Portofino

Made reservations online. Had the bruschetta as an appetizer and then the vegetable lasagna… both were excellent. Service was great. Highly recommend!

The food was great. Had a goat cheese and apple salad that was very fresh. Pared my meat Saudi lasagna with a Zinfandel wine. Oh and the lasagna is plenty enough to share!

Just ate at Portofino’s for the first time in many years. Very disappointed! The cannolis were not anything I was used to having eaten at numerous authentic Italian restaurants. The filling was a chocolate mousse, very tasteless. I was expecting a traditional ricotta filling. No pistachios, no mini chocolate chips, only chocolate drizzle over the top with a dollop of whipped cream. The lasagna was a very bland meat marinara. However, the side salad with goat cheese and apple slices had a full fresh flavor– I should’ve ended there. I will not be returning to this restaurant. I believe it’s overpriced for what you get.

I came here on a dinner date, where we made reservations. We were greeted immediately by the host and seated. The restaurant wasn’t very busy and the ambiance was very nice and dim. We ordered a very nicely chilled crisp bottle of gewurztraminer wine along with the bruschetta for our appetizer. I had ordered the tuna entrée and my date ordered the osso bucco which he didn’t particularly care for, but I loved my tuna. It was perfectly cooked and encrusted in the seasonings. The vegetables were very tasty and filled my tastebuds with all kinds of flavors. I really enjoyed my experience here and would definitely be returning.

I am rating this meal, not so much the restaurant. This is meal was as the header next to the stars says «Meh.» I was excited about my opportunity to visit Portofino. Even with the review below, I recognize the situation changes how the restaurant has to work, and still anticipate a regular meal where the kitchen is cooking for tables and not trying to cater to a room all at once.
So I will preface this review by stipulating that I recently visited Portofino as a part of a large private party with a pre-​arranged menu by the host and appetizers were set out buffet style. This was not my first visit, but considering my first visit predated my knowledge of Unilocal and remember little about the experience (a function of time, not a lack of impression). The dinner was rather lackluster.
It did have its moments of brilliance, the service was excellent, being knowledge and cordial, even entertaining. The drinks and refills arrived promptly. I didn’t see anyone waiting or needing a thing. The final dish was a lovely, decadent, but light-​as-​air tiramisu, which I enjoyed quite a bit.
The three appetizer options were arranged and plated well. The only «hot» appetizer was quite tasty, and the shrimp cocktail was a solid shrimp cocktail. The third app was an ice cold sausage bruschetta-​like offering. The frigid chunks of congealed fat in the sausage and tough, untoasted baguette were unpalatable; it was hard to bite through and harder to cut with a knife and fork.
For my entrée I was given three options, beef, chicken, or fish. On this occasion I was inclined toward the beef and was asked by the server about my doneness preference (med-​rare). When the food came, the dishes, all of them, looked wonderful. The salmon, the roasted chicken, and the steaks with their accompaniments were reviving my spirits and expectations for the dinner. Unfortunately, I was disappointed again. My dinner was cooked to a well done, there was no pink center at all. The whole plate was cold, the sauce, the vegetables, the starches, the meat. Though cool, the food tasted great. the vegetables retained their texture, everything was well seasoned.
No, I did not bring it to the server’s attention as there were many other tables being served. I understand the logistical nightmare that is serving a large group so I was tolerant of my situation. Talking to other diners after the dinner, those with the steak options were gravely disappointed. Most of the beef entrees were cooked to well done regardless of preference, and still managed to be cold. There were not as many complaints about the salmon or the chicken.
So in summary; the service was great, the food tasted good, the execution/​control of the plates left something to be desired.
I have not written Portofino off, and neither should anyone else.

Been here three times. We live in Florida and our hometown has a paucity of Italian. But this is gourmet Italian. Delicious. Great service. Nice atmosphere.

It’s hard to believe I lived in Lexington almost 27 years and never tried this place until recently. With as much as I love good Italian food, I was very excited to try this place for a recent going away party for a friend.
The décor and feel overall of the entire restaurant is very quaint. We were seated in the basement in a neat room to hold about 30 people. Although there wasn’t much cell service down there the server was gracious enough to give me the wifi password (how else to Instagram your food?!).
We started with a bottle of wine and the bruschetta, which was hands down the best bruschetta I’ve ever had in my life (chunky sweet tomatoes with thick bread atop a delicious cream sauce for dipping — see my picture!). For the meal, I knew I had to try some of the handmade pasta and I went with the ravioli-​I received 4 large size raviolis, thick pasta with a wonderful creamy cheese filling. Very good!
Overall I thought portions were a little small for the price, but then again the 3 $ signs told me to expect high prices. For a bottle of wine, an appetizer, and my entrée, I spent $ 75 – eek! But a nice treat for sure. :)

