Review Portofino - Howick

Came back to Portofino in Howick and it was definitely as good as I remember. The drinks are amazing and the food is delicious especially the calamari. The service is first class as well. Highly highly recommend this place for a nice dinner out.

GREAT food! Amazing service, especially from Anna. Thank you so much.

Our waitress, Jess, ensured we had a beautiful evening. The food was amazing, Jess was there when we were ready for her and discreet when we wanted alone time. As I said before, the food was so good, service was the icing on the cake (we were too full for cake though!)

Delicious dinner as always. We had cheese bread pene to start.Fettecini con pollo is my go to dish but tried the lamb cutlets tonight. Well I had the pasta as my entree and lamb as my main. Wife had squid and prawns for main. Bought tiramasu for desert as take away as we were too stuffed to eat it there. One of our favorite places to eat.

The food was amazing except for the cheese pizza 🍕which was quite salty. We had risotto and steak there. My gin and tonic was great but the Sex on the beach 🏖 cocktail that my boyfriend ordered was too sweet and tasted more like juice than cocktail 🍹. Staff were friendly and nice. Prices are reasonable!

Food was very tasty, cooked beautifully. Service was great, always with a smile

The food was delicious! We had a variety of pasta, fish, steak and chicken dishes and they were all well presented and delicious. I had the pepper steak and it was cooked as requested. Dessert was delicious, I had the cheesecake. Today's flavour was passionfruit and the flavour and texture was excellent. The customer service was excellent, our waitress was lovely and accommodating. We sat outside on the covered terrace and the gas heaters kept us very warm. Will definitely return.

Steak cooked perfectly. Lovely people welcoming you. The dish was yummy, they definitely know how to cook. A bit expensive though but it’s worth it if you want quality. 🤠🤩🤤 and awesome wine, the lady is so sweet and knows how to pick it up for you ☺️

Still as good as ever. Haven't been here for a number of years until today but the Spaghetti Marinara is as good as I remember.

My friend and I went for dinner at our local Portofino tonight with no booking, Luckily they made a table for us on the spot. Food was delicious and service is always 10/10, very helpful and lovely lady at the front! Highly recommend.

A busy night for the restaurant but that didn't affect the service or the food. Both were excellent. Thank you.

Delicious chicken livers and GF garlic bread. My main of calamari and side salad were good, however were a second choice as there was no GF pasta offering.

We had a wonderful dinner. Cost of the meal being 4 main courses, 4 desserts, a glass of wine and 3 glasses of juice was a bit more than we had budgetted for. Serving sizes were reasonable too.

Wonderful night out. Staff were friendly and prompt. They didn't continuously interrupt our meals to "check if things were fine" which is great. Food was absolutely divine. I had the eye fillet with mushroom and wine sauce, my partner has the lasagne. Recommended spot!

Always a great meal with a very varied selection of foods in all categories, a bit more training of the waiting staff is required, but everyone working there are lovely, happy. It was a great meal that all four of us had and really enjoyed. Nice facilities, great bar and wine etc. selection, everything clean and tidy, although the backs of the chairs are very uncomfortable. Definitely go back though, it was a great evening and meal.

First time at Portofino Howick. Beautiful yummy food here. Was very quiet when we went there on Tuesday evening. Food was amazing. Loved the lamb dish!! Chicken al pollo was yummy too. My kids enjoyed their meals. Good service too. I gave 4 stars because I ordered a glass of pinot noir for $14 something, but what I was served, tasted different and looked different (it looked full bodied). That was the let down of the night, but we are definitely coming back to try other dishes. Thank you .

Food was excellent. Very tasty and good portions. Restaurant was very clean and tidy. Service was excellent too. Would definitely recommend.

Wow wow wow best steak meal EVER!!!!! The steak with bacon and mushroom sauce was Devine.... service excellent and atmosphere chill what an amazing place will 100% be back many times

Loved the perfectly cooked / seasoned seafood risottos and pizza amore. Pan fried scallops were amazing. Wrap up the dinner with their devine tiramisu. Can't wait to try other dishes. Pleasant experience to be recommended. 👍👍

Came in last night as a group of 5. The restaurant was already full like always. We were sat down by one one the young girls who were very welcoming and nice! I had the seafood risotto and it was divine, very creamy and tasty dish. Will be back soon for sure.

