If you’re a frequent visitor to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, then you’ll be happy to hear one of the most anticipated restaurant upgrades is ready to re-open. Out is Portobello Trattoria and In is a new concept based upon Italian country style dining… Read More »Terralina Crafted Italian sets official opening for Thursday, June 28
Ever since the steampunk inspired venue “The Edison” was announced for Disney Springs, we’ve been waiting with baited breath to learn more details about the restaurant and its related properties. Little details have trickled out, thanks mainly to job listings, and we learned that it… Read More »Three Italian restaurants set to join ‘The Edison’ in Disney Springs
As work continues to spruce up many of the older properties that pre-date the new Disney Springs concept, one of the ones I’m most excited about is the transformation of the former Portobello Country Italian Trattoria led by chef Tony Mantuano. The James Beard Award-winning… Read More »Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant to open in Fall 2017 at Disney Springs
Last year I attended an authentic Italian cooking class with Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano at Portobello italian trattoria. I had a great time and learned a lot about how to prepare food. I’m excited to hear that chef Tony will be back to host… Read More »Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano cooking class coming to Portobello at Disney Springs
With EPCOT’s World Showcase opening at 11AM it can be tough for some of the restaurants at the back of the world to draw a lunch crowd. Reservations may be tough to secure at dinner, but at lunch you can walk in to places like… Read More »Tutto Italia introduces special 3-course prix fixe lunch
One of the real gems of Disney Springs is Portobello Restaurant. It brings Italian countryside dining that’s fit for families and foodies alike along with a beautiful location and attentive service. If you want an inside look at how Portobello makes some of its award… Read More »Cooking Class offered at Disney Springs Portobello Restaurant with Chef Tony Mantuano
Since the Exposition Park Food Trucks opened on the Westside of Downtown Disney, it’s added some much needed casual food to that end of the complex and really attracted guests to try new food. But the potential for the food truck park is just beginning… Read More »First Food Truck Takeover brings Trattoria al Forno dishes to Downtown Disney
Those who were following my short tweetfest from Downtown Disney last night probably caught my mention of the new look, and lovely scent, of Portobello. The restaurant, which sits between Pleasure Island and the Downtown Disney Marketplace, has recently completed a transformation from the old stuffy ‘Yacht Club’ theme into an eatery reminiscent of the Italian countryside.
Chef Steven Richard
According to Executive Chef Steven Richard, the change is a natural one. “America has had a love affair with Italian food for decades,” Richards said. “What we’re seeing now is more and more people knowing the regional nuances of the cuisine – having more vivid notions of what Italy feels and tastes and smells like. More families have been there themselves, and the ones who haven’t, want a life-like recreation of that trip they haven’t taken.”
The space, inspired by Italy’s trattorias and hidden corners, features warm tones of red, orange and yellow, with terracotta tile and rustic irons designed to make guests feel transported to the Italian countryside. Guests can also enjoy dining outdoors with the new alfresco patio. The revamped trattoria will offer authentic regional fare and warm rustic décor with a reinvigorated wine list.
Portobello’s new menu was developed by the culinary trio comprised of James Beard award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, of Chicago’s noted Spiaggia restaurant, John Radcliff, Regional Chef of Levy Restaurants, and Steven Richard, Executive Chef of Portobello.
As it turns out Orlando Food Critic Scott Joseph recently visited Portobello and found the experience a pleasurable one (which is saying something considering what he writes about the other restaurants run by Levy in Downtown Disney). Now, I am really looking forward to my first opportunity to dine there.
Portobello is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and accepts all major credit cards. Visit www.portobellorestaurant.com to learn more.
Finally, Portobello has also been kind enough to share its recipe for Ravioli Gigante which you can find below the cut in case you want to try it at home:
Read More »Portobello at Downtown Disney Remakes its Image & Menu (plus a recipe!)