0 Followers
Pizzeria Portofino
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Pizza in River North
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in River North
Best Cheap Pizza in River North
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in River North
Best Family Friendly Italian in River North
Best Family Friendly Pizza in River North
Master Critic Review
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: Check website for updated information
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.
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