Porta Nera

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1. m

   mklmg

   Cincinnati

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service2ambience2

   let's talk food and pricing first. the menu is very limited and we thought the food was mediocre to good at best (the pasta alfredo made at the table was by far the best dish of the night), nothing special at all, and the prices were "OC" - over charge - for the food that we got. everything is ala carte - so for $23 all you get is pasta, nothing else (and the serving was small). bread and salad is an extra charge ($7 each). i ordered the eggplant parmesan (3 small rounds of eggplant) that came with spaghetti. i asked to substitute a side salad for the pasta and was told i would have to pay ($7) for a side salad. so, to have pasta alfredo with bread and a salad will run you $34!! our wait staff was doubling as the bartender (or was it the other way around?), so they got to us when they were not busy at the bar - and the bar was definitely the priority. the evening was disappointing all the way around. we will not be running back to eat here again.

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2. DW

   DanW

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   May have just been an off night and may have been what we ordered, but thought the food was below average for the price. Service was lacking and overall ambience was not what we were hoping for at the price.

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3. JB

   JanineB

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   Very expensive for portion size. They charge for bread $7. Charge is $6 for a cup of extra dressing. Lasagna had little flavor, was burned on the bottom & was mostly noodles. Special entree was tableside alfredo. Cart was left out in the way of general traffic when not in use. Preparer did no wear gloves or clean hands from one serving to the next. Terrible value. Will not go back.

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4. C

   Cincygirl

   Cincinnati

   27 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   27 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Everything was fine but they forgot our salads. They were taken off the bill. Not sure about paying 7.00 for bread??

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   So excited for the new owners! Table side Alfredo was awesome! Even booked a huge family gathering for Easter weekend! Looking forward to going back!

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6. MW

   MichelleW

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Our food was excellent and the service was great. We enjoyed the drinks and their clever names. The only thing that bothered me was paying $7 for the bread which is normally complimentary at an Italian restaurant. Had they been amazing, I would have been okay with it but the rolls were just okay.

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7. d

   deedee123

   Cincinnati

   218 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   218 reviews

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food as well as the service were wonderful.

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8. SK

   SharonK

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Food was above average. Service was slow. Waiter did his best and was hustling the entire time but he just had too many tables to take care of. They desperately need to hire more staff.

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9. WG

   WendyG

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   2.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   I really wanted to love this place. We had a 6pm reservation for 4. Ordered bread and cheesesticks. To say that we were wildly underwhelmed with the cheese sticks is an understatement. They were definitely of the frozen variety.Butter was hard as a rock for bread that was barely warm and had to pay for. Most Italian restaurants have complementary bread. I was expecting something outstanding. Food took an hour after ordering to arrive. For the price, I expected to be blown away, and I definitely was not. Even after all that, we were willing to bet the house on dessert. But that didn't happen because our server never came back to check until everyone was done eating for 15 minutes, and I was over it. I just wanted to pay and leave.

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10. P

    Pete

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    Entrees were good. Cheese sticks were not. Looked like frozen. Paying $7 for 6 store bought ciabatta rolls not a good value. Every Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to does not charge for bread. Waitress not very friendly. Decor very outdated & doesn’t have the feel of an Italian restaurant. However, all 4 of us really liked our entrees. Very good sauce. Lasagne very good. Might go back but not for the bread or appetizers.

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our new favorite restaurant for Alfredo!! Everything was wonderful but the Alfredo and noodles were amazing!

    Porta NeraResponded on March 14, 2023Thank you!

    Report
12. AW

    AmberW

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4

    Extremely high prices for very small portions of basic tasting food. No sides or salad included and you have to pay for bread and butter.

    Porta NeraResponded on March 14, 2023Amber, If you think our portions are small then I don't know what to tell you. We have never offered free salads or sides so im not sure where your expectation came from. Maybe try a buffet?

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13. P

    Pete

    Cincinnati

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perfect in every way !! The Table Side Fettuccine Alfredo made personally by the Chef/Owner is a must have. Spaghetti and Meatballs is a cut above all others that I have ever tried. Porta Nera is what defines an Italian American Restaurant.

    Porta NeraResponded on March 14, 2023Thank you!

    Report
14. EJ

    ErinJ

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    Service was the downfall here. The food could have been decent had it been served timely.

