Al Porto Vancouver
⭐ Al Porto is known for Linguine Pescatore and Pizza.
💡 Good to Know
- Hidden Below Gastown
- Enter from a side lane and head downstairs.
- 40+ Years in Gastown
- A longtime Water Street Italian restaurant.
- Built for Big Gatherings
- Hosts large private events.
❤️ Top Favourites
🍽️ Al Porto Menu
🍽️ Early Dinner Special
Available daily from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Choose a pizza or pasta and dessert with soup or salad, or enjoy three courses with soup or salad, a main and dessert. Osso buco, veal, lamb and steak are available as upgraded main-course selections. Insalata Bistecca, lobster and king crab are excluded, and the offer cannot be combined with other promotions.
🥙 Appetizers
Italian-inspired starters featuring cured meats, fresh seafood, classic bruschetta, carpaccio and raw bar selections.
Antipasto Della Casa for Two
A traditional antipasto spread pairs assorted cured Italian meats with slices of provolone for sharing.
Seafood Antipasto
A chilled assortment from the sea brings together a fresh oyster, prawn, rare-seared tuna and scallops.
Bruschetta
Juicy tomato and red onion are tossed with fragrant basil and olive oil, then finished with Parmesan for a fresh Italian starter.
Calamari
Squid is deep-fried until crisp and served alongside red onion bruschetta and the chef's tartar sauce.
Carpaccio
Delicate slices of beef carpaccio are topped with peppery arugula, Grana Padano and frizzed capers, with lemon aioli adding a bright finish.
Smoked Salmon
BC Nanook salmon is complemented by arugula, red onion and frizzed capers, then finished with caviar.
Steak Tartare
Finely prepared beef is seasoned with anchovy, egg yolk, shallots, capers and chives, accented by Tabasco, brandy, Dijon, olive oil, cornichons and Worcestershire.
Mussels
Mussels simmer with shallots, garlic, lemongrass and chorizo in a robust marinara sauce.
Seared Ahi Tuna
Rare-seared ahi tuna meets ginger-sesame and ponzu flavours, accompanied by crisp apple and fennel salad with citrus dressing.
Oysters
Fresh raw oysters are presented with shallots, cracked black pepper and aromatic rosemary mignonette. Available by the half dozen or dozen.
🥗 Soup & Salad
Seasonal soup and fresh salads ranging from classic Caesar and Caprese to grilled beef tenderloin over spring greens.
Zuppa del Giorno
A changing daily soup inspired by the season and the chef's current selection of ingredients.
Insalata Bistecca
Grilled beef tenderloin medallions turn a bed of fresh spring mix greens into a substantial steak salad.
Insalata Mista
Organic greens are layered with marinated artichoke and cherry tomatoes, dressed in Dijon vinaigrette and finished with provolone.
Insalata Caprese
Fresh tomato and bocconcini mingle with peppery arugula and basil, dressed with olive oil and a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction.
Insalata Caesar
Crisp romaine hearts are coated in classic Caesar dressing and scattered with Parmesan and crunchy croutons.
Chopped Salad
Peppers, cucumber, tomato, romaine and olives create a colourful base for salty prosciutto and crumbled feta.
🍕 Pizza
Italian-style pizzas with combinations ranging from classic pepperoni and Margherita to seafood, sausage and Mediterranean vegetables.
Arrabbiata Pizza
Mushrooms and capocollo ham join merguez lamb sausage, egg and banana peppers, with oregano rounding out this hearty combination.
Salsiccia Pizza
A meat-forward pairing of chorizo and Italian sausage is balanced by mushrooms and banana peppers, then seasoned with oregano.
Pepperoni Pizza
A straightforward favourite generously topped with pepperoni and accented with oregano.
Quattro Stagioni Pizza
Capocollo ham, artichokes, sun-dried olives and mushrooms bring contrasting savoury flavours together beneath a finishing touch of oregano.
Giovanni Pizza
Tender chicken and tangy feta are paired with aromatic pesto for a rich, herbaceous combination.
Margherita Pizza
A simple Italian classic kept fresh and fragrant with basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Napoletana Pizza
Salty anchovy, capers and sun-dried olives give this traditional combination its bold Mediterranean character, finished with oregano.
Gamberoni Pizza
Prawns take centre stage alongside garlic and parsley, with olive oil bringing the seafood and herbs together.
