My wife and I went here for a date during Alexandria Restaurant Week 2013. We made a reservation several days in advance for 8 p.m. on a Saturday night. We hadn't taken into account, however, that this particular Saturday fell on the President's Inauguration weekend 2013 -- probably not the best night to go out to eat in the DC/Alexandria area. When we arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before 8 p.m., we were asked to wait for a minute by the hostess while they readied our table. In under 5 minutes we were led to our table -- waaaaayyyyy at the back of the restaurant, immediately outside the door to the wine cellar, and underneath the brightest, harshest lights in the restaurant. It was the worst table in the place. There were several large groups (8-12 per table) of Inauguration revelers seated right next to us, who were loud and clearly dominated the attention of the minimal wait staff all night long. It took 20 minutes for a waitress to come to our table to take an initial drink order, another 10 minutes for the drinks to arrive, and only then were we presented with menus. Bread arrived at the table at about the 45-min mark, and the first course (soups for both of us) arrived at about 55 minutes in. Wife and I don't mind lingering a bit at dinner, but this was ridiculous. My wife started with lobster bisque, and I had the soup of the day: turkey corn chowder. Both soups were good -- probably the best thing we had all night. For main courses, wife had Seared Salmon and I had something called "Chicken Envoltine" (stuffed with feta, spinach, and bell pepper, and wrapped in bacon). The salmon wasn't bad, but was kind of bland. It was served with plain white rice -- not very imaginative. The chicken was good, but not great. Nothing to write home about. Portion sizes were average. For dessert, we shared a Tiramisu, which tasted like it had been previously frozen -- again, nothing to write home about. One of the big draws for me to this restaurant was the live jazz that plays 7 days a week. The night we were there, Sharon Clark and her trio were on stage when we arrived. Unfortunately, she sang for about 5 minutes after we were seated, and then took a break for over an hour. By the time she started singing again, we were already having dessert. It wouldn't have mattered -- our table was so far away from the stage, and the large groups of guests were so loud, that we wouldn't have been able to hear her anyway. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. I think the restaurant could have done a better job planning for the large number of guests they had that evening, and I especially think that our 8 p.m. reservation, made several days in advance, should have entitled us to a better table and service than what we were provided. I won't go out of my way to go back here again. read more

****Happy Hour review**** My fiancée and I came here for happy hour prior to having dinner elsewhere. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-7pm and includes both drink and food specials. We arrived around 6pm and easily found two seats at the bar. The bartender was friendly, knowledgeable of the specials, and quick to deliver initial and subsequent drinks. Drink specials include $3 house red or white, $3 well drinks, $4 Stellas, and $4 domestics. Food options include several apps at half price (most around $5.50). The house white (I believe it was a Sauvignon blanc) was rather nice for being only $3. My fiancée had a couple of whiskeys on the rocks and glad nothing negative to say. The bar is small so plan accordingly if you want to have drinks here. The bar cleared out after 7pm though. The only thing I could have done without was the extremely obnoxious and intoxicated woman next to us, which is no fault of LaPorta's. The prices here for happy hour are quite good so I suspect I'll return. read more

Laporta's is a lovely, small venue with lots of ambiance and personality. The food is fresh and delicious, and there is live music that isn't too loud to preclude conversation at your table. The bar area is also very nice! The Greek salad is a favorite of mine, and the molten chocolate cake (not always on the menu...the dessert menu periodically changes) is to die for. It is especially nice for celebrating a special occasion, but I would go at any opportunity. There is convenient parking in a nearby garage after 5 p.m. and on weekends. read more