    Porta NeraResponded on March 14, 2023Erin, A party of six at 8pm on a busy saturday night being finished in an hour and 45 minutes is faster than industry standards. We make everything to order. Good food takes time. If you want your dinner out on a saturday night to be faster then go someplace where quality is sacrificed for speed.

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15. L

    Lubanga

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Food was great. Loved the cheese wheel. Excellent service. Decent wine selection and dessert options. Definitely a place to revisit in future.

    Porta NeraResponded on March 14, 2023Thank you!

    Report
16. JL

    JoeL

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5

    Strongly recommend this restaurant. If you go. Ask NOT to be seated in Jordan’s section. Horrible service!! I am consistently 25%-30% minimum tipper, was so bad I left 0. Watching other sections this was a Jordan issue and not the restaurant, I will go back!

    Report
17. EN

    ErichN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We went for our anniversary. The server was super friendly. The food was delicious. The owner took out picture in front of the fountain. They had someone playing the accordion live. It was a great night.

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18. HF

    HFugett

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Really enjoyed our meal. I would say the portion size vs price is a little high. But overall the food quality was good, and service was wonderful.

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    Service was unattentive

    Report
20. RT

    RobertT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    Food was good but it took 10 minutes once we were seated at the table for anyone to notice us. Didn't see her smile once. We will try other places before ever going back.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2

    We came in for St. Valentine’s Day this week and were excited to try a new place. Overall, it was a less than fair experience. I felt that the price did not reflect the quality of the food. For instance, the bread and butter is $7, but the bread is seemingly frozen then thawed and reheated making it hard on the outside and difficult to eat. Along with the butter that was fresh out of a fridge and difficult to spread on the bread. Such a small detail, but it does make a difference. On top of that the service was unfortunately not much better. Our server was over sat and couldn’t take care of all of his tables effectively. I felt bad for them, but ultimately we didn’t receive much attention or much of any dialogue with them, which is more of a management issue. I hope the restaurant can at least get better bread. I know that would make a world of difference to the guests waiting on their entrees instead of gnawing on some chewy bread.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you for supporting small business with your one star anonymous review. My employees, whose livelihoods depends on this restaurant, really appreciate it.

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22. k

    kgman

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    Have been to this restaurant twice since it replaced Vincenzo's. The menu has fewer selections than the prior owners had. I think the prices are higher, and I don't think the experience is worth the added cost. I am waiting for the restaurant to mature a little more - add more selections to the menu (how about soup?) and take another look at pricing (additional cost for a basket of bread?)

    Porta NeraResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you for coming. Higher prices are the result of higher costs. Every restaurant is adjusting prices to cope with the current conditions.

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23. BH

    BenH

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Excellent night out for Italian with the family for Valentine's Day!

    Porta NeraResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you!

    Report
24. CS

    CarlS

    Cincinnati

    105 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    105 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Food was very good. Service was good but the entree came out too quickly. It was Before we had finished our salads and appetizers.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you!

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The service was slow because a server called off, but we still enjoyed dining there. We ordered the bread with garlic butter, sausage and peppers, chicken piccata, and salmon. We enjoyed it all but the polenta and salmon were a bit bland. Everything else was nicely seasoned and tasty. We wanted to try the cannoli, but they were out. We'll definitely go back and try more dishes.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 7, 2023Thank you for coming. We apologize for your polenta and salmon. That's unacceptable. Reach out to us for a complimentary cannoli on your next visit.

    Report
26. SG

    SidneyG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Food was undercooked for multiple people at our table, not worth the price.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 7, 2023Sidney, I understand that you may be used to overcooked pastas from other restaurants, but we insist on serving perfectly al dente pasta here at Porta Nera. Thank you for coming.

    Report
27. j

    jeffs

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    Great food - we had the chicken parmesan, seafood risotto, and caesar salad, ending with a delicious cannoli. A couple of sticking points … The restaurant is very cold. I have seen others comment on this in the past. We kept our coats on. I would love for owners to give us an update. Also, $7 for bread is a bit ridiculous. I understand that it is ciabatta rolls and garlic butter, but it feels like one step away from charging for water.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 7, 2023Jeff, Thank you for coming and thank you for your feedback. Charging for bread and butter has become necessary and is very common these days. As for the heat, it has been fixed and the rest of our guests found the dining room very comfortable on the night you visited. I'm sorry you felt it was cold.

