Portofino Italian - Palmerston North

Staff were super friendly, however, the food was terrible. We had a table of 3, 2 at our table ordered chicken dishes (one salad and one parma). Both noted the chicken was extremely dry. I had the seafood main. The Prawns were overcooked and almost crispy and the clams were just shells with nothing in them. The majority of the dish was Spaghetti. The restaurant was well set out and felt like a place you could enjoy whether it be with work, friends or family (including children), so it's a shame about the food. Palmerston North location

Food did not appear to be cooked fresh and more likely microwaved lasagna. Cabonarra sauce was like packet sauce no flavour. Service was great nice looking restaurant,wondered why it was empty. Not recommended

Spent almost $110 on dinner for 2 just to get insulted by who I presumed to be the manager. We got 2 cocktails first which were nice, followed by a starter of bruschetta $15.50 for 2 small pieces of bread). I then ordered a chicken salad and my partner ordered fettuccine. Both virtually the same price. The chicken in my salad was dry and definitely wasn't worth the cost. At the end of the meal, the manager said they were all talking in the kitchen about someone who ordered a chicken salad. She proceeded to insult the choice and told me to order something else next time. If she didn't want me ordering a salad, why was it on the menu to begin with? Definitely won't be returning to try other options.

Careful upon opening the water which is at the table when you arrive. It's $10/bottle. Quite a trap for people caught unaware that water which is usually free is actually charged. Owner doesn't mind .. he's gaining $10 so won't be removing them and offering free water which is served. Poor sales .. won't be going back.

Amazing restaurant, absolutely delicious food and fantastic service. We only travel from Wellington to Palmerston North for this restaurant. The manager and the team that worked tonight (21/5/22) were so wonderful. They were very busy today and I had mistakenly not booked before arrival. Before they even knew that we were here only for this restaurant, they felt so welcome to the stress of catering for their busy restaurant. They were able and so busy, an hour to close time so they no longer made orders, but they made an exception for us. I guess so much. Will be safe again as soon as we can. I recommend everyone coming to PN to stop here! Palmerston North is very happy to have this restaurant and team.