il Portico Restaurant & Bar

- 89 Main St, Tappan, NY 10983

A Taste of Northern Italy in Historic Tappan: The Experience at il Portico Restaurant & Bar

For New Yorkers in search of an authentic and elevated Italian dining experience without venturing into the city center, il Portico Restaurant & Bar in Tappan, NY, presents a truly exceptional destination. Seamlessly blending classic Northern Italian fine dining with a warm, personal touch, this establishment has cemented its reputation as a standout in the Rockland County culinary landscape. More than just a meal, dining at il Portico is an immersive experience, dedicated to bringing guests together through "old school" hospitality and a relaxing, charming ambiance.

Housed in a historic building—once a stagecoach stop and hotel dating back to the 1850s and a National Historic Landmark—il Portico (meaning "the porch") offers a unique and intimate setting for celebrating life's moments. The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to the true essence of Italian flavors, a dedication that has earned it consistent five-star ratings from guests and prestigious recognition, including being honored in Zagat's "America's 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants." The emphasis here is on quality, from the freshest ingredients used in every dish to the attentive service personally overseen by owner Peppe Pinton, whose background as a professional soccer sports executive with storied clubs like Lazio of Rome and the New York Cosmos speaks to his passion for excellence and dedication to world-class hospitality. Whether you are seeking a perfect spot for a romantic date night, an important anniversary, or a vibrant family gathering, il Portico is poised to make your visit memorable.

The cuisine at il Portico focuses on fine Northern Italian traditions, executed with skill and flair. The menu offers a carefully curated selection of antipasti, homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and exquisite meat courses. For starters, options range from the fresh and vibrant Organic Arugula, Fresh Mozzarella, Avocado salad ($18.00) and the rich Burrata Salad ($20.00), to more indulgent selections like the Crab Cake ($18.00) and the popular Fried Calamari, Zucchini, Roasted Capers, Mild Spicy Tomato Sauce ($22.00). Seafood aficionados can also savor the Octopus Salad with arugula, celery, fingerling potatoes, Kalamata olives, and butternut squash puree ($24.00), or a half-dozen Chesapeake Oysters ($19.00).

The pasta menu showcases the art of Italian cooking. Highlights include the luxurious Maine Lobster Ravioli in a pink brandy sauce ($29.00) and the comforting Homemade Tagliatelle Bolognese with a classic beef ragu ($29.00). Patrons also rave about the Roman-inspired Homemade Spaghetti Cacio-Pepe ($28.00) and the hearty Homemade Pappardelle with braised short ribs ragu sauce ($32.00). Another crowd favorite is the Mini Rigatoni served in a vodka sauce with mild spicy sausage and green peas ($29.00).

Main courses are equally impressive, featuring both land and sea specialties. Seafood options boast fresh catches like the Faroe Island Salmon with zucchini noodles and Dijon mustard ($36.00) and the whole Branzino ($38.00). For those who prefer meat, the menu offers a standout Chicken Parmigiana with light tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella ($30.00), and the highly-recommended Braised Short Ribs served with cauliflower risotto, butternut squash puree, and Barolo wine ($39.00). The unique Berkshire Pork Tenderloin, stuffed with prosciutto Bartlett pears and sage, and finished with a Cacio-Pepe sauce ($35.00), provides a distinctly elevated choice.

Location and Accessibility

il Portico Restaurant & Bar is conveniently located in the quaint and historic hamlet of Tappan, NY, making it an accessible fine dining choice for residents across Rockland County and the broader New York Tri-State Area.

Contact Information

Address: 89 Main St, Tappan, NY 10983, USA

Phone: (845) 365-2100

Accessibility for patrons is made simple with available parking, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure. The restaurant provides both a free parking lot and free street parking options.

Services Offered

il Portico offers a range of services to accommodate various dining preferences and events:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full fine dining experience in the cozy and romantic atmosphere.
• Curbside Pickup: Convenient option for guests on the go.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for carry-out.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers local delivery service.
• Table Service: Full-service dining with professional and attentive staff.
• Private Dining Room: Available for special occasions and events, offering an intimate and exclusive experience.
• Reservations: Highly recommended, particularly for dinner, to secure your table in this popular venue.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Serving guests for both midday and evening meals.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant's exceptional qualities extend beyond its cuisine, creating a comprehensive fine dining experience:

• Authentic Fine Italian Cuisine: Specializing in Northern Italian flavors and homemade dishes, from classic preparations to unique seasonal specials.
• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: Located in a National Historic Landmark building, the setting is described as cozy and romantic, ideal for intimate dining.
• Personalized Hospitality: Owner Peppe Pinton is noted for his hands-on approach, often visiting tables to ensure every guest feels welcomed and receives a personalized level of service.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: The full bar features an excellent selection of Cocktails and Hard Liquor, complemented by a notably Great Wine List, Beer, and freshly brewed Coffee.
• Highly Rated Desserts: The meal is complemented by exceptional desserts, praised in customer highlights.
• Accommodation for Events: A private dining room is available for special gatherings and celebrations.
• Guest Accolades: Consistently rated as a five-star place on Opentable, a Guest Choice Winner, and recognized in Zagat as one of America’s top Italian restaurants.
• Flexible Payment Options: The restaurant accepts both Credit Cards and Debit Cards for easy payment.
• On-site Amenities: Guests can utilize the Bar onsite, Restroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

What is Worth Choosing at il Portico?

The combination of genuine Northern Italian food, served in a historic, intimate setting, and delivered with truly exceptional service is what makes il Portico a must-visit in the New York area. Customers frequently highlight the exceptional freshness of the food and the attentive nature of the staff. One diner noted that the food, service, and atmosphere were all "exceptional," emphasizing the freshness of the ingredients. Another highlighted the owner, Peppe Pinton, as an "amazing host" who makes sure to visit every table, adding a personal and welcoming touch that is rare in today’s fine dining establishments.

The menu itself offers compelling reasons to choose il Portico, particularly for those seeking authentic, high-quality Italian dishes. The homemade pasta, like the Maine Lobster Ravioli and the classic Homemade Tagliatelle Bolognese, offers a taste of true Italian craftsmanship. Furthermore, dishes like the Braised Short Ribs with Barolo wine and the imaginative Berkshire Pork Tenderloin demonstrate the kitchen's ability to create sophisticated, memorable main courses. For those looking for a traditional favorite elevated to fine dining status, the "classy chicken parmigiano" with roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes, as praised by a local reviewer, is an excellent choice.

Whether you are planning a special date night—as its cozy and romantic atmosphere is perfectly suited—or simply crave the finest Italian cuisine Rockland County has to offer, il Portico is an exceptional choice. The experience here is more than just about dining; it’s about being hosted in a charming environment where high-quality food and old-world hospitality converge. Secure your reservation, especially for dinner, and prepare for an unforgettable meal that lives up to its fine dining reputation.

il Portico Restaurant & Bar

89 Main St, Tappan, NY 10983, USA