I stopped by Portobello recently for a quick, light lunch since it’s been over a year since my last visit. Upon grabbing a seat at the bar, I ordered a water, to which a passing waiter suggested I order some whiskey instead. Awkward. Looking over the menu, I saw some non-alcoholic Italian Specialty drinks. I thought the Sopresa di Fragolino sounded good, with its mix of strawberry blends and lemonade. When I ordered, the bartender noted that the drink was non-alcoholic and if that was okay, to which I replied, “Yes.” The drink wasn’t too sweet, and refreshing on the warm day we were having.
While looking over the menu, I was brought a plate of bread and olive oil with roasted garlic.
Both breads were fresh tasting and were delicious with a bit of the oil and some smashed, roasted garlic.
For my lunch, I ordered the Caprese Salad, described as having local vine ripe tomatoes, fresh cow’s milk mozzarella, basil and Portobello’s signature extra virgin olive oil (the same as is served with the garlic above). The bartender asked if I would like some balsamic vinegar as well, to which I obliged, and she put a pour on the plate. At this point, yet another passing waiter walked by and suggested I get the Raspbasilico, another alcoholic beverage. They certainly like to push the booze here…
I’d say the salad was okay. The tomatoes were a bit mealy, as if they’ve been sitting in a cooler for a while, and weren’t as ripe as I would have liked. The mozzarella was mild and slightly creamy, and nicely absorbed a bit of the balsamic. Some more care could have been taken in the preparation of the basil, perhaps a chiffonade as opposed to a rough chop, but the flavor was there.
I’d certainly consider ordering the Caprese Salad again, though I might wait until they are in season. Then again, even an in-season tomato can get mealy when stored in too-cold temperatures. Otherwise, I still need to try one of their wood-burning pizzas!
Here’s a look at Portobello’s menu:
If you’ve dined at Portobello, let us know what you ordered and how your experience was!
I ate there twice. The first time it must have been just okay because I can’t remember what I ordered. The second time – in 2003/2004 maybe – I had their gnocchi, which was excellent! I definitely had some red wine, probably a cab. I also remember having the caprese salad, which was good. And I think at that time they had carpaccio in their menu.
I love wdw and its restaurants. I find all the waiters pushy and always pushing food on us. Even if I were ordering an item, I hold back, just because they’re pushy. ANNOYING.
Ricardo – The gnocchi sounds delicious!
Jo – I don’t typically find the waitstaff at WDW pushy, though that may depend on the restaurant, too. In fact it was a bit odd the two different waiters waiting on tables (not working at the bar where I was seated) would offer up unsolicited drink suggestions while walking by.
Why do they come over and bother us over and over? Is the food ok? drinks ok? It’s strange. Over and over.
Depends on the server as well as the guest, too. Some servers are overattentive, others underattentive. Some guests like more attentiveness, while others less. It’s a very delicate balancing act, I imagine!
I love Italian food. Danny and I are from Italian-American families, and that cuisine is a real staple in our lives. Because of that, I’m also very critical of Italian food. Portobello is one of only two Italian restaurants in Disney World that I think are worthwhile. (The other is Il Mulino at the Swan, the best by a country mile.)
Our most recent visit to Portobello was for dinner in November, and our meal was outstanding. Danny ordered the pork cheeks, which our waiter sadly noted are overlooked by most guests. I had the black linguine, something that’s been a staple on the menu since the restaurant’s overhaul about four years ago. Both entrées were excellent, as was the antipasti plate we shared beforehand.
I’m actually not surprised that the waiters there were so fond of recommending alcoholic beverages. Their specialty drink offerings are unique and very good. They also have a nice selection of cordials. I wish I could stop in to their bar for some grappa shots and meatball sliders right now.
Glad to hear you think so highly of Portobello! We have yet to visit Il Mulino as we’ve only stopped by for drinks before Shula’s, but we really want to go back for dinner.
If pork cheeks are still on Portobello’s dinner menu, we’d certainly stop in for those! I almost ordered the antipasti myself the other day (good to know it’s awesome!), but the Caprese caught my eye. Plus I loooove tomatoes and fresh mozzarella!
I’m sure their drinks are delicious, but it’s not something I’ve seen on Disney property where a random waiter is just walking by and starts recommend a cocktail, not even stopping while on their way to wait on the own table. I wasn’t near the service station where it might have come up lol.
REally? do you think coming over literally every five minutes is too little? too much? hmmmm . e.very.five. minutes.
To each his own, I suppose.