Absolutely horrible service. The older Italian lady who barely speaks English was our server and she would roll her eyes when we asked about recommendations and we felt rushed to order... I understand that she’s worked there for years but to treat local customers that live around the corner with contempt is very unprofessional.
Our food took around 45 minutes for 3 orders of pasta, and an appetizer of carpaccio. After taking our order she never checked on our table or made an attempt and left it all to the Hispanic busboy who was very attentive. The food was good but not worth $30-$40 per plate.
We all decided that the service was subpar but it wasn’t worth verbally complaining to management. We left a 20% tip split between 4 people and our server, the older Italian lady, proceeded to chase after us and demanded we tip more in front of other customers.
I’ll never eat at this establishment and those that are looking to try should avoid the older Italian lady at all cost if you do decide to dine here.
Julieta Carrasquilla
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August 18, 2025
✨ ✨
This was my very first visit to Locanda Portofino, even though it’s right in my neighborhood—and I have to say, it was superb! My dear friend brought me here, and from the moment we stepped inside I felt the warm welcome from the servers and the pleasant, inviting atmosphere.
The décor is beautiful and instantly transported me back to Italy—it feels like dining in someone’s elegant home. The food was outstanding: fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with such care. We shared the cod, perfectly cooked, and the special tagliatelle with salmon in a delicate creamy sauce—absolutely delicious.
The service was excellent. Our server, Nico, was charming and friendly. He knew my friend Marni and remembered her favorites, which made the evening feel even more personal. I love that thoughtful detail.
Though I didn’t try dessert this time, I could tell from the menu and presentation that they will be a treat—I’ll definitely be back for those! On my way out, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Florestano, who was as warm and kind as the restaurant itself.
Locanda Portofino has instantly become one of my favorite neighborhood spots, and I look forward to returning again and again. A true gem of authentic Italian cuisine right here at home.
Mark Davis
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February 01, 2020
We had an alumni gathering for 10 there for lunch. Setup/service: impeccable. The items on the expansive menu were universally praised by our guests. The bucata, meatballs and mushroom chicken, my dishes, were exceptionally well prepared. While small, the space is well laid-out and comfortable for groups of various sizes. There is plentiful street parking nearby and five free of charge spots directly in front of the restaurant.
Jesse Mendoza
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August 25, 2021
It's been a while since I have been here and the food is excellent. However I was disappointed by our waiter. He was rude to my daughter and made us feel uncomfortable.
I only stayed because our busser was great.
David Ellis
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January 31, 2025
One of my favorite restaurants for decades. In an unassuming location you'll find some of the best Italian in LA. Authentic food and a deep wine list combined with excellent service. I highly recommend!
Absolutely horrible service. The older Italian lady who barely speaks English was our server and she would roll her eyes when we asked about recommendations and we felt rushed to order... I understand that she’s worked there for years but to treat local customers that live around the corner with contempt is very unprofessional. Our food took around 45 minutes for 3 orders of pasta, and an appetizer of carpaccio. After taking our order she never checked on our table or made an attempt and left it all to the Hispanic busboy who was very attentive. The food was good but not worth $30-$40 per plate. We all decided that the service was subpar but it wasn’t worth verbally complaining to management. We left a 20% tip split between 4 people and our server, the older Italian lady, proceeded to chase after us and demanded we tip more in front of other customers. I’ll never eat at this establishment and those that are looking to try should avoid the older Italian lady at all cost if you do decide to dine here.
✨ ✨ This was my very first visit to Locanda Portofino, even though it’s right in my neighborhood—and I have to say, it was superb! My dear friend brought me here, and from the moment we stepped inside I felt the warm welcome from the servers and the pleasant, inviting atmosphere. The décor is beautiful and instantly transported me back to Italy—it feels like dining in someone’s elegant home. The food was outstanding: fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with such care. We shared the cod, perfectly cooked, and the special tagliatelle with salmon in a delicate creamy sauce—absolutely delicious. The service was excellent. Our server, Nico, was charming and friendly. He knew my friend Marni and remembered her favorites, which made the evening feel even more personal. I love that thoughtful detail. Though I didn’t try dessert this time, I could tell from the menu and presentation that they will be a treat—I’ll definitely be back for those! On my way out, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Florestano, who was as warm and kind as the restaurant itself. Locanda Portofino has instantly become one of my favorite neighborhood spots, and I look forward to returning again and again. A true gem of authentic Italian cuisine right here at home.
We had an alumni gathering for 10 there for lunch. Setup/service: impeccable. The items on the expansive menu were universally praised by our guests. The bucata, meatballs and mushroom chicken, my dishes, were exceptionally well prepared. While small, the space is well laid-out and comfortable for groups of various sizes. There is plentiful street parking nearby and five free of charge spots directly in front of the restaurant.
It's been a while since I have been here and the food is excellent. However I was disappointed by our waiter. He was rude to my daughter and made us feel uncomfortable. I only stayed because our busser was great.
One of my favorite restaurants for decades. In an unassuming location you'll find some of the best Italian in LA. Authentic food and a deep wine list combined with excellent service. I highly recommend!