We went here after TNL with friends. There were 8 of us. We sat outside on their wonderful little patio. Its quite lovely in the evening.
We have been there on many other occasions, typically a late night kind of thing after concerts and such, so this was a little different experience.
We were the last to arrive (about 7 minutes after our friends were sat) and honestly, we really felt like our server was put off that two more were joining! knowing that there were two more still to arrive, there were no place settings, no menus, nothing. When we sat down, we were expected to know without looking at a menu (drink or food) what we wanted. When I asked about the types of bourbon they had, she said 100’s and was then was going to flip to the book to the back. I ordered my go– to bourbon, but she seemed so put off. BTW– they don’t have blood orange bitters, I really wish they did.
We aren’t country hicks or bumpkins, we are aware of fine restaurants and service with those places. One can be a fine and respectful server and still have a personality. She did not. I think her name was Sara but I do remember she wore a scarf around her neck. I know she has been there a long time because I see her every time we have been there. This was just our first experience with her as our server. I don’t know if this were to have been our first time to Portifino and had her as our experience if we would have ever returned to this restaurant.
So service aside, we all had some apps and then entrees. We got the calimari and shrimp and it was excellent. Our friends got the mussels and said they were good, but that many of the shells were empty! My husband and I each got a salad, caprese and caesar with chicken which were good but not stellar. Our friends got the lasagna and enjoyed it very much. They were splitting it and each portion was huge!
I know that we will return, as we have always enjoyed it in the past. Perhaps it just wasn’t a ‘good day/​night’ for our server.

I was early for a meeting and just enough time for a quick bite. I had the bruschetta and it was fabulous. The bread was perfect and the tomatoes fresh and tasty. There was a delicious sauce as well and i will certainly go there next time I am in Lexington for a full meal.
Bravo

Came here prior to UK basketball game. Met a friend for a nice dinner and was not disappointed. The atmosphere was great for private casual conversation. The service was very attentive and paid attention to my note on the reservation website. Food was excellent.

Just left Portofino Restaurant after a great meal. This was our second trip in a few month so we knew the mussels would be great. Jay was our waiter and he was just the right amount of attentive. He remember to bring extra bread to sop up the mussel juice. I had the duck – excellent. My partner had the gnocchi. Very creamy. He said the Parmesan was a great topper.
The atmosphere was soothing and elegant, but there were customers in jeans and people in furs. The music was muted. We could actually hear each other.
I would give the restaurant five stars but the coffee was just so-​so. I’ve been spoiled by Nate’s Coffee.

We made reservations and had the worst food in town. My grandmothers 88^th birthday was ruined. I take my top clients to places around Lexington and I’m so glad I’ve never brought them here. They would be insulted. I have no idea how this place could be termed «classy». It’s utterly disgusting.

It has been a few years since I’ve been here. Due to some of the lackluster reviews and not really hearing many people talking about going to Portofino anymore, my perception was that it was a «has been» kind of a place.
I dined at Portofino last night as part of a large party. Given that it’s prime holiday dinner season, I was surprised that we were able to get a reservation a week out for 7:30 PM for 14 people. It reaffirmed my perception that this was not much of a happening place if we could secure a table on a Saturday night at a popular time so easily.
My perception was immediately shattered upon arrival. The restaurant was full and had a good energy. We were seated close enough to our reservation time (about 15 minutes late because the prior occupants of the table were finishing up). Service was nearly impeccable. Michael took exceptional care of us, ensured that no one’s drink ran dry, and walked that fine line of being efficient without rushing us beautifully. He added 18% gratuity since we were a large party, but he circled this on the check and did not try to sneak it past anyone.
I had the gnocchi with a fabulous homemade marinara sauce. The gnocchi was not nearly as heavy as other gnocchi I’ve had and it had great texture. And I can’t say it enough: the marinara was awesome.
Others at the table had filet mignon, lamb, tuna, ravioli. Everyone seemed very pleased with their entrees.
All in all, this was an outstanding experience and I look forward to going back again.

Heard so much positive about this place after living here 2.5 hrs. Finally took my family including sister from San Francisco and it was a reataurant disaster. Very under staffed. Two of 4 dishes came out «warm.» One pasta dish was dry and clumpy where the entire plate of pasta was stuck together like a ball.
I would have given it one star but atleast every dish tasted good, so I know they have potential. Felt bad for the server, for I know she was forced to serve way too many tables for the crowd they had.
GM/​Owner: Get a clue! Bring in extra help the nights of UK ball games. It’s not like they just started playing ball in town this year. You should be ashamed for the prices charged.

