The pizza was dough with a spoonful of sauce and a smattering of cheese. Don’t bother. The Bibb salad was great! Maybe there are other options on the menu that we should’ve tried. Overall, with all the restaurants in that Grove St area, I wouldn’t bother getting Pizza at Porta.
tber
We have been t Porta in Jersey City so decided to check out the Montlcair location. Easy to get reservations - even for a Sat night in May. Great decor, excellent service. We enjoyed the fresh ricotta appetizer. Then had a couples pizzas and split a large Bibb salad. The Carbonara might be THE best pizza we've ever had. We remember it being excellent in JC so did not disappoint this time either. Husband and son also big fans of the Italian Stallion pizza. Lots of smaller parties livened up the place. We'll be back.
timtraveler14
Porta was so awesome! We were upstairs with friends and the bartenders gave great customer service. The ambiance was really good. Nice place to relax and be happy.
Lucy N
they didn’t even give us our food and the music was terribly obnoxious. do not recommend. -100/10.
Reds4U_NL
On Memorial Day we had dinner at Porta in early evening with our family. We just walked in to see if there was a table available. The food is decent and the restaurant is looking very well. The staff did their best to give their guest a best experience.
Trazhus
Incompetent abysmal staff. Dull and limited food and beverage selection. Well designed and decorated ambiance but I had an OK experience not a wow will not frequent or recommend.
Christabelle McCabe
Restaurant doesn’t exits, they moved locations to Secaucus. I made a reservation for 10 people and they took it with out saying their name, location and menu changed. I realized later about the location so I called to confirm and still then nothing about the rebranding. Me and all my friends get to the restaurant for my birthday and that’s when we find out that it’s a whole new restaurant, I come in and they said that the restaurant hasn’t opened yet, but handed me a menu that had a different name and completely different menu. I would give them no stars if possible. Such a waste of time.
Julesglo65
I have been to Porta on two other occasions and both times, the food and service were excellent. Unfortunately, today (May 15), I went there with my wife and two young granddaughters to have dinner. We arrived and signed in at 6:05 and we told there was a thirty minute wait. Totally understandable considering it was Saturday evening and the area was busy. We were called to come in a 6:40pm. At that point we were told it would be another 5 minutes because they were cleaning up the room. We were told to come back in five minutes which we did and we told they needed a few more minutes. Finally at 7pm we were able to be seated and were brought downstairs to the basement. I believe they call it the Mudd Room. It looked like an old pizzeria shop from the 70’s. After looking around and questioning why would we pay Porta Prices for this? We decided to leave and upon leaving told the employee upstairs that it was a little disappointing that this is where we were placed after waiting an hour. Her response, in a very nasty tone, look, we placed you based on what we had available!!! My first instinct was to just light her up and really put her in place because as a customer, one should never be responded to in that manor. I also quickly realized that my two young granddaughters were with us and at the end of the day, decided to just take the high road. We went down the block to another place and were served pretty quickly with respect and appreciation. I for one will never drop another cent at Portas and will ensure that any friends of mine are aware of how they operate. At least on this particular day.
