Terralina Crafted Italian feels like a modern take of the restaurant that formerly housed the space: Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, thanks to a refresh of the interior and new menu items from James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Tony Mantuano.
What I would try a second time
The seafood cannelloni ($26) was nicely balanced with a rich, lemony flavor thanks to mascarpone and a lobster cream sauce that complimented the seafood stuffed into the homemade pasta. Scallops, shrimp and fish remained spongy inside.
What I didn’t like
The term “wood-fired pizza” brings to mind a chewy, leopard spotted crust covered in bubbly cheese. Not so with our funghi pie ($15). The mozzarella melded to the wan crust. A sprinkle of diced portobello, shiitake, and cremini mushrooms covered the middle of the pie.
What I would put on Instagram @orlando.foodie
Head outside for some water views on Terralina’s veranda with a glass of wine or a cocktail for photos.
Other eats
Complimentary ciabatta bread and tangy giardiniera (pickled vegetables) made the start of our meal fairly promising.
We had a mini feast of appetizers, thanks to the addition of Terralina’s meatballs ($14) to the bread and pizza. Two cushy tennis ball-sized meatballs topped the creamy polenta covered in a tomato basil sauce. Shards of Parmesan provided a happy extra “bite” to the dish.
My guest went for a comfort food classic with the gnocchi ($25). A hearty pork ragu (attributed to someone’s Nonna on the menu) blanketed the plump dumplings.
How I was treated
Service was a disappointment thanks to inattentive staff. Our server made no effort to offer dinner suggestions, remove plates from our table, or bring us our check in a timely fashion.
My next visit
Terralina’s picturesque veranda facing the water or its lovely bar make me want to revisit the restaurant for happy hour. It’s offered Sunday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. with $15 charcuterie boards, half-priced glasses of wine and $5 beer options.
For bar-hoppers
A sommelier is on hand with plenty of suggestions on pairings from Terralina’s sizeable wine menu. Macro brews as well as American and Italian beers can be sipped on, along with cocktails.
For those with special diets
Vegetarians will be able to dine on a little more than a handful appetizers and entrees, including the lasagna. Gluten-free diners can also enjoy a few items on the menu — and gluten-free pasta is available.
ldelgado@orlandosentinel.com
Terralina Crafted Italian
Where: Disney Springs, 1600 E. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista
When: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Cost: $14-$44
Beverages: Wine; beer; cocktails; soda; tea
Wine by the glass: Yes
Attire: Casual
Extras: Indoor-outdoor bar; indoor-outdoor seating; happy hour
Noise level: Loud
Wheelchair access: Good
Credit:Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover
Call: 407-934-8888
Online: TerralinaCraftedItalian.com and Facebook