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Portola Kitchen Reviews List
Portola Kitchen
Portola Kitchen is a place to gather with family and friends to enjoy the simplicity of rustic Italian-American cooking. Bringing you authentic cuisine, we use locally grown ingredients whenever possible, make our pasta in-house, and give our support to near-by wineries.
We believe the purity of our concept lies in the quality of our ingredients and the simplicity of our dishes. We are dedicated to bringing simple yet refined Italian-American cooking to our neighborhood and look forward to serving you and our community.
Along with our seasonal menu, we offer a full bar and a unique selection of California and Italian wines. Our menus are constantly changing, so the options for Dinner, Lunch and Brunch are endless. We also have a menu just for the kids.
Please join us and enjoy the rustic ambiance of Portola Kitchen. Whether it’s inside or out on our patio, we’d love to see you!
See more Portola Kitchen details
We believe the purity of our concept lies in the quality of our ingredients and the simplicity of our dishes. We are dedicated to bringing simple yet refined Italian-American cooking to our neighborhood and look forward to serving you and our community.
Along with our seasonal menu, we offer a full bar and a unique selection of California and Italian wines. Our menus are constantly changing, so the options for Dinner, Lunch and Brunch are endless. We also have a menu just for the kids.
Please join us and enjoy the rustic ambiance of Portola Kitchen. Whether it’s inside or out on our patio, we’d love to see you!
126 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 126 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(64)
3 stars
(24)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(85)
- fit for foodies(48)
- great for outdoor dining(38)
- kid-friendly(33)
- great for lunch(31)
- good for groups(21)
Portola Kitchen Reviews List
Review 1 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I so enjoy this restaurant. The food is wonderful and the service very good. I do think that their wine list is too pricey. They do not have many moderately priced bottles of wine. This is unfortunate. You are much better off with the corkage fee. We used our opentable points with absolutely no problem. I highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a great neighborhood restaurant. The bar serves excellent and generous drinks, and the food is always good with generous servings. Nice to see the chef and the owner both nearly always in the restaurant warmly greeting guests in evenings."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
good & close by
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Another good meal at a place close to home. The staff was pleasant and we were please with our meal."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous new "kitchen"
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"From the decor to the food everything was perfect!
Extensive wine list including wines by the glass. Ordered the buratta crostini - outstanding, kale pesto homemade pasta- delicioso, fish of the day - cod (fresh) - cooked to perfection. Two shared and we still didn't have room for dessert. To wind up the evening we decided to have a nightcap at the full bar. Who do we meet? Mike, the owner. Yes the name rings a bell because he owns all the Mike's Cafes - Portola Kitchen being an ex. The executive chef was chitchatting at the bar as well and we had a very exciting culinary discussion with him - being the foodies that we are. Ended the evening with a Sasacaia grappa. Unique!"
Extensive wine list including wines by the glass. Ordered the buratta crostini - outstanding, kale pesto homemade pasta- delicioso, fish of the day - cod (fresh) - cooked to perfection. Two shared and we still didn't have room for dessert. To wind up the evening we decided to have a nightcap at the full bar. Who do we meet? Mike, the owner. Yes the name rings a bell because he owns all the Mike's Cafes - Portola Kitchen being an ex. The executive chef was chitchatting at the bar as well and we had a very exciting culinary discussion with him - being the foodies that we are. Ended the evening with a Sasacaia grappa. Unique!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We recently had a family dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We recently had a family dinner (10 of us) ... dined outdoors facing Bianchini's produce display; the feeling is like being on a patio in a tiny market village. The atmosphere encourage people to relax, laugh out loud, sit comfortably, and (if there are pre-schoolers in the mix) move around. It is the perfect extension of the indoor restaurant. Our group ordered a variety of entrees: always excellent sole; the veal porterhouse special; homemade torchio pasta with lamb ragu; mussels; the huge burger and indescribable fries. Cocktails, wine and voila!! it was a memorable evening.
