Portofino Parnell

We got takeaway pizza so I can't speak to service but I feel this allows me to be very honest about the food itself. The garlic bread was somehow dry, chewy, and greasy. It had pretty much nothing going for it: a veritable flavour desert. The prosciutto pizza was really salty and the others weren't that great. The bases were really stodgy, the crust was somehow the best part. Considering the price it was quite disappointing and I wouldn't want to eat here again. Also the cannelloni sauce tasted like canned spaghetti, or maybe canned tomato soup. Reading the other reviews, that are rather polerised, I would definitely trust those at the lower end of the spectrum. I'm just super glad I didn't eat in. I have added just one photo. Tell me that doesn't look like a countdown pizza base with some roughly minced garlic on it.

Had a lunch catch up with current and ex workmates the other day and I have to say the steak I had was cooked to perfection for me and melt in the mouth. The sauce and accompany vegies made the dish most enjoyable. I've eaten here a number of times and the team are most accommodating, the food is consistently good and no doubt we'll be back soon.

I’ve eaten here before and it was amazing so I decided to order again yet this time the food had literally no taste at all. A heat up pasta meal from the supermarket tastes better than what I just ate. I’m so extremely disappointed with the quality for the amount I paid. I understand people can’t always be perfect but this was shockingly tasteless. I really hope this improves as the quality just didn’t justify the price this time.

First time at Portofino’s in a long time. Extremely disappointed to be charged a $30 corkage fee when we paid the bill. Never mentioned to us when we turned up by the waitress. Expected to pay corkage BUT $30 - outrageous! A huge disappointment to a pleasant evening. We won’t be returning anytime soon.

First time trying a Portofino chain and found it to be quite enjoyable for a work leaving dinner. Portions were quite generously sized and the dishes were quite tasty overall. Just a bit hot sitting inside though and couldn’t really feel any air con on a warm summer evening.

This was our first meal at Parnell with our overseas guests and we were really disappointed with quality of the meals, and service from one of the waitresses who lacked manners. Prior two experiences at Mission Bay several years ago was 4 stars.

Fettuccine con pollo is a staple of portofino, offering fresh fettuccine and chicken in a rich creamy sauce, 5/5 it's a must try. The Costolette di agnello is a lamb cutlet dish, served with seasonal vegetables and a tomato based sauce. The sauce hits hard with tangy flavours and is definitely the star of the dish. In my opinion, the sauce works great with the seasonable vegetables but overpowered the flavour of the lamb cutlets - which were already a little overcooked. Overall a 4/5. Service was top notch and staff were extremely friendly and polite, 5/5. Ambience was great, with mood lighting and comfy furniture, the booths are private and make it perfect for date nights, 5/5.

Went to Portofino in Parnell on ANZAC Day. Food was great BUT when it came time to pay the owner wouldn't accept the Entertainment Book discount. There are black out dates with the Entertainment Book but it doesn't include ANZAC Day. The owner wouldn't even look at the conditions on the Entertainment Book and was unapologetic. He just told us to complain to Entertainment Book. As a business owner he should be aware of the conditions of the offer if he's to advertise with them. Also this ruined the whole dining experience at the restaurant. Customer service is just as important as the food.

Lovely service, loved my pasta but not the pizza. We felt like it was overpriced for what you get. Overall really good tho!

*Delivery only review* I’ve been staying in Auckland for approximately six weeks for work. I get an order from Portofino Parnell 2-3 times a week and it never disappoints. Portions are well sized, fresh and hot. Pesto Gnocchi and the Ragu are my go too meals. Pizzas are nice but not my favourite. I will miss this place when I have to head back to Aus!