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Portalli's Reviews List
Portalli's
'The owners of The Diamondback Tavern have partnered with new investors in a separate venture called 'Portalli's' which will be located in historic Ellicott City where Jordan's Steakhouse used to be. Portalli's will be an Italian restaurant with a good mix of unique cutting edge preparations as well as classic Italian favorites. The name 'Portalli' comes from the maternal family of Evan Brown, one of the owners who will also serve as Director of Operations. Local chef Keith Holsey will be running the kitchen, and while the menu is still being developed, we plan on incorporating everything we love about Italian cuisine from all areas of Italy including several traditional Portalli family dishes. The goal is to create an Italian dining destination that will have enough originality and creativity for foodies, but will also be approachable for the casual diner or families looking for a fun night out.'- Lee Biars (owner of Ellicott City's Diamondback Tavern)
See more Portalli's details
186 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 186 reviews
5 stars
(70)
4 stars
(73)
3 stars
(30)
2 stars
(13)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(95)
- special occasion(91)
- fit for foodies(67)
- romantic(62)
- great for brunch(47)
- good for groups(39)
Portalli's Reviews List
Review 1 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Brunch
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Maybe it was because it was Fathers' Day, but the food was overdone and the hot this were lukewarm. The let the hot plates run out of food. The selection was minimal considering it was a buffet. Drink orders were not prompt and waiter had to be reminded. The bagels were really round bread, maybe you should just do Italian breads. The cookies were tasteless as was the shortcake. Omelets were supposed to be cooked at the buffet line were made in kitchen and were not very good. I have had dinner here and enjoyed the food, but I would not come back for brunch unless they take it up several notches. I would not recommend it, either. It must not be a hot spot because even on Fathers' Day it was not busy."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
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Review 2 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Rough night
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our party of six was seated downstairs as I requested, but our waitress was new and inexperienced. Flubbed drink order. Then the appetizers came out with the entrees. Our displeasure was indicated to the manager/owner who at first seemed flustered, then offered a free desert. Finally he realized how unhappy we were and comped the meal. Why would you place a new staff person without support on a busy Saturday night? We have been to Portalli's a number of times and have always been satisfied in the past. We'll return, hoping to receive better service in the future."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2009
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Review 3 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Avoid the Brunch
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my husband to Portalli's for Father's Day brunch. I spent the rest of the day apologizing for it. The set-up, which has the brunch buffet in the downstairs bar area and most of the seating up a steep, narrow set of stairs, is less than comfortable. Aside from the made-to-order omelet and the breakfast potatoes, the food was awful. The staff did not find it necessary to replenish the food in any sort of timely manner, so after multiple trips up and down the stairs to find the trays empty, my husband and I just gave up. Very bad experience and I will probably never go back."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2003
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Review 4 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Portallis Brunch not up to par
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I felt that my of the items served during the brunch lacked flavor. Some of the food was cold. I probably would not return for brunch. I think that trudging up and down the stairs for get the food was too much to ask of a middle aged person with bad knees."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 5 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The mini crab cake appetizer was delicious, fresh crab meat, nicely seasoned. the pork entree with polenta was very good, the polenta could have been a bit creamier. There were a number of large parties that night which slowed service, however,the food was worth the wait. Recommend a visit if you haven't been yet."
Dined on 6/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Quiet neighborhood Gem
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quiet night out with my girls. Food was as expected and the wine list had the Chiantis I hoped to see. The staff was plentiful and knowledgeable. We will return to this restaurant."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here is consistently very good and someitmes exceptional - depending on the dish and the night. The upstairs dining room is more spacious but dark and not very inviting so I prefer the downstairs little dining room or the bar area. It is quite noisy at times though - poor accoustics perhaps. The rockfish was great and so have been all the other dishes I have had here. My dinner companions loved their food as well. Reasonably priced for the quality and generally pretty good service/"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Portalli's needs a little more heat
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The room temperature was fine, but nearly everything on the brunch buffet was lukewarm at best. The selection was nice, but not outstanding. The custom omelet was well browned and had excellent ingredients. We were seated upstairs, and the buffet was spread in the bar below. The stairs are steep and narrow. On the other hand, you do work off some of what you eat going to and from. Service was a tad slow, but the servers may be going up and down backstairs themselves. A pianist/vocalist provided a pleasant background."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not good at busy times.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"When the restaurant is busy, service suffers, sometimes to the point where the experience is not as enjoyable. The noise level is way too high and the tables are stuffed in there with a shoehorn. When it is not so busy or if you can get a table in one of the areas where it is not so tight, then this is a very enjoyable restaurant with excellent food choices and quality."