Have been a loyal customer of LaPortas for years and frequently go with friends to the tables in the bar area after work. Our party of six had an appalling experience last night with one of the Owner/Manager's Phil Laporta. He was so rude to our whole party about putting tables together for a party of six. He was in my face and proceeded to ream me out in front of our guests and told me that when I owned a restaurant, I could run it the way I wanted to. As I tried to get around him to go greet my friend at the bar, he physically ran into me not once, but twice with no apology. We would have left immediately, but had others joining us. When we were leaving, a family member told him he owed me an apology and he said "What for? Don't be silly." Then he got very surly and aggressive and asked if she wanted to sit down and discuss it. She said she did not and she and another friend went to leave and he slammed the door loudly in their face. It's really surprising and shokcing that the Laporta family would put someone in the front of the house that appears to have such anger management issues and supposedly has that reputation around Old Town. We've always been treated very well by the other owners Doug and Ralph Laporta. It's unfortinate that we won't be back to Laportas as we've always enjoyed it and recommended it to others. read more

Ambiance: The outside screams sandwhich shop and the inside looks totally different. Its fairly drab inside. The decor was non existant... very bland and lifeless. The profile says that this is a classy place and you should be dressed in buisness casual. I saw everyrhing from jeans to casual everyday wear to suit jackets. Very confused at to whom the target audience is. There was alot of older retiree type with a few younger couples sprinkled throughout. No hustle and bustle of King Street. Entertainment: the saturday night ensemble left alot to be desired. Its was a failed attempt at real jazz. The bass player sounded like he had fallen down a flight of stairs with his bass and was just trying to hold it together. The songstress that dazzled us (NOT) with her less than stellar voice was interesting. The "piano man" carried the group. He seemed fairly experienced. The three together left alot to be desired. The staff was nice. Our waiter was prompt and very knowledgeable of the menu. Order the BBQ steak and macaroni and cheese. It was ok but nothing to write home about. Pricing seemed at bit steep but I guess thats to be expected in Downtown Alexandria. Bottom line. I was way over dressed and couldve save th3 outfit for a more flavorable occassion. OH WELL!!! I came and saw it, ate something, took a doggy bag. Probably wont return. read more

PRETTY GOOD BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER-- My boyfriend picked this place by doing some searches online for local romantic places to eat. We went here to have a romantic evening with dinner and music, something we don't really take the time to do often. FOOD: We ordered entrees which comes with pre-selected sides, you can only change to a few options and for the sides you really want, chances are there is an upcharge, so you get the regular side plus the additional side for that extra change if you decide to get it. Note to Chef--don't charge people for this, just let them get the side they want. The potatoes are a deep fried mess with no seasonings. You can do way better than this!! These didn't even match the quality of the rest of the food coming out. The Fett Alfredo is spicy, although good, I don't care for spicy food. I would recommend you ask if people want it mild or spicy. It was creamy and not brothy as the other reviewer experienced. Do something please with those potatoes. They are dry, plain and simply nasty. The entrees themselves were good overall. COST: Its a little pricey but an okay price for a good dinner and atmosphere. ENTERTAINMENT: There was lady singing jazz, an upright bass player and piano player. All very lovely. (No dance floor-FYI) There is only one side that can see the music live. SERVICE: The service was nice, no complaints here. We loved our waitress. Parking was a challenge until I went inside and asked. There is a garage right next to it where you can park. DRESS: Everyone on a Saturday night was dressed up. I thought we would be overdressed in a dress and suit (no tie) but we were right in line with the rest of the people. Everyone looked lovely. We enjoyed it and would go back. I do hope they make some minor tweaks though to get them to that 5 star status; they are capable of achieving this. read more

We walked in and there was a nice ambiance, it was a nice day so we asked to be seated outside. They had a sangria special so we got two pitchers - one white and one red. The sangria tasted sour, I did not like either of them. We ordered fried calamari and pita and hummus for appetizers. They were fine - nothing special to note. I got the half chicken (orange glaze) with vegetables and corn bread-ish thing. I didn't like my dish. The glaze did not taste right, I didn't eat the cornbread. My bf ordered the chicken parm and the sauce was the same as the dipping sauce for the calamari. The food was underwhelming for me and I didn't enjoy the experience there. read more

