It would have been a 3-star review if it were just for how we were received in the first 30 minutes.
It was my boyfriend bday party. So we booked a table for 15 people, 12 adults and 3 children aged 2-3 years. We were in the outdoor room, and as soon as the children arrived, they started playing and running around, even in the indoor room. Dario, who was probably managing the indoor room, kept insistently asking us to keep the children still at our table! As if it were possible for toddlers to stay still and maybe even quiet in one place . However, understanding the situation, I personally went to try to apologize and clarify the situation, but he very arrogantly replied that it was not his problem how to keep them still, and in his opinion, the people inside would have left otherwise, and that it was the parents' job to do their work. How impertinent! I am Italian and I have been here for 10 years, but honestly, nowhere else have I felt so badly treated. He intruded into the personal sphere of his customers, which shows how little seriousness and competence the waiter has. I have been to Locanda Locatelli with my son, and he was taken to the kitchen to meet the chefs because he was so friendly and smiling.
Beyond that, which is the negative part and made me feel uneasy for the first half hour, everything changed thanks to the special and unique service of Alfonso! The atmosphere truly lightened up, and he is a waiter who is really attentive and caring to all the customers needs. I was truly impressed by his service’! Additionally, the food was absolutely top-notch! The appetizers and pizza were IMPECCABLE! Great quality for the price! We will definitely be back, making sure to find Alfonso again with his friendliness and professionalism...
Read moreMY FAVOURITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN LONDON! I have been a regular of this restaurant for 11 years and it never failed to impress me: I took countless friends, clients, relatives, dates and celebrated many anniversaries to the point that I can say It feels like a second home to me
What’s so amazing is that they won’t cut corners: the ingredients are all top quality and imported directly from Italy, the staff is friendly, attentive and genuinely care about the client having an amazing experience , the atmosphere is super pleasant and relaxed and … the pizza is unbeatable: I promise you, you won’t find a better one anywhere else!
Plus they have a wonderful wine selection and the pasta and fish are to die for… aubergine parmigiana and the paccheri with veal ragout are second to none And … don’t forget to leave some room for their tiramisu and signature torta caprese 😋😋
Trust me, if you are looking for a corner of Italy in London you’ve found the right place And chances are you’ll become addicted to it just...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Portebello, and from the moment I stepped in, I could feel that this place truly encapsulates the essence of Italy. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the authentic sound of Italian being spoken by the staff, creating an genuine Italian dining experience.
For starters, I had the carote alla scapece which was a dish the owners mother had served him when he was young, and wow it was outstanding, i also had the Arancini al Tartufo Nero, and it was absolutely delightful. As a main course, I enjoyed the Pacchiri Con Ragu’ di Vitello, which was simply divine.
The chefs at Portebello really know their craft, and you can taste the passion and skill in every bite. The service was exceptional as well—everyone was so friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they were serving.
I had an absolutely wonderful time, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Without a doubt, Portebello will be my go-to place for an authentic Italian...
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