Portofino Restaurant

Portofino Restaurant

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+44 191 261 5512+ Add website
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 21:00
Mon
12:00 - 0:00
Tue
12:00 - 0:00
Wed
12:00 - 0:00
Thu
12:00 - 0:00
Fri
12:00 - 0:00
Sat
12:00 - 0:00
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS
Food
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
£9.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza, International
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this an Austrian restaurant?
About
Italian family restaurant with over 20 years of history, situated in the city centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne
PRICE RANGE
£9.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza, International
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,316 reviews
Excellent
1,558
Very good
439
Average
161
Poor
77
Terrible
81

susannah b
Manchester43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 family
Portofino – how much do I love you? Let me count the ways: 10. The building – a magnificent location with high ceilings and beautiful tiling – wherever you look there is something beautiful to see. 9. The toilets – downstairs there is a beautiful (clean) bathroom with chairs if you want a chat with your girlfriends, lovely mirrors and always lots of nice soaps. 8. The atmosphere – Portofino has never been empty when I have visited – so there is always a hubbub, energetic and vibrant. 7. The welcome – your staff are fantastic; they are obviously busy but never make the customers feel rushed and nothing is too much trouble. 6. Your menu – lots of fabulous vegetarian options. 5. Gluten free – no problem! My daughter has coeliac disease so can be very limited in her choices in some establishments – but not here – your pizza and past dishes can all be made gluten free – your pizza base is terrific – I am sure even the most ardent pizza fan would love that crisp pizza base. But it is not just pizza – you also make all your garlic breads gluten free – I can’t tell you how rare that is and how much it is appreciated. 4. Soup – I am a fan – your minestrone is my favourite soup EVER! On this occasion it wasn’t on the menu, but I tried your soup of the day which was lentil and red pepper, and I wasn’t disappointed – it was so flavoursome and just the right portion size to pique my appetite. Your soups provide comfort to the soul. 3. The price – great value – starters from £4 - £9 and pasta mains from £11 - £15 and worth every penny. I had the panzarotti and I could taste the freshness of the spinach – just fabulous. 2. Your chefs – I don’t know who they are but they must be a good team – it doesn’t matter which day we visit the food is always fantastic – I hope they are teaching their children and sharing their recipes so the pizza and pasta perfection at Portofino continues for many generations to come. 1. The food! Best food in the land, probably the world. I only wish the restaurant was in Manchester rather than Newcastle so I could visit more often.
Written 9 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review, Susan. We are bowled over by your top ten. When reading it we had the old Top Of The Pops countdown theme in our heads. It is great to see all 10 of your favourite things about us, and we look forward to seeing you the next time you are in Newcastle.
Written 10 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

adjac2018
Durham77 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 family
We booked a table for 10 at 6:30pm and were greeted at the door by very polite staff. We were shown to our table and got settled. The first thing we noticed was the atmosphere, it was very busy but it felt bustling with people talking. It was fantastic to experience. The kind server took our drinks order and they arrived promptly. We ordered our food from the selection off the happy hour menu and the main menu. With the place being busy, we were going to expect starters and main meals being a bit late but they weren’t. They were served in great timing and by very experienced staff. I highly recommend this restaurant as the whole experience was fantastic. Two courses with drinks and wine for 10 people @£200 it is worth the value.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review and recommendation. It is great to hear that yo all enjoyed dining with us and found us good value for money. We hope to see you soon.
Written 28 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chorley Jonathon
58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 solo
My favourite restaurant in Newcastle:) a beautiful building and the staff and chefs are great . Super menu and varied, quality specials. The Garlic chilli tiger prawns were amazing and their fillet steak is better the all other local steak houses ( and cheaper ) cooked to perfection. The waiting staff are attentive and lovely. If you’re a solo diner you can come here and not feel out of place. It has a very warm, friendly, atmosphere xx
Written 17 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review and high praise. We are pleased you always enjoy dining with us, and our garlic chilli tiger prawns and steak were highlights. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Written 22 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dave C
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 couples
If you only go to one restaurant in Newcastle it has to be Portofino. Unbelievably reasonable house wine that is very high quality. This is combined with a fantastic range of wine. However, the food is the real star of this restaurant. This was so good we visited the restaurant twice and we only stayed in Newcastle 3 days. I cannot describe how good the food is and the range in the menu. This is coupled with a special menu again of high quality at all at an unbelievable reasonable price. Finally, you are greeted with a very warm welcome from very friendly, highly professional staff. Overall a fantastic experiance
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review, Dave. We are pleased with how much you enjoyed dining with us and we hope to see you again the next time you are in Newcastle.
Written 15 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

