Portola Kitchen

This is definitely a hidden gem! My family and I made last minute reservations for dinner and we were pleasantly surprised. There is plenty of parking in the Ladera shopping center where the restaurant is located. Service was a little slow, only because it got busy when we were seated. Our server was attentive and our water glasses were filled periodically.
We ordered a manhattan cocktail and a pomegranate martini to start. We also shared the fried calamari and house antipasto appetizers. There was plenty of food for the five of us. For entrees, we ordered the caesar salad, mafalda bolognese, rigatoni vodka, baked rigatoni, conchiglie with chicken and also a mafalda with meatballs. The meatballs were a little dry, but the pasta and sauce were delicious. The appetizers, salad, and the entrees were wonderful and so filling we did not have any room for dessert. We even had plenty fo leftovers to take home.

Excellent first experience. Homemade pasta tasted like healthy pride. Customer service was heart filled and overall feel was soothing. Rose added a personal touch by coming out to meet a veteran in person. Thanks for the warm and loving atmosphere!

Portola Kitchen is my absolute favorite restaurant. I live over an hour away, but it’s always worth the drive. You can’t go wrong with any of the menu items. For appetizers the calamari is always a big hit, the pear salad is delicious, and the heirloom tomato and burrata salad is my husband’s favorite. I think I’ve tried most of their entrees at this point and I love them all! Some of my favorites are the Gorgonzola tenderloin, the conchiglie pasta with chicken, and the salmon filet. You can’t leave without trying the olive oil cake for dessert! Their newest drink on the menu— the watermelon martini— is the perfect summer drink. Can’t wait to come back!