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Pizzeria Portofino Chicago Reviews
Vibe is immaculate, and pizza and pasta were good, but not
Vibe is immaculate, and pizza and pasta were good, but not amazing. Definitely will go back, but maybe wanting to try some more things on the menu. Overall very solid choice, but the views and vibe make it top notch. Make sure you have a reservation.
I have mixed reviews about this place.
I made a reservation for my birthday ahead of time for an outdoor table or window table, but received neither. Also, this spot had A LOT of big groups and unfortunately our server seemed to care more about the large groups than our small party of 2. We started with the daily special of Peaches & Burrata with Ciabatta bread. We also shared the Rigatoni Vodka. Both of these dishes were excellent and we would come back just for these two things! However, we ordered the Meatball & Ricotta pizza. I could only have one slice of the pizza it was SO spicy. My fiance who is enjoys spicy food even said it was too spicy for him. When we told our waiter about this, he said he "should have warned us" about it ahead of time, but didn't care enough to take it off the bill even with more than half of the pizza uneaten. I appreciated ending the night off with a free dessert. I'm not sure if it was the one slice of spicy pizza, but the next day my stomach was in knots.
Great food and better location
Visited with a large group for business. The restaurant went above and beyond taking care of us, personalized menus detailed the family style dinner. Every course was delicious but the real winner was the atmosphere sitting outside along the river makes for an amazing summer evening. Would highly recommend.
Highly recommend this place! I feel like this is one of the
Highly recommend this place! I feel like this is one of the few places right on the river that is not insanely priced. the views sitting outside right on the river are unmatched in the summer time. We came at 9:30pm and this place was still packed. We started with the Caesar salad and the garlic aioli fries. The salad was fresh and crispy with the cheese on top it was a game changer. The fries came out right away and were a little cold but were still tasty. We then got the charred pepperoni pizza. It was a delicious oven fired pizza with a crispy crust. All of this food was the perfect amount for 2 people to split. Overall this place is worth the hype and in a great scenic spot on the river right in the heart of Chicago. The food for the price and location is a steal! We paid about $150 for everything including tip and 4 drinks. I would recommend this place for a date night or a night out with friends/family from out of town.
This place is a perfect 5/5.
The vibes were immaculate with the aesthetic and the music. The charred pepperoni pizza was one of the best pizzas I've ever had. The rigatoni pasta was amazing as well. Mussels were great with a nice portion size. Drinks were special and unique. One of my favorite restaurants and a must visit when coming to Chicago. Shout out to our server Michael who was also phenomenal
I love this beautiful location.
Can't beat those riverfront views and gorgeous ambiance, love the open plan. Love that the restaurant is accessible via elevator or stairs. Speedy service and delicious food and drinks. I had the pepperoni pizza and frozen lemonade Prosecco drink, oh and parmesan fries and garlic aioli. Everything was so good!! Would definitely return and try more things.
Fabulous restaurant with stunning views! Thank you so much
Fabulous restaurant with stunning views! Thank you so much for making my sister's bridal shower so special! All of our food and drinks were so wonderful and the staff were THE BEST to work with!! I can't recommend them enough. I especially loved the limoncello spritz! Thank you again!
How cute is this place? The atmosphere was a vibe.
I loved that the outside was a step away and it had opportunities to take great photos while boats passed by. The service was not the best. Our waiter seemed super unhappy to be serving us but it was okay. Life happens. The Parmesan fries were good. Nothing spectacular but good with the dipping aioli. My pizza was basic with flavor. The hot honey pizza was delicious. The pasta was okay. Nothing crazy. Overall the view it was got me. It's beautiful. I would go back and try other things.
Food was decent.
Had the vodka pasta with chicken and parm fries as an app. I was underwhelmed for the price, chicken came on a skewer not in the pasta like how I had assumed it'll be and the chicken was a bit cold. Aside from that, the place and views were beautiful, loved the dim lightning and luxury feel of the place. Staff was nice. Sat down pretty quick being that I didn't have a reservation. Make reservations if you want to sit by the river
Salmon raw told them second one came out 20 minutes later
Salmon raw told them second one came out 20 minutes later and was burnt to a crisp and the drinks were inconsistent
-Perfect spot for a cute lunch / dinner! -Great pizza spot
-Perfect spot for a cute lunch / dinner! -Great pizza spot (bonus points for being Lettuce entertain you) right on the river -service was pretty spotty, but the food makes up for it -drinks weren't great but the pizza makes up for it
Excellent pizza and atmosphere.