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When my coworker suggested Laporta for lunch, I didn't think we'd be heading to such a fine dining establishment. When we walked in I half expected our party of four males to be serenaded by violin. Luckily it was restaurant week so I only spent about $25 here at lunch. I began with the seafood chowder. It was fairly chunky and well flavored with just the most subtle aftertaste of spice accompanying every bite. If you're truly in the mood for a creamy seafood chowder I would recommend it, but it's not worth visiting this place just for that. My entree was easily the best part of the meal. The Bar-B-Que Hanger Steak I ordered came rare just as I desired. The meat wasn't the most tender but the barbecue sauce along with it made every bite that much more delectable. Never has a barbecue sauce been so thin and sweet at the same time. The side dish of macaroni and cheese was exceptional as well. Would recommend all of that. For dessert I had the recommended Blueberry Cobbler. The Blueberry Cobbler itself was oven-warm with a helping of vanilla ice cream on the side that when combined made for a pleasant experience. Plenty of blueberries and a fair amount of the sugared breading and I'd have to say I was overjoyed and having to adjust my belt and it not even being one in the afternoon yet. read more

Love this place! My husband & I went to Alexandria for our Anniversary this was one of the first restaurants we ate at. My husband had a steak dish. The steak was delicious & the Mac&Cheese was to die for! The best I've ever had!! I had a pasta dish with seafood & I loved that I was able to order it as an appetizer size. It was the perfect amount of food for me. We went on a Thursday night & they had a 3piece Jazz band that was great! Piano, stand up bass & a woman with a beautiful voice. It was very romantic & we had a great dinner. After dinner we moved into the bar where we ended up for the rest of the night. Anthony the bartender & the owner were great. Gave us lots of tips on where to go and what to do. We ended up visiting this place a few times through our our 5 day stay! read more

My husband and I ate here for our anniversary. We specifically came here for the lobster bisque (we both love it) and the live music. The staff was friendly and it was super easy to get reservations. I had the lobster bisque for a starter and wasn't impressed. It was just okay. The bread was good. My husband enjoyed the beer selection. I ate the mushroom pasta and my husband had the special which was scallops in a cheese bowl (with noodles). Mine was okay. The mushrooms were good. My husband loved his scallops. I also ordered the pumpkin cake YUM!!! Now the live music was really good but played in short spurts. We left while the band was on break and had only played for about 20 minutes. The cost was expensive too. I would try this place again but it's not on my hot list for Alexandria!!! read more

Worst restaurant in old town! I ordered a steak medium it came well done then they re cooked it and it came out bloody rare. When I complained to the owner mrs laposta she was super rude and just gave excuses about why her chefs can't cook a steak medium. everyone else in my party was done eating and she didn't offer me a free app or drink or anything while I waited and everyone else in my party finished there dinner... Never go here!! Never ever!' read more

This restaurant is very nice, and quite a surprise in a residential neighborhood. I enjoyed the ambience, the music was wonderful (ShaRon Clark and her combo - Jazz Standards). I will return! read more

This place was amazingly bad. Slow, inattentive service. The drink selection was not deep. And they didn't seem to keep enough of a given wine (seriously: don't give a medium-sized party the full-court press on a given wine if you only have two bottles of it). The "best" part of the evening was when someone at the opposite end of our table ordered the mussels. I hadn't visually noticed its delivery, but the smell ...Have you ever been in a house where the owner keeps *way* too many cats? Yeah. Smelled kind of like that. STRONGLY. As in, sitting at opposite ends of a 10-top, I was trying to figure out what the hell stank so badly. Wasn't until the person that ordered it complained about the taste that I realized, "oh, they ordered something awful." They went to return it and the waitress made the comment that she thought it smelled "off" before she delivered it. Seriously? If something smells "off" you don't just drop it off any way. You CERTAINLY don't say to the diner that you dropped it off to that you thought something might be wrong with it but dropped it off any way. Aside from the mussels fiasco, drink glasses were mostly ignored. Finished plates were only really cleared when you flagged someone down and asked that they please be bussed. I'm hoping our experience was just a singularly bad example of this place, but, given tonight's sole experience, it's not worth risking a return. If I could give less than 1-star, I would. read more

