Portabella

Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
+1 831-624-4395
$$$ Italian restaurant
(1692 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Located on Ocean Ave in the enchanting Carmel-By-The-Sea, Portabella is not just an Italian restaurant; it’s an experience that tantalizes the palate while enveloping you in its cozy charm. Renowned for its authentic Mediterranean flair, Portabella offers a menu that showcases the essence of Italian culinary traditions through fresh ingredients and classic recipes.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere that boasts soft lighting and an ivy-covered patio, creating a romantic ambiance perfect for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering with friends. The decor transports you to the heart of Italy, making you feel right at home in this delightful haven.

Start your meal with the Portabella Cream Of Mushroom Soup, a rich and decadent bowl drizzled with truffle oil that will awaken your senses with every spoonful. For the main course, the Jumbo Lobster Ravioli served with a luscious tomato basil cream sauce is a must-try, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to sophisticated flavor. For those craving heartier fare, the Pappardelle Alla Bolognese offers traditional slow-cooked meat sauce that is as comforting as it is flavorful, priced at just $31.

Vegetarians will delight in the Classic Wild Mushroom Risotto, featuring Arborio rice infused with the earthy tones of wild mushrooms and winter truffles, finished with a shower of Parmigiano Reggiano for that perfect Italian touch.

Feedback from diners echoes the joy of dining at Portabella. Jamie Kim shares, “The food was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy, and there was an elderly gentleman who was the sweetest and hospitable person in Carmel.” With similar sentiment, Adi Levinshtein raves about the crab bisque, marking it as the shining star of his meal, while D “Juanito” H emphasizes the restaurant's dedication to simplicity and bold flavors, dubbing it one of the best Italian experiences in town.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy lunch of an Avocado Chicken Sandwich or a delightful dinner that wraps up with a delightful dessert, Portabella promises a memorable dining experience that will linger in your heart and taste buds long after you’ve left.

Visit Portabella at +1 831-624-4395 to make your reservation, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary journey that brings a taste of Italy to the scenic shores of California.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

1692 Reviews
Jamie Kim

22 Sep 2025

Came here to celebrate a birthday for a friend on a Saturday evening. We all ordered the local red wine and the fish. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy, and there was an elderly gentleman who was the sweetest and hospitable person in Carmel. I would not hesitate to come back. This place was a cozy haven in the cold summer~

Wenbin Chiu

15 Sep 2025

During our recent trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, we had the pleasure of dining at Porta Bella, a charming Mediterranean-style restaurant tucked away in the heart of town. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the cozy, romantic ambiance — the ivy-covered patio with soft lighting made it feel like a hidden gem. For the main course, I ordered the seafood linguine, which came with generous portions of shrimp, scallops, and clams in a fragrant garlic white wine sauce. Every bite was fresh and flavorful. My wife had the filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection — tender, juicy, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. We finished our meal with the tiramisu, which was light, not too sweet, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and our server gave great wine pairing recommendations from their well-curated list. Overall, Porta Bella exceeded our expectations. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing lunch while exploring Carmel. We’d definitely return next time we’re in town.

Adi Levinshtein

08 Sep 2025

My recent lunch at Portabella in Carmel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with genuinely friendly service that made me feel welcome and attended to throughout my meal. The food truly stood out as exclusive and exceptionally well-prepared. The shining star of the meal, without a doubt, was the crab bisque. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly executed – a dish that truly elevated the entire dining experience. Portabella offers a wonderful atmosphere and an impressive menu. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable lunch in Carmel.

Mariana Boff

31 Jul 2025

Food was good. Beautiful environment, Nice service. Mushroom soup was delicious, bread with pesto also delicious. Carbonara was not a carbonara, it was a parpadelle with Alfredo sauce, mushroom and some greasy meat, unfortunately in my second bite was too heavy and fatty. Shot ribs was delicious!

D “Juanito” H

30 Jul 2025

It is ones if the best reviewed restaurants in town, and there are good reasons for it. The building is charming, like a small house on the Tuscany country side. Italian food is known for its simplicity and bold flavors, you will find exactly that here. There is nothing fancy about their preparations, but the flavor combination was divine, tender meats and perfectly cooked pasta, transitional Italian at its best. If they could tune down the saltines a bit, it would be perfect.

Steve A

09 Jul 2025

An Unforgettable Culinary Stop on Our Road Trip! We stopped at Portabella in Carmel during our California road trip, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of the journey. The cozy charm of the restaurant, combined with top-notch service and truly exceptional food, made for a fantastic experience. We ordered a variety of dishes to share and each one was outstanding: The seared scallops were perfectly caramelized on the outside, tender inside, and paired beautifully with a creamy risotto studded with sweet peas. The grilled lemon on the side was a great touch and elevated the whole plate. The risotto itself could have been a meal on its own—creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The portobello mushroom pasta was pure comfort food—earthy mushrooms, tender pasta ribbons, and a velvety cream sauce. And not to forget the beet salad—fresh, colorful, and refreshing, with vibrant citrus and creamy goat cheese adding a lovely balance. Everything was plated beautifully and cooked to perfection. We also appreciated the warm, welcoming service from the staff, who made us feel right at home. If you're in Carmel or passing through, Portabella is an absolute must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

M S

29 May 2025

What a delightful restaurant. We had reservations and were greeted warmly from the get go. The restaurant has a cozy and pleasant vibe. The food is so good, as the wine choices. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. We definitely will come again when in Carmel.

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