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Pizzeria Portofino
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Pizzeria Portofino
8.4
Perched along the riverwalk, Pizzeria Portofino focuses on hand-stretched pizzas, coastal-leaning salads, and spritzes with a strong patio-first mentality. The combination of waterfront views, shareable pies, and approachable pricing makes it a go-to for casual Italian lunches and group dinners in warm weather.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Charred pepperoni pizza, Mediterranean salad
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riverfront pizza and spritzes with a resort-like patio setting.
Who should go: Groups wanting waterfront pizza and drinks downtown.
When to visit: Sunny afternoons and early evenings in patio season.
What to order: Margherita or charred pepperoni pizza plus Mediterranean salad.
Insider tip: Request a river-facing table when booking; they go first in season.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest options are nearby River North garages along Illinois St & Clark St. Street parking is scarce, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — upscale-casual vibe; jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak patio hours; conversation is comfortable at lunch and early evening, harder at primetime.
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without a reservation in patio season; longer for riverfront tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and customizable pizzas without cheese; ask your server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust available on request, but prepared in a shared kitchen (not celiac-safe).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the riverfront setting and shareable pizzas make it relaxed but still scenic, especially at sunset. It’s best for casual-romantic dates rather than quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but timing matters — walk-ins are more likely at lunch or early evening. In peak patio season, expect a wait for outdoor or river-view seats; add yourself to the waitlist and request patio when you arrive.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families during daytime and early evening — pizzas and pastas are easy crowd-pleasers — but late evenings can feel crowded and energetic rather than stroller-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Waterfront atmosphere, group-friendly shareable pizzas, and sunny patio dining with spritzes and lighter Italian plates.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth Italian dinner, extensive pasta options, or guaranteed indoor seating during peak patio hours.
Pizzeria Portofino
8.9
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched riverfront spot from Lettuce Entertain You that leans into hand-stretched pizzas, coastal Italian antipasti, and spritzes with one of the strongest patio settings in River North. Thousands of high-volume, recent reviews back up thin-crust pies like the Charred Pepperoni and a rigatoni alla vodka that overperform for a dining room this busy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Pepperoni pizza, Due Funghi pizza, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Riverfront thin-crust pizza with coastal Italian antipasti and a packed patio.
Who should go: Dates and groups wanting pizza with Chicago River views.
When to visit: Summer golden hour for patio seats and full buzz.
What to order: Charred Pepperoni pizza, Due Funghi, Rigatoni alla Vodka.
Insider tip: When reserving, specifically request riverfront patio seating for the best experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; most guests use nearby River North garages or valet shared with the building on busy nights
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished due to the patio-and-cocktails vibe
Noise level: Lively and upbeat — conversation is possible but can be loud during peak patio hours
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: Short waits or seated quickly, except on warm-weather patio days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, salads, and antipasti can be ordered vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and modifications available, but pizzas are cheese-forward
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on select pizzas; confirm availability with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the riverfront setting and spritz-and-pizza format feel relaxed but special, though it can be loud during peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible, but waits are common for patio tables. Arrive early or be flexible with indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for daytime and early evenings — outdoor seating and pizza make it approachable, though late nights can feel more adult-social and energetic.
Best For
Better for: Waterfront atmosphere, sun-lit patio energy, and crowd-pleasing thin-crust pizzas with strong consistency for a high-volume restaurant
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, deep-dish or traditional Neapolitan pizza styles, or zero-wait seating on busy summer weekends
Pizzeria Portofino
8.4
Pizzeria Portofino brings a sun-soaked, Ligurian-inspired patio directly onto the Chicago Riverwalk with crisp pizzas, spritzes, and antipasti. It’s the casual, riverside option in the RPM complex, where locals linger over pies and drinks steps from the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Fritto Misto, Chicken Parmesan sliders
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A Riviera-style riverwalk patio for pizzas, spritzes, and people-watching right on the water.
Who should go: Groups craving casual riverfront pizza and drinks.
When to visit: Sunny afternoons or early evenings before the rush hits.
What to order: Margherita pizza, Fritto Misto, Chicken Parm sliders.