The only reason I tried Laporta's was for the mussels. But when I ordered them I was told they had been out since the prior evening. The reason the waitress gave for them not having purchased them was that it was a Sunday. For this reason alone I give them a 3 star rating instead of a 5. I only feel this strongly because it is so easy this time of year to acquire mussels spur of the moment...even on a Sunday. I only stayed because it was so rainy out, but the rest of the meal was superb. I had the Almond and Cereal Encrusted Cod and the Lobster Bisque. The cod was superb. The bisque was very good. read more

Better than Trademark. It's a great place to get together after work. Good atmosphere. They are flexible with seating and very accommodating. Five stars. read more

The serving sizes could be a little bigger. However both times I have eaten here the food has been consistently fantastic. The lobster bisque is hot and delicious and was a big hit - the only thing I would change is add a little bit of Old Bay seasoning. The first time I was here I had a mushroom pasta - rich and perfect, and last time I got the scallops - HEAVEN. Scallops, when cooked correctly, are just the best things on earth. However, that dish was more than $20 and only came with 3 scallops. Luckily I was at a party and not paying for it myself :) I'm usually too cheap to order dessert, but last time I did and I got the tiramisu. YUM!! I was scraping my plate with the fork at the end to get every little last morsel off of it. Fantastic. Because we were at an event they also had passed apps being handed around. For some reason I always enjoy them but never remember them exactly. I do know they had SHRIMP, a bacon-wrapped something that was pretty good and these little puffs that had meat in them. The problem with teh passed apps was it was during the drinking time and I was probably paying more attention to the delicious house red wine and guzzling back the decent beer choices! A big sign outside the place says that there is jazz being played here on occasion. I would love to come back on a fancy date and have some great food and drink and listen to some jazz! Laporta's is not cheap (but what is in Alexandria nowadays?) but they have done a great job with every aspect of the meal both times I have been here, so so far I am a big fan! read more

I had no idea, until I read the other Yelp reviews that this place focuses on Happy Hour business. We went there for dinner and had a nice one. I ordered a not particularly expensive, but very good signature pasta dish that had nice spicy Italian Sausages in it. I found it very tasty and satisfying. I had Calamari that could have been served a little bit hotter and a side salad. The meal was fine, the service was good and the ambiance was appropriate. If in town again, I will go back. read more

This is a jewel in Alexandria. We walked in for dinner tonight which happened to be restaurant week. When we first arrived, no one was in the front for a good 5 mins. We were about to leave, then the guy came and asked to seat us. The jazz music here is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the staff (Max) is extreme friendly. We work just around the corners, the waiter told us about their special on Monday and Tuesday something with free bottle of wine. We'll definitely be back. The only complaint is they might need a hostess in the front. But I love this place. read more

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Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of this place. My friend and I ventured in because the restaurant was on ScoutMob for 50% off (up to $19). We ordered an appetizer (calamari), two entrees, and a pitcher of sangria. The calamari tasted like something from the frozen food section and the dipping sauce was absolutely horrible. It tasted like a mixture of BBQ sauce and steak sauce. Yuck! The entrees were edible, but definitely nothing to write home about. The sangria was watered down and disappointing. The only thing I did enjoy was the live Jazz. I could see how this would be a nice "date night" if you wanted to hear music. read more

After trying to decide between the more popular restaurants for our Anniversary dinner, my husband made our reservation here. Fantastic choice! The restaurant was easy to find with great parking (free on weekends!). The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate celebratory meal. There was a live jazz trio that was a real treat and the service was appropriately attentive and friendly. Lastly our meal was delicious! We had the lobster bisque, potato & bacon soup, BBQ flank steak, Mac and cheese, sautéed spinach & warm apple cobbler w/ cinnamon ice cream. So glad to have found this hidden gem, we can't wait to return. read more

