Portico offers upscale cuisine perfect for a sophisticated palate and those looking for something other than chain restaurants that are nearly everywhere in the Perimeter area.
Disclosure: My meal at Portico was complimentary
Whoever says that malls are dying has not been to Perimeter mall lately. Or really ever. No matter when I go, that mall’s parking lot is always packed. And I’m sorry for the chumps who end up waiting hours to dine at The Cheesecake Factory or Maggiano’s or another chain restaurant located at the mall. It seems like just a few more steps away and they could be dining at the unique, Portico, located inside the Le Meridien hotel.
I dined there on a recent weekend. Bonus: there is free parking at Portico on weekends. While the restaurant seems like a fit for business travelers, locals will definitely want to know about the spectacular cuisine here. Start off with a barrel aged Negroni. They have a Manhattan but the Negroni wins. Pictured above is the smoked fish platter. The large portion is best to share with 4-6 people.
There’s also a Malaysian shrimp that is divine, but I’d avoid the soy sauce that comes with it as it is incredibly salty. Shishito peppers make for a healthy and tasty starter if you are watching your waistline.
Speaking of watching your waistline, if you are, the lamb chops are a great choice, especially if you went appetizer heavy. The two chops are tasty and served with tomatoes and a pea puree that makes it a filling, yet healthy option. Just skip the mac and cheese (which I didn’t do).
As usual, my hubby chose the winning entree, a ribeye covered in mushroom and a savory red wine sauce. Normally, I wouldn’t go for a steak at a non-steak restaurant, but hands down this is probably the best thing on the menu at Portico. The portion is huge – you’ll definitely have some for leftovers. While items like asparagus and mushroom risotto are on the menu, a healthier alternative to the truffled fries we had with the steak.
So if you happen to be shopping at Perimeter mall and are craving something other than Maggiano’s or Cheesecake Factory, head across the street to Portico, for excellent cocktails and global cuisine.
111 Perimeter Ctr W
Atlanta, GA 30346