Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Little Italy / University Village

I recently dined at Pizza Portofino, and I was beyond impressed! The food was absolutely delicious, with every bite bursting with fresh, authentic flavors. The pizza had the perfect balance of a crisp crust, rich sauce, and high-quality toppings. What really stood out, though, was the staff—they were amazing! From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly, attentive, and incredibly quick. Our food arrived much faster than expected, and the service was seamless throughout the meal. If you’re looking for a great dining experience with fantastic food and top-notch service, Pizza Portofino is the place to go!

We tried this restaurant last night and had the best time. The food was amazing, but what was really amazing was our server Rene and the staff. The staff was so on top of it, and the food came out so fast. It was our friend's birthday, and we were trying to surprise her. We had ordered a cake but needed to figure out a way to get it there without her noticing. When my other friend called the restaurant, they were able to hold the cake for us in the morning and then bring it to the table as a surprise. Rene was already informed by staff, so when we arrived, he was already in on the plan. At the end of dinner, the cake was brought out, and it was such a nice surprise. Special thanks to Rene and the staff at Quartino—you are all amazing.

Everything was perfect. The only complaint is how they had a pre made menu for Valentines Day. The menu was very limited and I was ultimately disappointed with the options. Nothing that I would’ve enjoyed. So I had to settle.

Service was outstanding, especially considering our reservation was at 9pm and the staff was working the dinner service for many hours. Unbelievably service oriented. Food was exceptional, as always. The place was packed, and as a result the decibel level was high. It was expensive, but we really enjoyed being taken care of on the night before Valentine’s Day.

The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Joshua, our server, was phenomenal and had great recommendations. The grilled broccolini salad was mind-blowing! The atmosphere within the restaurant was personal and warm. It was not too loud or too quiet. Every table has a gorgeous view of the city and river. Definitely a splurge experience, but so worth it.