Make Room for Mario's
With simple, no-frills decor, Mario's places all their attention on their food, which is doled out in generous portions. With a wide range of veal, chicken and seafood dishes, you will find specialities like the Chicken Liver Ala Caruso and Scungilli (sea conch) and Linguini. Make sure to save room for their tiramisu, which is a local favorite.
Mario's Italian Restaurant
611 Airline Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 399-8970
Chill at Chanello's
This popular Virginian chain has two locations in Portsmouth, which are kid-friendly and perfect for sharing a pie (or two) with a group of friends. While the establishment tends to try lively crowds, their menus vary from city to city. In Portsmouth, you'll can build your own pie or order a specialty pizza like the Chicken Florentine, Steak 'N Cheese and the popular E.B.A. (as in "Everything But Anchovies"). There are also subs (try the California Veggie if you'd prefer to go meatless), wings and breadsticks.
Chanello's Pizza
3200 High St
Portsmouth City, Virginia, 23707
(757) 397-2100
3921 Twin Pines Road
Portsmouth, VA
(757) 686-1200
chanellospizza.com
Casual Elegance at Amore
Tucked away in Portsmouth's Olde Towne, Amore is the classic Italian establishment with checkered tablecloths, brick walls and outdoor seating with umbrella-covered tables. Perfect for a first date, the friendly staff and relaxed ambiance will set anyone at ease. In addition to salads and subs, the real draw are the entrees and pizzas. Try one of Amore's house specials like the veal parmesan, the pesto chicken pizza, or Sausage Amore over vegetables and penne with marinara sauce. Note there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options like the Vegetable Alfredo. Pair any dish with a glass or bottle wine from the selective list.
Amore Casual Italian
606 High Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 337-8382
amorecasualitalian.com
