Caffe Portofino Reviews

This was our second visit once again entertaining a very important client, and the experience was excellent. Excellent food, excellent and most attentive service! Our server, Oswaldo, was superb as were those who assisted. Thank you!

Small restaurant in strip center, expectations weren't too high but was pleasantly surprised. Menu was varied, wait staff made some recommendations and landed on Osso buco which was the best I've had in recent memory. Would definitely go again. Also learned they close in December.

Caffe Portofino truly exceeded my expectations, it truly is a gem of a restaurant. My boyfriend and I enjoyed dinner at Caffe Portofino for his birthday. We had seen it many times on our way home and decided to give it a try. The place is very nice inside, what I liked most is that people dress in semi formal attire, which adds a nice detail to the restaurant. My boyfriend and I ordered the tuna as appetizer, which was amazing! It was served on top of a tostone. For entrees, my boyfriend ordered a veal parm and I ordered the veal marsala, both were amazing! For dessert, we wanted to try the tiramisu, however, they ran out. Instead, we had the lava cake with vanilla ice cream, which was delicious. Overall, the restaurant was excellent. There is nothing that I would change about our amazing experience. Thank you Caffe Portofino! We will be back.

Overall a pleasant evening with good italian food. I can't say great but it was very good. Osso Bucco was outstanding, Veal Picatta was a bit tough but tasty, special cannelloni was good but nothing special. Staff was relatively prompt but slow to pour wine. Brought my own bottle of Amarone that a birthday gift. $20 corkage fee was very high compared to comparable restaurants. They did a very nice and well plated dessert and sang. Nice touch. I'd go back but may consider another establishment for a special occasion.

Just across US 1 from The Falls, on the border of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay is this unassuming watering hole. First, it is so pretty and cozy inside. Dim lighting, wonderful uplifting art on the walls, a nice bar anchoring the scene in the back. Then, you get a wine list as smart as any other in Miami, a food offering which I would call So-Flo-Medi (South Florida Mediterranean) That is: Mediterranean with a Latin influence -- dulce de leche crepes and guava tart, really??? Add a chef who really knows what he is up to without pretention plus smiling, utterly attentive staff. Wrap it all up with a ribbon of assured consistency (I have visited three times in the last month and each time the food has been perfect) plus an occasional celebrity sighting -- saw Willie Chirino and Lissette there the other night. Top it all out with a delightful gathering of soft spoken patrons who act like they are in Boston, and you get a neighborhood gem worth traveling to all the way from swanky downtown hotels. If you go once, you will go again. Hurrah! (Memo to Portofino: Please don't move to Coral Gables!!)

Continuous to deli er good food to neighborhood and visitors but service going down. Order chicken lasagna it's awesome. Appetizer of cheese tray is good. Veal marsala good choice.

We came early for the early dining to save money - we knew $30 a head was what we could afford for our wedding anniversary celebration. The early bird meal included a glass of wine, a starter and an entree with limits on what you could order. First impressions were poor - staff that seated and greeted us were lacking in skill and style but we thought Brady the charming server had saved us but instead he kinda screwed us. My mushroom soup appetizer was fantastic but my husband’s house salad was only lettuce leaves with a tiny slice of tomato and one orange slice ! My husband ordered pasta with bolognese sauce and Brady kindly suggested throwing in a couple of meatballs and hubby was thrilled - those meatballs were an upcharge of $14 when the bill came. Outrageous! For 3 meatballs?! My lobster ravioli with short ribs was excellent which is what took this review from two stars to three stars, but we don’t like being ripped off and that’s how we felt leaving this restaurant. We will not return. Happy anniversary - nah not so much........

Went for my son's birthday, group of 12. The service was top notch and the food...simply put, DELICIOUS!! Grouper risotto was exquisite and the desserts superb!! Definitely going back again!! Nice cozy ambiance and well priced for the quality!!! Thanks for an amazing experience!!

Portofino has been one of our favorites for years. It's a hidden gem. Great food, great service, and right in our backyard. We have never been disappointed.

