📍 9 Cook Street, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
📍 Address: 9 Cook Street, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
📞 Phone: +64 9 532 8161
🌐 Website: portofino.co.nz
My wife and I had a great dinner at Portofino Howick. I got the Vino Rosso steak and it was cooked perfectly - tender and full of flavour. My wife had the spaghetti marinara and loved it. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the food came out fast. We’ll definitely be back!
Absolutely Disgraceful Experience – Never Dining Here Again I rarely ever leave reviews, but my experience at Portofino Howick was so appalling that I feel it’s important to warn others before they make the same mistake. I came here genuinely looking forward to a nice evening and a good meal. However, the night was completely ruined by the manager/owner’s aggressive attitude and lack of professionalism. From the very start, her tone was rude and confrontational, not the kind of welcome you’d expect at a so-called “Italian restaurant.” The issue began when I had a small Coke can that I brought in with me. It was simply a spare one from my car. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful or break any rule. There were no visible signs anywhere in the restaurant stating that outside drinks were not allowed, and had I known, I would’ve been more than happy to leave it in the car. Instead of politely mentioning it, the manager approached the table with unnecessary aggression, made a scene, and then decided to charge me $7 for it. Let that sink in: $7 for a can I brought in myself. I have never in my life encountered a restaurant that would go to such absurd lengths over something so trivial. It wasn’t about the money, it was the principle and the attitude. To make matters worse, after that confrontation, the manager continued to stare at our table the entire time we were eating, making us feel completely uncomfortable and unwelcome. Her behavior was intimidating and ruined the whole atmosphere. Even the waiter, who was actually lovely and professional, looked embarrassed by her conduct. What was supposed to be a relaxing dinner turned into one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had at any restaurant. I left feeling upset and frustrated, not because of the charge, but because of the complete lack of customer respect and basic decency. There are so many wonderful restaurants in the area where you’ll be treated with kindness and respect. Please, do yourself a favour and enjoy a meal elsewhere. Portofino Howick clearly doesn’t value its customers, and judging by how I was treated, I wouldn’t be surprised if others have had similar experiences. Absolutely avoid this place. A restaurant’s success depends on its hospitality, and sadly, this establishment has none.
The food was incredible, its always busy and it makes sense why - the food is to die for - garnished beautifully and served in a timely manner. The young female waitress is very well spoken and respectful, she knew the menu well including pricing. She did not interrupt our close moments but rather waited a moment before laying meals down. She deserves a tip every time! One less ideal is that the tables are very close together, we sat back to back with someone and could not scoot out or in to our seat by moving the chair back, but rather had to try slide in awkwardly trying not to push the other guest.
We were lucky enough to walk in with no reservation and grab a table outside in the sun tonight for dinner. The food was all incredible, so fast and so yummy. All the staff were great, super friendly and helpful! Will definitely be back again ☺️
Our waitress, Jess, ensured we had a beautiful evening. The food was amazing, Jess was there when we were ready for her and discreet when we wanted alone time. As I said before, the food was so good, service was the icing on the cake (we were too full for cake though!)
Came back to Portofino in Howick and it was definitely as good as I remember. The drinks are amazing and the food is delicious especially the calamari. The service is first class as well. Highly highly recommend this place for a nice dinner out.
GREAT food! Amazing service, especially from Anna. Thank you so much.
Delicious dinner as always. We had cheese bread pene to start.Fettecini con pollo is my go to dish but tried the lamb cutlets tonight. Well I had the pasta as my entree and lamb as my main. Wife had squid and prawns for main. Bought tiramasu for desert as take away as we were too stuffed to eat it there. One of our favorite places to eat.
Food was very tasty, cooked beautifully. Service was great, always with a smile
Great foods with terrible service. Always packed of people, better to make reservation before you come. Have been there couple times, this time only allow us to stay from 6:15pm-7:45pm(1.5 Hours) Confirm with us again our dinning time slot once we seated. Foods are always nice n yummy, fresh n authentic. Just found that the pizza is a bit salty this time. Want to share about their terrible service this time ( our previous experience is pretty ok) Just want to point out the waitress is not professional as we expected, not refill the water until the dessert time ( actually we already called out twice ), not checking up the foods. Have to call out couple times for dessert menu.... very disappointing.
Portofino is located at 9 Cook Street, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
You can contact Portofino at +64 9 532 8161
You can find directions to Portofino by following this map link
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