Portia's Cafe — Restaurant in Columbus

There are a few things I would like to address in my review based on my experience as well as some of the other reviews. I recently started going to Clintonville Natural Foods next door to get my herbs as I have an Herbal FARMacy and need a bigger variety of herbs for the items I create and that store has a larger selection in comparison to where I used to go. I instantly fell in love with this store and was told that the owner also owned Portia's Cafe next door which is why I decided to check out this restaurant. My mentor was with me so we both decided to grab a quick lunch. Looking at the menu wasn't exactly appealing (I'm not strict vegan but I am pro clean ingredients). The descriptions didn't appeal to me, however when the food came out, me and my mentor were both impressed. It tasted great and we actually ended up sharing each others food because it was all so good. The cheesecake really impressed me. Originally we were going to share a slice but after I tried it, I told her she had to get her own slice lol (my treat). I LOVE that the ingredients are clean and that they don't use stevia to replace sugar and use nutrient dense items. I'm actually going there for dinner today! I will say that the service could be a bit better. I do agree with some other reviews that more attention is given to togo orders than dine in but I didn't feel slighted or disrespected from it Some of these reviews are more about feelings than facts. I think the reviews should be kept about the actual food/service and not feelings about personal beliefs. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and giving low ratings to a small/local business over disagreement in beliefs is irresponsible. I'd like to see that same protest given to these larger corporations and businesses that support the demise of society in any form instead of attacking local business. Everything isnt for everyone. Like the review about not offering meat friendly options as if thousands of other meat based restaurants aren't around. I'd like to see that same reviewer give a low rating to a restaurant for not having a vegan friendly option. It's clear this is a vegan restaurant. You can't skip meat for one meal? I doubt it'll hurt you. But I digress. Those are my feelings. Side note: I was impressed with the food so the next day I ordered it on door dash for lunch but saw that the same options aren't available. I was either given the wrong meal or the descriptions are different than the in store menu but whatever the case , I wasn't happy with what I received in my door dash order but was unable to...

Outstanding service and incredible food.

I'm not vegan but since developing lactose intolerance and having increased cholesterol, I've been trying to shift towards a more plant-based/whole foods diet. Eating out can be expensive both on your wallet and body if you're constantly eating at unhealthy places. So I try to go to a vegan or vegetarian restaurant if I do go out so at least I can have a healthy meal.

Portia's is a great restaurant even if you're not vegan. The whole menu looks appetizing and I like that they clearly state the ingredients. One issue with vegan food is that sometimes they can be highly processed because of the fake meat or sauces. There are definitely those options, but there are also plenty of options that simply use the ingredients as is. What I personally like too is that they try to use local ingredients when they can. I always try to support local businesses that are genuinely passionate about their vision and what they do. I can tell that each dish was made with careful examination and appreciation of each ingredient.

I ordered the lentil soup, tofu egg wrap, and a chai latte. The soup tasted great and had just the right amount of seasoning to not be overpowering. I included avocado and sausage in the wrap which I think made it a perfect breakfast wrap. It had a sauce that gave it a slight tangy flavor so that it wasn't just plain tasting like some other tofu wraps I've had. The chai latte was the first time I've seen a place put maple syrup in it which I thought was genius.

While the food and mission was amazing, I was also pleasantly surprised by the service. I was warmly greeted and felt very welcome like entering a friend's home. The staff was almost too nice to the point where I didn't know how to talk because I'm used to indifference or just straight up rude employees. I took my time to eat and did not feel rushed. Thank you for being kind and providing a lovely experience.

I would definitely come back and recommend anyone to try this restaurant, regardless of your beliefs. A true gem in today's society where true passion for food has mostly...

We chose to visit this establishment under the impression that the food and service would be great based on reviews. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I went into Portia’s Cafe & asked if a family of 5 could dine in. I was told yes. So, I retrieved my family car, and we walked back in. A lady working the cash register asked if we wanted to sit in a booth we said sure. When we sat down there were no menus or a waitress. My husband went up to the front and grabbed two menus. After 15min and still no waitress, we thought maybe we needed to order up front. My husband went to the front to order. Instead the cashier came back to the table and said wait this table has not been cleaned and proceeds to spray bleach on the table, I have toddlers and a 7 yr old that don’t need to smell such strong chemicals. That should have been done before we sat down. Then another lady shows up behind her with 2 glasses of water for a family of 5. We proceeded to order, the waitress or cashier never gave their names nor were they welcoming. I noticed people coming in getting orders to go( probably due to horrible service) and one couple came in and sat down and a waitress walked right up to them. The food came out it was not appealing to eye. We tried chips & dip it was good. My husband and I had wraps they were good and the kids had some sort of pizza. They didn’t like it. The food was not delicious and looked nothing like the pictures we saw posted by others online. I would not recommend this place at all. During a pandemic customer service matters even more! I’m sure we can find better, cleaner, and more friendly vegan establishments in Ohio than this one! No it was not busy!!! If you enjoy good customer service & friendly environment...