Portofino - New Haven

We make it a tradition to visit this restaurant once a year, and we are always pleased with our experience. I typically order the duck, which is excellent. Last night, however, they had a special featuring blue crab sauce that was outstanding. My wife ordered the lobster ravioli, and we made sure to save some space for the white chocolate crème brûlée, which was delicious! Our server was attentive and friendly, as always. We’ve never been let down.

I was really disappointed with our experience. We had heard positive reviews and were looking forward to a nice meal, but it fell short. Like many places, they offered large portions but the food was just mediocre. I ordered the chicken Portofino, which was bland at best. My husband tried the seafood risotto but only managed to eat about a quarter of it; it was overly greasy and heavily salted. The service was lacking as well. Our waiter took our order and didn’t return until we were finished, never checking in on us. On top of that, the noise level in the restaurant was quite high. I wouldn’t return or recommend this place.

This is a peaceful spot to enjoy hearty Italian cuisine. The bread is crunchy, and the portions are generous. The restaurant has been around for quite some time, and it's been almost four years since our last visit. It was just as delicious as we remembered. We were pleasantly surprised to find a table on a Friday night without a reservation (just a party of two with a baby!). They even had a special menu for the New Year!

This place is great. Been there forever so we stopped thinking about it. Chances in one night and everything was first rate, from the bread to the salad to entree. Delish and unexpected specials, but even the traditional dishes were great. Went back twice since. Prices are decent but the service is first rate m. Everyone was accommodating and no one threatened to call the police or asked if we wanted to go in the kitchen and cook it ourselves. We will go back again...and again.

Ordered takeout penne alla vodka and they were able to put breaded chicken on it! There was a very good amount of chicken and it was perfectly crispy, and the vodka sauce was perfect. Was able to make almost 3 large portions out of my order too, and it was just as great reheated as leftovers