Hungry for Italian food in Newcastle? Portofino is a family-run Italian restaurant on Mosley Street, serving authentic dishes in grand surrounds. It’s housed inside a Victorian grade II-listed building and makes for a pretty staggering backdrop while you indulge in a carb-loaded line-up of pasta, risotto and pizza.
The dining room’s vast golden arches make for an opulent setting and are decorated with beautiful faience tiles which were produced by old firm ‘Burmantoffs Pottery’ from Leeds. The room’s magnificent ceiling lies in stark contrast to the dining area below, which is reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria. Think dinky square tables and menus written up on blackboards on the walls.
The food menu features every classic Italian dish you can think of, with a lengthy list of antipasti, pasta, pizza, risotto, meat and fish dishes. When it comes to the pasta, simply choose your shape (penne, tagliatelle, spaghetti or gluten-free) and your sauce, from carbonara to arrabiata. Or, choose from one of its ‘pasta fatta in casa’ dishes such as homemade linguine cooked with pancetta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and olive oil. Alongside classic pizzas, lasagne and cannelloni, you can also find a range of grills, from chicken to steak, served with a sauce of your choice.
There is also a children's menu for kids up to 10 years old, which includes a half portion of pizza, pasta or breaded chicken with chips, followed by a scoop of ice cream. So, it’s a great place to bring the whole family along!
Portofino serves a happy hour throughout the week, as well as a dedicated vegan menu for plant-based eaters. Drinks revolve around an Italian wine list, although you can order a selection of beers, ciders, spirits, and cocktails if preferred.