Amazing infusion of flavors. The wine selection was a great compliment to a great meal. We were in town for Breeders Cup. Our waiter commented the business may close January 2021. Rally the Troops. Don't let this gem falter. Show support.
Patti Henneberry
Unique industrial looking space where patrons are well spaced out and comfortable. Wait staff was very attentive and helpful with the menu. Fettuccine Alfredo was amazing not too heavy, great flavor with perfect pasta. Scallops were not overcooked and melt in your with a wine sauce. Yum. Loved the veges choice asparagus with zucchini, squash and tiny mushrooms just for flavor over a mild sauced grits. Amazing. Alcohol prices were reasonable. Food came at a good rate as we don't like long lags between courses. Perfect meal.
Michael DeLuca
Excellent food and atmosphere, especially the patio. Good wine selection as well as mixed drinks, top spot downtown and in Lexington itself.
Jason F
Very good menu and nice atmosphere. Plenty of parking. The whole branzino is very good. Lots of good options on the menu. Service was very good.
Jerry Coy
Just had the worst experience of my 67 year old life at a restaurant. We went there for brunch today. There was only 6-7 groups there at 11:00am when they opened. What I ordered was totally different than what I was served. I didn’t notice as I was involved enjoying time with the lady I was with. When I realized that and brought it to her attention. Basically, I was told sorry about your luck. No attempt to correct the situation. No attempt to say I should’ve caught that when your food came out. I told her I was disappointed and she coped an attitude like it was my fault. The manager came over and I told him what had happened. He apologized and said my meal was comped which I appreciated. As we were leaving she made a crude remark which I responded to. He attempted to put his arm on my shoulder and told us to get out. I told him immediately to get his arm off of me and he’s lucky he didn’t get punched. Don’t go there.
Lauren Hanson
I am a Frontline Practitioner. I just wanted to treat myself. I have never been treated so poorly! African Americans are not welcomed in this establishment. The owner allowed the staff's behavior. I never spoke an ill word.
Bill
The food is marvelous. The staff is always nice and pleasant. The atmosphere serene. And Lexington is a good place to live.
Anne Huber, REALTOR
Portofino is one of Lexington's best in Italian dining and our meal was a great example of it. I had the risotto primavera with added shrimp. The risotto was perfectly cooked and the vegetables all very fresh, the shrimp were huge! I took half home for lunch. My husband chose the ravioli della casa, which were 4 overstuffed ravioli in a garlic sage butter. For dessert we had the best tiramisu I've had, and it is one of my favorite desserts! Delicious meal!
Debbie Blair
Best meal I have had on a 7 day vacation! I had a Delicious salmon Dish and my husband had the marinara dish. Great salads, green fried tomatoes and nice drink options! Great service and beautiful ambiance!
Kevin Corby
Nice place. The atmosphere, service, and food were all good. It's not cheap though, and the food wasn't so amazing that I'd rush to go back at that price. My wife and I split two entrees, ravioli and rissoto. The ravioli was really good but the risotto was a little bland. The waitress split up both entrees for us which was really nice.
Upon arriving we noted the social distancing was great, all servers wearing masks and sanitizing frequently (great job !) However when we were seated we were told our server would be with us in a moment, no problem I understand staff has been reduced due to Covid but we sat for almost 20 minutes before anyone even came by. I didn't get her name but a server who was leaving her shift actually took our order and got us drinks. A member of staff apologized and said with the face masks our server must not have heard he had a table, not a great start. We ordered Bruschetta (a must at any Italian restaurant I visit) we were disappointed. Personally I've never had bruschetta with cheese sauce, it was as if they poured queso all over the plate and not what we were expecting, as other reviews have stated it makes the bread soggy and is impossible to eat around. I had the rock shrimp with scallops, paying $40+ for a dish it was a bit disappointing, my pasta wasn't cooked all the way so it had a bite to it, there was a large amount of pasta and only two scallops on the plate. My partner had the Lobster ravioli which tasted great however, I've never seen such large raviolis, the menu didn't say they were "giant ravioli" so it was a little shocking, they were about the size of my hand. They apologized again at the end of our meal and took off the bruschetta from the check for the issues which was appreciated. It was a little over $100 for two people with no beverages and I can't say it was worth it. As someone who enjoys going out a few times a month on upscale dining this restaurant missed the mark. I'm open to trying it again in the future, for us the price was just not on par with the dishes we had.