spiderwiddas
Newcastle upon Tyne161 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 friends
We visited this beautiful, cozy restaurant on Monday without a reservation. The place was already busy at 12 but the friendly staff found us a table for 2 and were very prompt with taking our order. The Christmas menu was excellent - varied and reasonably priced at £34 for 3 courses! The restaurant was buzzing by the time our food arrived and we had a thoroughly delicious meal including a perfectly grilled rare beefsteak in a tasty jus. Washed down with a perfectly chilled dry Pinot Grigio we had a fabulous pre Christmas lunch! Thank you to the lovely waitress (great ink/tats) who was funny and efficient , checking about allergies and how we wanted the steak to be cooked . I love a rare steak and sadly it often comes over cooked but today was perfect! Thank you to the team for making a walk in experience so enjoyable. Excellent food and ambience plus value for money!
Written 12 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review. It is fantastic to hear how much you enjoyed dining with us and that the steak and Pinot Grigio were highlights. We will pass on your comments to Abbey and hope to see you again.
Written 16 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

travell1000
Bedford81 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 family
Recommended as a must ! However very busy and overcrowded. I had the special Lamb Rump, poorly executed lots of raw white fat needed a little more cooking to render fat down, served with seasonal veg, sliced new potato peppers and green beans previously cooked and clearly microwaved Bitterly disappointing. 3 other members in the group had pizza and said it was nice. partner had the fish Kebab it was ok. The bill came to £143.00 when I check the bill we had been over charged by £5.00 for the lamb meal. Sorry won’t be going back.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Philip L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 couples
The setting is beautiful, tiled walls, columns, family photos on the walls. The service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive. My wife had the seafood platter starter, which is amazing value for such a variety of 'catch of the day' I had the garlic mushrooms which were lovely. Main course was also lovely. A fantastic restaurant which we would recommend to anyone visiting Newcastle, thank you, Phil
Written 13 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review and recommendation, Phil. It is great to hear how much you and your wife enjoyed dining with us.
Written 24 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Linsey2581
Dundee28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 couples
Lovely restaurant. We have visited a few years ago for a birthday meal. We travelled from Dundee for a few days for our 10th wedding anniversary and managed to get a booking the day before our visit. The restaurant was as busy and vibrant as ever and we were seated up at the back in a corner which was perfect for us. We were given menus and were served drinks very quickly. My husband ordered the king prawn risotto and I had ordered the lasagna. My husband said his meal was excellent I bower had to send the lasagna back as although it was piping hot on the outside it was stone cold in the middle. We managed to call the waitress and said she would get a fresh one. When a fresh one was brought out the waitress apologised and hoped I would enjoy. The second lasagna was just lukewarm I managed to eat it but did not enjoy it, it was rather disappointing. I feel that the food seemed to be batch cooked and then microwaved. The night did end up better as the cheesecakes were delicious and we were brought a complimentary Prosecco to celebrate our anniversary. This won’t put us of returning here and we will look forward to returning on our next visit to Newcastle.
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review, Linsey. We apologise about your lasagne, which we will mention to the kitchen. We are pleased that, on the whole, you enjoyed your celebration and look forward to seeing you both the next time you are in Newcastle.
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kev
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 couples
Great setting and a nice friendly welcome however service left a lot to be desired. Both starters and mains plates were left finished on the table for a long time before being collected. When we got the desert menu I was quite looking forward to the white chocolate cheesecake but once again, unable to get anyone's attention so we left after 2 courses once we finally flagged someone down for the bill (not the person who was serving us). I've been to Portofino's many times before and it was not what I would call busy. Sunday lunches good value and starters were very nice too however left feeling frustrated at the service we received.
Written 7 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review and feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your meals, but we apologise for the lack of service. We will look into this as we pride ourselves on our customer service, but on this occasion, we let you down. Again we are sorry and hope you return to dine with us.
Written 16 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Catherine L
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 family
