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Porta Via Italian Foods
Categories: Food Specialty Food Restaurants Delis Specialty Food, Delis [Edit]
1 W California Blvd#312
Pasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 793-9000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 7 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
120 reviews for Porta Via Italian Foods
Review Highlights
"The Kobe style roast beef sandwich is MMM MMM good and..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...nother story, especially porta via's pesto aioli."
(in 6 reviews)
"...tasty mozarella cheese, basil and oregano are delicious and..."
(in 4 reviews)
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120 reviews in English
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Review from Eddie M.
Pasadena, CA
1/16/2012
Porta Via has excellent quality food, and the price reflects it. Every time I walk into this place there is usually a crowd, but don't let that discourage you from dining in as there is seating available both inside and outside. They do offer take-out as well, if you decide to go here during your lunch break and want to eat back in the office.
They specialize in italian style sandwiches, paninis, insalatas, and various side dishes. Everything on the menu is fresh, high quality, and delicious so you can't go wrong with anything they offer on the menu. I highly recommend the prosciutto panini and a side of caponata. The panini has high quality mozzarella cheese, and prosciutto inside of a pressed panini style bun. I usually ask for a small serving of marinara sauce to dip the sandwich in, so it is like eating a high quality pizza sandwich. The caponata side is extremely tasty and is the best caponata I have ever had. I usually end up ordering a pound of it so I can enjoy it at home.
In conclusion, this place is high quality, delicious, and great for around lunchtime (despite the large lunchtime crowd). It is not good if you are eating on a budget as their prices reflect the high quality ingredients they use. I can eat here everyday if my office was closer. Instead, it is quite a treat for me to go there when I can. -
Review from Jess R.
12/26/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Whyyyyyy do you always run out of the veggie soup??!! Make more!! :(
There is a problem with Porta Via, and it's that I keep going back.
The shop itself is very lovely. Clean, organized, nice window light... There is plenty of places to sit inside and out. There are always enough employees that you don't have to wait very long to be helped.
The veggie soups are always very delicious. One of my favorite things is to swing by and get one. BUT, as I have already mentioned, they always are sold out of it by 1pm. That makes me sad. Who eats soup that early? Make more.
Times when soup was out, I've grabbed sandwiches. I've had the tuna, and I've had the caprese panini, and both were a letdown. I keep ordering the caprese panini because I keep waiting for it to blow me away! But it never does. There is always a big "wah wahhhhhhh....." after I bite into it.
They do have a lot of pastas for sale in the market that are fantastic, and their lemon bars are great. I've had them three times, and only once did it taste like old refrigerator.
I do agree with another review below that mentions that the employees seem to be in misery.
Porta Via dances between two worlds for me... One of excellence and one of mediocrity, both of which are overpriced. -
Review from Tre Y.
El Monte, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Parking: plenty
Location: away from the crowded old town area
Outside patio is a nice, fairly large shaded area
Kobe roast bf sandwich 1/2 salad- very tasty! The meat was tender and delicious.
My friend got the mozz/tomato. It was pretty large and in charge!
Tasty deli delights up in here! -
Review from Peter L.
Chino, CA
2/6/2012
If you care about taste, do not eat here. Had the paninni sandwich and it was really dry. So I thought the soup would help wash it down. Boy, I thought wrong. I think canned soup tasted better. On top of that, the staff here was not the friendliest.
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Review from Katie B.
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is such a lovely find in a less trafficked area of Pasadena. There's ample covered patio seating, free parking, and a handful of cocktail tables in the deli/market area.
I was quite impressed at how organized everything is. There was really no wait even though it seemed like it was the most popular time of day for the place. I stepped right on up and ordered a DIY salad that they made right in front of my very eyes, but not in a Subway style, in a real, "I care about what ingredient will come next" style. The ingredients are fresh and everything you would expect from a quasi Italian deli. It was about $8.50ish for a salad with four ingredients and it was rather large and in charge, so it could double as dinner or lunch the next day.