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28. NS

    NancyS

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The veal parmasean is the best we have ever had at any Italian restaurant.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 7, 2023Thank you!!

    Report
29. KD

    KenD

    Cincinnati

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Another great dinner and wine with friends. We highly recommend Porta Nera.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you Ken!

    Report
30. B

    peggyB

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience5

    It was freezing in the restaurant, had to keep my coat on and still cold. The waitress did say that they were working on the problem. Other than that, it was fabulous.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 1, 2023Peggy, We do apologize for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, the HVAC went out before we opened. We are currently working on the problem and repairs are currently underway. We hope you would give Porta Nera another chance in the future.

    Report
31. AT

    AndyT

    Cincinnati

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2

    The food was better than expected. Service could have been better but overall, it was a good experience.

    Porta NeraResponded on February 7, 2023Thank you! As a new restaurant we are always working to improve the experience for our guests.

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience2

    We heard about the new Italian restaurant and were excited to try it. But our experience was not very good. The kitchen was overwhelmed (at least that’s what the waitress told us) and we waited a long time for our apps and entrees. We didn’t care too much about that, however, because we were with friends we hadn’t seen in a while. When the food came, the mussels were not good. The majority didn’t open in cooking, which usually indicates that they were undercooked or bad. Then the risotto was also undercooked and seemed like they added a canned sauce to it. We only ate part of our entrees because it was Very disappointing. They did take the mussels and one risotto off the bill which we weren’t expecting, so at least they did the right thing. Also, the chef came out to the table and apologized. We really appreciated that since we really aren’t the type of people to complain. We are hoping they can get their act together and iron out their issues.

    Porta NeraResponded on January 29, 2023Mr Shapiro, I wish we could have met under better circumstances. We appreciate your patience and hope to see you again soon.

    Report
33. Q

    Qualitywsmiles

    Cincinnati

    52 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2

    Been 2x, food is good

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3

    Place was good, food wasn’t that good but worth the money nice place

    Porta NeraResponded on January 26, 2023Thank you very much for your review. We strive to provide guests with an incomparable total dining experience each and every night. In this case, it appears we fell short. Please contact us and tell us more about your dining experience. We hope you give us another chance to improve.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    It was late at night, so it was quiet because no one was there. The service was good overall. However, the rigatoni pasta was very undercooked. The meat sauce made up for it since it was extremely mouth watering, but the pasta was so undercooked that it just ruined the experience a little.

    Porta NeraResponded on January 26, 2023Thank you very much for your review. We strive to provide guests with an incomparable total dining experience each and every night. In this case, it appears we fell short. Please contact us and tell us more about your dining experience. We hope you give us another chance to improve.

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36. ID

    IngaD

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience2

    Salmon tasted like an iron skillet. Spaghetti sauce tasted like it came from a jar. Ordered a reisling and got a moscato

    Porta NeraResponded on January 14, 2023Inga, We don't use iron skillets. We make our own tomato sauce and it definitely does not taste like it came from a jar. You ordered Moscato and received Moscato. It sounds like your sense of taste was off. Thank you for coming anyway.

    Report
37. MG

    MamaG

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience3

    The veal piccata was delicious! Was disappointed they sold out of the roasted beet salad was looking forward to trying it.

    Report
38. DC

    DebbieC

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    The server was very nice, but we could tell that there was very little training given to the bartender or the servers.

    Report
39. Q

    Qualitywsmiles

    Cincinnati

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We were a group of four. Each of us had a different entree. The food was absolutely amazing plus it came to the table hot. The service was also friendly and welcoming which was appreciated. We will definitely be returning. I should also mention the menu was very interesting and very tasty so there were many great choices to choose from. Great job

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40. M

    Matt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful place to enjoy dinner over a bottle of wine. My wife and I went there, not really trying to keep the price down- and even with a bottle of wine on top of antipasti to start- and it was just over 100 bucks. For a date night, great food, and a nice cozy spot and very ambient noise levels, I’d say it’s hard to beat! Service was great, everyone seemed informative and polite. We will definitely be going back!

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