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food is fab - service is slowwww

3 Posted on 02 / 17 / 2013

I have eaten here 3 times now and each time I have greatly enjoyed the food and while the atmosphere is pleasant - there is a service divide. There seems to be an elitist attitude. And they take their time. Also they only accept 2 credit cards per table - which they could have explained when I made reservations for six friends.
The cheese platter was amazing, the salad delicious and omg the desserts!
I am torn because I want to support vegan restaurants but when I spend the amount of $ they want - I want good service.

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The food is quite good

4 Posted on 10 / 07 / 2012

An initial problem with the service was rectified by an attentive manager.

The food seems top-notch in terms of freshness and quality.

The beet burger is delish!

The cornmeal crust pie was savory and sweet, very nice.

The tiramisu was light and tasty.

The ambience is very charming, but apparently reservations are a must, and there are no to-go orders beyond pizza and tiramisu.

Try the 1-2-3 organic tequila, you won't be sorry. Wow.

Pros: Fresh , Flavorful, Great manager and bartender!
Cons: No to go menu

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Outstanding!

5 Posted on 09 / 02 / 2012

Having seen this restaurant highlighted in "Veg Edge" Food Network show, we were excited for our trip to Portland to try this place out. Our first impression wasn't the greatest as we had a reservation, and showed up on time, and waited by the hostess station--only to be passed by a number of times without acknowledgement, and as it's a tight space, felt like we were in the way. After about five minutes, the hostess decided to seat us, handed us white copy-paper menus, and passed us off to the best server in Portland. We were disappointed by the lack of attention by the hostess, and the copy-paper menus did not speak of a higher-quality restaurant. But this is exactly where our experience turned around and lived up to the hype. To say that our server was outstanding, is an understatment [sorry, her name was not on our receipt]. She timed our dishes perfectly, kept the water and drinks topped up, interjected pleasently, was discreet with some interactions--overall top notch, and I only wish I had her name to commend her. Awesome job!
As for the food, it was absolutely incredible and absolutely lived up to the hype. This chef knows what he's doing for sure! All items that are gluten-free are clearly marked. Everything that we ordered was outstanding and it made me wanting to return to try everything else on the menu. You cannot go wrong with what you choose here. It really is all outstanding.

Pros: Excellent food, Excellent service, nice atmosphere
Cons: Poor hostess, Small--reservation recommended, Cheap paper menu

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Gnocchi, bistro burger and salted caramel icecream

5 Posted on 07 / 08 / 2012

This is the only 5 stars I've given, I think, to a Portland restaurant. Occasionally it's not on it's game but 90% of the time Portobello is outstanding. Hey, we all have our bad days. My highlights:

Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Holy banana peels, its' amazing!
Bistro burger: fromt the bun to the beet-red patty and the fixings, this burger is well-orchestrated and thought out.
Dessert menu: it changes often and always give it a look, amazing things are to be found.
Cocktails and Mocktails: try something new, their mixologist is TALENTED.
Gnocchi: usually on the menu in some form or another, try it.

Pros: reasonable prices for great food, excellent food, changes often
Cons: waitstaff can be lacking

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Italian and vegan!!

5 Posted on 07 / 07 / 2012

We went to Portobello twice already and will be visiting again soon. The food was so beautiful, like rustic Italian food and very tasty. The menu changes frequently and is based on local seasonal ingredients. To be able to sample as much as possible, we shared food and the gnocchi were amazing. Their pizza are huge, even to share and the beetroot tartare was spot on. I had never eaten vegan tiramisu before but they mastered it. It was so worth the visit.

Pros: delicious, tiramisu!!, local ingredients

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Gorgeous, delicious, unusual food

5 Posted on 07 / 05 / 2012

We just had dinner at Portobello. We biked there from our hotel after making reservations because the restaurant was recommended to us. We decided to sit at the bar because it was so cozy and we ended up spending half of the night chatting to the friendly bartender who used to work at Millennium in San Francisco. We order the beet tartare- what an experience! So beautiful and tasty . We also shared a potato pizza, a home made pasta and a berry shortcake. We also drank tons of stuff- unusual cocktails that tasted like peppercorns and horse radish, homemade limoncello, herb liquors, etc. It was a sensory explosion for my mouth. And if that is not enough, the price was unbeatable. $60 for two people that ate and drank like there is no tomorrow! I am so glad we biked back to the hotel!

Pros: decor, staff, price

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Yes!

5 Posted on 04 / 06 / 2012

Great vegan restaurant with nice atmosphere and great waitstaff. Food that is on another level of taste. Excellent place go if you are vegan and like great food!