It was really a fantastic experience and I will remember it the next Pasadena run!Listed in: Pasadiva, Veggie Friendly in LA, SaLAd
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Review from Juliette M.
Pomona, CA
9/21/2011
I got a paninni, it had chicken, aioli, mixed greens, and cheese. The sandwich was good but the bread was toasted so it hurt the top of my mouth. I also got the orzo with sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. It was really good. They have a large amount of choices between sandwiches, salads, and pastas. It was good. I would come back again.
Oh by the way, the red sauce there is good. Not watered down and flavorless like most places that are italian -
Review from Stepha G.
Sierra Madre, CA
9/28/2011
At Porta Via a few days ago. The parking situation is so competitive at this intersection that I do my best not to aggravate my sensibilities. Ever since the place opened, when the moment is appropriate (not the height of the lunch hours), I consider this place seriously. Porta Via is a culinary resource.
When I think about finding good, quick, tasty protein, this is the place. The only limitation is one's own imagination. Definitely the first time, Porta Via can be overwhelming: so many choices, so little time. For long road trips this is a place to consider to stock the car.
The lemon caper chicken salad was the to go purchase I wish to mention. After having some in the car, I saved the rest for my at home food stash. My biggest discovery is how memorable this salad is when tossed with Romaine lettuce and then a splash of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice from my Bearrs' lime tree. A total transportative yum. -
Review from Nicole Q.
Long Beach, CA
Pretty awesome place. I didn't try anything super fancy: just had a salad made.
Spinach, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta cheese, roasted peppers, garbanzo beans, and mushrooms. I tried the lemon vinaigrette and croutons. Very nice. It was far too much though and I'd have much rather been offered a half size portion, since I only had a 20 minute lunch and I spent 10 of it trying to figure out which of their amazing items I wanted to try.
Pros:
Fresh gourmet Italian deli food, ready for you to eat in-store or take home for a party.
Lots of homemade and unique items in the store. The saffron dry pasta for sale sounded interesting.
Quick service.
Nice staff.
Almost too many good things to choose from.
Cons:
Portion size is too large.
Cost was a bit high, even though the salad was big.
There were capers in my salad (maybe they were mixed in with the roasted peppers? either way, YUCK!). I hate capers. The artichokes are salty, the garbanzo beans were we well, plus kalamata olives (and believe it or not the feta was not super salty, it was VERY fresh though). All of the good things were salty. Be smart and avoid too many or you may have a heart attack while eating the salad. -
Review from Mark H.
Pasadena, CA
12/8/2011
I have eaten at Porta Via probably in excess of 100 times since I work nearby. Need I still say I love it? Super professional staff, such a focus on quality, an amazing range, and a wonderful lunchtime retreat. Thank you Porta Via for your dedication to fine food! Special compliments to Chef Roxanne!
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Review from Tiffany T.
Arcadia, CA
7/14/2011
Porta Via reminds me of those Italian delis prevalent throughout Santa Monica, except it's located in Pasadena. On the pricy side, the crowd are generally the older "casual elegant" crowd. Their outdoor patio has retractable shades...which makes it an awesome place to relax and absorb the southern California weather.
The food is delicious, healthy, simple, and clean, and their small selections of beers and spices gives it that international flare. My favorite item there is the Verdura panini, which is a veggie sandwich filled with delicious, succulent, well-marinated vegetables between their crisp, delicious homemade bread. For the cold sandwich, the Kobe style roast beef sandwich takes the crown. Their ice tea is fragrant, albeit a tad small in size, and the pastries are also high-quality (I highly recommend the cranberry oatmeal cookie).
If you enjoy the west side casual feel of a high end deli market, this is a good place to go.Listed in: Between Bread
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Review from Colt E.
Pasadena, CA
11/17/2011
While I don't think I'd every scrounge up the money to buy their imported groceries, this is a great lunch spot. A sandwich combo with any of their great freshly made sides is the way to go. Seating outside or inside and enjoy.
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Review from Bill S.
