Reno Restaurant Profile Mario’s Portofino Ristorante

After occupying a converted Pizza Hut building across from the Peppermill for nearly ten years while growing their business, Roberto and Mindi Gulizia decided to make a leap of faith and move their very popular Italian restaurant – Mario’s Portofino Ristorante Italiano – to a much larger, more sophisticated and efficient location. Now located at the corner of Mt. Rose St. and So.Virginia in the Virginia Street Plaza (formerly the Sports West Plaza), business has been growing steadily for Mario’s Portofino – named after the owners’ son, since opening  in 1998.

With a new larger kitchen, Chef Roberto, who was born in and learned his culinary skills in Milan, Italy, has expanded the menu and has created some exciting and unique dishes. If you’re an appetizers person, be sure to try the Polenta Porcini, grilled polenta with porcini mushrooms and gorgonzola. You must also try the Carpaccio, wafer thin sliced beef with arugula, capers, and shaved parmesan, drizzled with olive oil (it’s as big as a salad). One of my favorites entrees, not found in a lot of Italian joints is Spaghetti Carbonara, hot spaghetti tossed with eggs, panchetta (Italian bacon), cream, and plenty of parmesan cheese. For those looking for a seafood fix, the Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare (Seafood Risotto… and no there’s not any fruit in it) is a creamy arborio rice dish loaded with a tempting array of assorted seafood (you’ll always find at least a half dozen very large succulent shrimp).

The décor is truly Tuscan. Mustard, brick, burgundy, and terra cotta colors abound, centered by a long granite cocktail bar and a huge wine wall, which has an extensive wine list of domestic and international selections. Roberto and Mindi constantly wander the dining room, ensuring your meal is perfect and your experience memorable. Happy hour is from 4-6pm, and early bird dinner specials are from 5-6:30pm.

Text by Bob Carnahan

1505 S. Virginia St.

Reno, NV 89509

775.825.7779

http://www.mariosportofino.com/