William B.
Fabulous interior, appropriately spaced for social distancing and they have a patio that looks very enticing! Fabulous smell of seafood from the table next to us.
Bailey B.
Upon arriving we noted the social distancing was great, all servers wearing masks and sanitizing frequently (great job !) However when we were seated we were told our server would be with us in a moment, no problem I understand staff has been reduced due to Covid but we sat for almost 20 minutes before anyone even came by. I didn't get her name but a server who was leaving her shift actually took our order and got us drinks. A member of staff apologized and said with the face masks our server must not have heard he had a table, not a great start. We ordered Bruschetta (a must at any Italian restaurant I visit) we were disappointed. Personally I've never had bruschetta with cheese sauce, it was as if they poured queso all over the plate and not what we were expecting, as other reviews have stated it makes the bread soggy and is impossible to eat around. I had the rock shrimp with scallops, paying $40+ for a dish it was a bit disappointing, my pasta wasn't cooked all the way so it had a bite to it, there was a large amount of pasta and only two scallops on the plate. My partner had the Lobster ravioli which tasted great however, I've never seen such large raviolis, the menu didn't say they were "giant ravioli" so it was a little shocking, they were about the size of my hand. They apologized again at the end of our meal and took off the bruschetta from the check for the issues which was appreciated. It was a little over $100 for two people with no beverages and I can't say it was worth it. As someone who enjoys going out and spending $100+ a few times a month on upscale dining this restaurant missed the mark. I'm open to trying it again in the future, for us the price was just not on par with the dishes we had.
Sierra H
I've only been here a handful of times because of the price point, but it is so worth it every single time. Even today in the middle of everything going on, the food, atmosphere, and service were incredible. It is my go-to place in Lexington for special days because it is just that - special! My scallops melted in my mouth, the pomegranate martini was tart and delicious, and the salted caramel cheesecake was better than anything you'll find at cheesecake factory. Grab a table after 7:30 outside when the sun goes behind the other buildings on main street for an intimate evening. Almost feels like a secret garden! 10/10 every time
Ashlee Nemeth
Omg the mussels appetizer was fantastic. I had the Cioppino which was delicious and then my boyfriend had the whole Branzino which he really enjoyed as well. We make Branzino a lot ourselves at home but you could tell the fish was really fresh for all of the dishes that we had
Amazing infusion of flavors. The wine selection was a great compliment to a great meal. We were in town for Breeders Cup. Our waiter commented the business may close January 2021. Rally the Troops. Don't let this gem falter. Show support.
Unique industrial looking space where patrons are well spaced out and comfortable. Wait staff was very attentive and helpful with the menu. Fettuccine Alfredo was amazing not too heavy, great flavor with perfect pasta. Scallops were not overcooked and melt in your with a wine sauce. Yum. Loved the veges choice asparagus with zucchini, squash and tiny mushrooms just for flavor over a mild sauced grits. Amazing. Alcohol prices were reasonable. Food came at a good rate as we don't like long lags between courses. Perfect meal.
Excellent food and atmosphere, especially the patio. Good wine selection as well as mixed drinks, top spot downtown and in Lexington itself.
Very good menu and nice atmosphere. Plenty of parking. The whole branzino is very good. Lots of good options on the menu. Service was very good.
Just had the worst experience of my 67 year old life at a restaurant. We went there for brunch today. There was only 6-7 groups there at 11:00am when they opened. What I ordered was totally different than what I was served. I didn’t notice as I was involved enjoying time with the lady I was with. When I realized that and brought it to her attention. Basically, I was told sorry about your luck. No attempt to correct the situation. No attempt to say I should’ve caught that when your food came out. I told her I was disappointed and she coped an attitude like it was my fault. The manager came over and I told him what had happened. He apologized and said my meal was comped which I appreciated. As we were leaving she made a crude remark which I responded to. He attempted to put his arm on my shoulder and told us to get out. I told him immediately to get his arm off of me and he’s lucky he didn’t get punched. Don’t go there.
I am a Frontline Practitioner. I just wanted to treat myself. I have never been treated so poorly! African Americans are not welcomed in this establishment. The owner allowed the staff's behavior. I never spoke an ill word.
The food is marvelous. The staff is always nice and pleasant. The atmosphere serene. And Lexington is a good place to live.