Pasadena, CA
8/27/2011
This is a good little deli but heaven forbid you make a special request! They're one step short of the soup nazi should you ask for an alteration of a menu item (e.g. no tomatoes or extra cheese or something). The scowl from the guy behind the counter is enough to make you leave. I guess his two possible expressions are sneer and scowl; whether the food is worth dealing with his attitude I'm still not sure.
The other odd thing is that they tell you to take a number. However, about half the time they don't use the numbers to help customers. So you stand there for a while before you realize you need to fight your way to the front to get an order in. I'm fine either way I just wish it was clear how to go about ordering.
All the customer services weirdness whining aside, the food is fresh, pretty tasty and served quickly. It's nice to sit on their outdoor patio and enjoy the meal. They've got a really great selection and everything I've had has been good or great. The baked goods are definitely top notch!
Definitely worth a try even if it is a bit awkward to get your order placed at times. -
Review from Eric L.
Gem of an Italian deli in Pasadena. On the first trip I had a classic panini, the Autostrada which was done very well. I had to order an Italian sub for later just to give this place the true test and it passed easily. The sandwich was right on the mark, the best part is I have a spot to grab one of these tasty sandos on Sunday! My football eaten dreams have come true.
The variety of salads, pastas and baked goods all looked fresh and interesting to lead me for many more follow up trips to try things out. The best part is, after you enjoy your Porta Via meal, you can finish it off with a tasty ice cream sandwich from Cool Haus! -
Review from Brian I.
Temple City, CA
8/7/2011
Parking: Very small lot. You can attempt to park in the plaza and walk here.
Service: Walked in and was greeted with someone over the counter with specials and there popular items.
Food:
1. Salad with mixed greens with Peas, Eggs, Carrots, Broccoli ($8.50) and Porta Via Salumi & Cheese Mix ($2.50). The Salumi was so fresh. I'm not sure if its house made, but its good and tasty.
I'd be coming back to try other items. -
Review from Vick K.
Arcadia, CA
11/20/2011
Came here on a Saturday morning for a panini sandwich. I ordered the one with grilled chicken it was $8.95 (expensive for a regular panini). The panini tasted ok (i wished they added more meat). In general not a bad experience, the place looks nice.
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Review from Yuping X.
Pasadena, CA
Updated - 7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Updating my "value" grade to an A.
I think their ingredients and preparation are great. Today I had their Kobe roast beef sandwich for $8.95. Halfway through it, I said to my friend, "man, this is a big sandwich" ...of course, I ended up eating the whole thing and kind of feeling bad about it, but oh well. If I had eaten more for breakfast and not worked out this morning, I probably could not have put the whole sandwich down.Listed in: My Current Favs of Pasadena
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2011
Mm... bright and lively Italian market. Just puts me in a good mood. Great place for fresh and tasty… Read more »
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Review from Winfred C.
Hacienda Heights, CA
8/6/2011
Great spot for some sandwiches or salad. Everything looked fresh and tasty. Definitely a great modern style deli. My only problem is I still prefer the hole in the wall type places. Would I eat it? Heck Yeah. Would I grumble that it looks too nice to be a yummy Italian Deli? yes, but so what.
Coffee drink passes the wife test, however I prefer it much stronger.
Baked items were fresh and decent sized. -
Review from Cody S.
San Jose, CA
4/30/2011
Ate a nice little lunch here before a Saturday hike. My most glaring takeaway was very positive: The quality of the sandwich is comfortably disproportionate to the price. I had the autostrada panini which was basically like fireworks for my tongue at a 2pm lunch. The meat of the sandwich was of robust flavor and was well balanced with the other ingredients.
Why did I give it three stars?
Discount of .5 star: Extremely rude cashier. It felt a little like her boyfriend had just told her he actually liked men just minutes before I was making my transaction with her. She didn't look at me once and only gave me mumbles and grumbles for answers.
Discount of 1.5 stars: Their "fresh" mozzarella is just plain nasty. Also, please fill up the water container. -
Review from Jon M.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is amazing. A ton of other people have said it great already so I'll be brief.
