Portino's Restaurant

As we were driving in the area for work we passed by this little Italian spot which seemed to be in the middle of small town USA. I was like, we need to turn around and try that spot. Probably the best decision we made that day. It’s a Hispanic family that owns it and let me say, being Italian and knowing Italian food, Portinos is on point and so justice to Italian cuisine with a little bit of their twist to it. The flavors are dynamic in smell and taste. I went with a simple capellini pasta with sauce and meats balls with a side of sausages as pictured in my review. My co-worker ordered an Alfredo sauce mixed with a red sauce topped with sausages. Very different taste profiles. I chose to keep it simple and let the sauce speak authenticity. Let me say Portinos didn’t disappoint! The sauce is fantastic! Not overly acidic at all and well balanced in flavor. I was impressed with how they played their food. Very happy with this experience. Happy eating!!

For the price, location, and quality, you really can't beat it. This is the best Italian food in Valley Center. We went to dine-in for dinner first. We got spaghetti and meatballs, chicken piccata, and a hot sandwich. All of it was really good. Our server was also awesome. She was really attentive, patient, and answered our questions well. Then we went back to pick up a pizza. We got the Portino's special and it was pretty good. The cashier also gave great customer service on this visit! Definitely would recommend. If you're looking for good pizza or italian food kn Valley Center, this is the place to be.

One of the best restaurant we have visited in a while. While staying at a local RV park we were recommended to eat at Portinos. Service was great. Bread stick o’my hot and melts in your mouth with olive oil. But the desert are the best. Just pick one, anyone. All are great. A must stop every time we come through Chattanooga.

Ordered the Philly cheese steak. Have several suggestions to make it taste substantially better. First cook the meat with the cheese and onions on it. That will give the bland meat some flavor. Don't have the cheese burnt into the hard bread. We didn't even realize there was cheese in the dish. Next, change the bread being used. It was like a firm biscuit. The place itself was cute and we hope to come back but will try a different dish with hopefully better results .

This is the 2nd time we have been here and both times the service was poor. Tonight they sat us down after taken the order and that was it. We had to go to the front to ask for drinks and salad to be served before our pizza arrived. They brought drinks but no salad. When we finally got our pizza and salad together 45 mins later the pizza was barely warm. We were told that the order was mistakenly placed as a to go order and it had been sitting waiting for pick up. Next time we will make the trip to Temecula.