Portofino Bistro Mediterraneo — Restaurant in Juno Beach

Delicious. Attentive and professional service. Fashionably elegant. There is nothing nicer than going to a place for the first time and it blows away your expectations. We were meeting up with friends and Portofino Bistro Mediterraneo was exactly in the middle for both couples. Upon arrival you feel comfortable even before you open the door, seeing the outside cafe tables reminiscent of Europe. We were greeted at the as if we had been there a million times for they seemed to already know who we were as we were ushered to our table. The lighting was beautiful, the bar enticing and the table settings with cloth tops inviting. But what was most noticeable was the aroma of fine cooking-- we were salivating before we even sat down. The prices are very reasonable and the selection of wines, terrific-- I had a very nice French Pinot Noir. I'll just say this, we kept ordering appetizers, entrees, desserts and after dinner coffees just to stay there. When you walk away from a restaurant already planning to come back, well, that says it all. I'm looking forward to Paella Valenciana next time.

For appetizers we ordered two of the night's specials: burrata and stuffed peppers with shrimp and they were both so delicious we could have had those all night long. I had the Barcelona Veal (chicken is an option) with Spanish sausage, mushrooms in a red wine reduction. My wife and friend ordered the flounder and loved it. Our other friend had the salmon and raved about it. For dessert we four shared a Sorbeto, which turned out to be a jousting match it was so good....

We were here in late July-- which is so great to be a Florida Local-- no reservations needed. I would imagine you need reservations long in advance during the height of the season. And rightfully so.

UPDATE:

This was our second visit to Portofino, and it exceeded our already high expectations. Among the numerous restaurants spanning from Palm Beach to the Treasure Coast, Portofino holds a special place. It might be attributed to the owners and staff, who exude graciousness, friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Perhaps it's the ambient lighting, which I'd describe as a photographer's dream, or the linen tablecloths, napkins, and top-notch cutlery that add to the overall experience. What I can affirm is that Portofino stands out as a true gem in the realm of Italian cuisine.

Our party of four started with beautifully presented and incredibly flavorful salads, perfectly portioned and seasoned. For our main courses, we selected the Rigatoni alla Bolognese, Barcelona Chicken, Chicken Maiale alla Griglia Scarpariello, and Risotto De Mare. To say that our table fell silent during dinner would be an understatement – the dishes were simply that delightful. We shared many smiles and even some laughter over this exceptional meal. In fact, we were so impressed that we made reservations a month in advance to...

Attention 'Ladies Who Lunch' and Business People! All the reviews below I see are dinner patrons. You're missing out on a WONDERFUL lunch at Portofino's. Or at least try their Summer Menu (5:00-6:00) or Happy Hour. Amazing! We planned on pizza in the plaza but found it closed. So the incredible, reasonably-priced Portofino Bistro was discovered. Sadly we were the only patrons at 2pm on a Tuesday. Andrea & Marcello Jr welcomed us with all the elegance of dinner time. No outside seating or view rather an exquisite, old-school Mediterrean interior with white linen table cloths, wine/water glasses & quality olive oil on each table.

Despite sandwiches available, we ladies decided to dine without wine. Had plans afterwards otherwise the wine menu and suggested pairings were spot on from my experience.

First me with Zuppa di Cozze, fresh mussels steamed in a delicious white broth where the roasted garlic and fresh herbs brought the dish to the next level. Perfect! The fresh bread sopped up every morsel. (No sand! No bitter garlic bits! And just enough wine!) On the side I enjoyed Ensalada de Romolacha, beet salad, incredibly fresh, not overly seasoned or drowning in balsamic or oil. A perfect accompaniment.

My friend went old school with Chicken Parmigiana. Incredibly generous portion. The seasoned breading delicate, not oily, protecting an amazingly juicy, tender chicken breast. The pasta side was equally generous. A bowl of Ziti, parmesan with white or red sauce. The only hesitation my friend had was the marinara being shy of seasoning. Some basil and garlic notes yet timid. Chef Marcello explained he was cooking to his typical patrons requests so next time we visit to give him a heads up. SMILE! That's what a neighborhood Bistro is truly about, huh?

Third friend was unavailable for conversation after she dug into her Linguini Alla Vongole. Linguini with clams. We didn't hear from her again until every bit of pasta and sauce, despite being an ample portion, evaporated from her plate. Again, it was Tuesday yet the Little Neck Clams were deliciously fresh. Beautiful meal! Total bill $46 for 3. Are you kidding me!? Amazing!

Finally, we were not able to order dessert ... bellies too full of goodness ... but Marcello described for us tableside. I believe we gained 2 pounds just listening to the on-site freshly prepared recipes and admired their freshly flown in gelato from an Italian importer. He admitted in a bind, he grabs Matty's Gelato from the same plaza. No problem there. Matty's is da' bomb!

We intend to return soon. I've got my eye on the Paella next....

Hidden gem (following all CDC guideline)

This cozy (family owned) restaurant has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation, nice wine list, wonderful dessert and reasonable prices. The white linen covered tables add an extra flair to the whole experience!

The staff goes out of their way to accommodate any request you have. I recommend it to everyone! I keep to going back again and again and not once have been disappointed.

Here are the dishes we tried so far:

Appetizers: Chorizo Español - a good size (for one), mouth watering spanish sausage with Mediterranean beans and a tasty broth (not spicy) $11,95

Calamari Alla Romana - a real "appetizer size" for one, sautée tender calamari with a delicious white wine broth. $12,95

Pulpo Alla Prancha - my husband had that and said it was one of the best grilled octopus he had in awhile. $15,95

Broccoli Di Rabe e Salcicci - this is a big portion of grilled sweet italian sausage over broccoli rabe, and my friend had it as her main course. She said it was delicious! $12,95

Main Course: Filetto Di Sogliola Al Francese - one of the best filet of sole I had around here! Served with spinach or any other side they have available (just ask). $24,95

Paella Valenciana - this is a dish to be shared! It says for two but we had three people and no one left hungry! The twist here is the dish is made with Arborio rice instead of the "traditional spanish" yellow rice. It was very good and loaded with lobster tail, clams, shrimp and more. $55,95

Veal (anything/anyway) - try it milanese, parmigiana, Barcelona - like we did, and you will enjoy the tender and flavorful dishes! $25,95

Last but not least, make sure you split a dessert or two! The flan espanhol is a must and so is the pistachio tartufo.

Once you are there, say hello to the owner, Marcello and also to his son (also...