I haven’t been to this restaurant for years, but was looking for somewhere to take my mum and teen girls before the cinema on a Friday evening. They enjoy beautiful interiors and buzzing atmosphere and I appreciate good value, tasty food so thought it worth a revisit so I booked to take advantage of the early evening happy hour menu. We’re mostly vegetarian and there were plenty of options. You might struggle if you’re dairy free / vegan as there wasn’t a dairy free milk available for coffee, there is a vegan menu online though so perhaps that was just a one off. Potato skins and the olive and sun dried tomato starters were tasty, followed by pizzas and pastas which were also delicious. They don’t have mocktails on the menu but were happy to make a couple up, which were as good as any we’ve had in cocktail bars in the city. The service was attentive and friendly, the food great value, the building interior stunning and the restaurant was justifiably packed. I’d definitely book if you plan to visit and perhaps request a table to one side rather than in the centre, it didn’t detract from our experience but I’d have preferred it with hindsight. I don’t often leave reviews but at a time when so many restaurants are struggling thought this little gem deserved it. There was also mention of David Ginola being there earlier in the week (I was pointing out photos of famous faces to my mum as we entered and the waitress told me!) well , if it’s good enough for him, who are us mere mortals to question?! 😍
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review, Catherine. Next time you visit us, please ask for the vegan menu, which will give you some extra options. We are pleased that all of you enjoyed your meals, loved the building and found our staff to be friendly. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Written 9 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FluffyShark
Cumbria48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 couples
My partner and I visited whilst spending the night in Newcastle. We were booked at 8:30pm on a Saturday night, and it was completely full. Despite this, we were seated promptly and received excellent service when ordering drinks and then food. Despite being very busy, our food came to us quickly and piping hot. I ordered the polpette (meatballs) with tagliatelle and my partner ordered a pizza. Both were excellent and clearly homemade with fresh ingredients. We both had tiramisu for dessert which was equally excellent. I adore pasta and this was truly one of the best I’ve ever tasted. All in all we ordered a main each, a dessert each and had three drinks which came to less than £50 total - excellent value for money. We were also in and out in less than an hour and the service was truly great. 10/10 meal and experience and will definitely hurry to return.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review and high praise. It is great to hear how much you enjoyed dining with us and that you especially loved your Polpette. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 14 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HisAndHers R
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 family
We both love Italian food and Portofinos is a must visit location for anyone else that loves Italian food. The menu had a variety of interesting dishes, we shared a garlic bread starter, then had pizza and bolognese for our main and finished the meal off with a bowl of ice cream each. The food was rich, delicious and very filling. We could barely walk after our meal and had to get a taxi back to our hotel! The prices are competitive, the staff are brilliant and the chefs are clearly very talented.
Written 30 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review. It is great to hear how much you enjoy dining with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Written 13 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andy S
Wallsend12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 couples
Had never really heard of Portofino but wow have we been missing out! Had friends we met on holiday coming up and wanted a nice proper Italian restaurant. After a google search found Portofino, checked the menu and pictures and thought give it a go. We had a variety of different dishes including gnocchi, pizza and fillet steak all of which was absolutely fantastic and very reasonably priced, restaurant and service was faultless, will definitely be going again and recommending to others
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Many thanks for the review, Andy. It is great to hear you enjoyed discovering us and that you all found your meals tasty. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Written 29 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kjoh1
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 family
Had a meal here before going to the theatre. Main course was delicious but service was slow. Waited over 35 minutes for our desserts, we ended up having to cancel them as we had to leave to get to the theatre in time They apologised and said that our desserts order hadn’t printed out so was never coming. Such a shame as this was a rare treat for us.
Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott illingworth
Thank you for the review. We are sorry that there was an issue, which we will look into, but we're pleased you enjoyed your main meals.
Written 21 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Karen P
7 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 couples
We cannot fault the food we ate here, the caprese salad, pasta and tiramisu were all very tasty, and the staff were very friendly, especially the younger members of staff. However, the whole experience was hugely rushed ... We made an online booking for 8.30pm on the Monday after the Great North Run and we could have opted for 9pm on the online bookings. When we got to the restaurant it was about half full and had a nice atmosphere but soon people began to leave... By 9.30 we were the only ones left and the restaurant was being cleaned around us, with all other tables cleared and staff beginning to go home! So that was a starter, main, dessert and a bottle of wine all in one hour...we left with indigestion!! Lovely food but just something to keep in mind if you want a relaxing evening and not to be under pressure, this may not be the best choice, especially midweek!!
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PORTOFINO RESTAURANT, Newcastle upon Tyne - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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