Ristorante Portovino — Restaurant in North Miami Beach

Best Italian restaurant in the area (And Beyond). Extraordinary!

Owner/Chef is from Tuscany and the food is just delicious, authentic high quality Italian (mostly Tuscany region) food.

If your'e not familiar with authentic Italian cuisine, or more familiar with American-Italian (most of "Italian" restaurant in US) , you could be confused. As for example: I read a review of some guy that said that the pasta was "uncooked". If you don't know what "al dente" means, then is probably that you have been eating overcooked pasta your whole life, so don't ask a real Italian chef to harm the pasta in such way! Another one said that the octopus was a little black outside (man,is grilled!), or another one that complained that the meat was to "greasy", but the case is that they have the most tender, incredible marbling and aged cuts that you can try (Seriously, better that any steak restaurant and better priced). So yes! Superior grade, full flavored cuts are the most marbling ones -which means- more intramuscular fat!

Portovino is frequented by foodies or gourmands that appreciate the high quality, honesty and authenticity of the food. You can be seated aside of the owner of a top California vineyard, or the vice-president of a European luxury car brand, as for example. This is the kind of people that are among the loyal clients of Portovino. And believe me, they now what they're doing...

So, I recommend you not to go for the cliches (Like Branzino, Chicken Parmesan or those kind of boring dishes). Yes, they have some options of those, but you'll really missing the good stuff. Again, if your'e unfamiliar with Tuscan cuisine, let you guide or takes "risks".

I have to warn you that this is the type of so called Slow-Food restaurants. If you're in a hurry, just go another day. The chef carefully made everything from the scratch, and also takes few tables every night (don't open for lunch).

TIPS:

They don't accept walk-ins, so make a reservation. Do not expect huge portions as US "Italian" restaurant commonly serves. Not the best idea to go with a large party (your going to wait more than usual). Its kind of pricey (but it worth it). Casual attire is OK.

P.S.: For dessert, ask for the Millefoglie (Napoleon). Is just out...

My wife and I first went here about 10 years ago. Our first experienced was excellent service and equally excellent food. Unfortunately, our recent visit was awful. Upon entering the restaurant we were told that because we did not have reservations, we would have to wait at the "bar" for a table to become avable. THE RESTAURANT WAS HALF EMPTY! And, the "bar" had no bartender. Because this restaurant held a sentimental value to us, we agreed, sat at the "bar" and ordered a bottle of wine. Twenty minutes later we were given a table. The restaurant was still half empty and no other customers came in while we were having dinner. At no time did a waiter come by and ask if he could refil our wine glasses, or if we needed anything..Our meal, after waiting about about an hour, came late. While the meal was adequate, it was NOT delicious, but was a total disappointment We will not be going to this restaurant again. Don't spend your money where you are not...

We used to frequent this restaurant 15 years ago. It was sold 12 years ago and have we missed out on 12 years of superb dining experiences.

First off, they only serve 15 people per hour. So yes, there are empty tables and they say they are full. Once you are seated, there is no rush to leave as there is plenty of room. Everything is freshly cooked, so they have made a decision not to push the kitchen. The result is so obvious.

We were a party of four. We had: Margarita pizza and eggplant as app's then lamb (melt in your mouth with that delicate balance of flavor), branzino (perfectly filleted), lasagne (one of the best ever!) and fettuccini Bolognese (perfect!).

Service was excellent and the owner is a character!

Make sure you make a reservation and get ready for an amazing dining experience, not just...