Porcelli's

Went to Porcelli's a few weeks ago after coming across it on citysearch. I wasn't sure about it because the reviews were mixed. My wife and I arrived and were seated right away. I could see the chef who I am assuming also the owner in the kitchen which adds a nice touch. However, usually when you walk in an italian restaurant you can smell all the fresh ingredients (garlic, basil, etc) In this case it smelled just like a building would smell. It wasn't that busy and the door was open so I was still looking forward on trying a new place. Our waitress brought us water and took our drink order. I told her this was our first visit and then asked what were her favorites? She told us everything was good. My wife asked how the italian sausage was and our waitress then told us she didn't know because she was a vegetarian. I couldn't believe a person working as a waitress in an italian place would be a vegetarian. Not so good for business when people want suggestions on what is good. At least make something up! She was of little help so we were on our own. My wife ended up getting the spag with italian sausage which tasted like something out of a can. I seriously think our 2 year old could have made better sauce. It was at best below average. No flavor at all! My chicken parm was also not good. It was a plate full of sauce. The prices are just as much as some of the best italian places I've eaten in portland but the portions are smaller and the food just isn't anything special. Won't be returning. more

So I live in Johns Landing and never even thought to stop at Porcelli's to eat. My boyfriend and I sadly eat out everyday in Portland so we know good food when we taste it. One morning we decided not to drive anywhere too far and remembered the cute restaurant down the street. We walked there, very adorable place, very nice service and to our surprise the best Bloody Mary's we have ever had! Anyway we ordered the Eggs Benedict - and wow... that was the most perfect Eggs Benedict we have ever had. My boyfriend and I love Eggs Benedict, but everywhere we go we have a complaint, either it's too overcooked or the Hollandaise isn't made authentically with lemon, or it's too tart, but the chef at Porcelli's has perfected it. My boyfriend wanted to lick his plate it was that good. We have had lunch there as well and their Paninis are amazing, not greasy or oily. Their Calzones are HUGE - everything there is fresh and they have yet to disappoint us. Also this place is priced pretty reasonably as well. Pros: food is absolutely fresh and sooooo goood. Cons: it is a bit hidden - more advertising needed. more

Had lunch with some co-workers last week and it was good. Everything was fresh and tasty plus the service was speedy. Stopped by for dinner Thursday night and expected to taste fabulous food (according to most of the reviews) but wasn't that impressed. Just kind of blah. Left the waitress a good tip because she was good. I never have the heart to speak up and say how my dinner ""really was"" when they ask how everything tasted. I figured I already spent the money and why be snotty and say that it wasn't up to par? Live around the neighborhood and it's a good location to stop for lunch. I'll leave it at that. more

I work in this area and get tired of the same ol' sandwiches from Subway and Quiznos on Macadam. After trying Porcelli's a few times I realized that I can spend about the same amount that I would at Subway but get a MUCH better sandwich. The panini is excellent!! I was very pleased with the fast service, the cleanliness and all of the changes that the restaurant makes. I think they have added something new everytime I go in there. also - if you want to beat the lines at Starbucks, they make great coffee too! A perfect little pit stop on the way into the office. more

I've been dining at Porcelli's for several month's and am inviting a group there on Sunday because I am so very fond of the place. One of my friend's noticed the recent poor reviews which appeared all of a sudden and asked me about them. When I looked at them closely, it is evident to me that they were written by the same person. Each one spells disappointed incorrectly, and each one references Mama Mia's as being their favorite place. The language syntax is very similar in all three. I don't know why they are doing this. I have had nothing but excellent meals and service at Porcelli.The jaja999 person used the excuse to chime in explaining that they often go back and look at the reviews of the places that they didn't like- but at the same time said they don't write many because they don't have enough time. Very strange. I'm convinced that this is the same writer. None of them say that they ever complained about their food to their waiter. I am not the owner- just a customer that would like others to enjoy a very nice place. For the disgruntled person, please show up at 3 PM on Sunday, and my group will treat you to a wonderful and very tasty panini and a beverage of your choice. You will see that I'm not the owner, and that the paninis are not ""tasteless"" , ""boring,"" or ""bland."" I think you have another motive, and it is not very nice. By the way jaja999, you also gave Laurelwood Pub a bad rating and it is one of my favorite places. Maybe you should just stick to your beloved Mama Mia and give the rest of us a break. Pros: Food, service, informal, friendly people more

My wife and I live in the John's Landing neighborhood and and we have bypassed the Fulton Pub for Porchells numerous times when we are too tired to cook after a long day and are in the mood for down home comfort Italian food. Although the ambiance is a bit on the aestetically cold side, Porcelli's makes up for it with attentive service and well prepared dishes. Last weekend, we started off with the clams appetizer and house salad. The clams tasted fresh and were infused with a broth of garlic, olive oil and lemon. For the main course I ordered their salmon special which was encrusted with a fennel/herb/peppercorn rub and contained some of the best mashed potatoes i've had in recent memory. I washed it down with a Moretti on draft. more