Nathanael Oneal
Fantastic place to buy food when in a rush. Their customer service is prompt, rates are convenient, great vibes. Will visit here again
kimberlylebron
I’m from NYC and often meet friends for food and drinks in Jersey City, and last Saturday this was my second or third visit. We made reservations for the rooftop and were seated at the bar. I was excited about the vegan options, but the Rita & Mark was just ok. My friend and I decided share a cocktail while we waited for the pizza and ordered the “Pump Master Flex,” since it was a seasonal pumpkin drink. The bartender brought a small glass which what appeared to be a shot instead of an actual cocktail. The glass was small and it was literally a quarter full. I didn’t get to take a picture of it before he took it away, but I took a picture of the whiskey neat we ordered, because it was literally the same amount of liquid in the glass. We both laughed and looked at the bartender with crazy eyes, we asked if this was a shot or a cocktail, because it WAS on the cocktail menu. He said that was how it came and just looked that way because of the glass it was in. My friend took a sip and immediately made a face of disgust. When the bartender came over I told him that she didn’t like it and if I didn’t like it he would have to take it back, which he did. My friend and I were just shocked that they would actually serve that as a cocktail, and if it tasted amazing maybe I would’ve been ok with that. I’m from NYC I’m used to getting overpriced drinks, but my cup is usually full when I ask for a cocktail anywhere. As we were laughing about it with the couple sitting next to us, because they too were shocked when they saw the “cocktail” we were served, the bartender walks over and tells me that if I don’t lower my voice he is going to have to ask me to leave. I asked if I was not allowed to voice my opinion about the way a drink looks and tastes, and he answered “not if I can hear you at the other end of the bar.” Meanwhile, this is post Covid, we needed reservations just to sit at the bar, so there are only four other people at the bar, in an open air rooftop. This triggered me to the point that I am taking time out of my life to write this review. In the state the world is in right now, these micro-agressions are showing their faces everywhere and they can’t hide any more. The AUDACITY of this young white man to tell BIPOC to lower their voices just because he took offense to our opinion of his bartending skills is ridiculous. Most bartenders would do their best to make the customer happy instead of threatening to have them removed. I am a yogi, I am not an aggressive person, so at no point was I intentionally raising my voice to create a hostile atmosphere or draw attention to myself. It was just another example of someone trying to suppress another based on their own insecurities and lack of self esteem. His bartending and people skills are severely lacking, he also gave us a peak of his asscrack every time he bent over which added to the lackluster of the experience. We should’ve just stayed at the Rooftop at Exchange Place where the drinks were delish and the view was amazing.
This place has started chai and some snacks to go with it. We ordered methi gota and dabeli. Both of them tasted really nice! Tea was amazing too! They have a couple of tables outside their place and was quite nice to have some quick chai there. Service was a little slow but the taste of the snacks made up for it! Definitely going there every weekend from now on!
Unknown Ankit
This place is exceptional because the owner is different and has a kind heart then others around on that street. Not only do they serve home cooked food, cooking skills can be tasted in their food. They also serve their food at very low prices keeping minimal margins. It’s more like a COMMUNITY SERVICE they are offering then running a business. I would absolutely recommend this place. Enjoy!
Vijita K.
As a Bombay-bred Goan living in the US for my entire adult life, finding Goan food away from home is a mighty challenge. No, I'm not talking about the "shrimp goan curry" or "vindaloo" at every other Indian restaurant around the block. I'm talking about finally finding real pao, rava fry, and other Goan delicacies. I took the PATH from Manhattan on a Saturday afternoon and the restaurant was pretty full. Pictures of soccer, Goan neighborhood signs, Bandra (my old childhood neighborhood) and hearing Konkani made me reminisce times spent on the beach in Vasco, Panaji, Bandra, and Canacona. I had to get the kokum kadi to know how legit this place was. Solkadi: A little too spicy for my taste. Solkadi in Goa was less heavy handed on the garlic, and the pungency made me leave the drink halfway. Ideally, solkadi is a creamy, tangy, concoction made with garcinia india (kokum) and just seasoned with ginger, garlic and sometimes cilantro for their digestive properties. Appetizers: Golden fried prawns: A-ok. Did not taste very fresh, and the masala (batter) lacked the spicy, lemony flavor usually in Goan prawns. Chicken sukka: Stellar. Reminded me of when mama made it with the grated coconut, spicy masala, and soft, buttery paos. I got a round 2 because it just reminded me of homemade food on a Sunday afternoon washed down with Kingfisher beer before a siesta. Mains: Kingfish rawa fry: Avoid. Viswon, as known in Konkani, is everyone's favorite fish. However, the fish smelled stale. Can't say if it was imported from India and left in the ice, or it is from the Gulf of Mexico and been stored for eons. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Ros Omelet: Ros in Konkani means gravy or juice. This is an Indian omelet/masala omelet topped with a juicy, spicy gravy. Reminded me of the rains in Goa, standing by a street stall and having piping hot ros omelet with pao. Order some extra pao on the side to scoop up the ros since every Goan has always messed up the bread to ros ratio at least once in their lives. It's so good. Patrao, thanks for giving us Goans a taste of home. Hope it reopens soon and the quality of seafood is more fresh. Dev boren koro.
Jeffery Savage
We had a superb time in this restaurant. We loved the extraordinary environment and the meals. The staff were super friendly. I’m glad we finally managed to try this restaurant.