Italian goodness - sandwiches and salads galore. The bread is fantastic, the meats are amazing and I the "Housemade Sausage" is made there (duh) and ROCKS!. They have a little mini-store/deli feel, but are very speedy and bring your food to you if you are eating there pretty quickly. I ordered an Italian Sub then had it switched to Grilled Pressed Panini style (thanks to an awesome suggestion by the person helping me) and she warned me it would take 10 minutes. It took less than 5! The staff is very friendly and they also have a cool, large seating area outside.
Great for lunch in Pasadena!
Bottom Line: Italian subs/salads... it's a no-brainer! GO HERE! -
Review from Lauren L.
2/8/2011
Brilliance, defined.
Delicious Italian sandwiches and salads at a take-out/casual sit-down shop? Why aren't there more places like Porta Via?
My heart is thumping. With love and joy.
Their hand tossed salads are absolutely divine. For around $8.50, you can choose your type of salad (mixed greens, romaine, spinach, arugala) plus 6 mix-ins (variety, including roasted peppers, carrots, cucumber, garbonza beans, corn, and much more). You MUST try their lemon vinaigrette dressing -- it has the perfect 'kick' to it. I can eat their salads all day, every day. A BOLD statement, coming from someone who is a true meat-lover.
Sandwiches are super delicious and flavorful. The meats are fresh - no preservatives or fake stuff - so you'll get deliciousness from the first bite. The Kobe style roast beef sandwich is MMM MMM good and tender, i'd try that if you're a newbie. Another good one? Their dip sandwiches. You can choose between beef, pork, turkey and lamb. All of them are goodie goodie. If you love panini's, you'll love em' even MORE here. They are SO incredibly delicious...all of them. So take a pick and start eating!
The fact that this place is to-go or casual sit down makes it very appealing to me. It has such a pleasant, upbeat vibe with all sorts of folks coming in and out throughout the day. -
Review from Steph N.
El Segundo, CA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had lunch at this lil italian deli after bar method class! great prosciutto/mozzarella panini and orzo salad!! It was hard for me to decide what to get because everything looked so good and i was so hungry!
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Review from Jenny C.
Pasadena, CA
10/19/2011
I always love this place, all the sandwiches are amazing - everyone single one of them! Italian sub is my favorite, I think most of their meat and cheese are imported from Italy?
They sell a few Italian sodas, cheese, pasta sauce, gelato in the fridge area. And they also have a variety of dry pasta to sell.
I have not try the coffee but a few desserts items do stand out, especially one of the cookies that I had with some pine nuts was amazing.
Owner is very nice too, he usually goes in and out of the store. All staffs are very friendly and efficient, they kind of preparing your food behind the counter so you can see what is going on and I think is important.
Nicely decorated but not too much, a very cozy place with high tables and bar stools. Lunch special is under $10 with half sandwich + half salad, wish they open for dinner hours too.
One of the few unusual authentic Italian sandwiches places in Pas. -
Review from Sherrie G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Updating my review because I just read a few 'the sandwiches are too small here' reviews. Honestly, do you know what you sound like?
If you ever step foot on the Boot d' Italy in your life, or even get off this continent from time to time, you'll see that *American portions* of food are not the norm anywhere else outside your gastronomical equator. I have never left this place hungry - so those of you complaining about this clearly have a Jabba-esque appetite for those huge *Italian American* subs you have eaten in the past. This establishment is more authentic, and actual-Italian than those delis. You wouldn't say The Catcher in the Rye is a long book after you've read Gravity's Rainbow. Do you get my metaphor? Or did you just want a sandwich the size of the Queen Mary? Whatever, amici. Tu e PAZZO, capisci?Listed in: I eat. I breathe. I eat some…, Italy Has a Flavor
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2010
I visited Rome for the first time recently, so you must imagine my search for *actual* *edible*… Read more »
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Review from Joanna L.
Pasadena, CA
9/30/2011
This place is prety awesome. Its near where i work so i stop about 2 week for there lunch special. For $10 bucks i get 1/2 a sandwich with soup and a ice tea. The staff is friendly and the food is good.