I wish I could give a 3.5 on this one, but I’ll go for the 4 for a few reasons.
Firstly; the place overall has decent food. What really wins in the Wine list. It’s definitely the best in town and they know their stuff. The problem is this town isn’t big on wine…
I am a fan of Italian food, and Portofino is so far the best I’ve had in Lexington, but I can’t say I’m more impressed by it than I am a Maggiano’s chain restaurant. My go-​to on an Italian place is usually a Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken dish, and this place did it well enough. The bruschetta was decent, but not mouth-​watering.
Again, for Lexington… this is a fine dining experience… but in a larger town this is a decent place to go without being too memorable. All the normal expectations and a few twists on standing out, but nothing on the menu that really catches your eye.
It’s definitely a decent date night.
I’d definitely go again and would recommend to people wanting Italian… but if I really want to get something great, I’ll travel to Cincinnati.
Heads up; the restaurant is on Main Street inside an office building. You enter from the side to get in. Kinda awkward, but interesting in a positive way.

First time at this restaurant and it was delicious! Great cocktails and a great meal from start to finish. It was restaurant week and I ordered a salad, shrimp and pasta, and tiramisu for dessert. Also shared the tomato and mozzarella salad with grilled onions and corn — delicious! I wish I lived closer to the restaurant because i can’t want to go back!

The hotel where I was staying said this was one of the top restaurants in town. If so, that’s a sad commentary on Lexington. For starters it took more than an hour and 20 minutes for our food to arrive, and the restaurant was less than half full when we arrived. The glass of riesling wine was fine, and the bread was OK. I ordered salmon which was OK, when it finally arrived, but the rice wasn’t fully cooked. The mussels were OK until I hit my fourth, which was putrid… never had one that tasted that awful. I hope I don’t get sick. The broccolini was very hard to cut.
Not a great experience to say the least.

I’ve frequented this resteraunt many times for lunch in years past with my BF. Hadn’t been in a few years since it was no longer convenient for us to meet for lunch. Lunch is reasonably priced for the great tasting food you get. Always loved the Chicken Parmesan. Last night was my first dinner there. My boss was in from out of town and we like to go to places that are unique to Lexington.
My only reason for 4 stars is that the dinner prices were pretty steep I thought. Nothing really priced under 20 – 24 for entrees. I got the goat cheese and apple salad and it was great but you had to pay for it separate. 6.00 or 10.00 for it in addition to the entrée. I had the scallops which were really good but you only get 4 and I would
Called them medium sized. If I hadn’t had the salad I probably would still be hungry when I left. Two friends had the filet which they said was good. The other person had the salmon and it looked good and she said it was great! Food presentation was awesome.
I had a sweet Riesling wine which was great.

Called to speak to management, the call was given to Kristen, front of house manager. After explaining what happened. She says «well I don’t know what to do for you and I spoke with our host and she says she only told you one soup was vegetarian»
I realize being a vegetarian or vegan is choice, but it should be respected and taken just as seriously as a food allergy. Cross contamination, lack of menu/​food knowledge by employees or «miscommunication» as she called it, can make people very sick and is serious
When I explained this to her, she continued with a frustrated tone «sorry you weren’t able to eat your food. Ill give you a refund». I responded, «maybe be sorry that your food could have made me extremely sick, for future reference you should educated your employees better before an allergic reaction kills someone, i’ll be in for my money and i’ll bring your food back». That was end of the convo, mind blown.
Seriously? Poor customer service is you ask me, I will never go back nor will I recommend it to anyone I know.

I went here with 11 others after the Bourbon Chase Relay in September 2012. Our waiter was pleasant. Chatty, but pleasant. Three of the appetizers I remember most at the table were the bruschetta, the calamari & rock shrimp, and the mushroom soup. All were excellent. The bruschetta was somewhat unusual because of the gorgonzola cream cheese and that was what really separates it from the other bruschetta plates you may have had. The calamari & rock shrimp was great– cooked to perfection and delicious. The mushroom soup is an absolute must-​have: strong, earthy, romantic… really good.
My main course was the owner-​recommended Veal Marsala Meatballs which I loved. It was flavorful and rich and makes for a perfect fall/​winter dish.
My partner had the Seafood Arrabbiata which we both would recommend you stay clear of. The pieces of fish were «fishy» and many of the shrimp were mushy. The owner took the dish off our bill, which was nice, but we both of course would much rather have paid $ 34 and enjoyed the meal than paid nothing and had a sub-​par dish.
Lastly– the wine list. It really is good and wide ranging and reasonably priced.
I would recommend this restaurant with slight hesitation and advise that you make sure your server has tasted the food THAT DAY. Sometimes a dish that is usually good just isn’t good that day.