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Portola Bistro, Portola Valley, CA

Portola Bistro

4.5
4.5
64 Reviews
$30 and under
European

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 4 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Portola Bistro is a vibrant new dining destination offering a blend of European flavors with an emphasis on French, Italian, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a California flair. The restaurant features a warm and inviting atmosphere, an indoor space, heated patio, and bar, and wood-fired pizza oven. With a carefully crafted menu, Portola Bistro is poised to become the go-to spot for memorable dining experiences in Portola Valley.

The restaurateurs are well-loved for their other popular Bay Area restaurant—Barbayani Taverna in Los Altos.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    European
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 800-7248
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 64 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Portola Bistro in Portola Valley shines with its "excellent food and service" in a "warm and attractive environment." Guests rave about inventive dishes like the lamb pappardelle and coconut creme brulee. While some note noise and bar limitations, the "courteous" staff and "delicious" meals make it a local favorite.

64 Reviews
  1. Anita

    San Francisco4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was excellent. We had calamari and fried artichoke appetizers, warm Napa cabbage salad, avocado toast, and their fig/procuitto pizza. The service was a little uneven (took a long time to get started with our order, tried to take away dishes too soon). But we will go back because the food is very good.

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  2. Roy VIP

    San Francisco111 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The first few times we went I was prepared to cut them some slack on the food, thinking that they were still learning. But it's the same now and it's really only OK. The menu is kind of all over the place and execution just isn't very good. Time for a refresh, especially with Taverna now open next door.

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  3. fcdiners

    San Francisco3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall, good dining experience. Ordered the burger and asked without cheese, but it came with cheese anyway. Did not complain because it would take too much time to have it redone. Other than that, had a good time dining there.

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  4. Richard VIP

    San Francisco74 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our first time at Portola Bistro and it was for lunch. Great food and wine selection. Wait staff was polite and attentive. We ate inside as it was a little cold for us outside. We will be back for lunch and dinner in the near future. The food reminds us of a French and Italian combination. We always sat outside when it was called the Portola Kitchen and also enjoyed our time there.

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  5. Sean VIP

    San Francisco8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience beginning to end.  Staff and the food was amazing. Can't wait to come back 

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  6. Laurie VIP

    San Francisco26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I wish I knew our female server’s name for our Saturday brunch. She was so courteous, professional and was open to slight modifications on the menu items. The courses were paced perfectly along with exceptional wine service. Can’t wait to return!

    1 person found this helpful

  7. OpenTable Diner VIP

    San Francisco15 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Waiter pleasant but over the top with everything. Beef bourgunogne very fatty and tough. Cabbage salad great . 4 slices of bread for 5 people not acceptable.

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  8. David VIP

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are lucky to have the Bistro in the neighborhood. Accordingly, we are regulars, although we would happily drive across town for the experience. Highly recommended.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Patti

    San Francisco21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Portola Bistro has hit its stride. When it first opened, we weren't sure all the pieces were going to come together, but our most recent visit has put those concerns to rest. We enjoyed excellent food and service within a warm and attractive environment. Everything, from beet salad, to boeuf bourguignon and lamb pappardelle, and concluding with coconut creme brulee was delicious and cheerfully served. We will be sure to return soon!

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Debbie VIP

    San Francisco18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service, good menu, beautiful restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Portola Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 64 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Portola Bistro

3130 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028-7549

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Portola Valley
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Privacy Policy
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