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Review from Summy L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2011
Been here several times for lunch and ordered their sandwich each time. Thick solid sandwiches with lots of flavor. Sandwiches are $8-$10 and they can will fill you up quite well.
I ordered the Italian BLT with Crispy Pancetta, Arugula, Tomatoes & Basil Aioli on one occasion and now i'm hooked. On a different occasion, I ordered the Chicken Club with Fontina Cheese, Baby Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes & Bacon. Healthier than the BLT but not as memorable as the smoky pancetta and basil aioli.
The atmosphere is like a modern day italian deli. Their sandwiches are made to order to patience is key.
They have plenty of delicious dessert and a full espresso bar for your caffeinated needs.
Behind another counter are several varieties of precooked italian dishes like lasagna and pasta to be heated up prior to ordering or can packaged home for dinner. Scattered around the counters are imported Italian pasta, olive oil, and a variety of goodies. -
Review from KC O.
Sunset Beach, CA
9/30/2010
KC is nostalgic about Philly. Not only did KC and his family become American citizens in the City of Brotherly Love, it was there that KC's taste buds matured. As a result, KC is drawn to Italian hoagies.
Porta Via is a beautiful, thoughtfully appointed room. Unfortunately, the first impression bleeds away pretty quickly due to the lack of hospitality and misery exhibited by the employees. Are these people performing restitution for a crime? No hello, goodbye, smiles...
KC's been through enough harsh Mondays after a rough Eagle loss to dismiss miserable workers, eat his hoagie and move on. Paid the cashier and started in on the Porta Via Italian Sub. The meat was good but all in all, the hoagie was meh. The bread sucked and the cheese didn't have that powerful provolone kick. KC drifted off to Philly...so many amazing meals. Oh well.
Perhaps the cannoli will save the day for KC!! They fill 'em right at the register which is a nice touch; however the cannoli filling and shell were sub par. Bummer.
KC recommends you walk up the street and eat lunch at Luciano's. While not up to the Philly standard, Luciano's chicken parm is for real. -
Review from Carlene C.
Pasadena, CA
Beautiful deli. Lots of choices on their menu.
The staff is attentive and helpful if you arent sure what's good to get. On my first visit there I got the Kobe Roast Beef Sandwich and the Traditional Italian. Both were delicious and filling. I also got the Brussel Sprout Grilled Salad and Caprese Salad as sides.... So good!!
They have a beautiful selection of groceries from Italy like pastas, sauces, olive oil and wines. Great place to pick up a few things for a fun picnic. -
Review from Eric B.
Pasadena, CA
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Kobe beef sandwich is just about the best thing here! The imported Italian treats and cookies that are available for sale by the cash register are way over priced though - almost twice more than what you can get the same items for at Italian Delis in Eagle Rock and Glendale
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Review from Matt L.
Pasadena, CA
3/3/2011
One Sunday I rode my bike here.
It was alright. I had a pre-made cold-cut kinda panini. It was tasty, but I feel like I could have just bought the bread there and made the sandwich myself at home.
That said, I like that it's such a robust deli. But the better sandwich is down the street at Vince's. -
Review from Mike D.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
8/22/2011
I discovered this place when I used to live in Pasadena and this is a great spot for sandwiches and salads. I've been her a few times and the food has always been good. The food is fresh made to order, staff is friendly and accomodating, plus they have good coffee as well.
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Review from C J.
Los Angeles, CA
2/25/2011
I have been here many a time and will continue to visit at every possible opportunity. I have tried all their sandwiches/Paninis and many pastas and they are consistently FANTASTIC. The service is wonderful and the variety and quality of the fresh and packaged foods available is great (I have had some wonderful cold meats from here).
I highly recommend having a meal here, it has a nice atmosphere to eat in, or very worth a stop for take out if you haven't got the time to sit and eat. The staff are lovely too.
Just writing this has me craving a Toscano Panini, and a Cannoli -
Review from Sam C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/6/2011
If you've been to Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica, this place can't compare. It may look fancier and has better seating, but you can trump quality of BC with things as that. Their bread definitely cannot compare to BC fresh baked Italian bread. Sandwiches are decent, antipastos look kind of old and dry in the windows, and their cannolis are of the traditional sort (or so I've heard) but I'll pass on those.