Even though it was what we were looking for to eat, it was the worst food in years, the burnt pizzas, the stiff breads, the fries and the breaded chicken for the girl, refried and greased and the waitress BIT, I hope it was a bad day for them because everything was really terrible, since we entered, they ruined our family celebration

We’ve enjoyed this lovely place a few times, so when my husband said this was where he wanted to have dinner for his birthday, he got his wish! (We live in NY!). Oswaldo is amazing!! It’s been 2 years since our last visit and he not only remembered us, he remembered what we drank, AND that my husband liked his wine chilled, and his pepper hot. The eggplant portobello appetizer is fantastic, the four of us were practically fighting over who was getting the last bit of sauce on their bread. The carpaccio, yum, and risotto dishes, also yummy, are recommended, as well as the seafood pastas. One of the few places we’ve found with a whole wheat pasta available. The bread is good too. Have to say that Oswaldo is really a huge asset to the restaurant. Thank you!!!

Tried this neighborhood Italian just now. As usual, we go early to avoid chaos. This is a typical neighborhood restaurant in a shopping mall with adequate parking. Simple interior with some unremarkable art on the walls. The menu features an early bird #30.00 special if by 6:30 PM which includes regular dishes, and a $10.00 surcharge for pricier items (osso bucco, steak, etc.). It includes a glass of house wine, and a house salad. We went with that. My wife ordered veal Marsala ($24) and house salad included with the glass of wine, and I ordered a veal piccata. Both the house salad and the main dishes were a bit skimpy in the serving size (three small pieces). The wines were definitely from the lower levels. The service at first was good, but we had to struggle to get our wine glasses which finally came about 1/3rd of the way through the main course. We opted for no desert or coffee. The dinner was 30+30+tip, so about $75.00. I'd say a bit too much for a neighborhood Italian which should be about 50-60. Bottom line, good food, small portions, a bit pricey for what you get, and so so service.

Our friends suggested Portofino and we are glad they did because the experience was truly a pleasure. Superb cuisine and service as well. Will definitely revisit on a future visit to Miami!

Caffé Portofino is a pleasant neighborhood restaurant in Pinecrest. The service is efficient and friendly; the menu varied. Tonight I was set to order risotto champagne with porcini mushrooms when our waiter asked if I didn’t want to try tonight’s risotto special with Spanish chorizo and elk. Imagining the meat was cooked as part of the risotto and feeling a bit adventurous, I thought I’d give it a try. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw two huge elk cutlets in a sauce with chorizo risotto on the side. The elk was well cooked, the risotto forgettable but I couldn’t believe it when I was charged $79, more than double the price of the other risotto. I know the Everglades is not exactly elk habitat, but shouldn’t a customer get at least a hint when ordering specials that are not listed on the menu?

Excellent service from the moment you enter. The food was amazing. We enjoyed the atmosphere, food and professional service.

A friend of ours invited us for dinner for her husband's birthday. We were a group of 6. Not a single person ordered the same thing, so we took bits from everyone. The lobster bisque was delicious. I had a short-rib appetizer...amazing. I had the lobster ravioli. Definitely a winner...too bad everyone else loved it, so I was left wishing I could order another. My sister-in-law had the osso bucco. Yummy. Our friend had the filet...wow. My husband, a major meat lover, couldn't believe how tender it was. The wines weren't expensive so enjoying a few bottles won't make you feel bad. Since it was a birthday, we brought over a cake and the waiters brought it out with candles and plates, ready for sharing. We have to go back. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or with a group like we had. The service was excellent. They were very friendly. I cannot believe I'd never been here before!

This restaurant is always consistant, been going for years and don't get tired of it! Great fresh food, amazing flavors...great for foodies, families, couples, and/or special occasions. The staff is friendly and always ready to please! Great wine list, risotto is fantastic, love their veal chop, short ribs, nutella crepes and the guava and cheese puff pastry deserts...these are just some of the "must have"! Cannot go wrong with any of their "Daily Specials" the BEST! Highly recommend!

This is a great neighborhood gem. The food is awesome and the wait staff is phenomenal. White linen dining and treatment!

The restaurant has a great tool like the wood fired pizza oven but is not used at its best. I don’t know if the oven had the wrong temperature but my pizza wasn’t cooked as it should be in that kind of oven. My wife’s pasta was not Italian at all and left most of it. I was offered a beer, happy hour, just to find out later that they didn’t have another beer like the one I ordered and offered me another one which I couldn’t even finish for how bad it was. If you have nothing of an Italian restaurant it might be a good idea to make different food instead of claiming you are Italian but the food is not even close to how it should be.