Came to dine here tonight and asked to get a table outside as there was one that had no reserve sign on it. The older lady did not make us feel welcome at all as she seemed very reluctant to let us get a table when she found out we did not have a reservation. Service speed was fast so that’s a plus and the younger waitress was nice. <br/>Food was very underwhelming and mission bay portofino is much tastier.

We wanted to have a good time. The wait staff were not friendly in the first instance and that is fine. However, we felt they were rude when we were told to vacate as we have finished our meals and were not ordering coffee or desert, anyway. We were not planning to stay longer and were conscious that no customers were waiting.

My boyfriend and I had dinner at Portofino tonight had the steak with the mushroom sauce. Glad to say this steak was one of my favourites- great service and overall amazing night. Will be back :)

I have visited Portofino in Howick multiple times, the employees there are all very friendly polite and ensure that you have everything you need! Not to mention the food is amazing, highly recommend their fettuccine pasta!

I ordered the lasagna, salmon penne and carbonara for takeaway. The place was packed that night but my order was hot and steamy. I thought the serving was small but I couldnt even finish 1 dish at the end of the meal. My partner and I had leftovers and it was really good. Servers were nice and asked me to wait a bit for my order because they were busy. I was happy to wait as long as it didnt took too long and the food was still hot.

The service wasn’t too good, and the staff weren’t as friendly. The pastas were very good though and the pizzas were okay. Overall experience was alright.

We love Portofino in Howick. We find the service warm and friendly and very attentive. The menu has something for everyone and our meals are always of a high standard.

Portofino Howick has lacks in their customer service, they waitresses have not listened to my requests numerous times and seem to be more interested in chatting among one another instead of attending to their diners.<br/>The food is average and has for what ever reason always been served to my table cold and the cutlery has not been cleaned properly. I do not rate this restaurant very high and think they have a lot to work on to achieve a higher standard.

My family of 5 came here tonight knowing it’s a really popular restaurant, wasn’t surprised at how busy it was on a Tuesday night since the whole experience was lovely. The manager was so welcoming and smiley! I ordered a chicken breast dish, which was cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. I also decided to get the tiramisu that I was told the chef makes and it was perfect and not to sweet! Will recommend to anyone who just generally wants amazing food and I myself will definitely be back.

Came here with family for our nanas 70th with a table of 10. Two of us ordered the veal which was so overcooked it was inedible as very dry and chewy and we had to send one pizza back as it wasn’t cooked fully through. Staff were rude and there was an extra entree and main on our bill that we didn’t order and luckily spotted before paying.

Heard a lot about this place before going there. It is known for its amazing seafood and pizzas.Even though we came in just an hour prior to closing at 9 on a busy Friday night, the staff was efficient but friendly, and had helpful recommendations for their menu<br/><br/>I didn't try any of the wines but the pizza was excellent. We ordered the Fettuccine con pollo,penne al salmone affumicato( must try) and the amore pizza which were cooked to perfection . The pizza had  slightly crispy crust and wonderful melted cheese.<br/>The place is cute, rustic casual and a cool place to go near the market.

Nice place. Friendly service. Great food. However, it is quite a small place and can get crowded. Also, tables are quite close to eachother hence the 4. But otherwise no complaints. A great place to visit. 😊😊

This is the place we go to for pasta in East Auckland. Service is always great, the waitresses are always attentive. <br/><br/>Last we went, we ordered an entree of chicken liver. It was cooked to perfection. It was moist and creamy, no weird organ taste, matched with the garlic mushroom sauce was delicious. Portion is generous.

I Came in with my partner on Sunday for dinner. The service was great and the food was excellent, would defiantly recommend if you love Italian food.

