Portofino opened October 1997. Its reputation has grown rapidly due to its beautifully prepared meals, mainly of Mediterranean style. Karen and Krimo Bouabda, the owners and award-winning restaurateurs place considerable emphasis on customer care and service ensuring that the recipes are produced exactly as they should by an energetic young team. Visitors to this happy bistro cannot help but be thrilled by the buzzing atmosphere created by the décor and carefully compiled music. The restaurant is placed in a pleasant setting overlooking the Historic Quay and Hartlepool Marina. We took the opportunity to visit in October and I did wonder why I had waited so long. However Lorna and I do usually dine at Krimo's the "sister" establishment where they serve one of our favourite wines - "Torres Esmarelda". I have listed below a copy of the specials menu at Portofino and on this occasion we had:- Yes a bottle of Esmarelda. I opted for the Salmon fishcakes and salad as a starter and Lorna had the Caeser salad. We both chose chicken as a main course mine "ala creme" and Lorna something similar. Veg cooked to perfection - crisp and fresh. Didn't make a dessert but a coffee and liquer finished off a splendid meal. Marks 10/10.
Our table overlooked the historic quay. The staff were attentive in fact everything was as you would expect in a first rate establishment. Highly recommended.
You don't have to book unless your party is of 8 persons or more and we think you will enjoy the atmosphere.There are some exceptional restaurants on Hartlepool Marina including Krimo's and Portofino. I hope you enjoy your visit and invite you to sign my guest book.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 12-1.45pm 5.30-9.30pm (10pm Sat)
Portofino's menus are a mixture of pizzeria and bistro styles. The emphasis is on great value for money. Our two-course lunch and happy hour menus offer a range of pizzas, pastas, poultry, steaks and fish dishes. The Specials change on a regular basis and always include 3 or 4 fresh fish such as Sea Bass, Tuna, Cod, Salmon, Halibut or Monkfish... So, there is something for everyone who pays a visits to this happy bistro.
DAILY SPECIALS
Starters
Squid rings served with a garlic mayonnaise £3.85
Salmon Fishcakes served with a lime and dill mayonnaise £3.95
Crab Thermidor, fresh baked crab with mushrooms, brandy and cream £4.95
Tempura King prawns served with a chilli mayonnaise £4.95
Moules Marinières, fresh mussels in white wine and cream £4.95
Pilaf rice with mushrooms, bacon and prawns £4.45
Baked Goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham with a walnut salad and balsamic reduction £4.45
Algerian Lamb Sausages (Merguez) in a spicy tomato sauce with rice £4.45 (Highly Addictive!!)
Main Courses
Cajun Chicken Salad, spicy chicken with bacon pieces and garlic cream dressing £9.95
Chicken wrapped with bacon in a Blue Stilton sauce £10.45
Salmon with a herb crust on a pepper coulis with roast cherry tomatoes £10.95
Pan fried Red Snapper with rocket salad and citrus butter £12.95
Chargrilled Swordfish with a spicy tomato and coriander sauce £12.95
Grilled Sea Bass fillets with basil mash and tomato salsa £13.95
King Prawns in a Thai coconut sauce. Served with savoury rice £13.95
Spring Lamb shank in a rosemary and garlic sauce with Dauphinoises potatoes £13.45
Duckling served pink with a blackcurrant and apple sauce £12.95
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni £7.95
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