GRAND HAVEN, MI – Porto Bello has been a popular Italian restaurant tucked away in downtown Grand Haven’s historic Story & Clark Piano Factory building since 1991.
A lot of effort goes into delivering a great dining experience at the old-style spot, located at 41 Washington Ave.
“Slowly over time, we’ve implemented a new monthly special process where we introduce our ideas monthly and try to gauge customer feedback,” Nichol Stack, general manager at Porto Bello for the past 30 years, told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle.
Owner of 20 years Nancy TenHagen is currently in the process of retiring, with longtime employee David Karpin taking the reins.
Stack said even with the owner change, the space won’t lose its traditional Italian family-style feel.
“It has that urban, reclaimed by a lot of brick and dark-seasoned wood, and we do not need to change that,” she said. “It reminds me almost like a cigar room minus all the smell where you go in and the lights are low.”
As far as the menu goes, Stack said the seafood dishes remain the star of the show next to the staple Italian appetizers and entrees.
The two best sellers are the blackened salmon and homemade meatballs smothered in marinara sauce. All tables are served bread and hand-whipped butter.
“We do the Italian stuff really well, but our fish fishes are what we’re finding our regulars are coming back for,” Stack said.
For $24.95, the blackened salmon comes with herb butter paired with asparagus and wild rice.
Customers can order the meatballs as an appetizer for $15.50 with fresh bread to dip it in or the classic spaghetti marinara with meatballs added for $19.50.
Stack said Porto Bello is one of the only restaurants in the area that still offers live music on the weekends during dinner.
“It moves into more upbeat rock and roll,” she said. “People will be dancing in our bar area by the end of the night.”
While at the bar dancing or mingling with family and friends, customers can expect seasonal cocktails and monthly specials like this month’s “Cool as a Cucumber,” with Grand Taverse Gin and soda muddled with fresh cucumbers and basil.
“We want customers to feel when they walk in the door that it’s comfortable and welcoming,” Stack said. “It’s almost like you’re in your own house without any of the mess.”
Upcoming live shows include Tim Johnson & Paul Lesinski on March 23 and 29, and Wally Michaels & Friends on March 30.
Hours of operation for Porto Bello are from 4-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3-10 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Call the restaurant at 616-846-1221 to place a carryout order.
Would you like MLive to consider featuring your favorite restaurant in Michigan’s Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Skyla Jewell-Hammie at sjewell-hammie@mlive.com.
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