Portola Kitchen Portola Kitchen

Portola Kitchen

Cuisine: Italian / California
Portola Valley destination for lunch, dinner or brunch.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.
Portola Kitchen, Portola Valley, CA


Portola Kitchen Restaurant Review:


About the restaurant: Portola Kitchen emphasizes not just local but "right next door" ingredients, as well as on-site production of many elements. While originally centered on wood-fired pizzas, which remain a local favorite, the venue has settled comfortably into the neighborhood with a full array of offerings.

Food & Drinks: Fennel-crusted-salmon salad is a staple and one of four substantial salads alongside sandwiches, pastas and sides that make for an elegant lunch. Dinner expands to include hearty mains, from chicken piccata and veal scallopini to various fish specials. Polenta served in a cast-iron vessel hot and sauced is an interesting appetizer or modest meal. Daily specials change with the season, including at brunch where banana and bacon Belgian waffles may make an appearance. Italian and domestic wines split the list and are reasonably priced. Desserts are made in house and deliver a rich finish. Almond cake is our pick; dense, moist and offset with a pleasing sweetness from a cider reduction redolent with baking spices. The location --- cavernous and detailed to evoke a barn --- is reflective of the equestrian community nearby.