Rashid Noorani
Authentic Gujarati/kathiyawadi veg food. Loved the test.
The pizza was dough with a spoonful of sauce and a smattering of cheese. Don’t bother. The Bibb salad was great! Maybe there are other options on the menu that we should’ve tried. Overall, with all the restaurants in that Grove St area, I wouldn’t bother getting Pizza at Porta.
We have been t Porta in Jersey City so decided to check out the Montlcair location. Easy to get reservations - even for a Sat night in May. Great decor, excellent service. We enjoyed the fresh ricotta appetizer. Then had a couples pizzas and split a large Bibb salad. The Carbonara might be THE best pizza we've ever had. We remember it being excellent in JC so did not disappoint this time either. Husband and son also big fans of the Italian Stallion pizza. Lots of smaller parties livened up the place. We'll be back.
Porta was so awesome! We were upstairs with friends and the bartenders gave great customer service. The ambiance was really good. Nice place to relax and be happy.
they didn’t even give us our food and the music was terribly obnoxious. do not recommend. -100/10.
On Memorial Day we had dinner at Porta in early evening with our family. We just walked in to see if there was a table available. The food is decent and the restaurant is looking very well. The staff did their best to give their guest a best experience.
Incompetent abysmal staff. Dull and limited food and beverage selection. Well designed and decorated ambiance but I had an OK experience not a wow will not frequent or recommend.
Restaurant doesn’t exits, they moved locations to Secaucus. I made a reservation for 10 people and they took it with out saying their name, location and menu changed. I realized later about the location so I called to confirm and still then nothing about the rebranding. Me and all my friends get to the restaurant for my birthday and that’s when we find out that it’s a whole new restaurant, I come in and they said that the restaurant hasn’t opened yet, but handed me a menu that had a different name and completely different menu. I would give them no stars if possible. Such a waste of time.
I have been to Porta on two other occasions and both times, the food and service were excellent. Unfortunately, today (May 15), I went there with my wife and two young granddaughters to have dinner. We arrived and signed in at 6:05 and we told there was a thirty minute wait. Totally understandable considering it was Saturday evening and the area was busy. We were called to come in a 6:40pm. At that point we were told it would be another 5 minutes because they were cleaning up the room. We were told to come back in five minutes which we did and we told they needed a few more minutes. Finally at 7pm we were able to be seated and were brought downstairs to the basement. I believe they call it the Mudd Room. It looked like an old pizzeria shop from the 70’s. After looking around and questioning why would we pay Porta Prices for this? We decided to leave and upon leaving told the employee upstairs that it was a little disappointing that this is where we were placed after waiting an hour. Her response, in a very nasty tone, look, we placed you based on what we had available!!! My first instinct was to just light her up and really put her in place because as a customer, one should never be responded to in that manor. I also quickly realized that my two young granddaughters were with us and at the end of the day, decided to just take the high road. We went down the block to another place and were served pretty quickly with respect and appreciation. I for one will never drop another cent at Portas and will ensure that any friends of mine are aware of how they operate. At least on this particular day.
