The Portofino Restaurant

Good option for local Italian in the Crystal city neighborhood but not my favorite. The after dinner drink was my favorite part (cappuccino with amaretto). I had a seafood dish that was pretty tasty but my partner had the veal and was disappointed. Would go here again but probably try something different!

Fun family-friendly Italian place conveniently located on 23rd. Reservations are recommended. Go around back for parking and the entrance to the restaurant. Comfort food is the name of the game. Tasty ravioli and decent pasta in general. Great limoncello and the Nutella mousse pie is a must-get. Go during Happy Hour and get your bottle of wine half off (up to $50)!

A very nice surprise. Our first time here. Portofino is in a restaurant strip so I didn't know what to expect. Reviews were a mixed bag. A strange rear entrance had a door opening directly on a stairs for entry. Friendly staff immediately seated us at an attractive table. Warm bread and olio appeared with menus and a wine recommendation at Happy Hour discount price. A nice menu with wide variety. Found our waiter had been there for 35 years and the cook for 47. We ordered and food appeared promptly. Small size plate was filled. Thought pasta at an extra $2 was odd at an Italian Cafe. Food was excellant. Veggies appeared steamed and were nice and firm. My chicken Marsalla was great. We splurged on desserts. Caramel apple gellato and chocolate pistachio cannooli. I also got an espresso doppio. We had a ton of great food and drink and a great experience for under $100. Our server was attentive and friendly throughout and really added to our dining experience. We came away with great memories and a souvenir. Will definitely go back. PS. Given the stairway entry. I am not sure what accessibility provisions exist. If that is a requirement, I suggest you call ahead. There is a car park it the rear.

Visiting Portofino Restaurant in Crystal City, VA, was a delightful experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The interior exudes an elegant charm, with tasteful decor that complements the upscale vibe of the restaurant. The service at Portofino Restaurant was impeccable. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that our visit was nothing short of perfect. They were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and eager to offer recommendations tailored to our preferences. It was clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority at this establishment. The menu at Portofino Restaurant is a testament to the culinary artistry of the chefs. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with the freshest ingredients, showcasing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. We were particularly impressed with the seafood selections, which were expertly prepared and presented. The pasta dishes were also standout, offering authentic Italian flavors that transported us straight to Italy with each bite. One of the highlights of our dining experience was the wine selection. Portofino Restaurant boasts an impressive wine list that features both well-known and obscure vintages, providing an excellent opportunity to explore different pairings with our meals. The knowledgeable staff were instrumental in guiding us through the wine list, helping us make selections that beautifully complemented our dishes. To conclude our meal, we indulged in one of the restaurant's decadent desserts. It was the perfect ending to an already spectacular dining experience. The dessert was visually stunning and delicious, demonstrating the same high level of culinary excellence found throughout the meal. Portofino Restaurant in Crystal City, VA, offers an exquisite dining experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning diners. With its warm ambiance, outstanding service, and culinary excellence, this restaurant is a gem that stands out in the vibrant Crystal City dining scene. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a high-quality dining experience, Portofino Restaurant is a destination that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

I ate here two years ago on a business trip. Return visit was worth it. Started with warm bread and olive oil then went straight to the main course, fried soft shell crabs. They were battered different than what we do in Louisiana, but it was still very good. Wish I had room for dessert. I will be back again next time I am in town.

We ate here for dinner on a Friday night and it was so delicious we came back Sunday for cappuccino and dessert. We were in town for the Marine Corps Marathon so we came for the pasta and developed a love for the atmosphere, staff, service, and the food. The food is amazing you will not be disappointed. Cocktails were on point, excellent wine selection, calamari was cooked perfectly. I found out my MIL ate here in 2012 and she also raves about it. If you haven’t been here yet what are you waiting for?

A mile from the airport and seemed a little bit better than the typical on the go fare. Food was actually quite tasty, and probably one of the best cannolis I've had in a very very long time (which made up for the very mediocre coffee ). That said, my friend and I certainly felt like outsiders. Although there were some patrons that seemed very comfortable. Not the warmest of greetings, but it was worth it. I'll probably return.

Foods tasted ok, BUT Carbonara was absolutely not Carbonara and not even close! It had an American Alfredo sauce, no black pepper which is the most important ingredient in Carbonara, and it had PEAS 😳 in it! That’s not how we eat Carbonara in Rome or anywhere else in Italy!! It was the farthest thing from actual Carbonara. Wine that i ordered was $12.95 on the menu but later i noticed that they charged me $17.95 instead of. $5 different!!!! Tiramisu was also just a cake and cream, tasted like a banana pudding and vanilla cake! I don’t think it had any espresso in it at all. However, payed 100 bucks for two meals and wines and a desert and received the worst Italian food we’ve ever had in USA. We would probably be happier with Olive Garden. 🙄😐🫤