Il Fornaio 178 — Restaurant in Porto

A preliminary information: I am Italian. Let's start with the good things. The place. Amazingly decorated, perfectly illuminated, is both charming, cozy, somehow elegant but also casual and intime. Definitely a place where you feel it would be nice to have dinner. The staff. Great service, attentive and quick, smiling and with the right approach: this is absolutely not to take for granted, especially after Covid 19 it is quite difficult to find professional staff in restaurants. The food. Here the problems start... We asked for a bruschetta caprese, which was good, but just had a slight problem: it was not a bruschetta. Actually it was a piece of pizza bread with tomato and mozzarella in it. Again, tasty, but not, not at all, a bruschetta. Then we got a pizza with burrata and Nduja and a Margherita DOP. The Burrata and Nduja, a 18 euro pizza, was: clearly not enough leavened burned on the side and raw in the middle the mozzarella used was not real mozzarella, you could see that both visually and for the taste, which was a total disaster the burrata was positioned on the top of the pizza but was...cold...now, you should know very well that mozzarella, mozzarella di bufala, burrata, in order to be tasted rightly should not, never, ever, be served cold, but should be taken out of the fridge before serving in order to reach a room temperature, otherwise, like for the wine, it is not possible to feel any of the flavour of the cheese. Mozzarella DOP: again, not enough leavened, a bit raw, something we could actually see immediately but also experiement after dinner with the very two clear symptoms of not leavened and raw pizza: we needed to drink liters of water... Last but not least, the desserts, a tiramisu. Well, the problem here is, again, the name. It is not enough to put a ladyfinder biscuit into a mascarpone cream with sugar, that's not a tiramisu, but...a mascarpone cream with ladyfinger biscuit. Anyway, maybe we have been unlucky, will definitely try to visit again in the next month and possibly write a...

Il Fornaio 178 exceeded all my expectations during my visit. From the freshness of the ingredients to the skillful cooking, everything was simply outstanding. It easily became my favorite meal while in Porto.

The freshness of the food at Il Fornaio 178 was truly remarkable. Every dish I tried showcased the use of high-quality ingredients, resulting in flavors that were vibrant and authentic. It was evident that great care was taken in selecting and preparing each element of the meal.

The cooking at Il Fornaio 178 was executed with precision and mastery. Whether it was the perfectly cooked meats or the skillfully crafted pasta dishes, everything was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs. Each bite was a delight, filled with harmonious flavors and textures that left me craving for more.

I must admit that the portion sizes at Il Fornaio 178 were quite generous. The deliciousness of the food was so irresistible that I couldn't help but eat until I was completely full. In fact, I was so satiated that I could barely move afterward. It was a testament to the indulgence and satisfaction that the restaurant offers.

Overall, Il Fornaio 178 is a culinary gem in Porto. If you're seeking a memorable dining experience with fresh and well-cooked dishes, this is the place to go. Prepare yourself for a truly satisfying meal that will leave you happily stuffed and yearning for a...

Culinary Masterpiece – Il Fornaio 178

Il Fornaio 178 is, without question, the best Italian restaurant I have ever experienced. Every dish here speaks of authenticity, passion, and craftsmanship.

The pizza is true Napolitano perfection—on par with the finest I’ve had in Naples, Italy, and far superior to anything I’ve tasted in the United States. The pasta is made from scratch, and every ingredient—from the sauce to the meat to the cheese—is of the highest quality, prepared with love and precision.

Pair it with their bold Portuguese wines, and you’ll understand why this restaurant is unforgettable. The house-made limoncello and grappa are simply unbelievable—smooth, rich, and the perfect way to end a meal.

And then come the desserts. The tiramisu and tartufo are beyond compare—decadent, balanced, and impossible to forget.

Service matches the food. I was lucky enough to have Kat as my server, and she was phenomenal: professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely proud to represent the chef’s artistry and the restaurant’s quality. Ask for her when you go—you won’t regret it.

After such an extraordinary meal, I left with one bittersweet thought: when I return to New York, I know I will never have an Italian meal that compares to this.

Il Fornaio 178 is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey. If you are anywhere near this restaurant,...