Portole - CORTONA

We happened to be sent to Portole by our host, Paolo Farina. What a gift he gave he gave us by sending to Franco and his family. The food was wonderful...fresh and enticing for all of the senses. Our favorite was the raviolis..pasta so light that it was tranparent ! They were very accomodating to tastes, if you were wishing for something (like chicken with fresh mushrooms) and the kitchen had the ingredients, they were glad to prepare special requests. Franco was very concerned that we should see the best of Tuscany, so he copied a map that he had and highlighted towns that we should visit. We made sure to go back up the mountain to see our new friend before we left Tuscany and arrived before the dinner hour. Franco was gracious enough to make up cappucinos and spent some time on the porch chatting. We feel like we have made a new friend! If you are visiting Tuscany any time soon, you MUST go to see Franco and his family. Tell him Frank and Dana said hi!

No modern faddish food here just good old fashioned Italian fare with excellent pasta. The patron and his staff are very welcoming and his wife makes an excellent job of the cooking. Everything we had was delicious including the local wines which were very acceptable. The dining room is simple and old fashioned but none the worse for that. We thoroughly enjoyed our two meals here and would recommend this restaurant, especially if you are staying locally and don't want to drive the long winding road into Cortona.

The food at Ristorante Portole is made fresh daily and is perfect in every way. We have been in Cortona area for 2 weeks and have eaten at Franco's 3 times. It is never crowded as it is about 15 minutes outside of Cortona, but worth the short drive. The views down the valley are fantastic and there is always a window seat available. The biggest surprise was the Tiramisu that is made fresh while you are dining, and is different and better than any we have ever had anywhere. Be sure Franco knows in advance you want it as he does not always have the fresh ingredients unless you ask in advance. Fantastic and highly recommended!

Bene tutto il cibo e anche la cameriera.

Very tasty food, mixed antipasti as well as main course. Nice atmosphere especially on the terrace. Very good house wine. Value very good especially when compared to too high prices and medium to poor quality in many Cortona city restaurants/bars. Far view to Lago Trasimeno and wonderful hill panorama around. Very friendly host family, runs also small food shop.