Ate there w/ my wife and another couple. Nice ambiance and staff was very helpful. Everyone enjoyed their meals I had the seafood risotto which was one of the best I have ever had. Portions were nice, and u can share but I was hungry and ate it all by myself. Wine selection is good would definitely recommend this restaurant.

on certain occasions the food is great , but in others absolutely average. This is the reason I stop going. The service is always great. I have gone here for years, but I got tired of not knowing if the food will be any good or not

This place is off the charts great! The daily specials are amazing. The service is great. Their osso bucco is second to none. Oh yeah & their desserts..... Yummy!!!! Recommend 110%

Been looking at this restaurant for a while and was glad that we finally made it to it! We made reservations and they had a big table for us, but being fair, we asked for a smaller one and they accommodated us. The server worked with us and the owner, on selecting an oak flavor red wine and they took their time to explain the selection. We chose Penitente Reserva Malbec 2001, which it was great. For starters, we chose Artisanal Cheese Plate, which is a variety of cheeses from 3 different regions With Prosciutto ($16). It was worth it! We also had some type of "Tostones" and it was great as well. For dinner, found out that they have specialty plates like Buffalo, Ostrich and Kangaroo meat on certain days and I chose the Buffalo meat and it was delicious!. Also had Ravioli Di Frutti, which is homemade ravioli, diced pears & ricotta cheese in an amaretto-sage reduction ($20). For dessert, we had Chocolate Tartufo Chocolate ice cream covered in a hard dark chocolate shell ($7) and Crepe, which is Dulce de leche, nutella or rice pudding. Served warm with vanilla ice cream ($8). Finished with an expresso. Overall, it was an easy going night, the place, although not massivly big, was packed all the time with families, couples, friends, etc. Most people sat inside, under the comfort of air conditioning. Will definitely visit again.

Not many great places in the area... Had never heard of it and went on a great recco from a friend that lives near by. Small, quaint and charming ran by an Argentinian family with home made food. Had a delicious veal chop with a lobster bisque that was creamy and almost perfect (could have used some chunks of lobster in it), but full of flavor. Great for a romantic dinner or with the family.

Last night went to this little restaurant and it was such a pleasant surprise! Great little authentic Italian with a great wine menu also. At first I was a bit skeptical due to the location, being around a shopping car park type place, but never judge a book by its cover! The food was really great, and the service was really good also with friendly smiles all round, the owner of the restaurant had such charm and offered us some complimentary drinks for no reason which was so nice of him. All the staff even came out to say goodbye which is something I've never seen before, I had an absolutely lovely night. And If I ever come back to Miami, I will be coming back. The tiramisu was amazing!

Yes, even in Palmetto Bay, one can find great food and service. Maurcio and his team offer both up. They have been around for 10 years and consistently deliver a high quality dining experience. They have a strong wine list as well! It is the place we go for date night and big occasions.

service is excellent, the food, the atmosphere is so cozy and elegant! the dishes are always delicious and Mauricio truly out does himself!!! truly a must go to in south florida!

Great food, outstanding service, the best risotto I've ever had. Great wine list. There is something for everyone. Words don't do justice to this place YOU MUST TRY IT!

Mauricio the owner always makes us feel at home. Always order the hog fish if its a special on the menu!

This is some of the best Italian food I've ever had. Seriously. Small storefront, attentive service, obscenely divine food.

I havev been going to this restaurant for the past eight years, since it's one of my favorites in Miami. Excellent daily gourmet food. From the buns served with frech ripe cut tomatoes to their amazing Tiramisu for desert. My favorite of all is the Ravioli di Frutti, a delicious pear ravioli cooked "al dente" with an amazing amaretto white sauce and topped with slices of parmesan cheese.

We have been coming to Portofino for quite some time and it never disappoints. Excellent food, great service. Try the guava tart for dessert!!!

Fantastic Italian restaurant with delicious food and great atmosphere, very intimate and cozy. One of my favorite places to dine often, staff is always friendly and attentive. I recommend the chefs specials, they are phenomenal. My personal favorite dessert is the Tiramisu - just heavenly.

Great place for a quite dinner, the wine selection is amazing. Mauricio and staff have will advise on select wines to pair your meal. Specials are always special!

I have known of this restaurant since it opened, that was around 8-9 years ago. It has never disappointed my wife or myself or any of my friends. It is not Italian but rather cosmopolitan. That's because the chef may prepare specials from different part of the world. I recommend the Rissotto, carpaccio, veal or the filet. For me personally, the Filet Mignon with raspberry topping- I like mine rare-it is out of this world and cooked to perfection. But no matter how you like your meat it is still delicioso. Their soup are outstanding whether it is Calabaza or malanga soup. If you like seafood, their fish of the day will not disappoint you or any of their other dishes. For us this restaurant is consistently superb. It is not cheap. It could run approximately $80-120 per person for a full course meal including their recommended bottle of wine. Please when in Miami, try to visit here- you won't regret it.