The ambiance is good and the chairs are comfortable. The young lady who served us was efficient and friendly. The pesto pizza bread to start was delicious. The food was very disappointing. I ordered penne all'arabbiata, which surprisingly came with roast mushrooms, capsicum and olives. I thought I'd give it a try anyway. Big mistake! This dish is about the spicy tomato sauce but I think they left out the chili peppers and added cream instead and a lot of ketchup. So what should have been an "angry sauce" was in fact a sweet creamy sauce reminiscent of butter chicken. Cream and olives is a new experience for me. After we had paid for the meal and the rest of the party had left the restaurant, I discreetly told the manager how disappointed I was. Instead if taking what I said on board she started telling me that the chef has always cooked it that way so of course that had to be the right way. Madam check a recipe book or Google it. Don't be rude to your customers. We will not be back.<br/>

Came in with my partner on Saturday, service was excellent, the staff were all very kind and welcoming as well as delicious mains, everything cooked to perfection like always. Highly recommend giving it a try!

The gnocchi de la casa was delicious, the putenesca was delicious, a little naughty but the desserts eye<br/>Were very yummy. Our waitress was attentive and overall a great experience. Thumbs up from us. 👍

Friday night dinner- made a reservation and glad we did because this place gets packed! Ambience is nice enough and staff are attentive but the food is is the standout here. For appetisers we decided to go with the 'chilli pizza Pane' instead of our usual 'garlic pizza pane' - must say the chilli pizza pane was disappointing. It's lacked seasoning and was basically a sliced fresh green chilli sprinkled on freshly made pizza bread. However the mains were delicious and perfect portions. Hubby ordered the 'pollo alla cacciatora' and for myself I got the 'filetto al Pepe verde', both were perfectly cooked and tasty. Definitely recommend a visit 👍🏽

Been here sometime ago with my husband. Ordered pizza and pasta. It was a busy Saturday night but we still got our orders within 30 mins plus staffs were very assisting on drinks wines. Food 4. Ambience 3.8 Staff 4.5. I should try their desserts next time. <br/>

We dined here tonight 30 April 2017. Started with a shared plate of fries which were nicely cooked and presented . the ambience and decor are very nice, comparing well with other italian style restaurants in the area. The same could be said of the service  and front of house staff who were both attentive when desired and well presented. So no fault there. My wife ordered a steak and I a veal with mushroom sauce. These arrived without undue delay and were nicely cooked and well presented. Where this restaurant could improve to get more repeat customers was not in the meat, but in the vegetable selection. These days, some potato, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots just doesn't cut it if you want to please your customers. We ate recently at Et Tu in Te Atatu and were spoiled with beans, courgettes, egg plant, leeks,  onion and something else (I forget but was so pleased at the time - since remembered it was whole mushroom) that this standard fare of cauliflower and broccoli together no longer "does it" for us. Prices were within our budget and everything else except the vegetable selection would tempt us to return regularly.

Portofino has  lovely ambience, the staff are great and the service good. My husband judges a place by its chips and these were excellent. meat ordered veal and steak done pefectly, but the vegetable are a huge "let down." Broccoli cauliflower and carrot served ith no imagination!<br/> <br/><br/>returned Nov 2018 Waitress told us of a special beer form Holland so asked for one. Imagine my husband's surprise to be served an Italian beer instead and not the pilsener!<br/><br/>Asked what the fish of the day was to be told after asking the kitchen it was " cali". We both said it can't be calamari... after asking a few times for the waitress to repeat it. So we ordered something else. At checkout we asked again to be told it was terakihi- pity because we would have had that! Vegetables the stock standard carrot broccoli cauliflower and potatoes. Pity as the place has a great location and atmosphere but we wont be returning anytime soon.

Came here on a whim as felt like decent Italian without going on a mission to town. We've had takeaways from here today where we had seafood risotto and the tortellini, both great. We ordered something different today.<br/><br/>The staff were super friendly and accommodating. When I asked for a different base to my risotto (creamy rather than tomato) they were happy to do it. Unfortunately it was way too salty and made me feel a bit sick because of that. My partner's clam spaghetti was flavourful and was what it said it was on the menu.<br/><br/>The tiramisu was ok, wasn't that authentic but still yummy.<br/><br/>Overall, a nice experience, but points lost for the epic over saltiness of my risotto which would have been great was it not so salty!

Came in the other night for the first time, the service was really good, really quick and kind staff that made me and my friends feel really welcome. The food was delicious!!! Felt like a real Italian meal, cooked to perfection. For sure going to come again, highly recommend.