Fantastic place to buy food when in a rush. Their customer service is prompt, rates are convenient, great vibes. Will visit here again
I’m from NYC and often meet friends for food and drinks in Jersey City, and last Saturday this was my second or third visit. We made reservations for the rooftop and were seated at the bar. I was excited about the vegan options, but the Rita & Mark was just ok. My friend and I decided share a cocktail while we waited for the pizza and ordered the “Pump Master Flex,” since it was a seasonal pumpkin drink. The bartender brought a small glass which what appeared to be a shot instead of an actual cocktail. The glass was small and it was literally a quarter full. I didn’t get to take a picture of it before he took it away, but I took a picture of the whiskey neat we ordered, because it was literally the same amount of liquid in the glass. We both laughed and looked at the bartender with crazy eyes, we asked if this was a shot or a cocktail, because it WAS on the cocktail menu. He said that was how it came and just looked that way because of the glass it was in. My friend took a sip and immediately made a face of disgust. When the bartender came over I told him that she didn’t like it and if I didn’t like it he would have to take it back, which he did. My friend and I were just shocked that they would actually serve that as a cocktail, and if it tasted amazing maybe I would’ve been ok with that. I’m from NYC I’m used to getting overpriced drinks, but my cup is usually full when I ask for a cocktail anywhere. As we were laughing about it with the couple sitting next to us, because they too were shocked when they saw the “cocktail” we were served, the bartender walks over and tells me that if I don’t lower my voice he is going to have to ask me to leave. I asked if I was not allowed to voice my opinion about the way a drink looks and tastes, and he answered “not if I can hear you at the other end of the bar.” Meanwhile, this is post Covid, we needed reservations just to sit at the bar, so there are only four other people at the bar, in an open air rooftop. This triggered me to the point that I am taking time out of my life to write this review. In the state the world is in right now, these micro-agressions are showing their faces everywhere and they can’t hide any more. The AUDACITY of this young white man to tell BIPOC to lower their voices just because he took offense to our opinion of his bartending skills is ridiculous. Most bartenders would do their best to make the customer happy instead of threatening to have them removed. I am a yogi, I am not an aggressive person, so at no point was I intentionally raising my voice to create a hostile atmosphere or draw attention to myself. It was just another example of someone trying to suppress another based on their own insecurities and lack of self esteem. His bartending and people skills are severely lacking, he also gave us a peak of his asscrack every time he bent over which added to the lackluster of the experience. We should’ve just stayed at the Rooftop at Exchange Place where the drinks were delish and the view was amazing.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place has started chai and some snacks to go with it. We ordered methi gota and dabeli. Both of them tasted really nice! Tea was amazing too! They have a couple of tables outside their place and was quite nice to have some quick chai there. Service was a little slow but the taste of the snacks made up for it! Definitely going there every weekend from now on!
This place is exceptional because the owner is different and has a kind heart then others around on that street. Not only do they serve home cooked food, cooking skills can be tasted in their food. They also serve their food at very low prices keeping minimal margins. It’s more like a COMMUNITY SERVICE they are offering then running a business. I would absolutely recommend this place. Enjoy!
As a Bombay-bred Goan living in the US for my entire adult life, finding Goan food away from home is a mighty challenge. No, I'm not talking about the "shrimp goan curry" or "vindaloo" at every other Indian restaurant around the block. I'm talking about finally finding real pao, rava fry, and other Goan delicacies. I took the PATH from Manhattan on a Saturday afternoon and the restaurant was pretty full. Pictures of soccer, Goan neighborhood signs, Bandra (my old childhood neighborhood) and hearing Konkani made me reminisce times spent on the beach in Vasco, Panaji, Bandra, and Canacona. I had to get the kokum kadi to know how legit this place was. Solkadi: A little too spicy for my taste. Solkadi in Goa was less heavy handed on the garlic, and the pungency made me leave the drink halfway. Ideally, solkadi is a creamy, tangy, concoction made with garcinia india (kokum) and just seasoned with ginger, garlic and sometimes cilantro for their digestive properties. Appetizers: Golden fried prawns: A-ok. Did not taste very fresh, and the masala (batter) lacked the spicy, lemony flavor usually in Goan prawns. Chicken sukka: Stellar. Reminded me of when mama made it with the grated coconut, spicy masala, and soft, buttery paos. I got a round 2 because it just reminded me of homemade food on a Sunday afternoon washed down with Kingfisher beer before a siesta. Mains: Kingfish rawa fry: Avoid. Viswon, as known in Konkani, is everyone's favorite fish. However, the fish smelled stale. Can't say if it was imported from India and left in the ice, or it is from the Gulf of Mexico and been stored for eons. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Ros Omelet: Ros in Konkani means gravy or juice. This is an Indian omelet/masala omelet topped with a juicy, spicy gravy. Reminded me of the rains in Goa, standing by a street stall and having piping hot ros omelet with pao. Order some extra pao on the side to scoop up the ros since every Goan has always messed up the bread to ros ratio at least once in their lives. It's so good. Patrao, thanks for giving us Goans a taste of home. Hope it reopens soon and the quality of seafood is more fresh. Dev boren koro.
We had a superb time in this restaurant. We loved the extraordinary environment and the meals. The staff were super friendly. I’m glad we finally managed to try this restaurant.
Authentic Gujarati/kathiyawadi veg food. Loved the test.