it. The staff are also fantastic, polite and know the menu and their food well. We were there on a busy Saturday night and they were all running around making sure everyone was attended to. The owners are friendly and welcoming and make you feel like part of the family. As for Porgy's review below, before you read it check out his other reviews, he seems to be a serial whinger to me!

Mar 14, 2006