This was our first foray to this branch of Portofino and we were looking forward to it as good Italian food in the area is not easy to come by.  I could not fault the staff...the service was outstanding and very friendly.  We shared two entrees which was more than enough - portion sizes cannot be faulted.  The calamari was cooked well but too oily, pizza bread was very tasty.<br/>It always concerns me when a  main follows an entree super quickly - our plates had only been cleared for about 2 minutes when the mains arrived. Like the entrees, the mains were hit and miss. The seafood platter was advertised as having scampi but contained none. When asked we were told that the scampi had run out. This should be something that doesn't happen but if it does advise the customer - they may want to change their order. The sauce was quite gluggy too. The clam spaghetti, however, was outstanding. with just the right balance of oil and chilli, plenty of clam meat.<br/><br/>All in all an average dinner - Windross at Cockle Bay would be my pick for good Italian food in the area.

thanks protofino for such an authentic dinner on freezing Sunday night . it was so nice an cozy inside we ordered sea food risotto an chicken Parmesan which was really amazing & cheesecake for dessert was a perfect treat. the ambiance was really good with good staff and service ....................we will come back soon.............cheers

I came here on Friday night with my partner and children. It was very warm and cosy. The service was excellent and was very impressed with the efficiency of the staff. My partner and I got pasta and my children shared a pizza. The food was delicious, my kids loved the Margareta pizza. Will definitely be back in the future.

My partner an I had been wanting to try this place for ages so we finally made a booking an went at 8pm on a Friday Night. It was a cold an yukky night but the restaurant was nice an warm an full. The waitress approached us as soon as we walked in an got us our drinks an gave us the menu. That was as far as we got. A cockroach ran across the table an i managed to catch it an give it to the staff. They seemed a little worried but nothing major. Had the Manager been the one to approach us an talk to us I think we would have been a bit happier bout the unfortunate situation. But instead, he/she chose to get his waitress to deal with it. An not very well I might add. We didn't have to pay for our drinks after we cancelled our order. But I think a bit bit more hands on from the manager might have helped a lot with the customer service on this one. Sadly for Portofino our hard earned money went to the Prospect where the manager talks to us an the meals are gorgeous.

Meeting a friend for dinner in Howick this was an ideal destination. I hadn't been here since last year so was interested to know if the good standard had continued. It had - standard fair, but always reliable. It pays to book as some nights, particularly Fri/Sat they can book up quick. <br/>We were happy to be seated inside as it was a cool night although there was a heater warming up the outdoor area.<br/>Wine list is quite limited but there are still a few options of wine by the glass & bottle. Tonight the Rua Pinot Noir was first choice. Water is available tap or sparkling - we had to ask for refills which was a shame, this should be automatic. Other than this small detail, service throughout dinner was prompt & friendly.<br/>Deciding to have dessert, we bypassed entrees although they do have a good range. The calamari has been a fave in the past along with the retro shrimp cocktail. <br/>For mains we chose the chicken cacciatore - almost a boring choice with the other pasta options, but it's so delicious. The sauce has the perfect tartness, and has a decent amount of capsicum, olives & capers. The seasonal Veges are always perfectly cooked with the broccoli still slightly crunchy. Also the scallopini Marsala - again beautifully cooked with a decent value portion.<br/>For dessert we both chose the profiteroles - lovely & tender with a tasty custard filling. The plates presentation is quirky & arty although the syrup is a bit sweet for more than a little taste.<br/>No room for coffee, although the special coffee & Afogato have been nice in the past.

Portofino's Howick is delicious and friendly, a great local place for a lovely night out. My husband and I love it as do my parents and have had a big group there on a long table down the couches on left which was great.  It seems like most nights you need to book a table as they are always busy

Food was good. The pizza dough was fresh and very well made, but a very small pizza for the price you pay. We also had the chicken which was well cooked. Good food, friendly service, your usual italian fare. Overall, a nice experience.