Much better than the a deep dish if looking for something different when visiting Chicago. Staff well organized and attentive. Very clean. Absolutely recommend if in the area.
Have not gotten food yet - music is too loud and manager
Have not gotten food yet - music is too loud and manager will not lower the volume. Even the waitress said the mills is too loud.
This places is one of my favorites in Chicago! It's in a
This places is one of my favorites in Chicago! It's in a great location right on the river and one of my favorite places to take guests when they are visiting. It's hard to get a reservation especially in the summer. The food and drinks are so yummy. They have a lot of cute spritz's and overall great vibes!
Good Italian with a Nice View of the River
The food here is good as are the drinks. Nothing spectacular, but everything was quite tasty and the service was friendly and efficient. What makes this place special is the ambience. The setting is very cool; it almost feels like eating out in a vineyard. But...the view is of the Chicago River and the surround skyscrapers. The crowd is lively and there is a cool vibe here. I would recommend to visitors and locals alike.
Pizzeria Portofino, nestled in downtown, offers a charming
Pizzeria Portofino, nestled in downtown, offers a charming ambiance and a delicious array of pizzas. The Charred Pepperoni Pizza stole the show with its generous toppings and perfect blend of flavors. The downtown location adds to the allure, providing a picturesque setting for a meal. We tend to get it to go, which offers excellent take out service. However, while the food and atmosphere were excellent, I couldn't overlook the slightly increased prices, which prevented me from awarding a full 5 stars. Nonetheless, if you're willing to splurge a bit, Pizzeria Portofino is definitely worth a visit for a satisfying pizza experience.
I loved this place! From the moment I walked in or should I
I loved this place! From the moment I walked in or should I say took the elevator down lol The view of the river is to die for! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - no complaints! Well other than parking but that's always the case downtown unfortunately. Stopped in for their lunch deal during restaurant week and they did not let us down. We've been wanting to come here for a while and we'll be returning to see what their dinner is like. The hot honey pizza hit the spot but i do wish there was a better way to pour it on there haha. The chicken parmesan sandwich wasn't anything too special honestly, good fries! Unfortunately the cacio e pepe was not a top for Chicago but it was fine. Now.. the appetizer!!! Crazy delicious!!!
Super great! Had the margarita pizza and the lemon tiramisu.
Will be back! For more. Got it for take out
The food was amazing, we recommend the honey pep pizza.
And the lemon pasta was to die for. We asked keep to pick his favorite dessert and it was to die for. Keith sent out the lemon tiramisu, will 100 % go back and get the same things. The restaurant was cute and such a nice ambiance. Recommend to anyone.
Great spot.
Love the pizza there and especially the calamari is our personal favorite. This was me and my boyfriend's second visit. We went on the 13th for dinner. Got sat early and everything was going good. Till we got to our table. It took a while for our server to greet us by time we already decided on everything from appetizer to main courses and we just sat there waiting for someone to come help us. Granted it was a pretty busy night so I understand. But throughout our dinner our server was no where to be found. The bus boys/food runners practically did all the work! Honestly shout out to them. They were fantastic. When it came time to pay, our server just brushed by and said no cash. No problem so we took out a card and our serve disappeared again! At that point me and my boyfriend was annoyed. We waited a while and someone else had to come help run our card. We would've left a better tip but to be honest we didn't feel like it was well deserved. Still it was a great atmosphere. Beautiful view. A good spot for something to eat while enjoying scenery. Our first time going everything was great and service was fantastic. Had better expectation for this visit considering our first was amazing. Sadly those expectations weren't met.
There was a break in the cold weather so strolled to this
There was a break in the cold weather so strolled to this riverfront restaurant and absolutely enjoyed it. I had the pepperoni pizza which was fantastic. A light crispy thin crust smothered in super crispy pepperoni slices. As a bonus, they provided a side of hot honey which I much preferred then including it directly on the pizza. It let me put as much or as little as I wanted and was perfect for applying on the crust for added flavor. I splurged and got the apple cake for dessert and it was equally tasty. Full of apple caramel flavor with a nice side scoop of ice cream. I sat at the bar and the service was excellent. The bartender was friendly and helpful.