Finally made it to Caffe Portofino, and had a mixed Saturday night experience with friends. ATMOSPHERE: 4 Stars They are nestled in a shopping center, but the space itself is welcoming. Open. Airy. Inviting. The artwork is a decided nod to the Italian city that is their namesake. Intimate space that offers no bar area. They do provide outdoor seating, but keep in mind the shopping center locale (no so much ambiance outside). CUISINE: 4.5 Stars To kickstart the evening, one point is that they have a limited bar menu. Beer & wine only. Excellent house red & white, by the way. The first course had no "wow" moments. House salad and their soup of the day. Next up was the risotto with shrimp, lasagna, and short rib. The hit of the night was the risotto. Terrific! Next best was the short rib. A tad fatty, but nicely done. SERVICE: 3 Stars The first impression was the hostess. No personality, and no hospitality skills. As for the wait staff, it is still unclear who exactly our waiter was. We had to wave down, and try to signal as best we could for our server to take care of us. The service was no great.

I walked in hungry, and unfortunately left the same way. Their “insalata tricolore” made a delightful start, but I made the mistake of ordering their “braised beef ravioli”, expecting a lot of pasta in marinara sauce, failing to notice that it was served in a “low-fat alfredo sauce”. It was small and about as satisfying as a frozen diet meal. Their tiramisu for dessert helped a little: it was very good but again, a relatively small portion. On the other hand my 2 companions raved about their grouper, and “risotto champagne”, respectively. But even their portions were not very large, as one of my friends never manages to finish his meals, whereas in this case he did. The service began well, but we seemed to get lost along the way: the 2 waiters were confused as to whether we’d ordered dessert, and I had to flag down someone for the bill, 45 minutes after we’d finished. After paying $182 (plus tip) for our 3 meals with half bottle of (very dry) Justin 2015 Cabernet, it was more than just the wine that left a sour taste in my mouth.

Have been going here for many years. Excellent food. The specials from the chef are always interesting and delicious. Fine dining for sure!

A small restaurant tucked in a strip mall between Party City and a dry cleaner, Portofino serves terrific Italian food. The food and service never fail to please. On our most recent visit, we arrived a few minutes before 5:30, but were graciously seated and promptly served water and given menus. I tried one of the chef's specials, whole wheat fettuccine topped with artichoke, shrimp and calamari in a cream sauce. The seafood was fresh, the calamari tender and the sauce light and flavorful, without overwhelming the other ingredients. My husband, who claimed to be "not hungry," thoroughly enjoyed (and finished!) his veal picatta, and raved about the coconut flan he ordered for dessert. I always order the tiramisu, without the blueberry sauce and Heath bar topping; it is firm and not watery, but somehow seems to melt in your mouth. I have enjoyed the Insalate Tricolore and Portofino salads in the past, but was not overly impressed with the Caprese salad this visit. The mozzarella was very, very good, but the tomatoes should have been riper (an occasional bite "crunched). Not being much of a wine drinker, I can't really speak to the quality or variety offered, but the glass of the house Pinot Grigio I ordered was very nice, as is the coffee with dessert. All in all, this is one of my favorite restaurants: it's small, comfortable, serves great food, and as I said in the beginning, never fails to please!

We were a party of 9 people: 7 adults and 2 children last Saturday August 11th and it was amazing!! The ambiance, the wines, the service and the selection of foods..."Mama Mia!! Delizioso", "Squisito". We had such a great time and would recommend everything that we had from the starters of amazing lightly dusted Fried Calamari served with the Fra Diablo Sauce; Short Ribbed cake which was Shredded Beef Short Rib with Mashed Sweet Potato with a touch of Tarragon Sauce; Malanga soup; Main courses included the Specials....Lobster,Shrimp and Calamari with freshly made pasta... to die for for; Risotto Dolce Vita; Beef Lasagna; Braised Short Ribs...They catered to the children and from the Kids Menu there was Spaghetti Marinara with meatballs and Chicken Tenders with fries. Dessert was a selection of Guava Tarts with Vanilla Ice cream; ChocoLava & Red Velvet Lava both served with Vanilla Ice Cream...Decadence!!! All excellent meals that our group thoroughly enjoyed and we would return in a heartbeat and WILL!!!. We will tell all our friends about this beautiful find.

