Meet Chef
Richard Micheli
The Micheli family is from the province of Massa andCarrara, in Tuscany. Chef Sergio Micheli was raised inGenoa and the surrounding Italian Riviera region.Portofino, within Liguria, is a picturesque Italian fishingvillage and resort. It is famous for its narrow harbor andhistorical association with celebrity visitors. Theextended Micheli family still resides in northern Italy.In 1993, three generations of Micheli chefs joinedforces as their son Richard, a graduate of thefamed Culinary Institute of America, began hiswork at the Portofino. He has combined his skillsfrom Culinary School with his father’s expertise tobring to Portofino’s patrons a unique diningexperience.
A family-owned Italian restaurant since 1970, offering a warm atmosphere and a selection of traditional and beloved dishes.

Omaggi di Nettuno

Polpettine

Fantasia al Cioccolato
The Portofino Restaurant was opened in 1970 by Chef Sergio Micheli alone with his father Adelmo. They brought to Crystal City, for the first time, Fine Northern Italian Cuisine. Through the next three decades, Sergio and his wife Pilar welcomed thousands and thousands of guests to their award-winning restaurant.
Groups are Welcome
We invite you to enjoy our private dining rooms, perfect for gatherings of 20 to 60 guests.
Available for Lunch and Dinner
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“I love this place!!!”
“On my first experiance of being in Washington my wife was excited to take me to Portofino Restaurant. To start the waiter was attentive and friendly, our selection of wine was perfect, the calamari was perfect, the salads and meals were well worth the wait. Loved it!”
JM – Local Guide
“Quaint and cozy”
“We really enjoyed eating here for my birthday. The staff was very friendly and responsive. The restaurant was quaint and cozy. The sauces were very rich and complex. I would recommend Portofino to friends and family! A little taste of Italy in the US”
DM – Local Guide
“I loved everything”
“My husband and I went there during our visit this past week and the food was outstanding! I loved everything, all the way down to the tiramisu. We will be back during our visit next year! If you’re in the area I highly recommend trying this place. You will not be disappointed!”
RW
“Wonderful food”
“Great, polite service and WONDERFUL food. Did not have one bite that wasn’t delicious. Dining excellence, still delivers every time with delicious food and great service. Atmosphere was just right. Not quite, but could talk easily at normal level.”
DD – Local Guide
Hours and Location
526 South 23rd St.
Arlington, VA 22202
703-979-8200
richard@
OPEN 5pm – 10pm
Open seven nights a week
Open for Lunch on Wednesdays
Visit The Portofino Restaurant Today!
