Portofino — Restaurant in Fishers

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I'm always on the lookout for restaurants that serve up authentic, delicious Italian cuisine. And, folks, I'm thrilled to report that Portofino at Geist hits all the right notes!

Ambiance: 5/5

From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that screamed "Italy!" The décor was tasteful and elegant, with dim lighting, comfy booths, and a general air of sophistication. It's the perfect spot for a date night, special occasion, or just a fancy night out with friends.

Service: 5/5

Our server was an absolute rockstar! Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they guided us through the menu with ease, making expert recommendations and answering all our questions. They even threw in a few witty jokes and charming smiles, which only added to the overall experience.

Food: 5/5

Now, onto the main event: the food! Portofino's menu is a love letter to Italy, with dishes that blend traditional flavors with creative twists. We opted for the 5-course tasting menu, which took us on a culinary journey through the regions of Italy. Each dish was expertly prepared, presented, and paired with wine. Standouts included the handmade pasta, the succulent seafood, and the decadent desserts.

Highlights: The pasta dishes were all handmade and cooked to perfection. The seafood was incredibly fresh and expertly prepared. The desserts were creative and indulgent. The wine pairings were spot on and added to the overall experience.

Lowlights: None! (Seriously, we were impressed from start to finish.)

*In Conclusion:

Portofino at Geist is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian food, wine, and hospitality. With its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and creative, delicious cuisine, it's a true gem in the heart of Geist. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a taste of Italy, and buon appetito!

Tips and Recommendations: Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends. Opt for the 5-course tasting menu to experience the full range of Portofino's culinary offerings. Don't be afraid to ask your server for wine pairing recommendations – they're experts! Come hungry, as the portions are generous and the food is...

Excellent service, could not ask for a more attentive server. She kept our waters full and wasn't bothered that we spent nearly an hour and a half at the table. She gave us tips on splitting the five course menu for a party of two and was overall just wonderful.

We ordered the charcuterie to start (different name on the menu but I forget). It was good. The parm was too hard to break apart but the rest was great, however only two small biscuits for the whole plate.

We moved on to the Caesar salad which was okay. They grill the romaine, still not a fan of that, and the dish is deconstructed which honestly isn't necessary for a salad. We moved on to some pasta which was pretty good but had WAY too much artichoke (weird thing to not be happy about, I know so I won't elaborate).

Then the peppercorn crusted fillet. Ordered medium rare, there was a half inch of well done around the edges and the center was raw. Sent it back, then received a more-cooked version of the same. The owner/chef let us know he wrapped it in lettuce and baked it to finish? It is the only steak option on the menu and I cannot recommend it. The lady and I both have fish-tasting indigestion and I'll leave it at that.

I think they're mixing proteins on a flat top and shouldn't, and need to improve their steak cooking process. I also think the owner should either hire a chef or spend less time talking in the dining room.

Overall decent experience. If I come back I will not be ordering a main protein or the...

We enjoyed a memorable dinner for NYE. Every dish, from the antipasti course through the chocolate cannolis for dessert, were expertly executed. Our choices included a fantastic smoked salmon rosette with delicious onions marinated in apple vinegar, a very unique beef Wellington that used a 6 ounce prime filet in an individual pastry with mushroom duxelles and prosciutto, along with the crab-salmon roulade. All three primi pasta dishes, which concluded the seafood risotto, capellini, and ragu blanco, were very well-received and rich with flavor. In addition ,the service was excellent—personable and attentive but not overly done. The meal is served by courses with ample time between to enjoy the handcrafted cocktails or a glass of wine while enjoying each other’s company—just as Italians typically do. A highlight was several table visits by the chef, Dan, who spent an impressive amount of time with us to not only explain his preparation of several dishes but also to share his sense of humor. The atmosphere is subdued and rather quiet in this small restaurant. This is certainly upscale Italian cuisine with some interesting twists and high quality ingredients. I highly recommend, especially for...