I have NEVER had a bad experience in this restaurant. Everyone makes you feel welcomed and very special! We make it a point to go very often.

I've been going to Portofino for the last 6 years. The quality and flavor of the food excels every time. The ambiance of the space, with its colorful paintings make the experience of dining at Portofino even better. The wait staff are super attentive, they always treat us as if we were the only table at the restaurant; they do the same with each customer. And this is attributed to the owner Mauricio, who wants every customer to know that he values their business. A must is their short ribs and the risotto. A extensive menu is accompanied by their daily specials, which are always, without a doubt, another fantastic choice of delicious food.

This was our 2nd trip, we live in NY. The food is great and Oswaldo is amazing! Our last visit was in September and he greeted us like we came weekly, remembered our wine and dinner selections. The grilled octopus appetizer was so awesome we ordered 3! The service is excellent as is the food, prices are reasonable for the atmosphere and quality. Try the lava cake❤️🍷❤️

My husband and I dine at Caffe Portofino regularly. We enjoy the daily specials, great wine selection and very good service.

I went to the restaurant with some friends and family, my daughter had been there before and mentioned to us but never had a chance to go. But trust me, the food is more than great, Italian with a different touch, I will say one of the best Italian restaurants if not the best. But go, do not have words to explain!! Congratulations to the Chef!!

After having had numerous dinners at this wonderful neighborhood upscale restaurant, I had one of my favorites tonight. The meals have ranged from great to exceptional each time we have dined here. The menu is very imaginative and the specials every day even more so. Even though the restaurant is in a strip mall, once you walk in the door it feels very special and the staff could not be better and make you feel like they truly care about you. Mauricio the owner is the perfect host in every way. To get this caliber of service, atmosphere and food you would need to go to the Gables and then it still would be difficult to match. The freshest of all ingredients and a fabulous imaginative chef -- hard to beat all that Cafe Portofino has to offer! Try it. You will love it!!

We went on a Saturday evening found the place pretty much full. We sat outside in a very nice place, even though close to the parking lot it had a nice ambience. The waiter came pretty fast and he gave us a long list of specials of the day. Among were the Osso Buco And special snapper. Osso Buco was very good , Tender and flavorful. My wife did not care very much for her fish When they brought the bill I was surprised. $38 for the Osso Buco and $33 for the fish with we had had a similar one almost next-door for only $18. No question the food is good however I believe the prices are too much

Staff is amazing and quality and value of food is unsurpassed anywhere. Wine selection is superb specially Argentinian wines. The straberry and Savignoun cream is to die for.

Stopped by without the reservations so we got the last table. The place is in a very large shopping center and it has some tables outside which were all empty. The people were all inside, Probably escaping the heat or the fact that outside you look at cars. I had the osobuco which was delicious, very tender over spaghetti in a very nice sauce. The house wine was acceptable but a little expensive. The service was very good, prompt and efficient.

We've been dining at Caffe Portofino for many years and it is our favorite neighborhood restaurant. The food and the service are fabulous. The wine is wonderful and it's so nice to go to a restaurant where they know you and take care of you. The servers have been there for years, and the atmosphere is fabulous. I highly recommend dining at Caffe Portofino.

We came here based on TA reviews. We were not disappointed. The early bird special is till 6:30. It provides a glass of wine, soup or salad, with your menu entree for $28. A warm bread basket is served with chopped tomato dressing. The salad is a 3 lettuce salad with a vinegar être. The soup was a portobello mushroom. Both were delicious! The lobster ravioli was tasty but lightly stuffed. I expected big chucks, not mostly minced. The dessert Crepes of Carmel and nutella were a perfect end to the meal. Will return.

My husband went to this restaurant for the first time this weekend to celebrate our anniversary. It was a rainy night and it is close to our home. We were delighted by how varied and interesting the menu was. We had decided on our entrees when the waiter listed that day's specials. Then we had to decide all over again as everything sounded delicious! We each ordered an appetizer and an entree and everything was delicious. The service also was impeccable and we finished off our meal with a chocolate lava cake that we both loved. I highly recomend this little gem.