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Great Food Quirky Folk

4 Posted on 03 / 30 / 2012

I had read about this place on happycow, and here's my Portobello Vegan Trattoria review.

A friend brought us here on a past trip to Portland. It was my first trip to Portland, and I had mapped out a string of restaurants listed on HappyCow that I'd want to visit while here, and this was one of them.

First of all, the reservations policy seemed rigid to me, as someone coming from Los Angeles. This restaurant, at the time of this writing, books only 1 party/group per table for the entire night. We showed up at 5.30pm to an empty place but every table had a "reserved" card on them. The hostess informed us that the they were booked, and that guests would be showing up, some not until 6.30pm. But they wouldn't let us have those tables even if we promised to eat and leave by then. It seems as if they want each party to take their time and enjoy their night, and they didn't care about making more money by turning the tables more than once!

Fortunately, there were seats at the counter by the window, and the hostess was able to accommodate and let us sit there. We quickly sat and ordered our food. To share we got:
a pesto gnocchetti (soft and fragrant with fresh basil but rich with olive oil), a manicotti bake (fresh large pasta shells with vegan ricotta, tomato sauce, topped with cashew cheese), a chickpea soup (hearty and large serving), a plate of pickle vegetables (pungent, interesting, some tasty), and a polenta cake appetizer (perfectly pan fried and delicious).

Everything was delicious, especially the polenta cakes, the chickpea stew, and the manicotti. The prices were very affordable (cheap to moderate) for this good quality food.

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GREAT FOOD. LOUSY SERVICE!!!

2 Posted on 03 / 25 / 2012

GREAT FOOD.
BUT OH MY GOD.. LOUSY SERVICE.
WHAT A HUGE WAIT too!

SO yeah.. food here is amazing. BUT MAN!
We were visiting.. and it was last minute.. so NO, we did NOT have a reservation..
the host KEPT assuring us we were coming up... it went from him saying 45 minutes... to then it was an hour.. to an HOUR AND A HALF.. then.. we were so hungry,.. but waited SO LONG we did NOT want to leave... 2 HRS...
2 HOURS of waiting.. and THEN... magically a table finally opened up.
MY GOD.

The food was great... but wait SUCKED. The host was [edit by staff].
The server was OK. They forgot something we ordered.
Did not top-off our waters...
and then it took FOREVER to get the check.

They need some professional help here... maybe Gordon Ramsey could show these kids how to be better business people and be better with PR???

BOoooooo. Don't think Ill ever go here again. Unless I am full already.. and make a reservation.

SWEAR people were jumping the line... like.. the locals... seriously. :(

Pros: GREAT FOOD, NICE atmosphere, Nicely presented
Cons: LONG WAIT, LOUSY HOST, LOUSY SERVICE

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A new habit in Portland

5 Posted on 01 / 19 / 2012

This was my second visit to Portobello, my first time alone. Given the wait time for a table I took a seat at the bar. This time, as last time it was obvious that the folks running this restaurant are the real deal. They are very concerned with obtaining the best, local, seasonal ingredients available.

I started out with a "Square Root" cocktail, which was a worthwhile experience. I also ordered an appetizer, the portobello and carmelized onion tart. I didn't really care for the tart. Not warm enough and too doughy, but decent enough. For the main course I had the Portobello Risotto. That was very delicious and satisfying.

Saving the best for last... the bartender, a young lady, reddish hair, and wicked smart and an absolute delight to be around. She never stopped moving, they were so busy, yet she managed to keep friendly, genuine conversation going with all of us seated at her bar. You know how every so often you come across someone who just brightens your whole day? Someone who makes eating out alone a lot less depressing? That's her.

Pros: Vegan Gourmet Food, Delightful Drinks, Angelic Bartender
Cons: Parking, Wait times

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Mmmm Italian

5 Posted on 01 / 06 / 2012

Tasty ravioli and pizza, also have great desserts. A little pricey, but worth it.

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very good food but service a problem

4 Posted on 12 / 22 / 2011

I am a regular going back to the old coffee shop. The food is wonderful but I have some quibbles with the service and recent food-police menu changes.

Its now impossible to get a table on a weekend without waiting ~90 mins. Because they require advanced notice and do not pick up the phone its also problematic to make a reservation. Also be forewarned, even when you arrive for a reservation, a wait is typical. The prices have also steadily increased to the point where eating here is now a *splurge* -- especially for the pasta dishes.

I'm also unhappy with recent menu changes. The owners removed field roast sausage and replaced it with a not very appetizing house-made sausage due to "processed" food phobia. Field roast is made by a local company and is no more "processed" than home-made seitan.