Laporta's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Wonderful restaurant! We stopped here on the recommendation of two separate, unrelated locals. We figured it had to be good! Also, as recommended, we got the calamari... specifically the calamari special with Cajun/blackened spices. Delicious! The hangar steak and southern man & cheese was amazing, as others have said. I tried my friend's brook trout and it was delicious. The waitstaff was VERY attentive and delightful. And there was a WONDERFUL jazz duo playing acoustic guitar and string bass... I could have sat there for hours listening to them. It was almost empty, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves from 7:30-9:00. Beware if you're just a visitor: we took a cab from our Sheraton hotel there. When we went to leave and cab it back, no one would take us. The cabs apparently didn't want to do pick ups and drop offs "Alexandria to Alexandria." They wanted longer, pricier fares to airports and whatnot. The hostess tried calling around for us, but no one would come. We ended up walking a few miles back... and stopping and asking two taxis, both of whom ALSO didn't want us. Very frustrating no one wanted our $15.00. I wouldn't go back to this restaurant again knowing this, unfortunately, if I stayed in that hotel. I couldn't figure out why they were willing to pick us up at the hotel but it was clearly because they didn't know our destination - and also, they didn't want to be blacklisted by the hotel. ;) Pretty unfortunate, if you ask me. read more

So I'm from NYC and I came here to visit my friend from Spain. She came here on orders, so I decided to meet her for the weekend. We decided to try this place out last night because it was right next to our hotel. Everything was superb! The food, the drinks, the dessert, the service everything. Our server last night was Nicole. She had the cheeriest disposition I've seen in life. She was serving a grumpy old man next to us and not once did she break character. I point for humanity. Today we had Katrina. Imagine the delight in our faces when she suggested cheese on our eggs. And they play live music. The piano player was/is very handsome and talented. He's also very personable because my friend and I (mostly me) was bothering him and he just smiled and played. He even sang a little. I'd recommend this place to anyone. And where did they get these chives? The garden of eden? ?!!! read more

Laporta's Restaurant - Salmon fettuccine. Drool! - New American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I work near LaPortas and often schedule many client meetings here. The service is always great. They also have a great happy hour from 5-7pm. My favorite entree is the wild mushroom pasta. Simply delicious! read more

Laporta's Restaurant - Take out... Wild mushroom pasta. Delicious and my favorite at LaPortas! - New American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Omg this was my favorite spot in my stay in the DC area. I came during Restaurant Week, which gave me a $22 3 course deal. The salad was very good to start, and the Chicken Fettuccine was AMAZING. To finish off I had a tiramisu which was very good, but my dad had a carrot cake which was even better. read more

Monday-Tuesday special is excellent. Two entrees and a bottle of wine for around $40. Great sauce on the lasagna.

We had a fabulous meal and jazz experience there on Saturday, July 28th. I had a scallop special with a Japaleno sauce which sounded not so great, but I love sea scallops so I ordered it anyway. It was fabulous!!! And my husband had the Chicken Envoltine. It was not only prepared in an elegant way, but was a rather large serving and quite tasty! I had a wonderful Reisling and my husand had a hard to find bourbon. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the free jazz band. The music was very enjoyable. So our overall experience would be hard to beat anywhere else. read more

The food and atmosphere was excellent. The crab dip and chicken Evoltine were delicious. The apple cobbler with cinnamon ice cream were heavenly all with a jazz ensemble playing smooth jazzy tunes. I highly recommend this resturant!!! read more

Laporta's Restaurant - Chicken Evoltine - New American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Food was very good, good service. Nice music selection. The live music is a exceptional touch

A friend of ours was playing a concert here, and it was going to be a special night out with friends and kids and such. So first, to the atmosphere. It was pleasant, lightly romantic but not over-the-top. The tables are extremely close together though, however. It can actually be hard for someone to get around the table. The people next to us apologized for being so close to us, and we to them. The food was terrible. The bread is fine, the appetizer of mushrooms with toast rounds was very tasty and had my hopes up, but then the steak medallions tasted like they made medallions out of two week old steak to just try to get rid of it (it was steak special night!) and the BBQ steak was horrid. The steak itself was cooked fine, but the sauce tasted bottled. The potatoes were undercooked, the vegetables (all ten peas and three strips of carrot) were mushy and overcooked. The shallot and cream butter sauce on the medallions tasted like someone melted a little butter and wiped it over the surface and used powdered onion. Based on how crappy the first two courses were, we declined dessert. The liquor was good though, wine and coffee with bailey's both. Anyway, the only reason I'm not pissed is that the music was fantastic and I'm just pretending I spent all that money on concert tickets. If you look at it that way it's not bad. And I do like live music. read more

