Portos Bakery and Cafe (LV's LA)

I really like amusement parks for my taste buds. Portos Bakery and Cafe is one of those places you need to visit at least once in your life.  This amazing Cuban Bakery and Cafe has been making my taste buds smile for over twenty years. I vividly remember the first time I went to the Portos in Glendale and the sight of pastries in every color of the rainbow and the scent of freshly baked Cuban bread and sweets greeted me at the door and made me want to try every delectable pastry behind the glass display case.

Apparently hundreds of over people shared my sentiment because it seemed like that's how many people were in line ahead of me. When I made my way up to the front counter, I ordered as many things as my wallet would allow and I was not disappointed. Fast forward twenty years after my first experience and hundreds of visits later, I still have the same reaction whenever I go to Portos.

With every  pastry you can dream up in your mind and a dozen different types of sandwiches, numerous delicious smoothies, coffee beverages, Mojitos, fresh juices, teas and a great selection of Cuban favorites such as Ropa Vieja  (Shredded beef), Steak with Chimchurri sauce and plantains, your toughest decision will be deciding what to order.

No matter which location I visit, there is always a long line of people waiting, but I promise the wait is well worth it. Portos was recently recognized as the best bakery in the nation and it is an honor that is well deserved because not once have I ever been disappointed. I have my favorites that I order every time I visit, but I make it a point to try something new each time I go.

The line outside moves quickly once inside.

I always grab these potato balls that are basically mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned meet and deep fried. The best way to describe it is a Cuban Version of Shepherd Pie.

This is what you will experience when you bite into one of these delicious potato balls

 If you don't walk out with anything else. make sure you walk out with a dozen cheese rolls. These flaky pastries have a delicious sweet cream cheese filling on the inside

If you prefer salty over sweet, be sure to try the savory and tasty spinach and feta croissants

Portos has expanded since I first discovered them years ago and now has a few other locations including Downey, Burbank and Buena Park and the original Glendale location. No matter which one you visit, you will find that it is the perfect spot to grab some delicious pastries and coffee in the morning or, a leisurely lunch on the outdoor patio. I always leave with boxes full of treats and so does everyone else, which is a clear illustration of how good the food and pastries are.

In case you need more convincing...

I haven't tried the cappuccino mousse, but if it is anything like the others I have tried at Portos, I am sure it is amazing

Doesn't this look mouthwatering?

You can never go wrong with red velvet cake

And if cheesecake makes you smile, there is a good selection of flavors. The oreo cheesecake looked so good, I had to have a slice:-)

Pina Colada mousse is perfect if you want something tropical, tasty and refreshing

If colorful, tropical, or unusual desserts are not your thing, there are plenty  of cupcakes and cookies to choose from

You cannot go wrong with any of Portos sandwiches. Each sandwich comes with a side of plantain chips. 

The Ropa Vieja is a delicious shredded beef with a scoop of rice, black beans and sweet fried plantains

I was  thrilled with my steak with chimchurri sauce, rice, black beans and plantains. Everything was absolutely delicious and very satisfying.

This delicious non-alcoholic strawberry Mojito was sweet, tart, and refreshing

This mango mousse was creamy sweet and refreshing like tasting a sweet juicy mango in mousse form

If you have never been to Portos and are not sure what to order, I highly recommend the potato balls (papas rellanas) which are basically potato puffs filled with seasoned meat, or the mini meat pies (pastele de carne). And of course, the pastries speak for themselves.

As far as sweet treats go, the cheese rolls hold a special place in my heart and I love to have them with my morning coffee or tea. The flaky and crunchy  outer crust balances nicely with the sweet creamy cream cheese on the inside. I could easily eat a whole box of these by myself because they are just that good. Other items worth mentioning are the dulce de leche cookies.

The flavor and texture of this oreo cheesecake was absolute perfection, so be sure to grab a slice 

The awe inspiring selection of  cakes, fruit tarts, cookies, cupcakes and cheesecake never disappoints.

This triple chocolate mousse melted on the drive home, but it firmed up when I put it in the fridge.

It is impossible to leave without a box of cheese rolls. When you go to Portos and try them, you will know why. This is the perfect casual eatery for a leisurely day and the prices will definitely agree with your budget because everything on the menu is very inexpensive and unbelievably delicious. You can avoid the long lines by going when it is not peak hours, but even if you go at the busiest time the line moves very fast.  Portos is definitely a place you need to check out:-)

You can thank me later...

Portos Bakery and Cafe

Portos (Glendale)

315 North Brand Blvd'

Glendale, CA 91203

818-956-5996

Portos (Downey)

8233 Firestone Blvd

Downey, CA 90241

562-862-8888

Portos (Burbank)

3614 West Magnolia Blvd

Burbank, CA 91505

818-846-9100