We shared a portion of "crunchy blue cheese gnocchi" and it was superb. Following an innovative quinoa pasta with mushrooms....unique and a great risotto with shrimps. Everything was fresh and made to order. Wine selection was very effective with good prices. Do not get fooled because it is located in a strip mall, inside the atmosphere was classy, very good music selection and very good service.

This is a neighborhood find. We ordered a short rib appetizer and Cesar salad as appetizers and entrees veal Marsala and a veal shank with rosemary. The shank and short rib appetizer were to die for. The wine list was kissing what was listed on the internet but savvy management offered excellent alternatives. Service was a bit slow but courteous. Would go again. Could not believe this place was in a shopping center but do not worry- it is great!

This little restaurant is a great find—it has really great food. It is located in a very unassuming location across the street from the Falls Shopping Mall in a strip shopping center. It is a small Italian restaurant (about 15 tables inside) with additional outdoor seating. This restaurant is a great value—the food is very good and the prices are reasonable. The wine list is extensive and the wines are a good value. The risotto is particularly good and the pastas are perfectly cooked. The ambiance is very romantic and the service is top notched. Particularly notable about the service is that all the servers help out with all tables in such a way that there is always a person a step away from your request. The experience provides the impression of a small, family owned restaurant where everyone takes great pride in the food and dining experience.

Great little restaurant with excellent food and service. Visited restaurant with our friends and were extremely satisfied with the overall quality of food and service. They also have a great wine selection. Great place for a 1st date or special occasion.

A pleasant place for the dinner. The first time we were very satisfied with the food and service, so we decided to come back to check whether it was a coincidence.The second time was even better, especially food, because we accepted the suggestion of our waiter. When we thought it could not be better, the last day in town we ate at this restaurant one of the best meals ever.

I highly recommend this restaurant. Nice and pleasant . The food is delicious and the daily specials are outstanding . Service is friendly and efficient.

We visited on a Tuesday evening at 6:00. The place was nearly empty. We chose the Eggplant Napolitano to share as an appetizer and were quite pleased. My wife had the fish special -- Sea Bass Piccata -- and I had the early bird special Veal Ossobuco. The special just allowed me to get a bowl of the soup of the day for a few dollars less. The soup was "White Bean" which I took to mean Italian Cannellini beans. Was I ever surprised when the soup showed up filled with Black-Eyed Peas (which are actually beans but are not what I would call "white" beans). The soup was quite good, but definitely was not the Italian version I expected. The Sea Bass was perfectly cooked with a crisp edge and excellent Piccata sauce -- actually a quite amazing dish we would order again in a heartbeat. The Ossobuco was fork-tender (as it should be); some of the best I've had in quite a while. My wife had a glass of Prosecco and we shared a reasonably-priced bottle of Ca Montebello Pinot Nero (Italian Pinot Noir). Both wines paired well with the food. The waiter's English was broken and we had a little trouble communicating, but in the end the meal was quite a delight (except for the soup's confusing identity).

Specials are the way to go...risotto is amazing!!! The boys working are great and make it a great experience...bl

What a wonderful restaurant near the Falls. Food was outstanding and service was excellent. We ate outside as the weather was perfect....surprised that the restaurant had some nice plants to make it feel as if we were not near the parking lot. Staff was very friendly.

Tucked in the very back of the Colonial Palms Center across US 1 from THE FALLS, Caffe Portofino is the top of the Palmetto Bay restaurant field. Ten years serving the mid south Dade County with culinary excellence and understated, perfect service, Portofino's menu has something for everyone (including a children's menu)...and then some. We chose from the Miami Spice menu (an annual August/September multi restaurant discount promotion county wide) which has a price fixe $33/pp fare for soup or salad, choose from five entrees and dessert. As usual we were delighted across the board. Our appetizers: portobello shroom filled with roasted eggplant (just a tad underdone) and a substantial crab cake in cilantro/pesto sauce: terrific. Entrees: grouper picatta and lobster ravioli. Both were excellent. The delicate raviolis were not lacking for lobster and swimming in a gentle lobster bisque sauce. The grouper was grouper (imagine that) and the sauce with the capers accented the dish. Summer fresh veggies and puree of sweet potato accompanied the grouper. Dessert was a highlight. The dulce de leche crepe topped with caramel and sprinkled with sugar accompanied by vanilla ice cream also topped with caramel sauce was so delicate and savory (yes savory) that it easily could beckon a diner back just to have it again. A REMARKABLE DISH. Caffe Portofino has a wide variety of pasta entrees from beef lasagne to spaghetti frutto di mare to veal ossobuco and chicken francese; appetizers include caesare salad, shrimp rollatini and calamari. The desserts include tartufo (chocolate) to coconut flan. Every dish is done with flare.....sometimes a hint of the caribbean spice but generally carefully executed Italian cuisine. As referenced above, the service is quietly efficient. A dinner party feels like you are the only customers in the comfortable dining room at Caffe Portofino.