Dined on 5/24/2013
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Review 10 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A Little Ambitious
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I made the long drive to Portallis because of the impressive on-line menu. There were many items that were unique and sounded just delicious. However, while the food was good (excellent salads), it didn't quite live up to our expectations. I will say the cocktail and wine menu was fantastic and the drinks were as good as they sounded. I would like to emphasize that the food WAS good, just not quite excellent. The dessert menu was also a bit of a disappointment. I do commend the service -- excellent waiter with great timing. Our evening was intended to be a romantic date night. Unfortunately the table we sat at was only a few inches away from the next table of diners. It was very difficult to have a private conversation."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 11 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was pleasantly surprised. Service and food were very good. Portions are not huge (which was great for us) so if you are looking for big meal, you won't get it here."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
2nd time here!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our second time here. We were impressed last time and brought guests from out of town. The food is excellent yet again. Better than your average Italian place and more on the menu than just pasta. Arancini is hard to find and the desserts make the meal. Ambiance is private yet energetic. As before, the service is lacking; staff is rough around the edges and not that friendly, (like Volt in Frederick) however the food makes up for it. I made our guests aware ahead of time to expect this. The only thing that was bad was the espresso, coffee was stale, stock should be rotated more often, use better beans, or clean the machines. Otherwise awesome, well be back!!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is uninspired bland cooking. They use good ingrdients but the preparation is poorly done. It is overpriced for this level of food."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 14 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have dined at Portalli's a number of times as a family. The service and food selection is good. It offers a wide range of options so that everyone in a big family has something to choose from. For a full service dining experience in the area it is generally fairly priced, not cheap, but not over the top excessively expensive. Overall, everyone has a good time and a good meal. It can be a bit noisy, but if you having a festive time or big group conversations, it fits right in."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 15 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great brunch...selection was great!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been there a few times for dinner which is always excellent. First time for brunch and it was great. Lots of choices from steamed shrimp to sliced ham and fresh fruit. Piano player was excellent and did not overpower with sound. Only 4 stars for service because our two plates sat at the corner of the table with shrimp shells for at least 10 minutes although there was plenty of wait staff. We will definitely return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was delicious and atmosphere great for dining."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 18 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food in a pleasant setting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I had a 7:00 reservation at Portalli's on a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The wait service was good and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Drinks were served promptly and our dinner order was taken without the feeling that we were being rushed.
My scallops and risotto were excellent, although the portion was small. My wife enjoyed her salmon and crab and we shared a salad and asparagus, which our server was more than willing to accommodate with separate plates for us.
My only complaint would be that the our entrees did take a while to arrive after we finished our salads (usually a reflection on the kitchen and not the server).
Overall, we enjoyed Portelli's and will definitely return."
My scallops and risotto were excellent, although the portion was small. My wife enjoyed her salmon and crab and we shared a salad and asparagus, which our server was more than willing to accommodate with separate plates for us.
My only complaint would be that the our entrees did take a while to arrive after we finished our salads (usually a reflection on the kitchen and not the server).