PK is a regular go-to place when we are just 2 or 4 people, and we like to dine at the bar, too. But this was perfect for a larger, happy, talkative group."
PK is a regular go-to place when we are just 2 or 4 people, and we like to dine at the bar, too. But this was perfect for a larger, happy, talkative group."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall just a great place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall just a great place to grab a very nice meal. The food and flavors are wonderful and excellent portion size. Our favorite places when needing to eat in the Portola - Woodside area."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The pizza and mint fennel
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The pizza and mint fennel calamari were good. The fish entree was too, except was overly salty. Still, it was within our tolerance limit so we beared through it."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
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Review 8 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious entree. But appetizer
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious entree. But appetizer lacked flavor. halibut crudou laced acid or salt."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good lunch spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had a business lunch there, sat outside, was quiet, comfortable and the service was very good. Had the seared salmon salad, which was very good."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Terrific! Our meal was delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrific! Our meal was delicious and tge hospitality of the staff sheer perfection! Portola Kitchen will be a favorite of ours to share. Thanks!!!!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 11 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We frequent the restaurant,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We frequent the restaurant, and always enjoy the menu innovations, the setting, and the terrific staff. Highly recommended, always fun, always interesting. And, on top of that, reasonable prices."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Exceeded all expectations. It was great. We'll be back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Try the new pork chop and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Try the new pork chop and a bottle of Cartlidge & Brown Pinot!!! Amazing!!!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Portola Kitchen: Worth Finding It!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Portola Kitchen is worth finding. It is hidden from street view, tucked inside Ladera Shopping Center, directly across the pedestrian walkway at Bianchini's Market. The location adds to PK's ambiance: if you sit outside, (under a covered canopy with noiseless ceiling fans), you face Bianchini's beautiful fresh produce displays. The open-air and local market displays transport you to a small European town.
Chef Guillaume Bienaime has extensive experience creating very fine menus -- there is truly "something for everyone" on the menu. Tender petrale sole (in season of course), torchio (pasta) with seasonal ragu (lamb, duck, short rib, etc), terrific pizzas, huge wonderful burgers. DO NOT MISS THE FRIES! These are one-of-a-kind."
Chef Guillaume Bienaime has extensive experience creating very fine menus -- there is truly "something for everyone" on the menu. Tender petrale sole (in season of course), torchio (pasta) with seasonal ragu (lamb, duck, short rib, etc), terrific pizzas, huge wonderful burgers. DO NOT MISS THE FRIES! These are one-of-a-kind."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We are thankful every day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are thankful every day Guillaume Bienaimé is now in Ladera!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mike did a really nice job
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mike did a really nice job with the renovation/reinvention. This is a nice little neighborhood restaurant. This was our fifth visit and as I've said before, our only complaint is that the menu never changes and the specials are limited to one per night."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir and a meat ball.... nuff said!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and service - what
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service - what more can you ask for?"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great find!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great to find a nice place like this close to campus. Not the mob scene on California or University Streets. The burgers looked great. Next time I will order one. The chicken liver terrine was chunkier than I like but the accompanying toasts and rhubarb jam were very good. Will not order the Caesar salad again -- it was tasteless; not an anchovy in sight! But the ambiance of this place is great and, as I said, the burgers look like the are special. Will definitely be going back."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Caesar, lend me your fork
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Caesar salad very tasty with bacon bits for a nice crunch."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2004
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Review 21 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The starter courses were exceptiona
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The starter courses were exceptional, as was the mushroom risotto special. The decor is perfect for the community: contemporary and informal but sophisticated."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 22 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Creative, delicious, well-prepared
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Creative, delicious, well-prepared food. Festive atmosphere. Perfect way to end a long work week!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
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Review 23 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Took a friend to dinner, love
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took a friend to dinner, love the shopping area where PK is located, the staff was friendly, we both ordered pasta, sauce was great pasta seemed a little tough, price is fair for the whole package, but food was the weak spot, pasta is easy so I rated it low. Will go back and try again..."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A little loud & too kid-friendly
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A little loud & too kid-friendly on a Saturday night"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2001
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Moving towards new heights
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As Portola Kitchen evolves and reaches for consistency it will still remain one of our go-to spots, albeit with the caveat that when the head chef is off duty to lower one's expectations for the sous chef is not of his caliber...yet. Tommy, the gracious manager was most accommodating to our comments and is genuinely interested in making sure PK's consistency and presentation continue to improve. I referred four more people yesterday alone to PK fully convinced they will enjoy the place. Nick is the star server and makes your experience a special occasion."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love this restaurant. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love this restaurant. Great interesting pastas perfectly executed, delicious sides, excellent mains. And creative cocktails. This is a very welcome addition to the peninsula dining scene."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service is not up to par with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service is not up to par with the other Mike's restaurants (Midtown Palo Alto). It is too noisy to carry on a decent conversation. Maybe it is better when it is not so full."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Super friendly staff and very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Super friendly staff and very good good. I will definitely come back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