We had a family dinner at Caffee Portofino. The locale was surprisingly chic, in a strip mall shared with Panera, Marshalls, Ale House and Checkers among others. The food was excellent - we had Calamari and Carpaccio as shared starters. We went on to Ossobuco, Risotto champagne, and Linguini alle Vongole. All of the food was very tasty. I was not cheap - about $60/head without wine - but worth a repeat visit.

The (2) Chicken Marsalas were excellent and the Veal Chop off the specials board was cooked medium rare to perfection. Best chop I ever ate. Medium rare on the inside with an exterior crispness. Perfect. With tax, tip and a bottle of wine the bill came to $175. A good value too.

We picked up our uncle from the Miami Airport, hen we went to this wonderful little place in a strip mall - it's nicely decorated, wait staff are excellent very helpful the wine was wonderful the meal exquisite. It's very popular so get there early or call for reservations. it's small and loud so not recommended for date night. We would return if we'er in Miami again, So go and enjoy!!

Tried Caffe Portofino based on several excellent reviews on multiple web sites including Trip Advisor. Unfortunately, our meal was average and a disappointment. The Caesar salads were served with old, yellowing lettuce smothered with dressing. The entrees each had beef but very salty that kept us very thirsty throughout the meal. Really confused as to how this restaurant achieved such favorable ratings. One thing is for sure, however, this will be a one-time visit.

Never had a bad meal here. More than just Italian food, it has a little bit of everything. Ultra friendly staff.

My go-to place for yummy Italian. My favorite is the risotto, they make the best I've ever had. The service is very friendly. If you know about wine, you'll know that they have the best prices on bottles. I've never been disappointed here and have been coming here for years.

We are ardent fans of this excellent restaurant it never ceases to amaze us!! Tonite we had lobster bisque, carpaccio salad, short rib cake, a special which was the grouper with preppers & an alioli sauce!! Then we ended the nite with red velvet lava with Carmel & vanilla ice cream. Amazing !!

Been coming here on and off for a few years. Excellent fine dining. Favorites: rack of lamb, fillet mignon, meat lasagna.... I have to say one of my favorites in the shrimp bisque (my husband says the best he's ever had !) and the chicken rolatini (crab stuffed chicken)... It melts in your mouth, not sure how they manage to get chicken to taste this amazing. It's a small, private and fine restaurant with amazing flavors and really exquisite food. Very nice change to the chain restaurants that are in this area!

The service is great! The food is magnificent! Not one bad thing I can say about this restaurant. You must try their risotto

We really enjoyed ourselves here. Food was amazing. The wine list is very reasonable and we ordered a bottle that is more expensive at other places. Place was packed but we still received first class service. First time here and will return.

This is one of my husband's and my favorite Italian restaurants - anywhere. The food is freshly prepared, the menu is comprehensive but not overwhelming, and the service is impeccable. We visit there frequently but have never written a review on it before. It is a small restaurant so would recommend reservations if you eat at the later dinner times. We just returned from Sicily and Caffe Portofino ranks right up there with among those we enjoyed in Taormina, Palmero, and Cefalu.

In a shopping center in Pinecrest, tucked next to a Party City you will find a delicious meal waiting. The ambiance is cozy, the food was amazing but service was ok. My daughter and I stopped in early one weekday evening around 6, the restaurant was empty and we were made to feel like we were bothering the servers. Our meal arrived and we were pleasantly pleased. Anyone could have an off night and we will give it another try.

This is an excellent Italian restaurant. Every-time we visited, enjoyed the great food and good selection of wines. They even offer an early bird.

Very nice restaurant,discovered only recently,but enjoyded every single meal we had there !!! Good service,friendly server. Great selection of wines ,ask for the " special wine list" !!!You will love to go there.

We discovered this gem when invited by friends for a wine tasting dinner and it has become our restaurant of choice. The service is excellent, friendly people that make you feel at home. The food is superb. Personally I LOVE their Rissotto. You will not go wrong with any of their daily specials. A must try.