Portola Bistro

Review summary

1. A

   Anita

   San Francisco4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   The food was excellent. We had calamari and fried artichoke appetizers, warm Napa cabbage salad, avocado toast, and their fig/procuitto pizza. The service was a little uneven (took a long time to get started with our order, tried to take away dishes too soon). But we will go back because the food is very good.
   

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2. t

   thomas VIP

   San Francisco163 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   So glad this restaurant was recommended to us by friends. It was a wonderful experience for celebrating my wife's birthday. The service was exceptionally friendly and attentive. The food choices were plentiful but not overwhelming. The preparation was delicious. The ahi and avocado appetizer was scrumptious and the market green salad selection was nicely dressed. If you are a pizza lover, please try their fig, brie and prosciutto choice. To die for! The affogato and bread pudding were also worth the calories! Definitely worth a visit! We will return!
   

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3. R

   Roy VIP

   San Francisco111 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 4 days 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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4. f

   fcdiners

   San Francisco3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 6 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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5. R

   Richard VIP

   San Francisco74 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 10, 2025

   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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6. S

   Sean VIP

   San Francisco8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   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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7. L

   Laurie VIP

   San Francisco26 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 1, 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!
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   San Francisco15 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 1, 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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9. D

   David VIP

   San Francisco10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 1, 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.
   

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10. P

    Patti

    San Francisco21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 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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