Il Porto Ristorante & Wood Fired Pizza — Restaurant in New York

Came here for Valentine's Day. Wanted to choose a place that did not offer prix fixe menu because my date is picky and only wanted a specific pasta. I didn't see anything on their website that they did but I guess they changed it right after. The dining room was cramped with tables with tables in rolls like a dining hall or a lunch room cafeteria expect with almost no space to walk around. Like you had to squeeze to pass through. We were basically sharing tables with other parties at that point and can hear everyone's conversations, so much for privacy and intimacy on Valentine's Day. We got sat but it took forever for wait staff to acknowledge us. My date was not given a champagne or rose toast which was included in the prix fixe menu. We were not allowed to order food from the al a carte menu but I see other people with pizzas at their table so maybe we can be offered that? No drink menu to order from also. It took forever to get the food. I kept complaining to the waitress but her excuse was, "look around, we are very busy." So maybe don't pack this place up like sardine cans if your kitchen can't handle the volume? My app came 1 hour after we sat down. After I was done, the waitress asked if we were ready for dessert. I complained we did not even receive our mains yet. My date was starving so badly at this point because being the picky eater she was, she did not want the apps that was listed. Our mains came 2 hours after we sat. Other tables that sat after received their food before us and all we ordered was the carbonara. When it finally came, I asked for dessert and the check to be brought out too but nope. We finished and again it took forever for dessert to come out... Like its premade, you just had to plate it. We ended up asking for it to go instead. Unlimited drinks was part of the menu but I only had 2 glasses of wine because it took forever to flag someone for a refill. ...

I Porto is definitely one of the absolute best Italian restaurant/pizzerias, in terms of food, atmosphere and service, in Brooklyn, if not all of NYC!! Food: The grandma slice is their signature slice and I can guarantee you won't find pizza comparable anywhere else! Everything I've tried from grabbing a slice and chicken roll to-go, to dining in for their brunch paninis and bellinis, to their extensive dinner menu of delicious gnocchi, linguini del mar, brick oven pizzas, baked clams, baby octopus salad (to name a few of my favorites) - the list goes on. Whatever you order is guaranteed to be fresh, tasty and authentic; you really can't go wrong. Atmosphere: There are two sides; the pizzeria that has your typical pizza counter, brick oven with a few tables and chairs for a quick bite; & the restaurant side which is for dining in with a huge full bar, exposed brick and beautiful high ceilings, giving the restaurant a rustic and modern romantic vibe. There's also ample outdoor seating in their adorable garden which is decorated nicely with flowers and hanging lights, perfect for the warmer months. On weekend nights live music is also offered, completing a wonderful dining environment. weekend nights live music is also offered, completing a wonderful dining environment. Service: It is obvious that service is top priority at Il Porto. From the guys behind the counter to the waitresses and bus boys, everyone works hard to give you a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience. They go above and beyond to be accommodating and to make you feel like part of the family! Overall, I HIGHLY recommend II Porto as they really have it all. You cannot ask for more...

IMPORTANT: Make sure you ASK for prices of specials before ordering- they are exorbitantly more expensive than the regular menu. I’m conflicted with my rating because the food was quite good, the atmosphere pleasant and the server attentive. However, we regretted the experience. It’s normal to assume specials will fall into the range of prices you see on the menu, with a chance of being a little bit higher. What happened was crazy to me. We ordered two specials: one a pasta that turned out to be 5 pieces of ravioli on a small plate for $35. The most expensive pasta on their regular menu is $20. The second special we got turned out to be $45! The most expensive entree on their regular menu is a $28 steak with everything else in the $20~ range. Our bill in the end was $120 (before tip) for two people getting a very modest amount of food- small appetizer, one shared glass of wine and the two specials mentioned. We were shocked. I saw another review that looked like a bait and switch to charge more, and am sad to say we felt robbed as well. I’m the complacent forgiving type to never leave reviews. This was unfortunate. It’s what we would spend at a much higher quality restaurant maybe once per...