Portofino is one of Lexington's best in Italian dining and our meal was a great example of it. I had the risotto primavera with added shrimp. The risotto was perfectly cooked and the vegetables all very fresh, the shrimp were huge! I took half home for lunch. My husband chose the ravioli della casa, which were 4 overstuffed ravioli in a garlic sage butter. For dessert we had the best tiramisu I've had, and it is one of my favorite desserts! Delicious meal!
Best meal I have had on a 7 day vacation! I had a Delicious salmon Dish and my husband had the marinara dish. Great salads, green fried tomatoes and nice drink options! Great service and beautiful ambiance!
Nice place. The atmosphere, service, and food were all good. It's not cheap though, and the food wasn't so amazing that I'd rush to go back at that price. My wife and I split two entrees, ravioli and rissoto. The ravioli was really good but the risotto was a little bland. The waitress split up both entrees for us which was really nice.
Restaurantji Recommends
Upon arriving we noted the social distancing was great, all servers wearing masks and sanitizing frequently (great job !) However when we were seated we were told our server would be with us in a moment, no problem I understand staff has been reduced due to Covid but we sat for almost 20 minutes before anyone even came by. I didn't get her name but a server who was leaving her shift actually took our order and got us drinks. A member of staff apologized and said with the face masks our server must not have heard he had a table, not a great start. We ordered Bruschetta (a must at any Italian restaurant I visit) we were disappointed. Personally I've never had bruschetta with cheese sauce, it was as if they poured queso all over the plate and not what we were expecting, as other reviews have stated it makes the bread soggy and is impossible to eat around. I had the rock shrimp with scallops, paying $40+ for a dish it was a bit disappointing, my pasta wasn't cooked all the way so it had a bite to it, there was a large amount of pasta and only two scallops on the plate. My partner had the Lobster ravioli which tasted great however, I've never seen such large raviolis, the menu didn't say they were "giant ravioli" so it was a little shocking, they were about the size of my hand. They apologized again at the end of our meal and took off the bruschetta from the check for the issues which was appreciated. It was a little over $100 for two people with no beverages and I can't say it was worth it. As someone who enjoys going out a few times a month on upscale dining this restaurant missed the mark. I'm open to trying it again in the future, for us the price was just not on par with the dishes we had.
Fabulous interior, appropriately spaced for social distancing and they have a patio that looks very enticing! Fabulous smell of seafood from the table next to us.
Upon arriving we noted the social distancing was great, all servers wearing masks and sanitizing frequently (great job !) However when we were seated we were told our server would be with us in a moment, no problem I understand staff has been reduced due to Covid but we sat for almost 20 minutes before anyone even came by. I didn't get her name but a server who was leaving her shift actually took our order and got us drinks. A member of staff apologized and said with the face masks our server must not have heard he had a table, not a great start. We ordered Bruschetta (a must at any Italian restaurant I visit) we were disappointed. Personally I've never had bruschetta with cheese sauce, it was as if they poured queso all over the plate and not what we were expecting, as other reviews have stated it makes the bread soggy and is impossible to eat around. I had the rock shrimp with scallops, paying $40+ for a dish it was a bit disappointing, my pasta wasn't cooked all the way so it had a bite to it, there was a large amount of pasta and only two scallops on the plate. My partner had the Lobster ravioli which tasted great however, I've never seen such large raviolis, the menu didn't say they were "giant ravioli" so it was a little shocking, they were about the size of my hand. They apologized again at the end of our meal and took off the bruschetta from the check for the issues which was appreciated. It was a little over $100 for two people with no beverages and I can't say it was worth it. As someone who enjoys going out and spending $100+ a few times a month on upscale dining this restaurant missed the mark. I'm open to trying it again in the future, for us the price was just not on par with the dishes we had.
I've only been here a handful of times because of the price point, but it is so worth it every single time. Even today in the middle of everything going on, the food, atmosphere, and service were incredible. It is my go-to place in Lexington for special days because it is just that - special! My scallops melted in my mouth, the pomegranate martini was tart and delicious, and the salted caramel cheesecake was better than anything you'll find at cheesecake factory. Grab a table after 7:30 outside when the sun goes behind the other buildings on main street for an intimate evening. Almost feels like a secret garden! 10/10 every time
Omg the mussels appetizer was fantastic. I had the Cioppino which was delicious and then my boyfriend had the whole Branzino which he really enjoyed as well. We make Branzino a lot ourselves at home but you could tell the fish was really fresh for all of the dishes that we had