Food Critic Surprised by Quality of Italian Restaurant in Modiin

Food critic Niv Gilboa visited Portofino, an Italian restaurant in Modiin, based on follower recommendations and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, especially given its location in a local commercial center. Gilboa noted the unusual concept of starting the meal with a variety of salads, a practice more common in fish or Middle Eastern restaurants than Italian ones. However, the arrival of shrimp, fresh mozzarella, and pesto dishes quickly dispelled any doubts, proving the concept worked and the food was delicious.

For main courses, Gilboa ordered Fettuccine Limone and a pizza with blue cheese. He praised the pasta for being cooked perfectly al dente, avoiding the overcooked texture often found elsewhere. The pizza also received commendation, with the crust not burnt and the delicate blue cheese complementing the dish despite its richness.

Dessert was a baked New York cheesecake with fresh raspberry cream, which Gilboa found to be a refreshing departure from typical tiramisu or Basque cheesecake offerings. He also complimented the assertive and direct service from the waitress.

Gilboa concluded that Portofino in Modiin was a genuine surprise, awarding the restaurant a high score of 8.5 on his rating scale. He highlighted the restaurant as a pleasant discovery, exceeding expectations for an Italian eatery in its specific location.