Portico by Fabio Viviani

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Florence Meets the Finger Lakes

At Portico by Fabio Viviani, the concept is straightforward and confident: old-world Italian cooking mingled with steakhouse-style chops and fresh seafood, with ingredients sourced from local farms across the Finger Lakes region. Situated inside del Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca Falls, New York, the restaurant carries the unmistakable stamp of a chef who knows both his heritage and his audience.

The Chef Behind the Name

Fabio Viviani grew up in Florence, Italy, and began training in restaurants as a teenager before building a reputation that extended well beyond the kitchen. He rose to wider prominence on the fifth season of Bravo's Top Chef, where he was voted fan-favorite — then returned for Top Chef: All Stars and later Life After Top Chef. A recurring television presence on programs like Good Morning America and Ellen, Viviani is also the author of four cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller Fabio's Italian Kitchen. His restaurant portfolio spans Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and Michigan, with Portico representing his commitment to locavore Italian-American cuisine in upstate New York.

The Experience

The dining room strikes a warm, elegant tone that matches the ambition of the menu. Guests are encouraged to pair their meal with selections from an extensive wine list — one that earned Portico a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — or opt for a handcrafted cocktail or mocktail. The kitchen's dedication to locally gathered ingredients gives the American-Italian menu a regional character that goes beyond resort dining.

Sunday evenings bring a particular draw: a 25% discount on select Finger Lakes wines, alongside a dedicated two-entrée and half-bottle package that highlights the restaurant's connection to the surrounding wine country. OpenTable diners have also recognized Portico with a Diner's Choice Award, reflecting consistent satisfaction at the table.

Whether the occasion is a celebration, a post-show dinner, or simply a well-earned meal, Portico delivers the kind of attentive, unhurried service that makes the Italian-American table feel exactly as it should.