Pros: fresh pasta, gnocchi, burger to die for
Cons: interminable wait, expensive

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Excellent dining experience

5 Posted on 09 / 28 / 2011

We came for dinner last Thursday without a reservation but, thankfully, we arrived early enough to get seated right away. This is a rather small restaurant, so it's understandable why they prefer that people make a reservation.

I ordered the prix fixe menu with a pasta that was similar to ravioli (very delicious) and chocolate carmel torte (so decadent). My boyfriend ordered a burger that was truly phenomenal! It seemed to be mostly beet based with eggplant "bacon" and cashew "cheese"on a rosemary bun. I've never had such a great burger, and my omnivore boyfriend was very pleased.

We felt that a lot of thought and creativity was put into the menu and I was very happy that Portobello satisfied my meat eating boyfriend (though he loves veggies). We'll definitely come back on our next trip to Portland.

Pros: Excellent food, Unique flavors, Romantic/intimate

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Vegan heaven

5 Posted on 09 / 20 / 2011

Love everything on the menu including fabulous desserts. Drinks are innovative. You will return here often.

Pros: All vegan, Great drinks, Great staff

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Best Vegan Food EVER!

5 Posted on 07 / 22 / 2011

My wife and I started visiting this restaurant while we were just dating and it was not yet in its current space. It was a good this we got in on it early, as pretty soon we found we could almost never get in. Even now, with much more room (and amazing decor) this place seems to be full every time we go by - and for good reason. This is the best vegan food I have ever had. It's actually some of the best food I have ever had period, and that includes some pretty amazing stuff. It was, in fact, so good that we asked them to cater our wedding (which was amazing - many people who didn't come prepared to enjoy our "vegan food selection" left stuffed that night).

Some specific things to enjoy at the restaurant: Great vegan (and mostly local) cocktails and mocktails; half portions, in case you want to try more than one thing, or just were not that hungry; a rotating menu that takes advantage of seasonal availability of local produce; cute inside decor; knowledgeable staff who generally know exactly what is in a dish in case you have other dietary needs; did I mention delicious local ingredients?

Be sure to call a day ahead for a reservation if you can, but if you can't then don't let that stop you. This is easily on my list of 5 places you must visit while in Portland.

Pros: Excellent Food, Friendly Staff, Local and Fresh

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Mixed feelings

3 Posted on 07 / 07 / 2011

I have some mixed feelings about this place. It was great how fast they got us in without reservations. Their ravioli was out of this world good. Their tiramisu gave me a sugar high like I had never had before. But it was their pizza that was the down fall of the meal, the portion was excellent but the topping was lacking. I assume they are imitating a style pizza from Italy but they could have put a little more sauce and cheese, or at least warned you. And they gave us foil for the pizza to leave with which made it soggy this morning, so definitely ask for a box if they pull that on you. The mocktail was 3/4 ice, which was disappointing. But as I said their ravioli was phenomenal.

Pros: Vegan
Cons: Not organic

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Great food

5 Posted on 05 / 27 / 2011

I had high hopes for this restaurant, and it did not disappoint. My husband had the ravioli and loved it, and I loved my pizza. Good prices, good food, nice staff.

Pros: healthy food, nice atmosphere
Cons: location is a bit out-of-the-way

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Vegan Heaven Not Just for Vegans!

5 Posted on 04 / 01 / 2011

The photo of Portobello shows the entrance to their old location. The trattoria is now at SE 11th and Division in a group of small stores, with a (small) parking lot. My husband and I go whenever we can get in, and that used to mean before 6:30. Tonight we learned that the trattoria now takes reservations for small parties as well as large, which will make later dining with friends much more convenient . This is a wonderful kitchen with every dish carefully considered for flavor, quality of ingredients, and appearance. Salads and entrees are offered on small or large plates, and the small plates are often generous enough for a full meal. If you look at my photos, you may notice that we'd already started to eat a couple of dishes before I remembered to take a photo! Too bad, because everything looks like a magazine spread when it arrives at the table. I can't imagine coming up with anything but praise for this place--excellent and inventive all-vegan food, fabulous desserts, wine, full bar and wonderful "mocktails," very friendly and helpful service, and reasonable prices. Really, the prices are low, given the quality and deliciousness of what's offered. Be sure not to skip dessert--Portobello has some of the best.

Pros: excellent food, water carafe on the table, friendly staff

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Wonderful

5 Posted on 04 / 01 / 2011

This place is a gem!

Everything on the menu sounded so delicious and mouthwatering it took a while to decide what to order.