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Review 29 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service problems persist
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Still the back of the house gets a solid 9, while the front of the house (sorry) gets a 4. Why? Attitude upon first walking in. Servers that walk by and don't serve. Menus that are soiled. But even so, the food that is coming out of the kitchen is consistently good. They just need to really get their act together on hiring and training staff..and soon! I sent over a couple with their kid and they were treated rudely and almost walked out. That's not supposed to happen. I was told it was a young hostess who said no tables were available and it was 6 PM, almost nobody there and that included the outside. Fortunately a more experienced hostess said no problem, but there was no graciousness and it soured their buildup that I gave."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
NOt surprising that this is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"NOt surprising that this is both a serious restaurant and a relaxed dining experience. the look is open with great lighting, but the sound, even by the lively bar, is not overwhelming. Add this to your list of "must go's""
Dined on 02/22/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 31 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fine in most respects. Too
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fine in most respects. Too much noise to have a conversation."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We have dined at Portola Kitchen
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have dined at Portola Kitchen a few times during the past few months, with positive experiences. However, last week's visit was very different for the following reasons: 1) the portions were half the size they were in the past; 2) the lettuce in the salad was not crisp; 3) the waitress would not accommodate any changes to the vegetarian entree
(a feature that we have enjoyed in the past).
(a feature that we have enjoyed in the past).
I am not sure if Thursday's experience was an aberration or not, but it was embarrassing because we had invited friends to dine with us. If management has changed its policy with regard to portion sizes and freshness of produce, then we will not patronize this restaurant any longer."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2009
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Review 33 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unpleasant dining
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"too loud for us! why dine where you can't have a conversation. ..barnlike dining room is constantly cold from blowing a/c system. Food is good, not remarkable, but we prefer to eat where we are comfortable."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2000
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Review 34 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved the Italian Wine dinner.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the Italian Wine dinner. Food was really good and enjoyed the wine pairings and talking to the wine distributor about the wines. Appreciated the free glass of wine to make up for having to wait a bit for our table. Food, service and ambiance all top notch!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 35 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went for lunch and had
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went for lunch and had a very good time. Everything was well executed. The salads were large and the pizza was perfectly cooked. The parking was difficult but this only goes to show that this is a popular place for lunch and dinner."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Qupe Grenache on TAP.... enough
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Qupe Grenache on TAP.... enough said!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 37 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
2nd time at Portola Kitchen,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"2nd time at Portola Kitchen, not nearly as good as the first. Nothing really bad about the experience, just not nearly as good as the first. Small (not anything bad, just weak overall) service mess ups and food was so-so. Not trying to be hyper-critical, just felt that my first experience here was so good that my expectations were high. Will go back again and I'm hoping they had an off night and are going to be back to the place I went the first time."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 38 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The kale and bean soup was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The kale and bean soup was a delicious choice on a cool evening. They were serving an appetizer of 2 scallops, which I chose as my main dish. Combined with the soup and the fresh bread, this was enough for me, but wouldn't be enough for a very hearty meal. My husband had the veal saltimbocca, which was also delicious. Friendly atmosphere. I would return to Portola Kitchen."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 39 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Matt A.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They have done a great job converting Mike's. The food was fantastic. In fact the food seemed better than the descriptions on the menu. The Duck special in buckwheat pasta was terrific. There were five different entree's at our table and they were all wonderful."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2002
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Well Done!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Somewhat limited entree selection, but what they serve is VERY, VERY good. I much prefer a more limited selection of dishes that are very well done than a larger selection of "OK" dishes, Portola Kitchen serves only what they do very well!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2001
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 41 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Recently redone in a beautiful
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Recently redone in a beautiful way. Food is good but the menu is a little limited. Service is attentive."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
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Review 42 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The portola kitchen could
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The portola kitchen could be one of our favorite peninsula restaurants. Everyone
There were so pleasant smiling and welcoming. I enjoyed a most delicious salad - one
That I can't wait to eat again... Everyone in our party of five were most pleased
With their orders of soup and various sandwiches. Even the coffee was
Very good served in generous size cups.