The food is okay, but it's hard to go back after you've had Bay Cities. -
Review from David M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2011
Bad Food On Weekends.
Came here on Sunday and obvious they do not make anything fresh over the weekend. I do not know why it gets such high ratings. Faro salad tasted like potpurri with dried out (not dried) cranberries. Had to have been 4 to 5 days old given the texture and taste.
The Italian sub was soggy with all the Italian dressing they poured on - and I had the sandwich to eat there. Does not even come close to Jersey Mike's Italian. The meats seemed to be alright and the bread was day old.
Grilled Prosciutto Panini had old, dried out prosciutto. Definitely not fresh cut meat in this one. Had to pull the meat out and just eat the bread and mozzarella.
Given the high prices and quality, I can honestly say it would be really difficult to get me back. -
Review from Jessica Y.
Pasadena, CA
7/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been here twice for lunch. First time I got the Toscano-Grilled Chicken sandwich, that was good. Today, I got the BEST italian Sub I have ever tasted... Wow. Very satisfied that I just have to give them a review. The flavor was just right, meat was tasty and fresh. I would definately recommend the Italian Sub...
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Review from Keith W.
Los Angeles, CA
9/13/2010
Porta Via's sandwiches taste good, but I shouldn't walk away hungry from a $7.95 sandwich. For that price, I'm expecting a Larchmont Wine & Cheese Shop or Bay Cities Deli quality sandwich. Porta Via doesn't even come close.
I gave them one more shot and got the artisan salami sandwich for $9.50. It was even smaller than the Italian Sub I tried previously. Result: I was even hungrier after eating this sandwich than during my first visit.
I'd rather go to Vince's Deli in the nearby Von's lot. It ain't Giamela's, but at least they feed you there.
All in all: Porta Via has good tasting food, but the yuppee prices and portions don't make it worth the trip. -
Review from cat c.
Pasadena, CA
6/30/2011
Why? Why are the employees so grumpy much of the time? Other than that, I like their salads, marinara sauce, tenderloin when they offer it, caprese panini, and coffees. But alas, my friend who loves the food now refuses to go with me to Porta Via because of the grumpy factor. So, we often go elsewhere. Too bad, because it's conveniently located not far from my house.
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Review from annie t.
Pasadena, CA
8/9/2010
I was running errands on Fair Oaks one day and decided to stop by Porta Via to grab a sandwich for lunch. I took the advice of fellow yelpers and got the kobe-style roast beef sandwich.
I thought it was a decent sandwich. I wouldn't say it's amazing, because it's not, but it was definitely good. I found it on the pricier side (the sandwich cost me something like $9.xx without anything extra or any drinks or anything), especially for to-go, but it was definitely worth trying.
The deli itself is cute. I'd like to try their other stuff, but the cheapass in me doesn't want to spend $9 for a sandwich anymore. -
Review from imelda h.
Pasadena, CA
5/29/2011
can't believe i haven't reviewed this adorable place..
i always order their chicken club panini...it's super duper deliciosoooo...yes it's pricier (than subway for sure) but the flavor and my tongue says it's soo worth it... ;P
i've bought their sweets, but nothing out of the ordinary....
i love the athmosphere, the seating place outside...
i buy ladyfingers from here... (to make tiramisuuuu)
service-wise, i never had a bad service from them...
sometimes i wish they would open earlier so that I could buy in the morning before having to go to work...
(i believe they opened at 11........-as far as i remember tho...-) -
Review from J W.
West Covina, CA
3/26/2010
Give us more places like this pleeeeeeeeeeeese!!! Absolutely a neighborhood gem. Everything here is very down-to-earth, fresh and delicious. You just gotta make up your mind on what you want, because everything looks and seems irresisiable. Nothing fancy, just simple good stuff.
