Dining In Cochrane Alberta {Portofino Ristorante}
Post Last Modified – June 15, 2023 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
Enjoy Fine Casual Dining At Portofino Italian Ristorante
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If your travel plans have you visiting the Province of Alberta 🍁 Canada and you’re going to be near the City of 🐎 Calgary, then you simply must treat yourself to some of the best dining in Cochrane Alberta.
A hidden 💎 gem located right downtown is a wonderful Italian restaurant, that has been successfully operated in the City of Cochrane since 2004.
This is a family run business that’s a favorite among locals and returning visitors for many years!
Brief History Of Portofino Italian Ristorante
Your friendly host and the restaurant’s owner {Pierre}, has worked in the restaurant industry for over 40 years, in the Provinces of Quebec and Alberta.
His final resting point for the last number of years has been at this location in the lovely City of Cochrane.
The name Portofino refers to the “last port” or “final destination,” and is also a popular tourist and Italian 🎣 fishing resort on the Italian Riviera.
Pierre has said that after the many years in the industry, it is here at his Portofino Ristorante, that his best and final achievement is to be made.
Portofino Italian Ristorante A Family Affair
It appears that his family is definitely following his footsteps, with one working as the restaurants main chef and another as a very accomplished waiter.
As luck had it, our waiter for the evening was Pierre’s son, who we had the pleasure of meeting and who served our dinner.
Portofino – Serving Traditional Italian Cuisine
The menu is vast, with an Italian flair that is sure to please most everyone dining here.
There’s a wide selection of entrees to choose from including; traditional pasta and risotto dishes, delicious fresh soups and salads, chicken, veal, beef and seafood selections.
There’s also daily specials that are sure please and that my wife enjoyed for her dinner on this visit. The bar is complete with a detailed 🍷 wine list as well, to accompany your meal.
The restaurant is casual but very tastefully decorated, with comfortable seating and service second to none. Pierre is always about, making sure your meal and service is to your satisfaction.
It’s very easy to see when you first step into the restaurant, a great deal of labor of love has been devoted into this business over the years.
It goes without saying, that this is the reason why it is and has been so successful for many years.
Dining In Cochrane Must Include Portofino Restaurante
Below, is just a sneak peek at what you can expect when coming in for lunch or dinner here at Portofino’s.
Fresh Crab Bisque
This was a special for the evening and one our waiter highly recommended. This was a delicious thick and creamy fresh crab bisque.
It was absolutely to die for, having you wanting more and more!
This was a great starter for our main course following.
House Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad prepared in their unique house dressing, topped with parmesan cheese. Your table receives a freshly baked warm loaf of bread to accompany your appetizers and/or meal.
Traditional Baked Lasagna
I couldn’t wait to come for dinner and enjoy one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes, that of baked lasagna.
Also freshly baked with loads of cheese on top, this dish was huge in portion size and tasted absolutely homemade and delightful!
In fact, the portion was so large that I had to take some home with me for lunch the next day. 🙂
Grilled Tenderloin
My wife selected the grilled tenderloin dish which was the evening special, but also on the main menu for you to enjoy anytime as well.
Tender slices of tenderloin served with a thick and rich Italian gorgonzola crème cheese sauce and pasta on the side.
Another excellent choice!
Tiramisu
For dessert we simply had to share the house specialty, Tiramisu. This is a classic Italian cake dessert and was moist and delicious.
Served with a cup of hot coffee, it was a great way to end a fabulous dinner at this very popular restaurant.
Cochrane Alberta is a lovely city nestled alongside the beautiful Bow River and located just minutes west of the City of Calgary.
Old Town Cochrane has been revitalized and has become major tourist attraction filled with shops and restaurants.
Sadly at this time, Google search results show the restaurant as {Permanently Closed}. This is in all likelihood, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis that has affected so many small businesses.
I will keep you posted, should they open their doors once again.
I’ve also listed the 🐎 Official Cochrane Tourism website page, for your convenience. It’s filled with excellent information on everything this beautiful part of the Province of Alberta has to offer.
🗺 Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for exact location. 🗺
😎 Safe and Healthy Travels!
Although our visit was in collaboration with Portofino Italian Restaurante, rest assured all content and opinions are that of the author and reflect my personal experience only.
All personal 📸 photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. 🚫
✨ Did You Know …
📖 Planning Alberta Holidays – The Canadian Rockies
🌅 Canadian Rockies Hot Springs – Travel Guide
🏕 Camping Near Cochrane Alberta – Bow Rivers Edge
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