Stumbled across the portofino in howick recently when my local (basalt) had no tables left. The staff didn't recognize us for a far while and we had to go up to them instead - this may have been a front of house issue though. The restaurant is clean and spacious with generous indoor and outdoor seating. Service was quick once we had been seated and the menu was just as you'd expect, generic Italian cuisine. No complaints really just overall of average quality. My steak was cooked medium rare instead of 'rare ' which I did request but it was very tender and of a high quality. I would say to pass on the dessert wines and have a proper dessert instead. Overall this place is cute and will fill your belly

Came here tonight for a family dinner, this was our third time coming, the food and service was excellent as usual, one of the best restaurants I've been to!!! Highly recommend. <br/>Thank you Portofino! Will defiantly be back :)

Went there on a busy night with 6 of my other friends. The waitresses were so kind and fast. I had the seafood platter, and it was very good.Highly recommend!

Went here with my wife for the first time and it was a very busy night. But still the staff managed to do a wonderful job with getting around all the tables, the food was amazing!!! Will defiantly be coming back again.

What a mouth watering cheese cake..delicous food  at portofino Howick...my first experience was really authentic taste and I appretiate the service and food, both equally...good job....I think now it my one of the favourite routine destination for my hunger... best Italian food

We came on a very busy night but the staff was all very lovely. We ordered several dishes and my favourite was the seafood platter. It was a very generous size and the seafood was tasty. The pizza had a thin base which was what I like as well.

Amazing food. It was delicious and perfectly cooked chicken, it was so tender. The service was excellent, very fast and friendly and thorough. Atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Wonderful place and will definitely be returning!

Always consistently good, good food and good service, never a let down. Best Portifino chain restaurant I have been to. The Mussels are fantastic.

On a dark Saturday, unaffected by the wild & rainy weather, we had an early dinner at Portofino. Surprisingly, all tables at Portofino had already been reserved (with some customers turned away for not having their table booked). Funny enough, on the other end of Picton St., we saw that restaurants like Ben Gusto had only had a couple of tables taken.<br/><br/>We ordered Italian wine to go with garlic pizza pane, chicken livers with mushroom & grilled Italian loaf, crumbed white veal  with veggie & potato and grilled eye fillet with bacon & mushroom.  Chicken livers were ok; white veal & steak were nicely cooked. (Food - 4/5; Service - 4.5/5; Ambience - 4/5)

Came here about a month ago, the people were always aware when we needed something! Great staff:) I had the seafood plate and it was delicious!! Can't wait to go again and try different courses!

The food, service and ambience were all nice enough (albiet slightly pricey) but our big gripe when we dined there last night was their refusal to accept our 2015/2016 Entertainment Gold Card.  They stated that as they were a new restaurant the card could not be used until June 1st.  It was not until we arrived home that I noticed the card clearly states valid thru 1 June 2016 and the book says valid now through to June 1st. I think Portofino's got it wrong and this left a bit of a sour taste to what would have otherwise been a very pleasant Family catch-up.

Not sure if the old chef from Fig and Olive is cooking the food but it tasted like it.. Iv had meals from Portofino Parnell and Viaduct and can assure you it was way below  that level.  Wont come back till you sort it out.

Less than average dining experience, the staff were very friendly. It was my first time dining at this restaurant since it changed from Fig and Olive. The two of us were seated at a table in the corner, the heat was stifling and there were flies everywhere. I decided to try the spaghetti bolognese. It tasted like watered down tomato sauce and I could only handle two bites. I left my meal on the table and waited for my partner to finish her meal and then we left. <br/><br/>Very over priced and non satisfying food.

Thankyou Portofino for such delicious chicken liver and Mushroom sauce stakes<br/><br/>Authentic food I ever had and on the top excellent service.<br/><br/>I would really recommend try once you will love it...I would definitely come again....<br/><br/>Awesome food... spaghetti was also perfect...yuummmyyyyy

Very Average!<br/> We went for the first time last week, the service was brilliant very attentive and friendly, however that's where it stopped!<br/><br/>We ordered antipasto to share for a large group as a starter, possibly the worst antipasto i have ever had super market cheap ham and very bland salami, also being an antipasto where was the prosciutto?, sundried tomatoes? mushrooms? cheeses?Then onto the main we went Spaghetti alla Vongole , the clams had clearly not been washed  leaving my meal to be full of grit!!<br/>Thinks it's time to send the Chef off to Italy for some education and cooking lessons!

Portofino in Howick has excellent food! I was very satisfied with my meal and their service was really good too! Would recommend to anyone!