Portabella
Portabella offers a charming, old-world ambiance with French and Italian cuisine, featuring a dog-friendly patio.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Portabella
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Portabella offers a charming, old-world ambiance with French and Italian cuisine, featuring a dog-friendly patio.
"An unforgettable culinary stop with cozy charm and truly exceptional food."
Secret Dog-Friendly Spot
Ask for the secret dog-friendly spot inside for a cozy, 'outside' feel with windows and a roof.
Share to Savor More
Consider sharing appetizers or dishes to sample more of the menu without overindulging.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French, Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cozy Old-World Ambiance
Experience a warm, inviting atmosphere with rustic European charm, perfect for romantic dinners or casual outings.
Dog-Friendly Patio Dining
Dine al fresco with your furry companion on the charming flagstone patio, a delightful experience for pet owners.
Mouthwatering Seafood & Pasta
Savor exquisite dishes like perfectly cooked scallops, creamy risotto, and fresh seafood linguine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secret Dog-Friendly Spot
Ask for the secret dog-friendly spot inside for a cozy, 'outside' feel with windows and a roof.
Share to Savor More
Consider sharing appetizers or dishes to sample more of the menu without overindulging.
Seafood Recommendations
Reviewers rave about seafood; try the scallops with lemon butter sauce for an exceptional taste.
Fresh Pasta Expectations
While pasta is recommended, ensure it meets your expectations for freshness and preparation.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secret Dog-Friendly Spot
Ask for the secret dog-friendly spot inside for a cozy, 'outside' feel with windows and a roof.
Share to Savor More
Consider sharing appetizers or dishes to sample more of the menu without overindulging.
Seafood Recommendations
Reviewers rave about seafood; try the scallops with lemon butter sauce for an exceptional taste.
Fresh Pasta Expectations
While pasta is recommended, ensure it meets your expectations for freshness and preparation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Portabella is praised for its cozy, old-world ambiance and delicious French and Italian cuisine. Guests frequently highlight dishes like creamy mushroom risotto, perfectly cooked scallops, and tender short ribs. However, some diners have noted issues with slow service and occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, with one review specifically mentioning a carbonara dish not meeting expectations.
"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!"
Steve A
"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."
Adi Levinshtein
"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."
Wenbin Chiu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Portabella has a charming flagstone patio that is dog-friendly. Some guests prefer to ask for a specific 'secret' dog-friendly spot inside.
Guests frequently rave about the creamy mushroom risotto, scallops, short ribs, and seafood linguine. The crab bisque also receives high praise.
The restaurant is known for its cozy, old-world ambiance and rustic European charm, with a romantic feel, especially on the patio.
Yes, some reviews mention a guitar player providing live music during dinner, adding to the dining experience.
Service is generally described as warm and welcoming, though some reviews mention it can be slow, particularly during busy times.
Yes, making reservations is recommended, especially for weekends or special occasions.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Portabella 617 reviews Closed … heinrich-roth-schule montabaur https://www.tripadvisor.com/RestaurantsNear-g49113-d1150347-PebbleBeachCondominiums-EmeraldIsleNorthCarolina.html 3208 Pebble Beach Dr, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 MLS# 6531044 https://www.tripadvisor.com/RestaurantsNear-g32867-d127857-PebbleBeachGolfLinks-PebbleBeachMontereyCountyCalifornia.html WebApr 11, 2014 · Yep, Fred Couples. He's 54 and ranked No. 521 in the world, but Couples discovers the fountain of youth every time he visits Augusta in April. He shot 1-under 71 in Thursday's opening round of the ...
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants In Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
This elegant restaurant gives you a bright setting in a friendly atmosphere, accompanied by mouthwatering food that you can share with your eating partners over joyful conversations. You can choose to sit under the roof or if you have your dog with you, you are also more than welcome to enjoy your meal on the flagstone patio, where you can have a good view of the city. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner with a range of Italian, French, and seafood dishes to choose from.
The Carmel Journals | Fairy Tale Cottages & Historic Buildings Tour – part 2
As part of the court is also the pretty Tudor style (non-historic) building that houses PortaBella restaurant downstairs, and the magical shop that is The White Rabbit upstairs. You can find out more about the whimsical White Rabbit shop at this post. Designed by Lee Gottfried, this cottage was commissioned by novelist Harry Leon to house his third wife’s flower shop, The Blooming Basement.
The Best Restaurants in Carmel-By-The-Sea
Located in the heart of Ocean Avenue in Carmel, this small, quaint restaurant is all about old-world decor and rustic European charm and they have a great outdoor patio area. With a focus on French and Italian dishes, our menu highlights were the avocado chicken sandwich, oven-braised short ribs, and the lemon dijon garlic chicken.
Dog-friendly Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Unique Features: PortaBella’s elegant dining experience extends to its dog-friendly patio, where you and your pet can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The beautiful garden setting is perfect for a relaxing meal, with staff providing water bowls and a warm welcome for your dog. Address: Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel Travel Guide
PortaBella: one of the cutest places in town to have lunch at, especially if you can snag a seat at the front of the house!. Here, you’ll find delicious bisques, seafood appetizers, salads, burgers and a large assortment of entrees: salmon, ribs, chicken and fish!
Local Tips | Cozy & Romantic Carmel
The morning flies by and you've only made a dent in the shops, but an elegantly relaxed lunch awaits at La Bicyclette, Porta Bella, Basil or Little Napoli. These are just a few of the many notable establishments for which quaint yet cosmopolitan Carmel is famous.
A Dog Friendly Guide to Carmel
The Mediterranean restaurant PortaBella invites dog owners to sit in their enclosed back patio. Because it is covered on all sides, heated and furnished as their main dining rooms, we felt like we were inside. This is a great option for cold nights.
Dog Friendly Carmel: How to Enjoy Carmel-by-the-sea With a Dog
PortaBella: Situated in the heart of Carmel, this dog friendly Carmel restaurant delights with its Italian cuisine and dog-friendly patio, allowing you to savor traditional flavors while your four-legged companion lounges by your side.
My Top 6 Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
It offers its guests a magnificent ocean atmosphere, fresh seafood and ingredients, live music, and an accommodating staff that will take care of your dining needs and can expertly pair dishes and wines.
Food – Best of Monterey Bay® Visitors Guide 2023-2024 | Visitors
Here you can choose between Spanish, French or Italian cuisine, paired with a glass of California wine. Those are good options to have. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel.
The 6 Best Gluten-Free Italian Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Very good service and very accommodating to special needs diets such as gluten free and dairy free . Our server Veronica was very helpful and dinner service was paced just right
Explore Dog-Friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Other dog-friendly restaurants in the area include PortaBella (Mediterranean cuisine), Forge in the Forest (All-American delights) and Treehouse Cafe (International cuisine).
DINING AL FRESCO IN CARMEL
For lunch or dinner, it’s hard to beat Porta Bella’s picturesque sidewalk seating in the Court of the Golden Bough.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit