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  • Portofino

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Reserve at Portofino

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Portofino
Portofino

Portofino Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://portofinolexington.com
  • Phone: (859) 253-9300
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, American
  • Executive Chef: Nat Tate, Rob Nathanson & Jordan Noel
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Private Party Facilities: Please contact Kristen at the restaurant for more information.
  • Private Party Contact: Kristen Richardson (859) 253-9300
  • Entertainment: Check web site.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Quality
  • Parking: Private Lot
A word from Portofino
Portofino features an inventive menu of Italian and American cuisine. Located in a beautifully renovated building on Main Street in downtown Lexington, KY, Portofino has an elegant interior design, a menu with the highest quality ingredients, and an extensive wine list. The menu offers fresh food… from local producers as well as the best ingredients from around the world. Portofino has earned the Wine Spectator Award seven years in row, from 2003 through 2009 and is proud to offer such a rich and varied selection. The staff at Portofino is committed to providing their guests with the finest dining experience possible.Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
Diner Reviews
  • "We chose to sit on the patio which was lovely and peaceful. The service was warm and attentive. The food was scrumptious and beautifully-prepared. The GM made a point of visiting each table which was a nice gesture. We always enjoy Portofino's and cannot wait to return."
    Dined on 7/4/2014
  • "Enjoyed another pleasant evening on the Patio at Portofino's. The waiter was attentive, yet allowed us our space to have intimate conversations. The food was good, but a tad bit salty for both of us. The wine was excellent and the overall experience left us wishing we could have lingered a bit longer."
    Dined on 7/2/2014
  • "They have an extensive wine and bourbon list, attentive staff and excellent food. I recommend the tiramisu for dessert, as Portofino's is some of the best in town. Overall, we had a pleasant experience at Portofino and we expect to go again. I heartily recommend this restaurant to those looking for a pleasant escape from typical dinner fare. Portofino is a gem--enjoy it!"
    Dined on 6/24/2014
  • "We continue to eat here and have yet to have a bad meal. Eating on the patio, weather permitting, is hands down the best patio experience in Lexington"
    Dined on 6/13/2014
  • "We stop here whenever we come through lexington. The mahi was fantastic. We dined on the patio for a very relaxing evening."
    Dined on 6/6/2014
  • "A delicious evening in Lexington is guaranteed if you make a stop at Portofino. Wonderful food and drink "
    Dined on 6/4/2014
  • "My wife and I dined at Portofino for our anniversary based on some recommendations from a friend, and we were pleasantly surprised. The food, wine, atmosphere and staff were absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Our only "complaint" was that the total bill was a bit higher than an average dinner (~$125 for two w/ an appetizer, bottle of wine and dessert), but it was worth every penny. We look forward to eating here again soon!"
    Dined on 5/31/2014
  • "Best wine list in town. Very classy and cozy place"
    Dined on 5/30/2014
  • "We went here for our 5th wedding anniversary, and it was very good. The place was not crowded but had enough people to have a nice environment, our waiter was very attentive, and the food was quite good. We'll definitely be going back! "
    Dined on 5/30/2014
  • "The enclosed courtyard was a surprise ... we were visiting Lexington and looking forward to a great meal. We were extremely pleased! Our daughter got the gnocchi ... velvety smooth, melt-in mouth. My husband had the delicious pork loin -- perfectly cooked (it's so easy to overdo!) with amazing risotto. Pan seared halibut was a special of the day - garnished with pea shoots and fresh peas/mushrooms - outstanding. Even our picky eater daughter enjoyed the pasta with meat sauce. Great wine list - the first bottle they opened was obviously corked - and the waiter didn't blink an eye, immediately offering the list for a second choice. Don't miss Wayne at the bar -- we enjoyed (and benefited) from his bourbon knowledge. We'll be back."
    Dined on 5/26/2014
  • "It was a great dinning experience. I was impressed with our wait person, she was also doing some shadow training and most the time that is awkward but it was handled very well. "
    Dined on 5/23/2014
  • "Great food, but delivered too quickly. The goal is not to finish the evening as quickly as possible."
    Dined on 5/16/2014
  • "Every item on the menu looked interesting and unique, so making our choices was difficult. Our server made the selection process easier as he was very knowledgable about every item on the menu as well as the wine list and made great recommendations. Both meals were excellent, from entree through desert! Each "room" in the restaurant is a little different, so I can imagine that each visit will be like the first time. We are already looking forward to our next visit!"
    Dined on 5/14/2014
  • "If your looking for a nice romantic dinner look else where the atmosphere here is nothing close. Food was ok nothing blew me away . Price is above average"
    Dined on 5/10/2014
  • "I had the crawfish risotto, and it was spectactular! I'd highly recommend Portofino's! "
    Dined on 5/4/2014
  • "My husband and I went here for our anniversary dinner. Service was good, a little slow, but the food was delicious!! Highly recommend."
    Dined on 5/3/2014
  • "I was given your restaurant as a recommendation from someone who lives in Lexington (I live in Indiana) and thoroughly enjoyed the service and meal. The service was prompt and food was very good."
    Dined on 5/2/2014
  • "Portofino was the perfect place to reunite with an old college friend and catch up. The staff was attentive without interrupting. We were able to visit and did not feel rushed. Food was great - as usual."
    Dined on 4/28/2014
  • "Liked: Ability to make reservations - we've discovered many Lexington area restaurants do not accept reservations and we hate waiting for a table. Reserved parking for Portofino customers - appreciated that we didn't have to struggle to find parking. Ambiance and decor inside restaurant was lovely. Accoustics were good so it wasn't noisy. Service was excellent. Food presentation was nice and serving sizes were generous. Good bread and seasoned butter was excellent. On the negative side: None of us were overly fond of our food choices. Overall, the food was OK. Pasta noodles too thick/rubbery. We'll try the restaurant again based on the positives mentioned and the hope that other dishes on the menu might be more satisfying."
