Post Last Modified – May 12, 2021
Enjoy Fine Casual Dining At Portofino Italian Ristorante
If your travel plans have you the Province ofAlberta and the Calgary area, then you simply must treat yourself to some of the best Dining in Cochrane Alberta. A hidden gem located downtown is a wonderful Italian family restaurant that has been successfully operated in the city since 2004.
A family run business thats a favorite among locals and returning visitors for many years.
Brief History Of Portofino Italian Ristorante
Your friendly host and the restaurants owner Pierre, has worked in the restaurant industry for 40 years in the Provinces of Quebec and Alberta. His final resting point for the last 12 years has been at this location in the City of Cochrane.
The name Portofino refers to the last port or final destination and is also a popular tourist and Italian fishing resort on the Italian Riviera. Pierre has said that after the many years in the industry, it is here at his Portofino Ristorante that his best and final achievement is to be made.
Portofino Italian Ristorante A Family Affair
It appears that his family is definitely following his footsteps, with one working as the restaurants main chef and another as a very accomplished waiter, who we had the pleasure of been served dinner on our recent visit.
Portofino – Serving Traditional Italian Cuisine
The menu is vast with an Italian flair that is sure to please most everyone dining here. Theres a wide selection of entrees to choose from including traditional pasta and risotto dishes, delicious fresh soups and salads, chicken, veal, beef and seafood selections.
Theres also daily specials that are sure please and that my wife enjoyed for her dinner on the night of our visit. The bar is complete with a detailed wine list as well to accompany your meal.
The restaurant is casual but very tastefully decorated, with comfortable seating and service second to none. Pierre is always about making sure your meal and service is to your satisfaction.
Its very easy to see, that when you step into the restaurant, a great deal of labor of love has been devoted into this business over the years, and the reason why it is so successful.
Dining In Cochrane Must Include Portofino Restaurante
Below, is just a sneak peek at what you can expect when coming in for lunch or dinner here at Portofinos.
Fresh Crab Bisque
This was a special for the evening and one our waiter highly recommended. This was a delicious thick and creamy fresh crab bisque. It was absolutely to die for, having you wanting more and more.
This was a great starter for the dinner yet to come!
House Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad prepared in their unique house dressing topped with parmesan cheese. Your table receives a freshly baked warm loaf of bread to accompany your appetizers and / or meal.
Traditional Baked Lasagna
I couldnt wait to come for dinner and enjoy one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes, that of baked lasagna. Also freshly baked with loads of cheese on top, this dish was huge in portion size and tasted absolutely homemade and delightful.
In fact, the portion was so large that I had to take some home with me for lunch the next day!
Grilled Tenderloin
My wife selected the grilled tenderloin dish which was the evening special, but also on the main menu for you to enjoy anytime as well. Tender slices of tenderloin served with a thick and rich Italian gorgonzola crme cheese sauce and pasta on the side.
Another excellent choice!
Tiramisu
For dessert we simply had to share the house specialty, Tiramisu. This is a classic Italian cake dessert and was moist and delicious. Served with a cup of hot coffee, it was a great way to end a fabulous dinner at this very popular restaurant.
Cochrane Alberta is a lovely city nestled alongside the beautiful Bow River located just minutes west of Calgary. Old town Cochrane has been revitalized and has becomemajor tourist attraction filled with shops and restaurants.
Portofino is no exception, and you simply must treat yourself to a wonderful meal in a casual yet lovely setting. Together with great food and service, you can’t go wrong!
Below, I have listed the restaurants official Facebook page for your convenience, where you can access much more detailed information including location, business hours and much more.
Update May 2021
At this time, google search results show the restaurant as Permanently Closed. This is in all likelihood, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis. I will keep you posted, should they open their doors once again.
I’ve also listed the Official Cochrane Tourism link below to their website page for your convenience. It’s filled with excellent information on everything this beautiful part of Alberta has to offer.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
Although our visit was in collaboration with Portofino Italian Restaurante, rest assured all content and opinions are that of the author and reflect my personal experience only.
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