Portofino’s New Menu Impresses Despite Special Requests

At Portofino in Modi'in, food writer Galit Or attended a tasting meal for the restaurant’s new menu and came prepared with a list of kitchen requests, yet said the experience was positive throughout. She noted that cocktails arrived at the start and dishes followed one after another, with the staff accommodating every adjustment she asked for.

Or quoted herself asking for things like “no Parmesan,” “no cheese with fish,” “put it on the side,” and “don’t mix it,” and said that despite the many changes, “the kitchen handled it with full honor.” She described the service as careful and attentive.

The starters included melanzane eggplant served like tartare with crushed spicy tomatoes, a green salad, salmon tartare with chili, coriander and red onion alongside roasted yellow cherry tomato sauce and herb oil, and a Parmesan tuile. Tempura cauliflower Caesar also drew praise, reminding her of her family’s Passover cauliflower dish.

For the main course, she was served sea bream with mashed potatoes, seared green beans and chopped tomatoes. She felt the fish could have been hotter and better seasoned, but said the rich mashed potatoes balanced the dish and left a good impression. Portofino is at 122 HaMelakha Street in Modi'in and is certified dairy kosher by the Modi'in rabbinate.