Midweek Dinner: Al Porto Restaurant, Antigua

Hey Guys!

Finally, another food post. This time a restaurant review.

Known for its brick-oven thin crusted pizzas, Al Porto is located in the Jolly Harbour Marina complex. I’ve been here on numerous occasions, but now it’s finally getting a review. There were no special occasions being celebrated simply a random eat out trip. Well, it was also a midweek holiday and no-one wanted to cook. Luckily this restaurant was still open.

THE LOCATION + VIBE

As mentioned earlier, Al Porto is located in the Jolly Harbor Marina complex, along with various other restaurants and shops. Jolly Harbor Marina is on the southwestern coast of the island about 15 – 25 minutes from the city. The restaurant is right on the water’s edge so visitors have the pleasure of visiting via their yachts. The open atmosphere also makes it welcoming and chill, so there’s no strict dress code. There is music playing in the background and an open view of the chefs preparing pizzas. Al Porto also offers several specials throughout the week; Tuesdays are known for 2-4-1 pizzas and Thursdays are dedicated for “all you can eat pasta” at the price of USD $20. 

THE MENU

Primarily made up of Italian food items, the menu showcases a wide variety of pizza options, pastas and a small selection of meats. The pizza selection ranges from traditional items such as Pepperoni, All-American or Hawaiian to Italian types such as Diavolo, Bianca and Florentine. What I like particularly is that all the pizzas (except the Margherita) are USD $15. For the meats, it’s either steak, lamb or chicken. Then there’s the catch of the day (fish) and lobster, once in season. I would have liked a shrimp dish, and not necessarily pasta.

THE FOOD

STARTERS

We had Calamari Fritti to start. It’s fried squid served with garlic mayonnaise and lemon. Personally, it’s one of my favourite starters and I’ve had quite a variety from different restaurants around the island. Unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to its previous expectations. It was fairly light and should’ve been fried for a little longer, but that’s only my preference. I’d give it a 3 out of 5.

MAINS

 Fun Fact: I LOVE Pasta. Any type but mainly Alfredo. I knew before I got there that I wanted pasta but not the type. Looking at the selection, I wasn’t really hyped about any but I finally decided on the lobster. The USD $30 didn’t really make the choice any easier but hey YOLO. The price for the pasta was the same as a rack of lamb *lol* Luckily, there was a good amount of lobster in the dish but I still don’t think it amounted to a half lobster (maybe a tiny one). As for the taste, I had to add a bit of salt n’ pepper for my liking. The West Indian in me thought it was a bit on the fresh side. Personally, I would have also liked some broccoli or mushrooms or some added vegetable besides just the pasta and lobster. I’d give it a 3 out of 5.

It was juicy and delicious, seasoned to perfection and tender. 5/5 recommended! Meal would be a 3/5, could be better if it wasn’t with vegetables.

-lamb rack review, sister

OVERALL

Food: 3/ 5
Drinks: 3/ 5
Service: 3 / 5
Venue: 4 / 5
Price: $$ – $$$

Scale:
1 – Awful (Would not return)
2 – Okayish (Only if there is no other option)
3 – Satisfied
4 – Good (Would return / Nicely setup)
5 – Awesome (One of my favorites)