Hawaiian Pizza
Pancetta and capocollo ham contrast with sweet pineapple, while Reggiano and Parmesan add a savoury cheese finish.
Mediterranean Vegetarian Pizza
Red onion, button mushrooms and garlic join sun-dried olives, banana peppers, red and green peppers and artichokes for a vegetable-packed pizza. Vegetarian.
Canadese Pizza
Pepperoni and Genoa salami are paired with mushrooms and colourful red and green peppers for a hearty Canadian-style combination.
🐟 Frutti di Mare
Seafood entrées showcasing the day's catch, lobster, shellfish, wild BC salmon and saffron risotto.
Catch of the Day
A changing seafood creation built around what the waters provide and the freshest catch currently available.
8 oz. Lobster Tail
A generous lobster tail is paired with sweet pea and saffron risotto, with silky beurre blanc served alongside for dipping.
Cioppino
Clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and fish come together with chorizo in a tomato, white wine, Pernod and fennel broth.
Wild BC Salmon
Wild BC salmon is grilled medium rare and lightly drizzled with maple chili glaze, accompanied by sweet pea and saffron risotto.
Alaskan King Crab
One pound of Alaskan king crab is accompanied by sweet pea and saffron risotto, with beurre blanc on the side for dipping.
Scallops & Prawns
Seared scallops and jumbo prawns are arranged with sweet pea and saffron risotto and finished with aromatic Pernod herb butter.
🍗 Pollo
Italian chicken entrées ranging from classic Parmigiana to delicate scaloppine in a bright lemon butter sauce.
Chicken Parmigiana
Classic chicken Parmigiana is paired with spaghetti coated in savoury marinara sauce.
Chicken Piccata
Tender chicken scaloppine is prepared with parsley, white wine and capers in lemon butter, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
🍖 Carne
Italian meat entrées featuring veal, lamb and slow-braised osso buco with traditional sauces and accompaniments.
Veal Saltimbocca
Veal scaloppine and prosciutto are accented with sage and a rich red wine demi, accompanied by vegetables and roasted potatoes.
Rack of Lamb
A rack of lamb is coated in a Dijon and herb crust, then served with seasonal vegetables and smooth truffle mashed potato purée.
Osso Buco
Grain-fed veal shank is slowly braised in a reduction of red wine, tomato and vegetables, brightened with gremolata and paired with lemon and herb risotto.
Veal Marsala
Veal scaloppine and oyster mushrooms are enveloped in sweet Marsala sauce, with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables completing the plate.
🥩 Bistecca Canadian Prime
Premium Canadian Prime beef cuts served with classic accompaniments, with king crab or lobster available as additions.
8 oz. Grilled Beef Tenderloin
A tender 8 oz. cut of grilled beef is served with seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.
12 oz. New York Steak
A substantial 12 oz. New York steak comes with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes.
16 oz. Bone-In Rib Steak
A generous 16 oz. bone-in rib steak is accompanied by seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Add King Crab
Complement your steak with a 10 to 12 oz. portion of king crab.
Add Lobster Tail
Pair your steak with an additional 8 oz. lobster tail.
🍝 Pasta & Risotto
Italian pasta and risotto dishes featuring slow-cooked ragù, seafood, sausage, fresh vegetables and rich house sauces.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti is coated in a hearty ragù of ground beef and veal simmered together with marinara sauce.
Linguine Pescatore
A generous seafood combination of prawns, mussels, clams, scallops, salmon and halibut is tossed with linguine and tomato.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Smoky bacon, rich egg yolk and Parmesan coat strands of spaghetti in this classic Italian preparation.
Linguine Vongole
Tender clams are paired with linguine in a light sauce of white wine, brodo and butter.
Spaghetti Polpette
House-made meatballs and savoury marinara turn classic spaghetti into a comforting Italian favourite.
Cannelloni di Verdura
Tender pasta is filled with ricotta and spinach, then finished with a creamy pomodoro and pesto sauce.
Penne Salsiccia
Italian sausage and merguez mingle with sun-dried tomato and chili, tossed with penne in marinara sauce.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Earthy wild mushroom risotto is topped with grilled beef tenderloin medallions and delicate shavings of Parmesan.
Fettuccine Buongustaio
Chicken, sweet peas and mushrooms are folded through fettuccine in a rich garlic cream sauce.
Seafood Risotto
Creamy risotto is generously filled with prawns, mussels, clams, scallops, salmon and halibut.