Overall, we enjoyed Portelli's and will definitely return."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 19 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great value
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall, I would have expected to pay much more for the food and experience we had. The chef was very accommodating for special requests (two of us ordered the special gnocchi with alterations and were happy with the result) and the pear dessert was divine. We were there for a "girls night out" special dinner and felt like the only group with a lot of couples, but we still had fun and the food was great."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recommend this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had heard that this restaurant was pretentious but I was happily surprised by a delicious dinner in a nice atmosphere. I will definitely go again."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice place. Reasonably priced. Creative, tasty dishes. Nice that the food is not exclusively Italian - makes for a wider selection of dishes."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pre Mothers Day Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The selection and quality of the Sunday brunch is just phenomenal. Wait staff is friendly and courteous while non intrusive."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 23 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing food in a great spot
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed really good live piano music but otherwise not a memorable meal. Calamari appetizer was the highlight being light and crisp. But pasta dishes were over sauced and over cooked. Caesar salad was good. Service was not attentive and extremely slow from the kitchen. This would not be a place we'd rush back to at any price."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 24 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Probably won't return
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We heard good things about Portalli's, so we decided to check it out after purchasing a LivingSocial deal. We were seated at a very nice table in the dining room. Because of how old the building is, the restaurant is on the small side. The bar area is very small. We were surprised that our service was substandard for such a nice restaurant. The food was pretty good, not excellent, but good. My husband's steak was so small he finished it in about 3 bites: not worth the price at all. This dining room has a romantic feel to it, with candlelit tables and live piano music. Overall it was a nice place, but I doubt we would return without another LivingSocial deal."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter gave very helpful input on the menu and drink selections, did not 'hover' and promptly brought us the check when asked. The food was wonderful. It was a great experience!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice restaurant
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the first time I had been to this restaurant. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was prepared nicely.
Be prepared for arriving early to find parking in this area."
Be prepared for arriving early to find parking in this area."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I enjoyed our dinner very much! Service was excellent, just the right about of attentiveness for my taste. Good variety of wine and specialty drinks. Crab cake appetizer was delicious as well as the seared scallop and cioppino entrees. We have been to Portalli's at least three times and will definitely return again."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 28 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great anniversary dinner there!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Dinner!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"always enjoy dinning there. Food is outstanding and always interesting."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 30 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Menu Descriptions do not Match
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Reviewing the menu and seeing a Ciopino, well very happy indeed! When it arrived it was anything but a Ciopino. First let me tell you what I received: A bowl of pasta with a few shrimp (not deviened), scallops, and Shrimp, with a wine sauce thicken with flour. Zero Flavor number one. Number two a Ciopino is basically a fish stew. You make an amazing rich fish stock and add seafood (generally the catch of the day). If what I had conatined garlic it would have been closer to a bad seafood scampi.
My dinning partners all had fish, none of it very good. Tastes as if everyting all the seafood is frozen.
Save your money, if you want Italina cooking....Macaroni Grill is better, and I have never even been there!"
My dinning partners all had fish, none of it very good. Tastes as if everyting all the seafood is frozen.
Save your money, if you want Italina cooking....Macaroni Grill is better, and I have never even been there!"
Dined on 4/26/2013
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Review 31 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I like to support local businesses.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I like to support local businesses. Overall the meals are good. Salads lacking on presentation though. For example, the bookmaker salad was very underwhelming with minimal amounts of meats etc. but the dressing was very good. Surprised given their signature salad.
Very nice wait staff and tasty apps."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
UUUUGGGGHHHHHH I just LOVE
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"UUUUGGGGHHHHHH I just LOVE this place!!!!! I never get tired of the brunch buffet and ONE day soon i hope to try their actual menu!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed the wide selection
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We enjoyed the wide selection of breakfast foods at brunch. The service was unobtrusive. Both of these qualities led to an enjoyable experience."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Brunch was great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been there for dinner before but never for brunch...I was totally impressed! Great food selection and loved the bottomless bloody marys. A little too pricey for a weekly brunch but well worth it to splurge once in awhile!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 35 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tasty & original dishes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have dined at Portalli's at least half a dozen times, always a pleasant experience; and our latest visit topped them all. We are most appreciative of the creative offerings, such as an appetizer that combines portabella mushrooms with spaghetti squash, and desserts such as an eggless pana cotta and a special variation on the classic Black Forest Cake."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was ok for a buffet
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was ok for a buffet brunch. Nothing spectacular, but what you'd expect from a $23/person brunch with mimosas/bloody mary. Our server, however, was terrible. No refills, had to ask other waiters to call him to come over, etc."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 37 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The appetizer and salad were