I like to go back and read reviews of places I've dined and been let down just to see if I just dined on a off day. Up until the two bad reviews I thought it was just me who didn't care for the food. It appears that I'm not the only one. I don't write reviews very often because it's just hard to find the time but I felt compelled to this time because I feel that it's obvious that the last good review was from the owner. A regular person wouldn't be that angry at a bad review and I think it is very tacky. As a new restaurant owner you should embrace the positive with the negitive reviews. I'm almost convinced that alot of the good reviews are from the owner. It's not hard to figure out. One reason is because I've dined here twice and was not impressed either time. I will do my best to recall what I had. The first time I had the chx parm and my wife had pasta with clams both didn't have much flavor. All I tasted in the chx parm was rosemary and there was way too much sauce and who doesn't put mozz cheese on chx parm? The clam dish was slightly better but still nothing special. The second time my wife just got a salad which was ok and I got the angel hair with shrimp. Once again I was let down. I gave it two shots and prob won't be back. It seems to be a little neighborhood place so I'm sure business will be just fine but as far as Italian food, I'll stick to the places I've trusted for years. more

I agree with the other review about the lack of flavor. I've eaten my share of italian food and actually lived in Italy for four years so was shocked how dissapointed I was when I dined there a couple days ago. You automatically expect the food to be beaming with flavor since the chef makes it right there. However, it didn't take long once we placed our orders for the food to arrive so maybe he should simmer the sauces a little more to add flavor. Some of the best sauces I've ever had simmer for hours and hours to get that ""perfect"" flavor. I also had to add salt which I hate to do. For hearty italian food I'm use to Mama Mia's downtown whom never dissapoints me. There are a few other favs in portland if you are looking for the more authentic italian but as for this place I just don't think I can give it another shot. more

Edited on august 25, 2008 Pros: Food, open kitchen, friendly Cons: the hotel lobby paintings more

I was so excited to try this place after the reviews and maybe my girlfriend and i just ordered the wrong dish. I do love the ambience and how the owner/chef cooks it right there as you order it so you know it's fresh. However I was surprised of the lack of flavor. I am not into over salted/spiced food but I swear neither of our dishes had much of either. If there is one thing I can't stand is pasty tomato sauce and the sauce was soooo pasty and really had no flavor. The other dish tasted like plain ole noodles. My girlfriend never adds salt to anything and she added alot of salt and pepper and it still tasted blan. The garlic bread was also hard and didn't have much flavor. I am use to fresh garlic on garlic bread. I took one bite and wanted to cry b/c I had my hopes up too high. I frequently dine out especially at italian places and have my three favorites that never let me down. I branched out and shouldn't have. I think it has potential it just needs some work. My girlfriend cooks amazing italian food at home and I wished we would have just dined at home that night. Like I said, we may have just ordered the wrong dishes. : ( more

The pasta dishes are excellent every time. I like the new touches with the decor; it's becoming more aligned with the desired category of ""Italian bistro."" The retirement home paintings should go, though. more

Procelli's in the John's Landing, South Burlingame area: definitely a place to eat excellent Italian food. I've been to Caro Amico, Seasons and Regions and other area restaurants but Porcelli's does better Italian dishes than either and at more moderate prices. The ravioli, salads with great house dressing, as well as the veal, chicken, etc. are all outstanding. more

Found this great little place purely by accident. I've been to Porcelli's several times for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and have been bringing friends at every opportunity. I have never been disappointed. Fast, friendly service. Fresh food, made to order, just the way you want it. Really good Italian dishes, with sauces made from scratch -- like the alfredo, rich and creamy. I have never had a dish I didn't love -- from omelettes and pancakes, to salads, shrimp or chicken alfredo (they even accommodated me by preparing me half orders of chicken alfredo and ravioli), plump, overstuffed ravioli, yummy panini's, to New York style cheesecake. (I said I've been there several times!) The chef is happy to prepare your food exactly the way you want it, and the waiters are attentive and friendly. This is not a fancy-schmancy, totally trendy place -- if you're looking for the most ""hip"" spot in PDX, don't come here, because this place is not pretentious. Porcelli's is simply a great old-fashioned, neighborhood eatery that serves really good Italian food. Pros: Great Food, Great Value more

Food = superb. From the antipasto to the gelato and everything in between, the food at this friendly place is very good and very well-presented. Service = perfectly attentive and casual. Ambience = casual with a touch of neighborhood class. Love the open kitchen. Very highly recommended. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience more

Went here Sunday March 16th for our first dinner here. The food was terrific! They served some of the best Italian food that I have had since living in Portland. The restaurant provides a great value and the service is excellent. Dining here is more than just going out to eat and being a generic number. Eating here you actually feel like a person. Other restaurants could learn from this. The waiter actually talks to you and he really knows his business. It was such a positive experience and we will be back for sure. Thank you for making it such a pleasurable evening. Pros: food, service, value more

I LOVE this palce. My girlfriend feels just as strongly as I do. Everything is in fact, made to order but, the most amazing thing about this is, the alfredo. It's not stocked and frozen. It is made right when you order it. all the sauces are to my understanding. They have this incredible setup. When you first walk in it looks like the open kitchen is or has been, taping a cooking show and you are eating on the set of it. So no matter where you sit, it feels like you are eating at the Chef's table everytime. No reservations or snooty patrons either! Everyone takes pride in being sociable and freindly, almost to a fult. Our server, Johnny, is absolutely TERRIFIC! He converses and cares about not only your food, but your experience as well. Recommended dishes : everything! in particular, the Lobster Raviolli and the Risotto with Artichoke Hearts and Tiger Prawns. You will thank yourself for visiting this hidden Gem, I promise! Pros: Everything and especially the personal attention more

My partner and I can't get enough of this place! Relaxed atmosphere. Friendly service. The food... absolutely phenomenal. Everything is made to order from fresh ingredients. Excellent quality and value. Pros: Great service and amazing food! Cons: none! more