Ummmm this is my new favorite place. We live in the area and popped in when my parents were in town. It’s romantic and moody and the food is exquisite. (I’m Italian and so I know Italian food.) I dare say this rivals Giorgio Baldi and I lovvvve Giorgio Baldi. Our server Nico was from Italy and recognized my last name as Italian. We started with the burrata and squash blossoms (unreal) and for dinner I had the filet and a side of truffle gnocchi. Everything perfect. Get the profiteroles for dessert if you like chocolate. Timing, taste etc. This place is perfect for a sexy date. Wine only and so don’t expect fancy cocktails. Loved it.
Giulio Sette
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October 22, 2025
Yesterday i had the pleasure of having dinner at Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica
I don t usually write so many reviews but we had such an incredible experience that i feel like sharing.
The place reminds me a lot of Italy and the food was excellent! Authentic Italian food which sometimes is difficult to find in US.
We had delicious zucchini blossoms ( one of their specialties! ) and fried calamari as appetizers.
As a main course we shared spaghetti with sea urchins from santa barbara, black squid ink tagliolini and roasted spigola!
We were delighted by the quality of the food which was superb and for dessert we had a chocolate tart which is the best chocolate tart we both ever had!
The waitress was AMAZING! Unfortunately i don’t recall her name but she is the only female working in the restaurant !
She was such a great server, very kind and attentive and she helped us to choose food and wine as was our first time there.
Also the wine she picked was excellent !!
A white wine from Sardinia called Vermentino!
We also enjoyed a lot the atmosphere!
Nice decor , very pleasant music not too loud, and friendly and considerate customers!
Amazing overall experience! Can t wait to be back!
Thank you again to our waitress and to the entire stuff for this incredible night!
Robbints Anthony
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November 01, 2025
Yesterday we had the pleasure to dine at Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica.
We were suggested from some local friends that highly speak about the place.
Our only regret is WE DIDNT GO BEFORE!!!
That place is a real gem!!
Food is incredible and really authentic!
Service is 5 stars!! Not only the servers are really professional but also so friendly and funny! They really made our night!
We were helped by Silvia who was so kind and attentive but then she introduced us her colleagues and everyone was really amazing!!
We tried some of the special : we had the bell peppers with fresh burrata cheese to start ( so good and so tasty!! I recommend it to everyone!) , zucchini blossoms and also those “vegetarian meatballs “… they look like meatballs but just made with eggplant and mozzarella cheese!
As a main course we tried the veal chop milanese .. a five star dish!! It s also very big so great to share! And gnocchi gorgonzola and risotto with porcini mushrooms ! We were so pleased with our choices and the dessert was literally the “cherry on the cake” !: torta della nonna, chocolate tart and panna cotta!!!
Everything was so perfect that we can t wait to go back!!
Thank you Locanda Portofino for this incredible night!!!
Molly Henze
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January 19, 2026
Literally the best Italian food in LA. I went to Felix trattoria and this place kicks its ass 10x over. It’s legit. If you want old school good Italian 10/10
Cameron
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January 18, 2026
The first truly overpriced mediocre meal I’ve had in Los Angeles. I always think of LA food as being healthy and good. But this place makes plenty of mediocre restaurants in New York look like gourmet establishments. Gummy risotto. Wilted Caesar salad. Rubbery calamari. Yech.
Ummmm this is my new favorite place. We live in the area and popped in when my parents were in town. It’s romantic and moody and the food is exquisite. (I’m Italian and so I know Italian food.) I dare say this rivals Giorgio Baldi and I lovvvve Giorgio Baldi. Our server Nico was from Italy and recognized my last name as Italian. We started with the burrata and squash blossoms (unreal) and for dinner I had the filet and a side of truffle gnocchi. Everything perfect. Get the profiteroles for dessert if you like chocolate. Timing, taste etc. This place is perfect for a sexy date. Wine only and so don’t expect fancy cocktails. Loved it.
Yesterday i had the pleasure of having dinner at Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica I don t usually write so many reviews but we had such an incredible experience that i feel like sharing. The place reminds me a lot of Italy and the food was excellent! Authentic Italian food which sometimes is difficult to find in US. We had delicious zucchini blossoms ( one of their specialties! ) and fried calamari as appetizers. As a main course we shared spaghetti with sea urchins from santa barbara, black squid ink tagliolini and roasted spigola! We were delighted by the quality of the food which was superb and for dessert we had a chocolate tart which is the best chocolate tart we both ever had! The waitress was AMAZING! Unfortunately i don’t recall her name but she is the only female working in the restaurant ! She was such a great server, very kind and attentive and she helped us to choose food and wine as was our first time there. Also the wine she picked was excellent !! A white wine from Sardinia called Vermentino! We also enjoyed a lot the atmosphere! Nice decor , very pleasant music not too loud, and friendly and considerate customers! Amazing overall experience! Can t wait to be back! Thank you again to our waitress and to the entire stuff for this incredible night!
Yesterday we had the pleasure to dine at Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica. We were suggested from some local friends that highly speak about the place. Our only regret is WE DIDNT GO BEFORE!!! That place is a real gem!! Food is incredible and really authentic! Service is 5 stars!! Not only the servers are really professional but also so friendly and funny! They really made our night! We were helped by Silvia who was so kind and attentive but then she introduced us her colleagues and everyone was really amazing!! We tried some of the special : we had the bell peppers with fresh burrata cheese to start ( so good and so tasty!! I recommend it to everyone!) , zucchini blossoms and also those “vegetarian meatballs “… they look like meatballs but just made with eggplant and mozzarella cheese! As a main course we tried the veal chop milanese .. a five star dish!! It s also very big so great to share! And gnocchi gorgonzola and risotto with porcini mushrooms ! We were so pleased with our choices and the dessert was literally the “cherry on the cake” !: torta della nonna, chocolate tart and panna cotta!!! Everything was so perfect that we can t wait to go back!! Thank you Locanda Portofino for this incredible night!!!
Literally the best Italian food in LA. I went to Felix trattoria and this place kicks its ass 10x over. It’s legit. If you want old school good Italian 10/10
The first truly overpriced mediocre meal I’ve had in Los Angeles. I always think of LA food as being healthy and good. But this place makes plenty of mediocre restaurants in New York look like gourmet establishments. Gummy risotto. Wilted Caesar salad. Rubbery calamari. Yech.