Porto’s Bakery Review: Exploring LA’s Iconic Cafe

| Occasion: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Snack | Cuisine: Cuban, Bakery | Price: $-$$ | Ambiance: Casual | Service: 4.7/5 | Taste: 4.6/5 |

Overall: 4.6/5

Location: 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd | Burbank, CA 91505
Phone:  (818) 846-9100
Website: https://www.portosbakery.com/
Hours:  6:30am – 8:00pm daily

Embarking on a culinary adventure during our LA Spring break, we couldn’t miss the chance to explore Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a former Yelp #1 Restaurant in the U.S. We went to the Burbank location after spending a good part of the day at the Warner Brothers Studio. Our original thinking was to stop in, buy a few pastries to go, and head back to Hermosa Beach to our hotel. However, once we got a closer look at the showcase of mouthwatering pastries, we decided to commit and make it a full-on dinner. The tougher decisions to make then were deciding which ones were going home with us, and which ones we’d eat there. Either way, we knew we were going to fill a few of their signature yellow to-go boxes!

Pastries from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

At the time of this posting, reviewers give Porto’s Bakery & Cafe in Burbank 4.5 stars with almost 12,000 reviews. Similarly, Tripadvisor  gives Porto’s 4.5 stars with over 1,100 reviews. We didn’t have any expectations going in except that it was a recommendation from friends who grew up in LA. However, reading all the reviews now, we can see that the Burbank cafe is the one to visit if you want the highest rated location. So, please join us as we dive into our own Porto’s Bakery Review where we share our recommendations, thoughts on ambiance, and overall dining experience at this iconic establishment.  Spoiler alert- we can’t wait to go back!

Chicken Empanada at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Burbank, CA

Discovering Porto’s Bakery & Cafe: A Taste of Cuba in LA.

Stepping into Porto’s, we were greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries and the bustling energy of fellow patrons, with locals and also tourists like us. The colorful decor, lively chatter, and display cases brimming with tempting treats set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Founded by the Porto family, immigrants from Cuba, in 1963, Porto’s has become a cherished culinary destination, blending Cuban flavors with California flair. With multiple locations across LA, Porto’s has become a beloved fixture in the city’s culinary landscape. But never fear, even if you’re not in town, you can still get a taste of Porto’s since they deliver nationwide which we can’t wait to try out soon!

Cakes at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Burbank, CA

Porto’s Bakery Review: From Pastries to Sandwiches

While waiting in the snaking line to place our orders, we could read Porto’s diverse menu over the counters where friendly servers stood. The menu was broad, brimming with Cuban-inspired delights, from their famous cheese rolls to their savory sandwiches, and the grand finale, their decadent pastries. There was definitely something to tempt everyone’s palate!

Plato de Lechon, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Burbank, CA

A Traditional Cuban Meal at Porto’s

I shared the chicken with Lily which was delicious- a plate of grilled, marinated and skin-on chicken breast, served with steamed jasmine rice, Cuban-style black beans, and madero (sweet, fried plantains). On the side, we enjoyed a side of cilantro salsa verde (fresh herbs, citrus, crushed red pepper, and a touch of avocado) with our meal. We also got the Plato de Lechon (slow-roasted pork), which was amazing. This is a traditional Cuban meal- house made, slow-roasted pork, mojo (Cuban garlic sauce), and pickled red onion, served also with jasmine rice, black beans and maduros. It was all delicious, and we truly savored the rich flavors and culinary craftsmanship that define Cuban cuisine.

Empanadas to Pastries at Porto’s Bakery

To transition to the pastries, we enjoyed their signature chicken empanadas made from Rosa’s original recipe! These hand pies are filled with Cuban-style chicken fricassee. Next it was time to dig into the signature yellow boxes and start trying some of our pastries! We started with the butter and chocolate croissants which were delightful. However, we knew that we’d be saving the best for last with the Guava & Cheese Strudel. And it did not disappoint. In fact, this pastry is the one that will keep us coming back to Porto’s every time we’re in LA. Made with Porto’s signature guava jam, we will definitely put this on our list when we do try out their nationwide delivery service!

Iconic Cheese Rolls

Our delightful experience at Porto’s didn’t end with the meal. We took a moment to express our appreciation to the friendly manager, Juan Carlos. He was incredibly gracious and insisted we try their famous cheese rolls as first-time guests. Moments later, he surprised us with a box of fresh out-of-the-oven cheese rolls. Warm, flaky, and filled with Porto’s signature cream cheese, these treats won us over completely. We couldn’t indulging in a few more as we headed back to Hermosa Beach that night.

A Glimpse into Porto’s Culinary Future: What’s Next on Our Menu

As we plan our return visit to Porto’s, we’ve already set our sights on exploring more of their culinary offerings. Besides making sure we order more of their amazing cheese rolls and guava cheese strudel, we’ll be sure to try some of their other savory dishes. Based on reviews, Porto’s savory sandwiches, such as the Cubano or Medianoche, are sure to satisfy. And of course, no visit to Porto’s would be complete without sampling their famous cakes baked fresh daily. If you want something sweeter, the tres leches cake is a recommendation we see from several reviews as a decadent finale to any meal.

Cheese Rolls, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Burbank, CA

Attention to Dietary Needs at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

During our visit, we were impressed by Porto’s commitment to accommodating food allergies. The staff behind the counter were knowledgeable about the menu and made us feel safe regarding our nut and sesame allergies. Additionally, when considering ordering from Porto’s online for an upcoming celebration, we reached out to their Guest Services through their website. Despite contacting them after hours, we received a prompt response within three hours on the next business day. We informed them of our family’s nut, sesame, and shellfish allergies, and they provided detailed information on menu items containing nuts and sesame seeds. While Porto’s Bakery & Cafe cannot guarantee a nut-free or sesame-free environment due to possible cross-contamination, their proactive approach to addressing allergen concerns was reassuring. Their dedication to customer safety and satisfaction further enhances the Porto’s experience for those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Tradition at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a cultural experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Cuba. From its humble beginnings as a neighborhood bakery, to its status as a beloved LA institution, Porto’s has remained true to its roots while continually delighting patrons with its innovative creations. As we reflect on our dining experience at Porto’s, we can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to savor the flavors of Cuba right there in LA. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe offers a taste of tradition and a warm welcome to all who enter its doors. Come join us on a culinary journey through Cuba, one delicious bite at a time!

Guava & Cheese Strudel, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, Burbank, CA

We hope this review provides valuable insight into Porto’s Bakery & Cafe. Thank you for reading, and be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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