Portola Bistro

Portola Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. R

   Roy VIP

   San Francisco111 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The first few times we went I was prepared to cut them some slack on the food, thinking that they were still learning. But it's the same now and it's really only OK. The menu is kind of all over the place and execution just isn't very good. Time for a refresh, especially with Taverna now open next door.
   

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2. f

   fcdiners

   San Francisco3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Overall, good dining experience. Ordered the burger and asked without cheese, but it came with cheese anyway. Did not complain because it would take too much time to have it redone. Other than that, had a good time dining there.
   

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3. R

   Richard VIP

   San Francisco74 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is our first time at Portola Bistro and it was for lunch. Great food and wine selection. Wait staff was polite and attentive. We ate inside as it was a little cold for us outside. We will be back for lunch and dinner in the near future. The food reminds us of a French and Italian combination. We always sat outside when it was called the Portola Kitchen and also enjoyed our time there.
   

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4. S

   Sean VIP

   San Francisco8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great experience beginning to end.  Staff and the food was amazing. Can't wait to come back 
   

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5. L

   Laurie VIP

   San Francisco26 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I wish I knew our female server’s name for our Saturday brunch. She was so courteous, professional and was open to slight modifications on the menu items. The courses were paced perfectly along with exceptional wine service. Can’t wait to return!
   

   1 person found this helpful

6. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   San Francisco15 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Waiter pleasant but over the top with everything. Beef bourgunogne very fatty and tough. Cabbage salad great . 4 slices of bread for 5 people not acceptable.
   

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7. D

   David VIP

   San Francisco10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We are lucky to have the Bistro in the neighborhood. Accordingly, we are regulars, although we would happily drive across town for the experience. Highly recommended.
   

   1 person found this helpful

8. P

   Patti

   San Francisco21 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Portola Bistro has hit its stride. When it first opened, we weren't sure all the pieces were going to come together, but our most recent visit has put those concerns to rest. We enjoyed excellent food and service within a warm and attractive environment. Everything, from beet salad, to boeuf bourguignon and lamb pappardelle, and concluding with coconut creme brulee was delicious and cheerfully served. We will be sure to return soon!
   

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9. D

   Debbie VIP

   San Francisco18 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and service, good menu, beautiful restaurant.
   

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10. k

    karen

    San Francisco150 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4

    We had a nice dinner, although a bit rushed.. Sorry to hear there was not a full bar.. we were really looking forward to that. Staff was VERY friendly.. perhaps a tad too much. asked several times how our day was going. Also very efficient ..asked three times by different people if we were ready to order. and specials given to us literally one minute after we sat down..Our salad plates were taken and wow our dinner was there so fast.. other than that the food was excellent, We had the beef(which is really more of a pot roast but lovely). and the salmon.. and we also had the bread pudding nummm. I didn’t realize they were part of our favorite Los Altos restaurant. We will return when there is a full bar..
    

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