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Enjoy A Variety Of Dining Options In Cochrane – Alberta
If your travel plans have you visiting the Province of Alberta 🍁 Canada and you’re going to be near the City of 🐎 Calgary, then you simply must visit and treat yourself to some of the best …
🌺 Dining in Cochrane, Alberta 🌺
One such establishment we visited a few seasons ago, was a hidden 💎 gem located right downtown. It was a wonderful Italian restaurant that had been successfully operating in the City of Cochrane since 2004.
This was a family run business that’s a favorite among locals and returning visitors for many years!
Brief History Of Portofino Italian Ristorante
Your friendly host and the restaurant’s owner {Pierre}, had worked in the restaurant industry for over 40 years, in the Provinces of Quebec and Alberta. His final resting point for the last number of years had been at this location in the lovely City of Cochrane.
The name Portofino refers to the “last port” or “final destination,” and is also a popular tourist and Italian 🎣 fishing resort on the Italian Riviera.
Pierre has said that after the many years in the industry, it is here at his Portofino Ristorante, that his best and final achievement was to be made.
Portofino Italian Ristorante Was A Family Affair
It appears that his family were definitely following his footsteps, with one son working as the restaurants main chef, and another as a very accomplished waiter. As luck had it, our waiter for the evening was Pierre’s son, who we had the pleasure of meeting and who served our dinner. 🙂
Portofino Traditional Italian Cuisine
The menu was vast, with an Italian flair that was sure to please most everyone dining here.
There was a wide selection of entrees to choose from including; traditional pasta and risotto dishes, delicious fresh soups and salads, chicken, veal, beef and seafood selections.
There were daily specials as well, and that my wife enjoyed for her dinner on this visit. The bar was complete, with a detailed 🍷 wine list as well to accompany your meal.
The restaurant was casual, but very tastefully decorated, with comfortable seating and service second to none.
Pierre was always about, making sure your meal and service is to your satisfaction.
It was very easy to see when you first step into the restaurant, a great deal of labor of love had been devoted into this business over the years. It goes without saying, that this is the reason why it was so successful for many years.
Dining In Cochrane – Included Portofino Restaurante
Below, was just a sneak peek at what you could expect when coming in for lunch or dinner at Portofino’s.
Fresh Crab Bisque
This was a special for the evening and one our waiter highly recommended. A delicious thick and creamy fresh crab bisque. It was absolutely to die for, having you wanting more and more!
This was a great starter for our main course following.
House Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad prepared in their unique house dressing, topped with parmesan cheese. Your table received a freshly baked warm loaf of bread to accompany your appetizers and/or meal.
Traditional Baked Lasagna
I couldn’t wait to come for dinner and enjoy one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes – baked lasagna. Also freshly baked with loads of cheese on top, this dish was huge in portion size, and tasted absolutely homemade and delightful!
In fact, the portion was so large that I had to take some home with me for lunch the next day. 🙂
Grilled Tenderloin
My wife selected the grilled tenderloin dish which was the evening special, but also on the main menu for you to enjoy anytime as well. Tender slices of tenderloin served with a thick and rich Italian gorgonzola crème cheese sauce and pasta on the side.
Another excellent choice!
Leave Room For Dessert
Tiramisu
For dessert we simply had to share the house specialty, Tiramisu. This is a classic Italian cake dessert and was moist and delicious.
Served with a cup of hot coffee, it was a great way to end a fabulous dinner at this very popular restaurant.
Cochrane Alberta is a lovely city nestled alongside the beautiful Bow River, and located just minutes west of the City of Calgary. Old Town Cochrane has been revitalized and has become major tourist attraction filled with shops and restaurants.
Be sure to include a visit during your stay in this part of the Province, and experience some superb dining in Cochrane Alberta!
Sadly at this time, Google search results show the restaurant as {Permanently Closed}. This is in all likelihood, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis that has affected so many small businesses. I will keep you posted, should they open their doors once again.
I’ve listed the 🐎 Official Cochrane Tourism website page. It’s filled with excellent information on everything this beautiful part of the Province of Alberta has to offer, including a huge list of dining options to choose from.
Be sure to click on the Eat & Drink tab, located at the top of the page on their website.
🗺 Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for exact location. 🗺
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😎 Safe and Healthy Travels! 😎
Although our visit was in collaboration with Portofino Italian Restaurante, rest assured, all content and opinions are mine and reflect my personal experience only.
All personal 📸 photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected.
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✨ Did You Know …
&
📖 Planning Alberta Holidays
🌅 Canadian Rockies Hot Springs – Travel Guide
🏕 Camping Near Cochrane Alberta – Bow Rivers Edge
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