Came here for the first time with some friends and we had a
Came here for the first time with some friends and we had a great experience. Our server was Cody and he was super attentive, friendly, and helpful. Definitely coming back:)
We went for lunch on a weekend.
We did not make reservations but saw so many open spots on Open Table for heated seating. We walked at around 145 and I saw an open table reservation for 2pm as I walked in. When asked to sit in the heated area by the river, we were told there is not a single spot available all afternoon so I brought up my phone to show the open table openings and Viola we had a table immediately in the heated section. Aside from that experience, the rest of our lunch was delish! We ordered the following: Brussel sprouts salad (7/10) - it was missing something but we couldn't figure out what it was but kids loved it! Fig ricotta bruschetta (8.5/10) - loved it all HOWEVER I think we could have used less of the fig jam but still so good! Penne vodka (10/10) - plate wiped clean! Spinach feta pizza (10/10) - the crust the flavor - so so so good! If the table issue did not happen, I would give it a 5/5!
Not for those seeking a good meal.
Worst service ever. Heaters were blaring; I asked four times to please adjust and had to beg. Our son, on his 18th birthday didnโt get his meal until the other three of us were finished and plates cleared. Noisy and average food. Ugh. Never again.
Special welcome to uncle Moh
This a crowded restaurant by the river.very busy. However the desk attendees are rude. They don't welcome you nicely and they talk in a stuck up way as if they own the restaurant or this is the only place in town!! But...their pizza is great and very delicious. The salad and Parmesan fries are also so good. We had desert pistachio ice cream and salted caramel and Natella cookie very nice too. Our servers are great and check on us often. We appreciate them tremendously. Thank you so much and sorry I didn't get their names.
Bring earplugs if you eat inside
Food was very good. I recommend you eat on terrace or dont bother. Our waiter had to visit both ends of the table to tell us about draft beer selections, specials etc. Then did the same to take our orders. Very loud and nearly impossible to hear him. The food comes out when its ready...so 2 of our 5 sat for 10 min without their entries. We placed an order to take home for a relative. We did not receive it and only realized when we were in the cab that we were charged for it. So, maybe they can donate a lemon pasta with chicken to a food bank for us. Eat outside or pass.
Great food on the river
Great food and atmosphere on the river. Pizza, pastas and antipastos were all delicious. Very quick and attentive service. Place feels like you are at an island beach bar.
Beautiful waterfront dining experience
We had a lovely dinner here with great food and great scenery. We enjoyed the Spaghetti Limone and Pesto Genovese. The roasted garlic bread was a fantastic appetizer. A great evening!
Mamameayah
Chris served us with lot of Warmth and Hospitality really loved every bit of it Oh what a pizza good Pasta great salad enjoyed
Well-lit Abercrombie & Fitch vibes
Very trendy restaurant but I felt that I was eating at a well-lit Abercrombie and Fitch. The music was so loud. The pizza was good and service was poor.
Love this Riverfront Restaurant
Had a great visit to this restaurant! If itโs warm ask for a table outside by the River. Sampled the octopus, calamari, pizza, Parmesan fries and more. Everything we tried was excellent. Great wait service (we were with a regular). Great for people watching. Reasonably priced for the area. Look forward to going back!
Anyone who makes a reservation here is obviously coming for
Anyone who makes a reservation here is obviously coming for the beautiful city views. Definitely a great spot over the summer and to take visitors! However in my opinion, the food here is just okay. I don't think anyone would go here if it wasn't on the river. The pizza is, ironically, the worst thing on the menu here. I have had some small plates I enjoy and the drinks are pretty good as well. I'd stop here to enjoy happy hour or an app before going to dinner at one of the other amazing restaurants in the area. Theservice is prompt and friendly.
This place is my new go to in Chicago!! Chef Sam is
This place is my new go to in Chicago!! Chef Sam is absolutely incredible and delights with pasta dishes, innovative pizzas and a delicious aged Romano with drizzled balsamic!
