Portale
New York
At a glance
Portale offers a sophisticated blend of contemporary Italian cuisine in New York City. Known for its inventive approach to Italian dining, Portale welcomes guests with a menu that balances tradition with modernity. Guests can explore a range of Italian dishes crafted with a nod to culinary innovation, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
With a stylish setting in the city's bustling landscape, the restaurant projects an atmosphere that is both polished and inviting. Diners are welcomed into an environment that complements the culinary offerings, with decor that underscores the contemporary, yet timeless character of the menu.
Portale caters to those seeking high-quality Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Its offerings are versatile enough to accommodate various dining preferences and occasions, whether it be a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory gathering. The atmosphere is well-suited for both small and larger groups, and the attentive service further enhances the dining experience.
Reviews
Portale is a premier contemporary Italian restaurant located at 126 10th Avenue (between 17th and 18th Streets) in Chelsea, Manhattan. Helmed by Chef Alfred Portale, the restaurant blends seasonal Italian ingredients with classic French techniques.
Italian style fine dining and the great reviews speak for themselves. Service was excellent from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. We started with the focaccia bread and burrata. You could tell immediately that the bread was freshly baked, it was delightful. The burrata was arguably the best I’ve ever had, absolutely delicious. My wife got the Lumache (bolognese with black truffle and Parmesan) and I got the duck, and both were incredible. Excellent meal. On a side note the espresso martinis are legit here.
I recently dined at Portale and overall had a solid experience. The ambiance is elevated yet comfortable, a nice spot for a relaxed upscale dinner. Service was a bit uneven. While polite, it felt somewhat slow and distant at times, which took away from the overall flow of the evening. Food-wise, there were some highs and a few misses. The pasta dishes were very salty, which overshadowed the thoughtful presentation. That said, the pork chop was excellent. Overall, we had a nice time at Portale, but a bit more consistency in execution and attentiveness in service would elevate the experience further.
We took a chance and walked in without a res and were pleasantly surprised. We did not wait long. The service was spot on and Mike, the wine director, was beyond knowledgeable. He helped us choose the perfect wine from southern Italy for our meal, which was amazing. I had the mushroom Risotto and my husband had the Bolognese. The Olive Oil cake was a perfect way to end the meal. It felt local and intimate and we would definitely go back again.
Food Ratings: (keeping prices in mind) - Focaccia: 7/10 The bread was soft and crispy at the same time. I liked the pairing with the olive oil and cheese. - Crudo Di Capesante: 6/10 Tastes fresh, the scallops were good. Nothing out of this world tasty. - Risotto: 3/10 This was my first time eating risotto and it was not a good one. I don’t know if risotto is supposed to be extremely salty but this one was so salty. If there was any other flavor it was overpowered by the salt. Very disappointing. - Anatra: 5/10 I like meat and usually have no complaints but this dish was $42 if i recall correctly…for this price I’d expect the meat to melt in my mouth but it was chewy. I haven’t had duck in a while so not sure if duck is supposed to be chewy. Very average dish. - Lumache: 4/10 I love pasta, and maybe I prefer my pasta to be cooked a little more but I felt that the pasta wasn’t cooked enough. This is just a personal preference. However, this dish was so salty as well. I don’t understand why the lumache and risotto were both so heavily salted. All I could taste was salt. Restaurant Atmosphere: 8/10 Everyone was polite. The vibes are nice. I would not go to this restaurant again nor recommend to a friend unfortunately. I don’t think the prices match the taste of the dishes.
