Il Portico

I had often walked past this local Italian restaurant and thought how charming and welcoming it looked... I booked a table for me and 3 friends last Saturday and have to say I will never walk past it again without going in! We had a fantastic evening! A superb three course meal and fine Italian red wine (perfectly recommended by the owner). Each dish looks so perfectly hand crafted that it took us a very long time to decide what to have. The veal milanese is the best I have ever tasted and the ravioli is beautifully hand made-delicious!

I'm a huge fan and highly recommend this place!

Thanks for a lovely evening!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, October 30, 2011

My boyfriend and I went to this restaurant for our 6th year anniversary. Our table was secluded and the waiters were attentive throughout the evening. The bread they brought out was amazing - warm, crusty, soft inside. As a starter I had the handmade ricotta and spinach ravioli with butter and sage which was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend had the king prawns with fresh chilli, garlic and white wine reduction – lovely sticky and full of flavour. Then for our main courses, I had the line caught monkfish in saffron and white wine and my boyfriend had the entrecote of dry aged scotch beef, with spring mushroom sauce. They were both excellent! The wine they suggested worked well and needless to say, we cleaned our plates. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation.

Thank you for a lovely evening.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 02, 2011

We made a last minute reservation at Il Portico this week, and when we arrived our table was not ready. The staff, in particular James, was so accommodating and really just wonderful. The food was great, and the atmosphere was welcoming, homey-- we didn't want to leave. i've already recommended Il Portico to my London friends.. and am planning on returning next time I am in town.
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9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 18, 2010

I had lunch with a vegetarian friend on a Saturday at this family-run restaurant. It was close to Holland Park and we needed to grab a bite somewhere close. There were other Italian restaurants nearby, but the indication that Il Portico was established in the late sixties tilted my preference in their favour.

As an Italian, I can attest to the fact that food is genuine and good. The menu is sufficiently varied yet uncomplicated (and caters to vegetarians pretty well). I had mussels (brought in fresh from Scotland) which were absolutely fabulous. Service was attentive and very friendly. Decoration is simple, charming and old-fashioned, but not stuffy at all.

The bill came somewhere around 60 pounds for two three-course meals. In my book, and given all the circumstances (location, service, food quality), it seemed reasonable.

Ticks all the boxes. Nice job, keep it up!
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italiano raffinato in London
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, January 10, 2010

brother and sister duo now run this family joint, started by papa in 60's. he's funny and she's attractive. they really treat you like one of the family every time you go back. the food is as reliable and homely as the service. we're great fans!
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jules - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 07, 2009

love it!!! food is honest and the service is genuine. what more could you ask for?
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10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 12, 2009