Jump to: Reviews | Italian Food: Secret Origins

He who desires but acts not breeds pestilence, which in turn is the source of most failed movie remakes. Act on your most romantic desires with today’s alfredo-soaked Groupon. For $20, you’ll get $45 worth of authentic Italian eats at Portofino, a romantic restaurant located in the heart of Buckhead.

An intimate dining room with thoughtful touches (majestic crown molding, white-clothed tables, height-enhancing lighting) sets the mood for pasta lovers and their dining companions. Celebrate the evening with a glass ($9) or bottle ($34) of Prosecco, or a pour from the well-curated wine list, completely free of spiked Slurpees and other so-called “false wines.” Appetizers include crispy goat cheese drizzled with honey ($8) and cheese-stuffed tortellini with smoked tomato sauce and fresh herbs ($9). The menu boasts sumptuous vegetarian and carnivorous entrees to satisfy every date’s desires, with favorites including angel hair tossed with pine nuts and grape tomatoes ($14), grilled trout sided with squash ($22), and chicken picatta with buttermilk potatoes ($18).

The seductive act of twisting slippery noodles across a spoon remains one of the only food-eating activities as romantic as it is comforting. Fuel up on pasta to prepare for marathon training sessions, or impress a blind date with versatile, non-politically charged cuisine. Reserve a table online for effortless eating.

Reviews

Wine Spectator gave Portofino its Award of Excellence several years in a row, including 2006, 2007, and 2008. Chow Down Atlanta commends the following comestibles:

• ...we had the Veal Scalopini and the Seafood Risotto. The veal scalopini was delicious. The angel hair pasta had sopped up the mushroom marsala sauce so each bite was really fantastic.The Seafood Risotto was so good I’d order it again next time. The Cajun-seasoned scallops and shrimp were grilled to perfection and were unbelievably fresh and sweet; while the mussels and clams (both in shells) were steamed in a white-wine sauce that were [sic] simply delicious. The bed of risotto they came with was creamy and gave the perfect richness to the seafood. – Chloe Morris, Chow Down Atlanta

Non-critics love Portofino as well, with 90% of Urbanspooners recommending it. Both Citysearchers and OpenTable users give the eatery four stars, while TripAdvisors gives it four owl eyes:

• This place pulls off the whole elegant-but-cozy vibe perfectly! It has the feel of a family-owned restaurant but it's right in the middle of buckhead! I was skeptical at first, (not really a fan of Italian) but I have been converted!! All of us managed to get a great table next to the fireplace, Initially, we felt out of place, but the easygoing staff made us feel right at home. He found us the perfect wine that everyone loved and made spot-on suggestions on the food. – WilliamsErin70, Citysearch
• Spare Rib Bruschetta was amazing! All offerings delicious, and management went out of their way to accomodate our group on a busy night. – OpenTable.com user who dined on 11/30/2009