Veal Lasagna
Braised veal, mushrooms, spinach and ricotta are layered into lasagna and brought together with savoury marinara sauce.
Gnocchi Chef's Choice
House-made fresh gnocchi showcases the chef's current preparation and seasonal inspiration.
🍰 Desserts
Classic Italian-inspired sweets, frozen treats and sharing selections to finish dinner.
Lemon Tart
A bright lemon tart with a sweet-tart citrus character.
Chocolate Ganache Torte
A rich chocolate torte centred around smooth, decadent ganache.
Gelato Fresco Ice Cream
Fresh Italian-style gelato served as a cool and creamy finish to the meal.
Selection of Sorbetto
A refreshing selection of smooth fruit sorbets.
Tiramisu
The classic Italian layered dessert with its signature coffee-forward character.
Dessert Platter
Choose any three desserts to create a sweet tasting platter for sharing.
Cheese Platter
A savoury cheese selection for a traditional alternative to dessert.
⭐ Al Porto Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
Linguine Pescatore
Seafood pasta is one of Al Porto's most frequently praised choices, with the Linguine Pescatore standing out among diners looking for a classic Italian seafood dish.
Pizza
Pizza has a loyal following of its own, with customers repeatedly praising it at both lunch and dinner and some calling it the highlight of their meal.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi appears regularly in positive reviews, including pesto and other preparations praised for their flavour and preparation.
Veal Lasagna
The veal lasagna is a particularly memorable pasta favourite, earning enthusiastic recommendations from diners returning for traditional Italian comfort food.
Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb receives consistently strong feedback, with customers highlighting both its flavour and careful cooking.
Calamari
A longtime appetizer favourite, calamari is regularly ordered alongside mussels, carpaccio and other dishes for the table.
Mussels
Mussels have remained a recurring favourite over many years and are particularly popular as a shared starter before pasta or seafood entrées.
Risotto
Risotto appears throughout customer reviews in mushroom, seafood and seasonal preparations, with several diners singling it out as one of their favourite dishes.
Chicken Parmigiana
The classic chicken Parmigiana earns strong praise from diners looking for familiar Italian comfort food.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is one of the restaurant's most dependable starters, with customers repeatedly highlighting it before their pasta, seafood and meat courses.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu remains a classic finish to dinner and regularly appears among the desserts customers choose after a traditional Italian meal.
Lemon Tart
The lemon tart has developed a following of its own, with several diners specifically recommending it after set-menu and special-occasion dinners.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Hidden Below Gastown
Al Porto is easy to walk past. Guests enter from a tucked-away side lane and descend below street level into a surprisingly spacious restaurant hidden beneath Gastown.
Old-World Italian Atmosphere
The underground setting, warm lighting, artwork and traditional décor create a classic Italian atmosphere that customers compare to restaurants they have visited in Rome and Florence.
Wine-Cellar Feel
The downstairs rooms have a distinctive cellar-like character, giving Al Porto a cozy, slightly mysterious atmosphere that contrasts with busy Water Street outside.
Romantic Dinners
Warm lighting and intimate dining areas make Al Porto a recurring choice for anniversaries, Valentine's dinners, birthdays and other celebrations.
Private Dining
Separate dining spaces accommodate private dinners and functions, including corporate events, family celebrations and larger organized groups.
Large Groups
Al Porto has considerable experience with group dining, with customer reports ranging from birthday parties and work dinners to private events approaching 100 guests.
Wine Selection
An extensive wine selection complements the traditional Italian menu and is frequently mentioned as part of the restaurant's special-occasion appeal.
Tourist Discovery
Its Gastown location attracts plenty of Vancouver visitors, but the hidden entrance means many discover Al Porto almost by accident while sightseeing around the neighbourhood.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Gastown Location
Al Porto's Water Street location is best suited to guests already exploring downtown Vancouver, with public parkades and metered parking found throughout the surrounding Gastown area.
Below Street Level
The restaurant is located below street level, and customers repeatedly describe descending a flight of stairs from the tucked-away entrance to reach the main dining space.
Transit Friendly
Waterfront Station is within walking distance, providing access to SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express connections for diners arriving without a car.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Gastown
Al Porto is tucked away at 321 Water Street in the heart of Gastown, surrounded by the neighbourhood's historic architecture, shops and visitor attractions.
