Benjamin Duke
Only ever heard good things about this place and decided to try it for myself. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. The servers were friendly, the atmosphere was good, the food was delicious and the homemade bread was amazing! I had the Veal Parmigiana which the portion size was plenty and delicious. Definitely will be back to try more food options and get some more of that bread.
… moretyler coughlon
I can’t believe I am just now finding Portofino’s! An amazing combination of home style Italian food meets fine dining. The pricing was on point, and the portions were very generous. Our waitress seemed to have telepathic powers as she was always showing up at the perfect time, and management check ins didn’t just happen at the end of the meals. Amazingly the food came out perfectly timed. The ambiance was absolutely perfect.
Started the meals with amazing garlic knots while we awaited our appetizer. The bread was light and fluffy, and could stand alone or pair perfectly with either a marinara or an oil bread dip. Then arrived the Frito Mix made up of fried calamari, fried shrimp, and mozzarella sticks. The breading was light and flavorful the complimented each filling perfectly. Even my partner, who actively voices her dislike for calamari, loved the calamari. The. Arrived the main course, we ordered the pasta combo and lobster ravioli respectively so we could eat off each other’s plates as we did not know which to choose. I won’t be able to do them justice with words on a screen so I recommend just going there immediately and having them to experience them. Needless to say we were more than satisfied with not just the flavor but portions. We had to stop ourselves from continuing to eat as we wanted to try their delicious looking desserts. I had the tiramasu and she had the cannoli. I paired my tiramasu with the coffee (they did not have espresso, the only possible thing that could have made this amazing dining experience better) and they complimented each other so well that I had to take moments in between to savor it. The cannot was so good that I did not get a chance to try more than the filling which was delicious. All of this for under $80.00.
Portofino’s just became our go to restraunt for comfort or when we have company in town. It was a perfect dining experience.
… moreMatthew Dawson
Super chill dinner, nice quiet atmosphere and my server Ashley was really kind. Didn’t see her much, so I felt a lil left out, but called the restaurant after and learned that she had two large parties at the same time and they were short staffed, so I won’t dock her for that. The food was amazing and really nicely priced $19.60 with tax for the pasta combo, side salad, water and rolls. Again, super chill, great food, and everyone I worked with was really kind.
*Note: I biked there and locked my bike to a bench, would be cool if they had bike parking, but understand most people don’t bike to Portofinos; although, they are right off the trail!
… moreDiane Wagner
Portofinos for the win! Cold snowy afternoon , the doors opened to an inviting warm atmosphere. The smell of bread was so heavenly and the fireplace was flickering! I had a fabulous dirty martini with the veal picatta! My partner had coffee with his Fettuccine Alfredo. The meals were so good. Both sauces, very different but perfect! Service was spot on. I would recommend! A+ for Sunday adventure.
… moreBrian Osweiler
First time here an we really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is comfortable, the staff is friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. The bread is the cherry on top. The portion and quality for the price stands out as an outstanding value. If you’re near Ankeny, find your way to Portofino’s – you won’t be disappointed!
… moreHollymae York
Everything was amazing! Beautiful photos on walls. Delicious food. And the most kind and respectful staff. Very clean restaurant.
… moreNaarah Hauenstein
Excellent food with big portions and staff was friendly. We carried out and it was still hot and so delicious!!!
… moreScott Nuckolls
Easiest rating/review in the past year.
Service with Belmin was exceptional. He set the tone and expectations and delivered with a smile.
Now the food. Soup of the day: Creamed asparagus. Delish!
Homemade garlic bread knots made me remember Mom’s and that started the night. Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken made just right, creamy, and light all in one. The baked pasta sampler again brought me back to my roots with no disappointment.
Finished with a chocolate cake, why?! Oh my a great ending.
Overall, a tremendous surprise that we never knew existed. Happily adding to the top 5 overall on our list.
Thank you for a great meal, atmosphere, and service.
… moreLaura Slavin
I was excited to try this place, some of our friends told us about it. Walking in, it smelled delightful of garlic and nice Italian music playing. The server greeted us promptly, and answered questions, and was very accommodating. I had the Shrimp scampi, the shrimp seemed a little undercooked and the scampi sauce was just mediocre. The salad was bland with bottled dressing, blahhh. The Alfredo was very flavorful so 5 star there!! But the kicker came when we were still eating and the server asked for dessert because she was going home. So we boxed our food and left. So much for our great service. Servers should never bring a bill until the plates are cleared. Sorry Portifinos
… moreBraeden Davis
We have now visited twice this month and it’s our favorite Italian place!! Everyone is always so nice and honestly the worst part is just choosing what to order. Everything is incredible. Both times waiters have been so nice and inviting. Love this place.
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