I go here frequently with my coworkers and I absolutely
I go here frequently with my coworkers and I absolutely love the food here! Can't go wrong with the view of the river and good food. Here are my favorite dishes:1. Black Truffle & Three Cheese Pizza - it's pricy but so worth it! The best pizza on the menu, hands down. If you like truffle and Parmesan then you must get this! 2. Rigatoni Vodka - not the best in the city but it's up there, if you're craving pasta you should go with this one! 3. Crispy Parmesan Fries - must get when you're there! Doesn't matter what your entree is, get these fries for the table, they will be devoured! Recently, I tried the Mediterranean salad with chicken, highly recommended for a healthier option! Super good with some extra dressing on the side and a Diet Coke!Service was super fast. Almost too a fault, we were still chatting when we were finishing up eating and they were immediately cleaning out food and cleaning off the table. I'd appreciate it if they could wait until we're done eating and boxing up food before they clean up the entire table, it felt like we were being rushed out. Ambiance is of course amazing, you're right in the river and have a beautiful view. The interior design is also so cute with the greenery on the roof and the aesthetic of the restaurant.
The worst experience ever
On my way home from work I decided to have dinner here. The place was almost empty. I asked for a table and they asked me for how many people, I answered one. They responded that I have to go to the bar. (I can't climb on that high chair). They said that if I were with someone else, they would give me a table for two and that they're waiting for; perhaps, parties of more than one person will show up. So, one person is not a person unless that person is with one more person? What kind of service is this? Shame! If I could give this place zero star or negative five stars, I would. You should treat people as humans not as a dollar sign. Although, you don't know how much I was going to order.
You definitely pay for the ambiance and location here.
We ordered the pepperoni with the hot honey, loved the hot honey but the pizza was nothing to write home about. If you want good pizza, there are much better places in the city.
We shared a few salads and pizza, all were delicious.
Can't wait to try some other items on menu next time including those fab looking fries and pasta! Ambiance is fresh and fun and perfect location on the river. Service is on point. Just an FYI that the is on the louder side. Oh, and you must have a spritz if you're here ;)
Fabulous pizza.
..we had the charred pepperoni pizza, apple bruschetta and Caesar salad. Everything was fabulous! Our server was conscientious and pleasant. What a great lunch!
We came here to try a new pizza spot we have not yet been
We came here to try a new pizza spot we have not yet been to in the city. What a great location off the river with a fantastic view. We were able to get a table with lots of sunshine on a cold day. I got the charred pepperoni and added mushrooms. It was a solid pizza and appreciated the spicy honey that was great for my crust dipping. The service was quick and efficient and maybe a bit more rushed and maybe there was a miscommunication when we said plain there was no sauce on my husband's pizza when we meant that we wanted just the sausage and none of the other items.
Great food, service, view, and patio
We loved our experience at this restaurant,. It overlooks the Chicago River which is beautiful. The patio is enclosed but there is good air flow and overhead heaters. The service was excellent. We loved the food we ordered- the caesar salad, the fennel salad, the margarita pizza, and the brussel sprouts pizza.
Nice food and nice location
We were able to sit downstairs with a great view of the Chicago River. We ordered two kinds of spaghetti and a pizza. The food was very good. Service was pretty good. I definitely recommend it. Wifi was available and easy to connect to.
Y'all this pasta brought me to TEARS.
It was THAT GOOD. First off, the pasta itself was handmade and incredibly fresh. The lemon oil and basil made this dish absolutely burst with flavor. We also got the marinara with a meatball, which I was very impressed by. The vibes and views were immaculate, and I really appreciated the tasteful interior decor. If you're in the city, this is a must-visit!
Food and ambiance are wonderful.
My only gripe is the temperature. The door opening over and over was painfully cold to the covered patio. Even though I was sitting indoors I was still victim to the outdoor draft having had to sit next the the door that lead to the outdoors.
Delicious, delicious, delicious.
Great ambiance, wonderful service, and pretty views on the patio. We tried multiple apps, pastas, drinks, and desserts and all of it was fantastic. Highly recommend!
Best espresso martini!! Service was great, ambiance was fun.
Excited to go back and try more items on the menu.
The cheese pizza was honestly amazing and the server was so
The cheese pizza was honestly amazing and the server was so nice. The atmosphere and vibe here was really pretty and it's right on the water. Would def come back again
Say yes to veggies!
We have eaten eat Portofino a few times in the last year and have never been disappointed. Over winter holiday we stopped by again for lunch. Craving something different our server recommended the brussel sprout pizza. We opted for the cauliflower crust. Holy smokes was it delicious. A drizzle of honey enhanced the smokey earthy flavors. Lunch for 2 under $30 in downtown Chicago? Yes please!
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