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The appetizer and salad were OK, however both our entrees were basically not edible. Very disappointing, the management addressed it but this is not the first time we have gone here and been let down. Never again."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
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Review 38 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A bit disappointed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thought our drinks were a little on the stingy side - something we have never experienced at Portalli's before. The couple seated after us was waited on before us, and the woman talked loudly on her phone after it rang quite loudly. Not the restaurant's fault, of course, but it diminished our experience. The food was good, although we both found the calamari a bit bland. It was cooked to tender perfection, however."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 39 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The only comment I have is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The only comment I have is that, although the food is good, it gets cold very quickly. Maybe they could find a better way to keep it hot."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 40 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Narrow Staircases
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had been wanting to check out Portali's for a while. It looked really classy from the outside and I was intrigued. I purchased two Groupons (one for brunch, one for dinner). Brunch was a little awkward. We were seated a table that was very close to another couple. We were upstairs and brunch was downstairs. The staircase was narrow and only allowed for one person to pass at a time. I huddled in a corner while a lady, carrying a toddler and a plate of food, squeezed by me. The food was good - but for the price and the trouble with parking - there are a lot of great options for brunch in the Columbia area. We'll try again for dinner . . . but probably won't be back for brunch."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
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Review 41 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Note that for Brunch you have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Note that for Brunch you have to go downstairs to get your food and then walk back up to your table. Could be a little difficult for older customers or those with children."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 42 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Was there for brunch. I expected
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Was there for brunch. I expected a better variety of food for a brunch. Everything was very bland and all the pastry and bread products were very dry and tasteless. The omelet was very well prepared, however way too much salt added! The setup was really awkward
and had people running into each other. don't think this really has the area for a brunch and after tasting, not something I would go back for!"
and had people running into each other. don't think this really has the area for a brunch and after tasting, not something I would go back for!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2007
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Review 43 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great brunch spot!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The brunch was spread across two floors....with some duplication but not total. We started with mimosas and omelettes made to our order. The fruit, breads, and desserts were all delicious. The singer-pianist playing classical, easy listening favorites (e.g., Moon River) was really nice; it's worth going back to listen to him. We took two hours for our brunch, and left really happy. Our waitress was attentive without being around too much, and the young ladies helping her with removing dishes and the like were very accommodating for photos. I'd like to return for Mother's Day."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 44 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pretty good Easter Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We decided to try out Portalli's for the first time for Easter Brunch. Overall things were pretty good. The service was great. The bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas were nice (for about $5 extra.) The only complaints we hard were that the main buffet is on the bottom level so you have to go up and down a narrow set of steps a lot. Food wise the omelets were excellent, most of the stuff on the buffet was pretty good except the French toast was extremely hard. They kept the buffet well stocked. The only complaint about the selection was that my wife expected that an Italian restaurant would have at least one pasta dish on the buffet. We will probably try them for dinner in the near future."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 45 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing Brunch experience.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Disappointing Brunch experience. Not worth the time or money."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
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Review 46 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bruschetta - the bread was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bruschetta - the bread was very hard/chewy, topping was good.
Seafood Carbonarra - would have been much better with less sauce - was swimming in cream sauce.
Seafood Carbonarra - would have been much better with less sauce - was swimming in cream sauce.
Our waitress, Christen (hope I am spelling correctly), was very good - pleasant, responsive and attentive."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
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Review 47 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was ok. The ambiance
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was ok. The ambiance was nice."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 48 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Have been to Portalli's several
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have been to Portalli's several times and the food has never disappointed. The meal itself was wonderful and the waiter was very professional and helpful - when he was around. As quiet as the night was (a Monday), there were some long waits for attention, and I'll say that as someone who has spent many years in Europe and is used to and enjoys the relative "hands off" approach of European waitstaff. Lastly, there were sounds of construction and the room was cool to the point of being uncomfortable at times. Unless it was an emergency, perhaps Portalli's should consider scheduling repairs/improvements for non-serving hours."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 49 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Decent brunch food with very
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Decent brunch food with very good unlimited mimosas for a reasonable price."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 50 for Portalli's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We rarely venture outside
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We rarely venture outside the City for dining, but met up with friends who live all over and was pleasantly suprised. Risotto terrific and dessert to die for!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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