There was a "name change", it is no longer Portobello Yacht Club, but it is still owned and operated by Levi Restaurants. We have been dining at Portobello (Yacht Club) for 20 years. We remember Marcello the "wine steward" whose dream was to return to Italy and buy a "farm". His protege is Andrew the 'wine steward" who worked under Marcello (from Rhode Island). Marcello always remembered us, on sight, when he saw us as the family from Connecticut. We loved Marcello. The vino con fruta was HIS recipe. Things have changed at Portobello. Last night they were out of burgandy. The vino con fruta is not what it was. No burgandy? No grapa? We spoke to Andrew, who sincerely wants to carry on Marcello's legacy. Levi Restaurants supports his plan. There will be vino con fruta a la Marcello! For those who have a history at Portobello's Yacht Club and remember Marcello. He worked until he was 80 years old. He died about 3 years ago from a stroke. It was sad news for those of us who had our children grow up at WDW.
That said, what is good about Portobello? Probably everything, except there have been "cut backs". There is no roasted garlic with the bread. You need to order that separately. We had the crustini mista, which was like brusheta with a lot of different toppings. Very good. Spaghetini A la Portobello is "off the menu", but there are good choices. I had the sausage and rigatoni, can't remember the name, but it was good. DH had the ravioli giagante, again, very good. BUT, it is not the ambitious menu of the past in which two or three fresh fish entres were offered as "specials". If you are looking for an excellent Italian menu, skip Epcot and come here, but if you are looking for the Portobello of the past, you might be left a bit "nostalgic".
That said, what is good about Portobello? Probably everything, except there have been "cut backs". There is no roasted garlic with the bread. You need to order that separately. We had the crustini mista, which was like brusheta with a lot of different toppings. Very good. Spaghetini A la Portobello is "off the menu", but there are good choices. I had the sausage and rigatoni, can't remember the name, but it was good. DH had the ravioli giagante, again, very good. BUT, it is not the ambitious menu of the past in which two or three fresh fish entres were offered as "specials". If you are looking for an excellent Italian menu, skip Epcot and come here, but if you are looking for the Portobello of the past, you might be left a bit "nostalgic".