We decided to try this place because we'd had a long day, were tired and hungry and it was convenient since we were staying next door at Residence Inn. My wife had mussels & sausage flatbread and had a hamburger. The burger was nothing special. My wife's pizza was like high school cafeteria pizza. When she asked for parmesan cheese to add some flavor the server (Faiza) said there would be an extra charge. Really? Condiments are extra? No wonder the place was half empty. The average rating is spot on. read more

A good place for some jazz, and wine is the thing here. The house wine is very good and very reasonable. Also, this is a great Valentines Day spot, so head down to Laporta's for the perfect date night. read more

This is only based on happy hour drinks and food: We love Anthony! He's great and always hooks me up with good drinks. I'm very hard to please when it comes to drinks and he always comes through. He is very attentive and personable! The food is really good and a good price (for happy hour). The pizza has been a fav along with the mussels. Delish! Definitely a good place to hit happy hour.. The only bad thing is that it can get packed for happy hour which makes it difficult to find a spot at the bar. read more

Very nice restaurant the food was very tasty I had the Trout with the fried spinach, yes fried spinach (very different) a very acquired taste my wife had a shrimp and chicken pasta dish that she really enjoyed. The only down side was there oyster appetizer was quite expensive $20 for 5 avg size fried oysters. Will be going back on a Monday or Tuesday for their special 2 person dinner and a bottle of wine for $30. read more

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We made reservations for Valentine's Day. I was so impressed with how serious they followed the Covid 19 guidelines. Using a meaduri g tape to adjust tables so 6 ft was maintained. I had not been di ing in-person. But their approach placed me at ease. read more

Ok so I got excited about this place being close to work and all... but the last two times (Especially this time), the experience has been horrible. RUDE SERVERS. RUDE BARTENDER. Nothing wrong with food or drinks but the service is BAD! Strange experience. Oh btw, the server spilled out drink all over, no apologies. read more

Great food great sevice it was full sat in bar area food was great soft shell crab Speacial was the best read more

Laporta's Restaurant - View from bar - New American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Went with family after they had found this establishment on opentable and was impressed with this nearby restaurant. We went for a dinner service and the staff was friendly and cordial, and the food was equally impressive. All members of the family enjoyed their meals and desserts which were quite delicious. All of their desserts are made in house, and were extremely delicious and worth saving room for. I've heard their happy hour is good as well, and will plan on returning to try that sometime. read more

I went twice on different days during Happy Hour. The prices of food is great. The portion size of the food is enough. They need to work on the how they deliver the drink specials. My waiter was horrible. I was told they are great at service which is where they fail the most. Try the nachos or chicken sandwich and you will not go wrong. read more

Our family got us a gift card here to celebrate our engagement and we had a wonderful meal. I got the spinach stuffed chicken with potatoes, a pear salad, and the tiramisu. Everything was delicious! The sauce with the chicken was phenomenal and the pear salad had a delicious dressing. I had the moscow mule to drink and it was very refreshing. My fiancé got the BBQ hanger steak with mac n cheese and loved every bite! The service was great and the jazz added a lovely touch to the evening! read more

My fiancé and I decided to do a quarantine date night and wanted to support a local business. We found LaPorta's excellent takeout special that comes with two entrees and a bottle of wine for $34.99. Their special menu has lots to choose from, but we went with the Toscano Chicken and almond-crusted tilapia. Both were very good. I do wish that we had ordered an additional salad or veggie on the side. We also got an order of carrot cake, which was sooo good and moist. The packaging was perfect for our picnic date, and the food/wine was tasty. The owner was very friendly and kind throughout the order process. Check them out! read more