PORT

Reviews

• Christopher L.

  star star star star star_border 5 October 2026

  When I first saw this place I was worried it would be overrated and expensive from the reviews I read and the only good thing was the location as it's located right on the water with beautiful views of the harbour and water. To my pleasant surprise, the prices weren't bad at all, the food was pretty decent and it was a very nice experience.
  
  We came here on a Saturday morning in September for brunch and it wasn't too busy at all! We didn't make a reservation and we were able to get a seat outside on the patio in the back right beside the water. Even though they have a ton of seating, the patio is still limited with around 30 - 40 seat capacity but they're inside space is absolutely huge. It had a nice vibe and you can feel the sun as you ate your foot, and the nice breeze and smell of the fresh water.
  
  We ordered the Eggs Benedict with house smoked peameal and the eggplant parmesan sandwich with an arugula salad. Even though both dishes are pretty standard they were executed well and was to our liking! The home fries on the eggs benedict was a bit salty, but besides that the texture was great, not soggy and tasty on the eggs benedict itself. The eggplant parmesan sandwich was better than I expected! The eggplant parmesan was supposed to be like chicken parmesan.
  
  Also no complaints about the service, they were friendly and accommodating! I'd definitely return!

• Farheen S.

  star star star star star_border 4 October 2026

  The food and service at PORT are great. We went on a Sunday since they reopened. Unfortunately it was dark out so we didn't get to enjoy the waterfront view, but we'd definitely like to return for brunch one day when it's warm to enjoy the patio.
  1) fish and chips - crispy fish and the fries were sooooo good, also comes with homemade tartar sauce
  2) chicken fettuccini Alfredo - a little different from your typical Alfredo, the chicken was served on the side and pan seared on the bone and the pasta was in a light butter sauce rather than a thick heavy cream sauce - I enjoyed it thoroughly
  
  Server was attentive and decor was nice. A great option any night of the week.

• Angela G.

  star star star star_border star_border 23 September 2026

  This is a hidden spot right by the water and it is beautiful! The view and atmosphere and even the decor inside are all perfect. Let me start off by saying service was great and the place had a great vibe!
  
  Moving on to the most important aspect: FOOD. We ordered the Garlic Knots, Caesar Salad, Orchiaetta, 8oz Filet, and the Poutine Mashed Potatoes. It all sounds amazing but I wasn't pleased. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special. The Garlic knots didn't have enough garlic flavour and it mostly tasted like bread. The Caesar salad was better but it was a bit on the fishy side, still pretty good. The Orchiaetta had a butternut squash sauce but it was very very dry, and needed something more. The filet was probably the best, it was a little overdone but still good, there was one gamey piece. The Poutine Mashed Potatoes were okay but it wasn't anything like I thought it would be.
  
  I may give this place another chance, apparently their pizzas are supposed to be good.
  
  Keep Eating,
  Angela

• Kris W.

  star star star star_border star_border 18 September 2026

  This has been one of our favourite places for a nice meal with a view. However, since it reopened recently after some renos, seems like the food has decreased in quality and uniqueness. The views are very good of the lake and the boats. Patio is also still awesone in the summer for drinks and chilling.
  
  This place has potential to be 5/5 if their food was better quality and the menu was more flattering. The interior is quite high end and drinks are good.
  
  We ordered the Pineapple Pizza, Pork and Beans, and the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
  
  Pizza- thin crust at the bottom, cooked well and not soggy. However, the crust on the side was too thick. They used fresh pineapples which was great. Tomato sauce was okay. Overall was the best dish and decent for the price.
  
  Pork and Beans- sounds cool and unique, but not really well executed. The piece of pork was just like a thick slick of Christmas ham. The beans were pretty boring. The poached egg was way over cooked (most disappointing thing). Nothing really catches your eye or tastebuds. Should consider adding ingredients with a unique flavour.
  
  Chicken Sandwich- The chicken was fried really well, crunchy and juicy inside. The fries are also good, really crunchy and fresh, just overly salted for my liking. Where this need some work is the bun and adding a flavourful and unique sauce and premium toppinga. The bun was a bit soggy, but atleast warm and toasted. There was a bit of chopped lettuce and some mayo, reminded me of McChicken. So sad. Needs a more sturdy bun and a better sauce. Try maple and berry glaze or something.
  
  All in all, food is okay. Views and atmosphere are good. Hopefully they can hire a better executive chef and revamp the menu. The food needs to be higher end to match the views.

• Colin M.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 16 September 2026

  The New ReOpening of the Port was welcomed news.  However, it is a major disappointment.  
  
  This was our favourite restaurant in Durham.  We came here for special occasions, took friends and family.  Because the food was different, unique and delicious.  
  
  This new menu can be found in any restaurant, anywhere.  It is way too simplistic and mediocre.  The food is neither unique or tasty.  
  
  We sent back the Hummus because it was bland and watery.  No taste whatsoever.  I'm not sure what they were thinking.  It was that terrible.  
  
  The Margarita Pizza was so so.  The crust was good, the tomato sauce okay, the three cheeses were bland.  Overall a disappointment.  If Il Fornello pizza is a ten, then this is a two.  
  
  We decided not to try anything further.  We don't mind paying a higher price for ambiance, great service, and delicious food.  But the food was not good.  
  
  It is sad to see this restaurant change so much for the worse.  We won't be back for special occasions.  It's that bad.  
  
  Hopefully they make some drastic changes.  Otherwise, this place will shutdown for good.  And that would be a shame.  Pickering has a over abundance of chain restaurants.  Not many independent ones.