Locanda Portofino — Restaurant in Santa Monica

People are going to think I'm getting soft when I give such glowing reviews, yet, here's another restaurant that deserves the mention. Not being a professional food critic it's hard to evaluate how to review Italian food. I think every American has had their share of Italian food and it ranges just across a large spectrum from the Olive Garden/Maria's at one end up to a place like this or Il forno on 28th and Ocean Park at the other. I think the feature that these two restaurants (Locanda & Il Forno) share in common is that they both make you feel incredibly welcome when you walk in the door. It's as if you are their best customer no matter how long it's been since you've been there. There's a level of experience and grace in the service and it seems so easy and natural. It just feels like a good time, period. In regard to the food, I just find the food here so tasteful. What do I mean by that? I mean that you can discreetly taste the flavors in each and every dish. For example, I like dipping my bread in olive oil. Well, The olive oil they use is just all together different. This thread of taste runs through every single dish they make, so it really doesn't matter what you try. So I highly suggest you go try this place and see if you concur. Let me know if you...

Yesterday i had the pleasure of having dinner at Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica I don t usually write so many reviews but we had such an incredible experience that i feel like sharing. The place reminds me a lot of Italy and the food was excellent! Authentic Italian food which sometimes is difficult to find in US. We had delicious zucchini blossoms ( one of their specialties! ) and fried calamari as appetizers. As a main course we shared spaghetti with sea urchins from santa barbara, black squid ink tagliolini and roasted spigola! We were delighted by the quality of the food which was superb and for dessert we had a chocolate tart which is the best chocolate tart we both ever had! The waitress was AMAZING! Unfortunately i don’t recall her name but she is the only female working in the restaurant ! She was such a great server, very kind and attentive and she helped us to choose food and wine as was our first time there. Also the wine she picked was excellent !! A white wine from Sardinia called Vermentino! We also enjoyed a lot the atmosphere! Nice decor , very pleasant music not too loud, and friendly and considerate customers! Amazing overall experience! Can t wait to be back! Thank you again to our waitress and to the entire stuff for this...

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This was my very first visit to Locanda Portofino, even though it’s right in my neighborhood—and I have to say, it was superb! My dear friend brought me here, and from the moment we stepped inside I felt the warm welcome from the servers and the pleasant, inviting atmosphere.

The décor is beautiful and instantly transported me back to Italy—it feels like dining in someone’s elegant home. The food was outstanding: fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with such care. We shared the cod, perfectly cooked, and the special tagliatelle with salmon in a delicate creamy sauce—absolutely delicious.

The service was excellent. Our server, Nico, was charming and friendly. He knew my friend Marni and remembered her favorites, which made the evening feel even more personal. I love that thoughtful detail.

Though I didn’t try dessert this time, I could tell from the menu and presentation that they will be a treat—I’ll definitely be back for those! On my way out, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Florestano, who was as warm and kind as the restaurant itself.

Locanda Portofino has instantly become one of my favorite neighborhood spots, and I look forward to returning again and again. A true gem of authentic Italian cuisine right...