Portofino, Auckland

i really like the sevice here because they r really nice to their costumers and they r always make u laugh.And their food is beutifull!!!!

We ate at the Viaduct Basin branch. The food was horrible and the service staff lacking in knowledge. We ordered oysters and when they arrived we inquired on where they were from. The waiter told us he did not know, and after coming back from the kitchen, told us that the chef told him they were from the sea. Already skeptical, we thought they tasted off, so we left more than half the portion on the plate. We also ordered what was listed as a tricolore salad and were surprised to receive an insalata caprese containing, of all things, balsamic vinegar as well as a dense and yellowish excuse for mozzarella. The third dish we ordered was "Gino's Mussels". Although this was edible, most of the mussels were not properly cleaned and still had their beards on. Unacceptable. Take our advice and avoid this place.

This was our last day in Aukland and we just happened upon this restaurant. The food was excellent and we were able to enjoy the outdoor dining. I wish we had the opportunity in the US to have such a place so we could enjoy it more often. If we are ever back in New Zealand we would definitely seek this out again.

i cannot believe wat happened last nite in taupos portafinos, here how it goes.... we turned up for my girlfriends 22nd birthday and we got taken to our seats at this time there was14 people and we still had a 6 more to come, we were seated at 8pm and while we were all talking a snotty lady came up and asked us were the other people were and my gf said that they were still coming it was her bf family the lady then started to argue wid my gf saying she had to use the table that we had book, so rude!! anyway the lady ended up taking the table and 2mins later the rest of the group was here standing around, not knowing were to sit! we all then had to squeeze around to try fit every1! we waited and waited to be severved not even a drinks menu was offered we had to way waiters down. we got sum garlic bread and we were waiting to order our mains and at 9.15 an hour and a bit after we got our 'table' we finally were able to order our mains, then the waiter came up 15mins after we had order to say they didnt have sum of the stuff...... that was it for us the whole table of 20+ got up and left then wen we were going they wanted the money 4 a few beers and garlic bread so i got out my wallet and went to pay my share and she tryed to charge me $74.00 for it saying that we couldnt all pay separately!!! they threatin to ring the police and wouldnt let us leave the bf father ended up paying.. the service was just unbelieveable im a local and i work in the hospitality industry and i was gobed smacked!!! how these people acted was rude, the i quote "comfortable and relaxed atmosphere... great service..a warm welcome.." was not wat we got.. and the head cheif was sitting outside in a singlet, smoking and havin a beer was distasteful, in all it was a memorable bday one that we will not forget and i would not recomend this restraunt in taupo ever....

The service in this restaurant is really bad. I urge the management of this restaurant to improve on checking the quality of the service being provided by their staff. We dined in this restaurant once and we were ignored a lot by the service team. The positive though for this restaurant is its food. Kudos to the chef and its cooking team.

Could improve on the waitressing, we were ignored a bit. Food is superb. Best i've EVER tasted. It's hard to find a restaurant who gives you loads of food thats so delicious that you want to force yourself to eat it all to get your money's worth for all the other crap restaurants you wasted your time and money on in the past. a bit deer, but you will know where your money went and know it was worth it. Awesome views and romantic atmosphere. MUST try.