Il Porto

Founded in 1973, Il Porto Ristorante s building was used by a German artist during World War I as a studio. Today, it is a restaurant that serves Italian cuisine. Its menu features a variety of salads, appetizers, entrees, pasta, desserts and beverages. The restaurant additionally offers a selection of wines, such as sauvignon blanc, merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay, zinfandel and cabernet...

Inside an old building just one block from the Potomac, Il Porto's interior is reminiscent of Italy, with plaster walls, exposed wooden beams, and checkered tablecloths. The menu includes traditional Italian versions of veal, seafood, pasta, and chicken, and creative interpretations such as Paradiso Terra e Mare (chicken, shrimp, scallops, and chopped clams in white-wine-and-lemon sauce)....

Yes, it's "been there forever", and this midpriced Alexandria Italian remains a "favorite" of fans who swear by its sauces, both "light and complex" and so "rich" and "meaty" they taste as if they'd "been cooking for hours", proffered by "polite" servers; "retro in a good way", the plaster-and-beam construction lends it an "old-world charm."

Old Town's First Italian Restaurant in the Heart of Old Town's Historic Seaport District.195010ATTR:PASTA

IL Porto is a gorgeous location, resembling a European villa. The interiors are apt for a romantic date aided by beautiful lights, a classy aura and a pleasant service. Sit by a window and get a view of Old Town Alexandria, while munching on traditional Italian food. From scallops to shrimp and lasagnas to linguine, IL Porto masters it all. A vintage yet vibrant selection of wines and bubbling...