Fresh food, an emense wine selection and great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gailr
Neither of us could eat our pasta with pesto. It had so much pesto it was bitter Something has happened to the usually great food at this beautiful restaurant. Is there a new chef? Sad.
B. Taylor
Soooo good!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Telewax
Food was excellent but this time service was horrible. They were apologetic but no food an hour into our visit was ridiculous, especially with all the attention lavished on the table next to us. Very disappointing.
kellyh
What has happened to this place, what a shame! The food was awful, overcooked steak, cold spinach, and half burned, half raw potatoes. It was packed, what keeps people coming back beyond the scene? I spent $400 on dinner for three, the best thing we had was the wine, very disappointed, will never return.
Jayne May
Beautiful food. Beautiful staff. Always a warm welcome. No trip home to Santa Monica is ever truly complete without a dinner or two at Locanda Portifino.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ari S
Immersed in the heart of authentic Italian flavors, this hidden gem captivated our taste buds. We had the pesto gnocchi bathed in a creamy indulgence and the penne vodka danced with rich flavors, creating a symphony on our palates. The ambiance exuded genuine Italian charm, and Silvie's impeccable service elevated the dining experience to new heights. A true haven for connoisseurs seeking a culinary journey.Complementing the culinary mastery, we sipped on fine Italian wines adding another layer to the already delightful atmosphere. And, oh, the chocolate torte – an unrivaled masterpiece that redefined my expectations. Hands down, bar none, the best we’ve ever had. Could not recommend this place highly enough and trust your knowledgeable waiters/waitresses. 10/10 ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cineeyes
Locanda Portofino is an upscale unpretentious restaurant on lovely Montana Avenue. We were graciously greeted and were seated indoors (as requested). The service staff was very attentive and remained so throughout the meal. Our waitress was a delight and very patient as we asked questions about the menu. The food was delicious and surpassed our expectations. A pasta with porcini mushrooms and black truffles was the highlight of the night followed by a Branzino special and a grilled veal chop. Although we didn't mention it, this was my birthday celebration and it was a perfect evening.
moose
This is an unusually good spot for both casual and somewhat elevated dining. The selection of inventive pasta dishes is unmatched in LA. The service is especially personal and the ambiance is delightful.
Excellent italian food and good service. The wine list is also good. They have both an indoor and outdoor eating area. Parking can be a bit difficult during busy times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rosie Bittman
It feels like being in Italy, the atmosphere is Divine as well as the food, and service. We were super pleased.Thank you!Rosie
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto Di Calamari, Gnocchi Al Pesto, Risotto Funghi Porcini, Bucatini Alla Carbonara Con Punte Di Asparagi
Alex M
I have gone there for years. Over time, the prices have gone up, but the portions are now ridiculously small. Also, the taste level has gone down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Rucola Parmigiano
LeonardD
THE FOOD IS QUITE GOOD BUT OVER PRICED. THE RESTAURANT ALSO DOES NOT ADVISE PRICE CHANGES THEY MAKE WHEN MAKING SUGGESTIONS NOR WHEN SERVED THE WRONG DISH MADE NO GESTURE TO REMEDY THE ISSUE OTHER THAN MAKING US WAIT FOR IT TO CORRECTED
WendyW
Food took an unreadably long time to come out. Uncomfortably long wait until anyone came to table with water and menus, then the wait for food was over an hour for first course and another hour for entrees.
Always a pleasure to eat here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fresh food, an emense wine selection and great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neither of us could eat our pasta with pesto. It had so much pesto it was bitter Something has happened to the usually great food at this beautiful restaurant. Is there a new chef? Sad.
Soooo good!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food was excellent but this time service was horrible. They were apologetic but no food an hour into our visit was ridiculous, especially with all the attention lavished on the table next to us. Very disappointing.
What has happened to this place, what a shame! The food was awful, overcooked steak, cold spinach, and half burned, half raw potatoes. It was packed, what keeps people coming back beyond the scene? I spent $400 on dinner for three, the best thing we had was the wine, very disappointed, will never return.
Beautiful food. Beautiful staff. Always a warm welcome. No trip home to Santa Monica is ever truly complete without a dinner or two at Locanda Portifino.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Immersed in the heart of authentic Italian flavors, this hidden gem captivated our taste buds. We had the pesto gnocchi bathed in a creamy indulgence and the penne vodka danced with rich flavors, creating a symphony on our palates. The ambiance exuded genuine Italian charm, and Silvie's impeccable service elevated the dining experience to new heights. A true haven for connoisseurs seeking a culinary journey.Complementing the culinary mastery, we sipped on fine Italian wines adding another layer to the already delightful atmosphere. And, oh, the chocolate torte – an unrivaled masterpiece that redefined my expectations. Hands down, bar none, the best we’ve ever had. Could not recommend this place highly enough and trust your knowledgeable waiters/waitresses. 10/10 ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Locanda Portofino is an upscale unpretentious restaurant on lovely Montana Avenue. We were graciously greeted and were seated indoors (as requested). The service staff was very attentive and remained so throughout the meal. Our waitress was a delight and very patient as we asked questions about the menu. The food was delicious and surpassed our expectations. A pasta with porcini mushrooms and black truffles was the highlight of the night followed by a Branzino special and a grilled veal chop. Although we didn't mention it, this was my birthday celebration and it was a perfect evening.
This is an unusually good spot for both casual and somewhat elevated dining. The selection of inventive pasta dishes is unmatched in LA. The service is especially personal and the ambiance is delightful.
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent italian food and good service. The wine list is also good. They have both an indoor and outdoor eating area. Parking can be a bit difficult during busy times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
It feels like being in Italy, the atmosphere is Divine as well as the food, and service. We were super pleased.Thank you!Rosie
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto Di Calamari, Gnocchi Al Pesto, Risotto Funghi Porcini, Bucatini Alla Carbonara Con Punte Di Asparagi
I have gone there for years. Over time, the prices have gone up, but the portions are now ridiculously small. Also, the taste level has gone down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Rucola Parmigiano
THE FOOD IS QUITE GOOD BUT OVER PRICED. THE RESTAURANT ALSO DOES NOT ADVISE PRICE CHANGES THEY MAKE WHEN MAKING SUGGESTIONS NOR WHEN SERVED THE WRONG DISH MADE NO GESTURE TO REMEDY THE ISSUE OTHER THAN MAKING US WAIT FOR IT TO CORRECTED
Food took an unreadably long time to come out. Uncomfortably long wait until anyone came to table with water and menus, then the wait for food was over an hour for first course and another hour for entrees.