Insider tip: Target mid-afternoon or late lunch to avoid long waits and score a rail-side table over the river.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — most guests use nearby River North garages or rideshare; street parking is limited and competitive near the river, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual to resort-casual; jeans, sundresses, and sneakers are common, but most guests lean slightly polished for photos and patio dining.
Noise level: Lively outdoors with music and crowd energy — conversation is possible, but you may need to speak up during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during warm weather and peak patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait outside peak summer days; brief queues on sunny afternoons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, salads, and antipasti are meat-free or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but most pizzas and pastas rely on cheese; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free accommodations available on select items (often via crust or substitutions), but cross-contact cannot be guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the riverfront setting feels fun and scenic, especially in warm weather. It’s better for relaxed, conversational dates than intimate or quiet ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but expect a wait during sunny afternoons and weekends. Arriving off-peak (late lunch or early evening) improves your chances of being seated faster, especially for patio rail seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids — the space is energetic and outdoors with pizza-friendly options, but strollers and very young children may be harder to manage during busy periods.
Best For
Better for: Scenic, casual riverfront patio dining with spritzes, light antipasti, and crisp pizzas — especially for groups and daytime hangs.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, deep-dish or traditional Neapolitan pizza, or reliable seating during bad weather or peak patio rush.
Pizzeria Portofino
8.4
Pizzeria Portofino sits directly on the Chicago River, pairing hand-stretched thin-crust pies with coastal Italian plates and a big patio scene. While not the cheapest option, its charred pepperoni, Margherita, and pasta plates deliver solid value for the setting, especially at lunch or shared among a group.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Vodka
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Riverfront, Italian Riviera–themed patio dining with highly reviewed hand-stretched pizzas.
Who should go: Groups and dates wanting pizza with a river view and scene.
When to visit: Warm-weather lunches or golden-hour evenings on the patio.
What to order: Charred pepperoni pizza, Margherita for the table, and rigatoni vodka.
Insider tip: Aim for weekday lunch or an early reservation to enjoy the riverfront without long waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; garage parking available in River North garages along Illinois/Clark (pricing varies). Rideshare is common on busy nights.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished due to the riverfront setting.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but patio and peak evenings can feel buzzy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during warm-weather months; shorter in colder seasons.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, especially indoors; patio may see brief delays on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify some items (sauceless or cheese-free pizzas, select salads), but dedicated vegan mains are few.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free modifications available on select dishes; ask staff about pizza dough availability and cross-contact risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the riverfront views and upbeat atmosphere make it a strong pick for a casual-romantic first date, especially at golden hour or a later patio seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are seated when possible, but waits can build during patio season. If timing matters, book ahead or target early dinner or weekday lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — outdoor space and shareable pizzas work well for families, though peak evenings can be loud and better suited to older kids.
Best For
Better for: Scenic riverfront dining, group sharers, and a lively patio vibe where ambiance and setting enhance the meal.
Skip if: You want the lowest-cost slice shop experience, very quiet dining, or highly traditional Neapolitan pizza without crowd or scene.
Pizzeria Portofino
8.6
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched riverfront spot where thin, hand-stretched pies, spritzes, and antipasti come with close-up Chicago River views. Families book earlier seatings for Margherita and pepperoni pies while kids watch boats drift by from the enclosed patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Riverfront pizza with serious review volume and an all-ages-friendly patio.
Who should go: Families wanting river views with polished pizza and pasta.
When to visit: Early evening before the room fills with big groups.
What to order: Charred Pepperoni, Margherita, Rigatoni Vodka to share.
Insider tip: Request a rail or booth table on the patio for stroller space and views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking nearby along Dearborn and Illinois; limited street parking, valet typically available during peak evenings
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual dresses are common, but it leans slightly polished due to the riverfront setting
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is comfortable at earlier seatings, louder during peak dinner hours
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though patio tables may require a short hold in warm weather
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — multiple pizzas, salads, and antipasti work well for vegetarians
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but most pizzas rely on cheese
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free accommodations available on select dishes; pizza crust options may be limited and should be requested in advance with the server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a fun, upbeat setting with great river views — it’s more lively than intimate, so it suits casual or activity-style dates better than quiet, romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits are common during warm-weather evenings and weekends. Walk-ins should plan for a wait, especially for patio seating; arriving early or off-peak improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common at earlier seatings. High chairs are typically available, patio booths offer stroller space, and the menu is approachable for kids who like pizza and pasta.