The pasta dishes can be ordered in full or half-orders, so my date and I ended up ordering 4 half-orders of the pasta dishes so we could get a sampling of each.

They were all delicious, but my particular favorites were the gnocchi and the bottlecap pasta. All their pasta is made in-house.

Unique relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere, and very friendly and attentive service, too!

I'd highly recommend this place to veg*ns and omnivores alike.

Updated from previous review on Tuesday September 28, 2010

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Good but not great

4 Posted on 03 / 07 / 2011

We were visiting Portland for a couple of days and a vegan trattoria sounded like a dream come true. I wish I had read all the info on reservations, because the first day we showed up, the place was packed so we had to make a reservation for the next day. Food was ok, I really liked the gnocchi but husband wasn't crazy about their portobello dish that comes with mashed potatoes. Tiramisu was delicious. Overall a great atmosphere but don't know if we would go back when in town next time.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, Good Food
Cons: Slow Service, Reservation NECESSARY

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Fabulous Vegan Mediterranean

5 Posted on 02 / 26 / 2011

The menu changes regularly, depending on the availability of fresh local produce. I've learned through my experience (been there twice now) that it's important to dine EARLY. The best dishes sell out by 7/7:30 and the wait gets absolutely ridiculous. Both times I've gone, the waitress has recommended wonderful dishes. I'm a big fan of the pizza and gnocchi. The tiramisu was just average, but the appetizer was superb (some time of creamy spread with crustini bread). I look forward to going back to Portobello soon...and bringing a friend!

Pros: excellent food, healthy cuisine, warm atmosphere
Cons: long wait

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Incredibly delicious and rich Italian food

5 Posted on 01 / 08 / 2011

I went to Portabello with my gluten-free, vegan partner and his omnivore sister and both were impressed and satisfied with their meal. This restaurant provides a menu that is very inclusive and palatable for most. The food was high quality and in good proportions (unexpected for a "fancier" restaurant). The prices were reasonable- 2 appetizers, a bottle of wine, 3 entrées and 2 desserts came out to about $85.

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GREAT!

5 Posted on 11 / 08 / 2010

We recently had lunch here and it was superb. Both my husband and I had one of their sandwiches. They were beautifully presented and delish. I have to use the word "superb" again. And GOURMET!

Pros: atmosphere, menu, food

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High-Class Vegan

5 Posted on 09 / 04 / 2010

Probably the nicest vegan restaurant in Portland, Portobello is fantastic. They recently re-located into a larger space, meaning they could also offer more variety. They have many gluten-free options, as well as tantalizing cocktails, appetizers, and desserts. Everything is good here, and your waiter is more than happy to help you make good choices for the perfect meal.

Pros: variety, delicious, all vegan
Cons: expensive

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Delicious!

4 Posted on 07 / 15 / 2010

I'm glad we didn't know about the reservation issue, because we wouldn't have even tried. We walked in as soon as the restaurant opened with a party of 6 and were seated. Every dish we ordered was delicious. My not-vegan-knowledgable brother-in-law was very impressed!

Especially recommended: gnocchi, linguine. My three-year-old son had pizza (made with Daiya "cheese"). The adults all liked it, and my son ate it. However, over the next week or so, he randomly mentioned that he didn't like the pizza.

Amount-of-food per cost : it was pricier than what I'm used to, and that's why the four star rating. Food was excellent! Perfect for a special occasion.

Pros: excellent food, friendly staff, interesting tincture beverages
Cons: a little pricey

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Nirvana!

5 Posted on 06 / 13 / 2010

I have no idea how anyone can give this place anything less than five cows. It was, so far, the best vegan food I have ever had. Completely awesome in every way. The new spot is comfortable, and while you may have to wait a bit, the beer pub next door is a great place to do so. We had three dishes: the marsala mushrooms (a side dish), which were spectacular. Tender and with a stupendously delicious flavour. Our sausage pizza was perfection, as was a wonderful spaghetti dish. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, along came a sublime cannoli(!) with vanilla mousse. Only complaint (minor) was the lack of soy milk for the coffee to put the final cherry on the sundae. Do not miss this place. The appetizer list alone was enough to make me salivate in anticipation. We will be back!!!! I would give this six cows if I could.

Pros: Everything, q
Cons: Nothing

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i still won't beg you to take my money

2 Posted on 01 / 14 / 2010

I called again last go around in Portland. This time I had a man answer to tell me that he could indeed seat us only to keep me on hold for 5 minutes and tell me rather rudely that he didn't think he could seat us and if we were to blah blah blah. I mean, really?