Come for the sandwich/sub, salad and don't forget to grab some goodies to go as it is almost like a cafe/market. I wish they'd open till later. I went back for another time on Sunday, excited to try more and introduce this great find to my family but found it closed ...
Can't wait to go back to eat and grab!
p.s. price might seem slightly higher than normal sandwich/salad place, but portion is very generous and you won't disppointment by the quality either! -
Review from ericka L.
Pasadena, CA
8/20/2007 3 photos
***** UPDATE: 12/5/2007*****
Four months in and this place still has me over the moon Try the caramelized cauliflower - I don't even LIKE cauliflower and this was incredible. Autostrada = decadent sandwich full of delicious Italian meats and cheeses. I finished half and saved the rest for dinner. The Italian polenta and white truffle soup...I wanted to swim in it. Oh, also order a oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie for dessert and give my love to the staff.
New feature: all daily specials now listed on the website!
*****UPDATE: 8/24/07*****
I went for lunch again today...I could not resist. I tried the Kobe Style Roast Beef, Orrechiette with Broccoletti, and a chocolate chip cookie. The sandwich was killer; the pasta, while not rock-my-socks-off delicious, was good (though I admit I am a huge fan of broccoli, brocollini, and broccoletti); and the cookie was tasty.
I also met the owner, John, who is passionate about food and his new restaurant endeavor. I told him about Yelp and he was excited to hear about my good review. Of course, it was well-deserved, as I told him.
He said at some point they will start catering; they are also planning to have more pastries/desserts. They are all about doing things right, and it definitely shows.
P.S. It is already getting crazy busy! I went for lunch at almost 1:00 and there were only a few open tables.
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I don't say this about very many people, but I totally trust Benny L.'s judgment when it comes to food. I admit this even being fully aware that he is a Pinkberry fan. (And no, I haven't tried it yet, but I think I am absorbing his affection for it by osmosis when we hang out because I dreamt about it the other night.)
He suggested Porta Via for lunch last Friday after reading about it over at Eater L.A. (http://la.eater.com/ar...) I remain in utter and complete awe of his restaurant selection abilities.
From the free parking (yay! More money for food!) to the charming outdoor patio decorated with oak barrels to the AMAZING selection of Italian food products - not to mention incredible food and excellent service - this place is perfect.
We ordered the Italian cold cut sandwich (mortadella, cappacolla, salami, prosciutto, pepperoncinis, lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella) and an Italian pulled pork sandwich, which was essentially an orgasm on a bun. Of course, being Yelpers, we cut our sandwiches in half and shared. I would have regretted having to give up half my pulled pork sandwich, but I was so grateful to Ben for having brought me to this wondrous place, I couldn't possibly begrudge him anything.
We also split a small order of cold pasta, spaghetti with raw tomatoes, which was good but could have used a little something to add a bit more flavor - chili flakes? Some grated Pecorino Romano? Not really a complaint, as it was still enjoyable, but not as much so as the sandwiches.
The interior is sophisticated: somewhat sterile and monochromatic, but with gorgeous specialty foods on every surface that sex it up tremendously. I was like a kid in a candy store, drooling over fig marmalade, hazelnut oil, and gorgeous cases full of cheeses, meats, and pastas. The cashier actually caught me taking a deep, closed-eye whiff of a box of Italian bouillon and giggled at me.
I walked around asking the names of all the people who helped us, and I still think I got a few wrong: David, Erik, Juan, and Jose-Luis were all behind the counter and helped us pick the perfect sandwiches, which they then made for us. Aracelly, the above-mentioned cashier, suggested the cannoli for dessert, a lovely, creamy, lightly-lemony mouthful of joy encased in a pastry that was perfection - not too thin, crisp but not crumbly, dusted in powdered sugar.
We witnessed one employee spend at least 10 minutes helping a woman find the right cheese to pair with a bottle of wine, and we were even educated about the Italian sparkling water we bought (allegedly "soft on the palate", not salty like Perrier - it actually was good water).
I give it two weeks before this place is one of the most popular lunch - make that meal - spots in town. Go now and experience the ecstasy without the lines that are sure to come soon.
