Porta Bella

By Zachary Zaban

Authenticity: 5 ; Flavor: 5 ; Price: 3 ; Quality: 4 ; Service: 4 . TOTAL: 21/25

When I walked into Porta Bella for lunch, I immediately noticed that it had a strong sense of “old world” Italian charm. High booths sectioned off with curtains, the dim lighting, and large stained-glass chandeliers separate this restaurant from other Italian restaurants in the State Street area. Moreover, I was previously informed about Porta Bella’s diverse wine cellar and spoke with the manager to inquire about it. He informed me that the wine cellar, or the “Cellar” as it is often referred to, offers over forty different varieties of domestic and imported wine. Individuals who also enjoy a fine crafted beer will be happy to know that the “Cellar” provides fifteen microbrews on tap.

The service during my lunch was fantastic. My waiter greeted me and was very helpful in explaining specials that were on the menu shortly after I was seated. Within three minutes, I ordered my lunch, received my beverage, and had my small salad. The waiter often visited me during the meal to make sure that I was satisfied with my lunch. Furthermore, on my way out, the manager even took the time to see if I had a good meal! To me, this is the sign of an establishment that is dedicated to the service of its customers.

Not only was the service wonderful; the food was delicious! I had a Caesar Salad and a smoked turkey sandwich. The salad’s dressing tasted fresh and was much better than anything that you would find in a bottle at a grocery store. With each bite, my palate could detect a combination of flavors that were both rich and spicy with a slight citrus undertone. I would highly recommend the Caesar Salad to anyone who enjoys a refreshing addition to a main course. My sandwich had the perfect amount of meat and vegetables, and the horseradish-mayo that complemented these ingredients gave the dish a unique taste. All of the food was fresh and consisted of high quality ingredients. Moreover, the bread was hot and fresh, providing a nice “crunch” with each bite, and two chocolate-covered mints cleansed my breath and were the perfect ending to a great meal.

In comparison to other restaurants around Madison, I would have to say that Porta Bella is a bit pricey. Dinners range from $15 – $20, while a lunch will run you $5-$10. However, in addition to the generous portion sizes, the extra dollar or two that you spend at Porta Bella goes toward the great staff and superior atmosphere. Porta Bella is a perfect restaurant for a casual lunch with friends, a meal to have if you are a student when your parents come into town or a romantic date with a significant other.