A favorite of Boone locals, Café Portofino is located in a 100-year- old building on Rivers Street, once the original maintenance station for the historic, Tweetsie Railroad. Completely renovated, with a friendly, open kitchen and a cozy dining room, we offer 5-star dining in a casual atmosphere. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino features daily culinary specials and fresh seafood. For those looking for a new pasta dish, try the house specialty Spiced Sirloin over penne pasta with Portofinos signature arrabiatta sauce. The extraordinary wine list compliments the culinary experience and all ABC permits are offered.
Easygoing Italian eatery set in a former railway maintenance station with a deck & attached bar.
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Former Cafe Portofino building demolished – Watauga Democrat
In February 2022, the landowners proposed that the building be demolished, which was later approved by the Boone Board of Adjustment. A new …
Café Portofino building owners propose demolition following closure
The Italian restaurant and bar, established in 2000 and located at 970 Rivers St., closed Jan. 11. According to the Boone Town Council agenda …
PORTOS UPDATE yesterday our old friend Cafe Portofino was …
… profile picture. draba.boone. •. Follow. Photo shared by DRABA @ BOONE on December 23, 2025 tagging @draba, and. draba · thawout.nc. 1.1K. 7.
Reviews
Kimberly Nelson
Absolutely delicious!!!! The Rasta Pasta is a must and the shrimp crostini special was amazing. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was good as well. Definitely will be back!
… moreHunter Wrenn
What a fantastic place to come hang out, great environment, even better service, and absolutely delicious drinks!! Was disappointed that they ran out of pizza dough on the night that it was half off, but the drinks made up for it! Staff was friendly and hung out some too, a great place for anyone to come hang out. The moscow muel was a phenomenal drink also, would recommend that.
… morePatrick McNamara
Great food with very diverse choices, really great setup with unique atmospheres, and wonderful service. My server, Claire, was very atentive, engaging, and just awesome. Had a great time!
… moreKyle Gorczynski
Great casual Italian restaurant in the heart of Boone. They do an excellent job combing a country mountain town feel with an Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is amazing and the separate area for the bar keeps it quieter in the dining area so it isn’t impossible to hear when busy. The service is very attentive and quick, and the garlic knots are my favorite appetizer!
… moreLila Rieber
More of a dive bar than a cafe. The photo of the outdoor seating area doesn’t really show that it’s in next to a parking lot in the middle of downtown Boone. This is a more accurate picture of the vibe.
The jalapeno poppers were completely burnt, but to their credit they took them back and didn’t charge for them.
… moreThe jalapeno poppers were completely burnt, but to their credit they took them back and didn’t charge for them.
Trisha Hartman
Service was fantastic and food was good. This is the grownup Mac and cheese. The pasta sauce was a bit bland but the chicken on it was outstanding.
… moreMichael Barber
Abby was a ROCKSTAR! The food was excellent. The manager however thinks rules don’t apply to him. Literally every other employee following guidelines. The manager had a cute chin strap. #Fail What else does he cut corners on?
… morePatricia L
Excellent service, they are really nice and efficient.
However I expected pasta ARDENTE… or pizza with Rosemarie o and thin.
I also can offer a couple of tips about cuban sandwich.( I’m cuban and also know cuban sandwich from Miami)
Anyway, Happy New Year, guys!
… moreHowever I expected pasta ARDENTE… or pizza with Rosemarie o and thin.
I also can offer a couple of tips about cuban sandwich.( I’m cuban and also know cuban sandwich from Miami)
Anyway, Happy New Year, guys!
Colby Burns
Great service and great prices. The portions are huge so you have left overs for lunch the next day which is great! I had the Cuban sandwich and it was fabulous. The only one in town on real Cuban bread. My girlfriend had the Chicken and Waffles and she said it was the best she has ever had. Our server was great! We had a friend that was gluten free and she took care of all her needs. This place is one of the best in Boone. Great for friends or family.
… moreNeil Sickendick
Food was good. Great menu with lots of options but consistent in style, flavor etc – not a random assortment. They took my reservation for 14 people just two days ahead of time, really appreciate that! We really only had 1 server for all of us but she did a fantastic job keeping up. Everything was great, definitely recommend.
… more