There were so pleasant smiling and welcoming. I enjoyed a most delicious salad - one
That I can't wait to eat again... Everyone in our party of five were most pleased
With their orders of soup and various sandwiches. Even the coffee was
Very good served in generous size cups.
BUT the noise level was a huge distraction. It will probably be better when
The weather permits outdoor eating. Nevertheless, with a place that has
So much to offer, surely they should be able to make some improvement
As what was an outstanding experience in dining is overwhelmed by the
Memory of NOISE."
The weather permits outdoor eating. Nevertheless, with a place that has
So much to offer, surely they should be able to make some improvement
As what was an outstanding experience in dining is overwhelmed by the
Memory of NOISE."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 43 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food at fair prices
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Make a reservation so they'll seat you in primo locations. We showed up on time and they started to seat us on the far side of the room. The host then asked if we had a reservation, which we did. He then swerved and seated us on the near side. We swear the service was much better there."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 44 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had lunch at Portola Kitchen
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had lunch at Portola Kitchen recently and it was quite good. Very nice ambiance, great service and great food. Casual and yet quite nice. I had been a patron of the previous restaurant in this space, Nick's and was disappointed to hear that it was being replaced - I am NO longer disappointed."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 45 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Neighborhood Gem Indeed!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We've only eaten here twice but we are just getting started. This place is wonderful and we're so happy that it's close to home. This is truly a neighborhood gem."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2001
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 46 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lick you plates ladies & gentlemen
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All it takes is one, personable, knowledgable waiter to make a meal and "Nick" suggested three outstanding choices that we all shared and drooled over: Eggplant caponata sandwich, absolutely delicious on a fresh, toasted garlic ciabatta roll, big enough for two or in our case, three to share; a literally bubbling chafing dish of coddled eggs in a cheesy peppery sauce that had us all poking our forks into for more and more; the wonderful crisp-on-the edges ricotta pancakes with fresh maple syrup... how decadent yet light and filling. Steaming hot coffee from Peerless, I think, and once again a great server, Nick, to make sure we were well taken care of and happy. Now that's what I call an excellent meal! Thank you."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 47 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service fast and excellent.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service fast and excellent. Menu varied enough for all tastes, food tasty. We enjoyed our visit"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 48 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Did good job on off nite
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went on night of superbowl - mistake! when chef & sous chef were not in. Pasta was great but special entree overdone. The restaurant "made it right" by taking it off the bill & being extra nice about it. We've been there before & know the food is good, so we will return!! The waitress was outstanding & friendly too"
Dined on 02/03/2013
2007
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Review 49 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pros: well made drinks, tasty
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pros: well made drinks, tasty food (excellent sole and skirt steak), generous portions, plenty of water. Cons: noisy with lots of little ones allowed to run around the restaurant, 20 minutes before anyone came to take our order, expected more interesting selections from the Marche chef."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2002
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 50 for Portola Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Interesting menu with all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Interesting menu with all dishes well executed."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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