I first discovered Porta Rossa, founded in  1991 by Florence native Massimo Sardelli (d. 2021) and Sevillano Juan Manuel Balón (aka Piru), about 30 years ago at their original location in Pastor y Landero. A wonderfully cosy spot that became my go-to place to celebrate birthdays (a tradition that has recently been revived). In 2001 they moved to larger and brighter digs just around the corner, but maintained the comfortable ambiance and excellent service.

The menu includes cheese and charcuterie plates, antipasti, pasta dishes, a selection of risottos and carpaccios, along with excellent fish and meat dishes. All the fresh pastas are made on the premises, and there’s not a pizza in sight. Love the asparagus in pastry starter, and the wonderful gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce. The grilled turbot in a pink peppercorn cream sauce and Galician beef tenderloin in a black peppercorn and vodka sauce are a couple of personal favourites. But I really think it’s hard to go wrong here, so just bring your appetite and enjoy. The wine list is a pleasant mix of Italian and Spanish references. Love this place a lot.

Arenal 5
tel. 954 216 139
Open 14.00 – 15.30 Tuesday-Wednesday-Sunday
14.00 – 15.30/ 20.45 – 22.45 Thursday-Friday-Saturday
€ € € €

Food 9 | Wine 9 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8

starters & olives

asparagus & cheese in pastry with cheese & asparagus sauce

artichoke crepes with mascarpone and parmesan sauce

spinach salad with bacon and green apple

rocket salad with mushrooms and shaved parmesan

tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad

Angus beef carpaccio with parmesan shavings

melanzane alla parmigiana

ravioli filled with minced boletus & pine nuts
with a cream, rosemary and parmesan sauce

spinach & cheese gnocchi and ravioli with butter sauce

gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese sauce

turbot

grilled beef sirloin with arrugula and green peppercorn sauce

escalopine milanese

grilled beef sirloin with slivered potatos and seta mushrooms
in black pepper & vodka sauce

 birthday treat!

Juan Manuel Balón (aka Piru)

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Updated May 2025