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "I met a friend, and we split the salad with goat cheese which was good. I had the veal marsala meatballs w/pasta -- also good. My friend had the flatbread w/veggies & cheese. It might have been a little hard to eat but good. We split the tiramisu which was very good. Waitress was great!"
    Dined on 4/25/2014
  • "Portofino is hands down one of the best restaurants in Lexington. Menu is exquisite and the quality of food is second to none. Whether you're looking for drinks and apps (Bruschetta is a house favorite with an amazing Gorgonzola cream sauce) or a proper sit down, Portofino is always consistent with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend the sea scallops, osso bucco, and you can't leave without trying the tiramisu. Prices are more than fair for what you get. It's a regular place for the "thoroughbred crowd" and we continue to frequent. "
    Dined on 4/25/2014
  • "We had a great Easter dinner. Service was excellent and attentive. Their bruschetta is the best in town. They have an excellent wine selection as well. "
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "My wife and I visited the restaurant on the way back from our honeymoon. It was perfect. Food was delicious and the feel of the place was fine dining with a casual/laid back twist. We were able to sit outside in their outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful weather that day."
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "Last minute reservations when we arrived in town from out of state. Very nice restaurant, great parking, greeter was somewhat slow and aloof but the waiter was awesome! Wish I had room for dessert. "
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "Great night for dinner on the patio. Food was excellent and the atmosphere was perfect for nice dinner with my wife."
    Dined on 4/12/2014
  • "As always the Bruscetta was amazing. The service was great and it was a wonderful evening to dine outdoors. The Risotto was not as good as I have had in the past, but overall a very nice evening."
    Dined on 4/11/2014
  • "Portofino is a nice serviceable downtown dining spot. Beautiful building, decent service in a town where that is hard to come by. The menu is basic American dinner food; filet mignon, chicken marsala, etc. Extensive wine list. But for the prices, the service should be outstanding not just acceptable and the menu is uninspired."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "They were very accomodating to my requests and did everything they could to make the meal as enjoyable and delicious as possible. Would go back!"
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "The food is excellent, great relaxed ambiance for an evening out. Nice wines, great service."
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "Good food, but we felt rushed. The entree was served before we had finished our first course. We had the feeling that the server had us on a stop watch. This should not happen at a first rate restaurant."
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "Thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. Service was outstanding, food was delicious, wine was very good. Desert was excellent. Definitely will return."
    Dined on 4/1/2014
  • "Our party of 4 celebrated a birthday. Everything was wonderful; service, food, atmosphere, and a nice tiramisu with a birthday candle at the end. Two of our party got the grilled filet mignon cooked to perfection, I got the chicken marsala and my husband got the pasta alfredo which were also both good. Would recommend it to my family and friends and will definitely go back."
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "Portofino's is fabulous, wonderful, pleasant, classy with delicious food and drinks."
    Dined on 3/24/2014
  • "Dinner was excellent as usual. We were warmly greeted upon arrival. A few of us had drinks at the bar before we sat down and we very pleased with the bartender. She was knowledgable and friendly. For dinner, our group ordered a couple of the specials as well as regular menu items. The risotto was my personal favorite, but everyone seemed to enjoy their dinner. We will definitely be back again."
    Dined on 3/13/2014
  • "My husband and I go here whenever we want to have an upscale dinner. We love the food. We mix and match salads, appetizers, and main courses so it never gets old. The wait staff is wonderful -- mature, friendly without being overbearing, super-competent. Award- winning wine list and great bartender (best martinis in town). And the owner, Wayne Masterson, makes a point of getting to know the regulars. (We took my mother there this weekend and forgot our boxed leftovers -- and they emailed to let us know they were saving them in the bar refrigerator. Talk about service!) It's an elegant, upscale restaurant that also feels like our own neighborhood place. Can't beat it. Also, in good weather, the patio is lovely."
    Dined on 3/9/2014
  • "We frequent this restaurant anytime we are in lexington. I took my 94year old aunt and she fell in love with it. It's great for any age."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "Restaurant well presented, very good menu. The waitress Leena C was very professional, kind and knowledgeable. We made good choice dining at Portofino."
    Dined on 2/26/2014
  • "I always enjoy a restaurant more when we get to meet the owner, Wayne, who was very engaging. Everyone enjoyed the beer cheese appetizer and my daughters filet was probably the winner at the table with the Cippopino(?) a close second"
    Dined on 2/26/2014
  • "There are a number of good Italian places in Lexington that don't cost 100 bucks for a two person dinner. The lasagna was mediocre. The mussels were the high point of the meal."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "Yes this place is a little on the pricey side, but it's worth the money. The food has always been great, the ambience of the restaurant is nice. Quiet mostly, unless busy. Table cloths, formal dining style, nice wine/beer menu. Large outside patio for dining during warm weather."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Central Kentucky Winners
  • Notable Wine List
  • Romantic
  • Lexington Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Romantic
  • Special Occasion
  • Most Booked
Learn more ›