30 Orchard Park
Greenville, SC 29615
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
While Greenville's food scene is constantly expanding, there is still a noticeable lack of quality Italian restaurants in the area. Portofino's is a decent dining choice if you are seeking something a bit more on the casual side. They serve traditional, affordable Italian cuisine in a relaxed, family friendly dining space.
At Portofinos, you can expect to find all your favorite traditional Italian foods. From Chicken Parmesan, to Pomodoro, to Shrimp and Scallop Fettuccine in a creamy cheese sauce, there is something here for everyone.
First off, you will be brought out some fresh rolls and their famous house salad. The salad is actually really good - the best part of the meal actually. While waiting for your entrees to arrive, start with the combo appetizer which includes fried mozzarella, ravioli, and artichoke hearts.
As the case at any Italian restaurant, there are many tempting comfort dishes to choose amongst. The Fettuccine Alfredo and Veggie Lasagna are both excellent filling choices which we would consider ordering again. I appreciate that they offered a veggie lasagna alternative as many Italian restaurants don't put much thought into options for non meat eaters.
Entrees are priced on the high side ($15-20+) although this includes the rolls & salad, so really a decent enough deal to warrant a visit.
Service at Portofinos was a bit slow and they could probably do with hiring a few more waiters. This place gets pretty packed on Friday nights.
The ambiance here is very casual compared to the fine dining Italian establishments populating Main Street. The vibe is a bit cozier and more local, and thus, a better pick for families and anyone seeking a less stuffy dining vibe. I love the rolls and complimentary salad along with the numerous vegetarian options.
Portofino's is one of the better family friendly dining options in Greenville. While there are numerous Italian restaurants lining Main Street, many of these are stuffy, overpriced establishments. Go the casual route, save some money, and treat yourself to a laid-back meal at a local favorite like Portofino's.