Best For
Better for: Riverfront views, sunny patio meals, and group-friendly pizza-and-pasta dining where families and mixed-age parties can still feel polished
Skip if: You want a quiet or romantic dinner, require extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or prefer a low-key setting over a buzzy, high-energy dining room
Pizzeria Portofino
8.3
Pizzeria Portofino brings a riverside, Italian Riviera-inspired pizza house to the Clark Street riverfront, with hand-stretched pies and spritzes served steps from the water. Families book earlier slots for Margherita and meatball-topped pizzas while kids watch boats drift by from the enclosed, all-weather patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatball & Ricotta Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: River-level pizza and pasta with full-service hospitality and Chicago River views.
Who should go: Families wanting pizza with a view and a lively setting.
When to visit: Daytime and early evening for easier seating and calmer energy.
What to order: Meatball & Ricotta pizza, Margherita, Rigatoni Vodka.
Insider tip: Request a rail or window-side table when booking so kids can watch the boats while you eat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking nearby along Hubbard and Illinois; limited metered street parking on surrounding blocks, especially difficult during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished due to the riverfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at earlier seatings, but it becomes louder during peak dinner hours and large-group nights.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak season, especially for patio or river-facing tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though patio tables may require a short queue on warm-weather days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, pastas, and antipasti can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but fully vegan options are relatively few.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — select dishes and salads work gluten-free, but pizzas and pastas are not universally available with GF substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something lively and scenic rather than intimate — the river views and spritzes set a fun mood, but it can get loud during peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible earlier in the day or at off-peak hours, but prime weekends and patio tables are far easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — earlier evening seatings work well for families, with sharable pizzas and booths; strollers fit best on the enclosed patio and high chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Riverfront scenery, polished service, and a family-friendly setting that still feels celebratory — especially for groups or out-of-town guests.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, intimate dining or strictly traditional Neapolitan pizza — consider alternatives with a calmer room or more purist pizza styles.
Pizzeria Portofino
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Pizzeria Portofino brings hand-stretched pies and coastal appetizers to a breezy, riverfront patio that feels like a vacation for families at earlier seatings. Kids share Margherita and pepperoni pies while adults split spritzes and antipasti with boats drifting by outside the windows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burnt Pepperoni Pizza, Due Funghi Pizza, Burrata & Green Tomato
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riverfront, spritz-driven pizzeria where pizzas come with serious views.
Who should go: Families wanting river views with polished thin-crust pizza.
When to visit: Early evenings or weekend lunches before nightlife crowds.
What to order: Burnt Pepperoni pizza, Due Funghi pizza, burrata with tomatoes.
Insider tip: Reserve a patio or rail-adjacent table and plan one pizza per two people plus a shared starter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking in nearby River North structures; street parking is limited and competitive near the river, especially after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many guests lean polished due to the buzzy setting
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at earlier seatings, louder during peak evenings
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio or river-adjacent tables
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though patio requests may add a short delay in warm weather
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be ordered vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — some appetizers and salads can be modified, but pizzas are not broadly vegan by default
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free sensitivities can be accommodated on some menu items, but cross-contact is possible and pizzas are not fully gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the river views and upbeat patio vibe feel fun and memorable, though it’s better for relaxed, conversational dates than intimate, quiet ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are seated at off-peak times or at the bar, but patio and river-rail tables are usually claimed by reservations; arrive early if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes at earlier seatings — families are common at lunch and early dinner, with shareable pizzas and booth seating; later evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Scenic riverfront dining, polished thin-crust pizzas, and a breezy vacation-like patio atmosphere
Skip if: You want quiet dining, late-night crowd avoidance, or strict gluten-free or fully vegan pizza options
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm