When we caught wind of Portofino, this low-key Italian joint stashed away in Zalasewo, we knew we had to see what the buzz was about. Located at Osiedle Sarmackie 1/1, just a short ride beyond Swarzędz, this place is all about serving up those authentic Italian vibes, courtesy of the owner and serious food lover, Dariusz Białas.

So, why make the trek out of Poznań when there are already so many dope spots in the city? Because real foodies know the best eats are worth the extra miles. Plus, escaping the city hustle for a more chilled dining scene can be just what you need.

When we rolled up, we found the entrance tucked away around the back—super low-key and kind of exclusive. There’s parking right out front if you’re driving, but let’s talk about the vibe. We grabbed a spot in the outdoor section, which is all glass. When the weather’s right, they slide those walls open, giving you the outdoor feels without worrying about rain sneaking up on you (you know how Poland is).

The Chow

Let’s get into the food. We kicked things off with the Beef Tartare (100g), served with pickled veggies, bread, and butter, all for a cool 42 PLN. The flavors were on point—rich, fresh, and seriously satisfying. Even my picky friend, who’s usually hard to impress, gave it a big thumbs up.

The Portofino

For the mains, we had to try their signature Portofino Pizza with pelati sauce, mozzarella fior di latte, prosciutto crudo, cherry tomatoes, arugula, parmesan, and oregano, priced at 45 PLN. This isn’t your average pizza—the crust is thin and super crunchy, giving it a unique edge that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. It’s a refreshing twist that we’re all about.

The Tagliatelle

We also had to try the Tagliatelle with Shrimp—think herb pesto, pistachios, ricotta, and grana padano, all coming together in a perfect flavor bomb. Honestly, if we’re nitpicking, a couple more shrimp would’ve been nice, but the dish was still fire and definitely worth ordering.

The Burger

And because we couldn’t resist, we also ordered the Onion Jam Burger + Fries for 47 PLN. This beast comes with a house-made bun, 200g of beef, bacon, onion rings, cheddar, arugula, and their signature onion jam. Let’s just say, Portofino knows how to do a burger right. The flavors were next-level, and it’s clear these guys don’t mess around.

The Liquid

We washed it all down with a Sex on the Beach and their signature Portofino cocktail. Both were packed with flavor and a healthy dose of alcohol—so, if you’re driving, maybe take it easy. But trust us, these drinks are worth every sip.

The Bottom Line

Portofino crushed it. The food was banging, the service was top-tier, and the vibe was just right. If you’re looking to try something new, this spot is totally worth the journey. And if you’re nearby or passing through Swarzędz, don’t sleep on this place. Even if you pick up a pizza to go.

Side Note: Getting There Without a Car

Too lazy to make the trip? No worries—they deliver. No car? No problem. The quickest way to get there from Poznań is to hop on the 18 tram at Rondo Rataje, ride it to Franowo, then switch to the 425 bus heading to Zalasewo Planetarna Szkoła. The whole trip takes about 30 minutes, and the bus stop drops you off right outside the restaurant. Easy, right? No excuses now—real foodies would be committing a crime by missing this one.