Updated January 2024
I first discovered Porta Rossa, founded in 1991 by Florence native Massimo Sardelli (d. 2021) and Sevillano Juan Manuel Balón (aka Piru), almost 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
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 January 2024