Owned by Victor Ciulla of Twin Palms fame and John Weithas (both residents of Pasadena), Porta Via is one of the few artisan prepared food stores / café that is not a chain. Its menu, which was developed by consulting Chef Octavio Beccera (The Patina Group’s former corporate Exec Chef) and his assistant, Chef Gary Menes.
At Porta Via Italian Foods their passion is creating delicious foods inspired by the vibrant flavors of Italy, the Mediterranean and California in a modern café-style atmosphere that’s as warm and welcoming as an old neighborhood market.
The ingredients are fresh, sandwiches handcrafted, and soups made from original family recipes. Porta Via Italian Foods prepares healthy meat, fish and chicken dishes with olive oil and fragrant herbs; delicatessen sandwiches and panini are made with freshly-baked breads and premium Italian meats and gourmet cheeses; savory pastas are prepared using only the finest authentic ingredients. Porta Via is also famous for the Insalata Bar were an associate personally crafts your salad from fresh ingredients and dressings. Porta Via also offers a large assortment of tempting gourmet desserts for you to enjoy with an authentic cappuccino or espresso.
The shelves are stocked with many hard-to-find Italian specialty items, along with fine imported and domestic beers and wines. Additionally Porta Via Italian Foods specializes in preparing seasonal holiday meals, custom picnic boxes and gift baskets, while also catering private parties and events both large and small. So stop in, relax and experience our fine foods for lunch or dinner, or let Porta Via prepare your favorite menu items for take-out. One visit and you’ll see why Porta Via has become the go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine and take-out in Pasadena.
Porta Via Italian Foods, 1 W. California Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 793-9000 or visit www.portaviafoods.com.