Gastown Steam Clock
The restaurant is close to the Gastown Steam Clock, with customers frequently using the famous landmark to describe Al Porto's location.
Water Street
Although the address is on Water Street, the entrance can be surprisingly easy to miss, adding to the hidden-restaurant feeling that appears throughout customer reviews.
Waterfront
Some of the restaurant's dining space looks toward the railway tracks and Vancouver waterfront beyond, adding another dimension to its Gastown setting.
Waterfront Station
Waterfront Station is a short walk from the restaurant, making Al Porto convenient for diners travelling into downtown Vancouver by transit.
Gastown Sightseeing
The location works particularly well as part of a day exploring Gastown, with visitors regularly discovering the restaurant while walking through the historic neighbourhood.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Lunch
Al Porto serves lunch in its Gastown dining room, with pasta, pizza, risotto and other Italian favourites popular with both visitors and downtown diners.
Dinner
Dinner brings out the restaurant's more romantic side, with pasta, seafood, steaks, lamb and wine suited to leisurely meals and celebrations.
Happy Hour
A Happy Hour menu gives diners another way to experience Al Porto, with selected food and drinks available outside a full lunch or dinner.
Early Dinner
Set-menu early dinners have long been popular with customers looking to combine several courses into one meal.
Dine-In
The underground dining rooms are a major part of the Al Porto experience, particularly for customers drawn to its classic Italian atmosphere.
Reservations
Reservations are useful for celebrations, groups and busier evenings, as well as guests arranging a private dining experience.
Private Events
Al Porto hosts corporate dinners, appreciation events, holiday parties, birthdays and other private gatherings.
Group Dining
The restaurant can accommodate substantial groups and has hosted organized functions numbering dozens of guests.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian diners report a good selection of choices along with flexibility in modifying dishes.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free pizza, pasta and other choices have been reported by customers, with staff able to help identify suitable menu options.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
The Hidden Entrance Is Part of the Experience
Customers repeatedly describe finding Al Porto down a side lane and descending below street level, turning what looks like an easy-to-miss entrance into one of the restaurant's defining characteristics.
Atmosphere Makes an Impression
Even reviews that are mixed about the food frequently compliment the surroundings, with the warm, old-fashioned Italian setting one of Al Porto's most consistent strengths.
It Feels Like an Italian Wine Cellar
The underground rooms, traditional décor and intimate lighting remind many diners of older restaurants in Italy and give Al Porto a character distinct from newer downtown dining rooms.
Seafood Pasta Has Loyal Fans
Linguine Pescatore and other seafood pastas generate some of the strongest food praise, although individual experiences with seafood and risotto can vary.
Pizza Is a Reliable Favourite
Pizza receives positive comments across many years of reviews and is particularly popular with lunch diners and families.
Special Occasions Are Common
Anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's dinners, graduations and even a marriage proposal appear in customer stories, reinforcing Al Porto's longstanding role as a celebration restaurant.
Large Events Are a Strength
The restaurant has handled substantial corporate and private gatherings, including customer reports of events with 80 to nearly 100 guests.
Service Can Be Memorable
Several longtime servers are repeatedly mentioned by name, with customers praising their menu knowledge, humour and ability to make dinners feel personal.
Service Can Also Be Inconsistent
The review history includes a noticeable minority of complaints about slow, inattentive or uneven service, particularly during some group meals and busy periods.
The Restaurant Has Staying Power
Al Porto has been part of Gastown for more than four decades, giving it a longevity that few restaurants in the neighbourhood can match.
Visitors Often Find It by Accident
Tourists frequently describe wandering into Al Porto while sightseeing or discovering it when another Gastown restaurant was busy, only to be surprised by the large dining space hidden below.
Opinions on Value Are Mixed
Some customers consider the set menus and portions good value, while others feel regular dinner pricing is high relative to their experience.
The Décor Is Deliberately Old School
Customers variously describe the interior as rustic, retro, romantic, classic and occasionally dated. For diners who enjoy traditional Italian restaurants, that old-school character is often precisely the appeal.
Gluten-Free Diners Have Options
Customers report gluten-free pizza and pasta along with knowledgeable staff and a relatively broad selection, although experiences involving food allergies have not been uniformly positive.
Sources
Links used to compile this restaurant’s menu and dining information.
- Al Porto Official Site (opens in a new tab)View the restaurant's menu at the linked source to confirm current prices, availability, and menu details.