The first time I called I got a very confused woman tell me that she could seat me if we wanted to sit in 2 pairs of 2, one at the bar and the other 2 later. She said she could not seat us at tables. Good, what about the bar? Oh wait yes, that can work. But only for two of us. THen she decided somehow that our four could come in BUT we would have to know exactly when we were coming in. THAT IS A RESERVATION!!!

I don't think this place is as super busy as it is poorly managed. The folks I talked to who've eaten there seemed surprised because first it was not that good and two, it is never busy. They eat there as locals.

[And I think two attempts at not being allowed to eat somewhere enables me to this opinion; they are rude and confused. Look at some of the Portland reviews I can share w you of a woman walking in to a teahouse and giving it 5 stars, or calling Midwest cafe for info and reviewing it. This is dining related. (same woman)]

Pros: they will close soon
Cons: Rude, confused, wont serve me, no cows

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Heaven on Earth!

5 Posted on 10 / 19 / 2009

I'm so glad I read here that I needed a reservation, because I wouldn't have been able to eat here, and my life wouldn't be the same. Oh my, this was wonderful. The buckwheat crepe with dill was AMAZING. I had the gnocchi, and my friend had pumpkin / butternut squash ravioli (or something like that) -- all fabulous. I'm not a wine drinker but I tried a local wine called something like "hot chicks" - and loved it. Good thing I'm not a local - I'd become a wino! Make reservations and visit this place!!

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Amazing

5 Posted on 08 / 06 / 2009

We went tonight for 12 year anniversary without a reservation at about 5:45. They said that they didn't have availability until after 7pm but then thankfully sat us at a table and let us know that it was reserved at 7:15. I am so glad we didn't have to go somewhere else because the food was amazing. My husband (who is not vegan) had the Portabella steak over polenta, I had the Mushroom Agnolotti and my daughter had the Gnocchi. For a starter we had the bruschetta. I'm deathly allergic to sulfites and was so happy to have some sulfite organic wine with my meal. For desert we had the blueberry cheesecake and tira misu. Everything taste wonderful and the greens were delicious as well. The prices are very reasonable with 1/2 size options. Compared to Millenium in San Francisco this place is a bargain. I can't wait to go back! I've been trying out vegan restaurants for 7 years now and I really think it was the first time that every dish was good. My one suggestion would be to scrap the reservation for small parties. If they would like to make more money it would do away with empty tables. Until then, make sure you call ahead and leave them a message if before hours or on off days.

Pros: Delicious, Organic Wine, Feels like home
Cons: None so far

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Generally good, but not great

3 Posted on 07 / 26 / 2009

They have a good menu and some interesting pasta dishes that can be ordered in full or half size. The leafy greens were tasty although somewhat gritty. They perpetually have a sign on the door that they can't seat you that night because they're booked. However the night I was there the place was completely empty. I saw people walk up to the door, look at the sign and leave. I wonder how long they'll be in business.

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Aww yeah!

5 Posted on 03 / 23 / 2009

This place is a treasure trove! Its small size and casual demeanor might fool you, but the food is superbly flavored with enough pizazz to wow your taste buds for days! Although I've only been here twice, both times were outstanding. Portland doesn't seem to have a vegan friendly Italian restaurant, until now! The prices are shockingly low for freshly made, local organic produce based dishes. Definitely order as many dishes as possible, probably 2-3 per person, and share with everyone.

The appetizers are wonderful, ranging from breads with spreads to olives. The ingredients really couldn't be fresher. The vegetable sides are bursting with flavor. Who knew brussel sprouts and broccoli rabe could taste that good?! Oh, but the crimini mushrooms are the best.

Beware, their menu changes with season, as well it should. The entrees, oh boy! Forgive the mistaken names, as I can't recall any.... but the spaghetti with meatball is such an interesting concept, it's a new classic (wheat-free). All of the pasta dishes are excellent, such as butternut squash and pumpkin filled ravioli/raviolo with a cashew cream sauce, fresh sage (I think it was sage) and a dusting of hazelnuts. The lasagna is delish and the soup divine! The flavors are so wonderful, it is perfectly paired with the dish sizes. They are not overwhelming, but perfect! It's unlikely to have leftovers, as the portions are very reasonable (not gargantuan enticements to eat a day's calories in one dish)!

Dessert, well, that's for another time. Let's just say this reviewer has other preferences for decadent dessert. Nice way to finish the meal though.

I would definitely recommend this to everyone I know, veg*n or otherwise. It's an outstanding little establishment that Portland is lucky to have!!

Pros: Fresh, seasonal, Made to order, Flavorful
Cons: Too many choices, Everything is good, Dessert is so so