Christening & Baptism Party Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens
Celebrate your family's newest blessing with a warm Italian gathering in Forest Hills.
A Forest Hills Tradition for Christenings & Baptisms
Portofino Ristorante on Ascan Avenue has hosted Queens christening and baptism celebrations for over fifty years, offering families a warm Italian setting to celebrate their newest blessing, a neighborhood Italian landmark on Ascan Avenue where authentic cuisine and warm hospitality have welcomed celebrating families for generations.
A christening or baptism celebration at Portofino is a warm Italian gathering with private banquet packages designed for multi-generational families. Our dining room, with its Italian coastal murals and warm mirrored glow, sets a celebratory stage for toasts to the child and the family gathered to welcome them. Our staff attends with care so the family can simply enjoy this blessed day.
Multi-Generational Family Gatherings
Christenings and baptisms bring every generation together, from grandparents to the newest arrival, and our dining room welcomes them all with warmth and space. Tell us your family's traditions and we will help weave them into the celebration.
Private Banquet Packages
Our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus offer set per-person pricing perfect for multi-generational christening gatherings, with antipasti, fresh handmade pasta, main courses, and a dessert presentation for the family.
A Warm Queens Venue for Your Christening Celebration
Our Forest Hills dining room accommodates christening and baptism celebrations from intimate family gatherings of twenty to larger celebrations of sixty or more. The banquet area, with its warm lighting and Italian charm, transforms beautifully for the celebration.
Located on Ascan Avenue in the heart of Forest Hills, Portofino is convenient for the family traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan. The Forest Hills transit hub is steps away, and parking is available nearby for your christening celebration.
Custom Christening Menus
Choose from our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus for predictable per-person pricing, or work with our coordinator to design a custom christening menu. Add a dessert presentation and custom touches for the family.
What Your Christening Celebration Includes
Every christening or baptism celebration at Portofino is tailored to the family, but most gatherings include the following elements that have defined our Forest Hills hospitality for half a century.
Welcoming Antipasti
Begin with a generous antipasti spread as family arrives from the ceremony, perfect for mingling and toasts before the seated luncheon begins.
Fresh Pasta & Main Courses
A fresh handmade pasta course and main courses follow, served to encourage sharing and celebration among the multi-generational family gathered to welcome the child.
Dessert Presentation
Finish with our roaming dessert tray presentation and a candlelit treat, presented with care to honor the family's newest blessing.
Plan Your Christening at Portofino
Booking your christening or baptism celebration at Portofino Ristorante begins with a conversation. Tell us about your event and our coordinator will craft a personalized Italian experience tailored to your celebration, your guests, and your budget. For immediate assistance, call us directly at (718) 261-1239.
Whether you are gathering twenty close family members or sixty friends, our event coordinator will craft a warm Italian experience tailored to your family and your traditions. We look forward to celebrating your newest blessing the Italian way, right here in Forest Hills.
Request a Quote for Your Christenings & Baptism
Tell us about your event and our coordinator will craft a personalized Italian experience tailored to your celebration, your guests, and your budget.
Christenings & Baptisms at Portofino — Your Questions Answered
How many guests can Portofino accommodate for a christening?
Our Forest Hills dining room seats christening and baptism celebrations from intimate family gatherings of twenty to larger celebrations of sixty or more. Full-room reservations are available for bigger parties. Contact our coordinator to discuss your guest count.
Can you coordinate timing around the christening ceremony?
Yes. We work closely with families to time the luncheon around the christening or baptism ceremony, including seating for grandparents and honored family members. Share your ceremony schedule with our coordinator when you book.
Are there set banquet packages with per-person pricing?
Yes. Our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus offer set per-person pricing with antipasti, fresh pasta, salad, main course, and dessert. Custom christening menus are also available.
Are christening celebrations hosted as luncheons?
Yes. Christening and baptism celebrations at Portofino are typically hosted as warm Italian luncheons following the ceremony, though evening celebrations are also available.
Can we bring a custom dessert for the family?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a custom dessert or cake for the family, and our staff will present it alongside our roaming dessert tray. We also offer our own Italian dessert presentations.
Is Portofino convenient for out-of-town christening guests?
Portofino is located on Ascan Avenue in Forest Hills, steps from the Forest Hills transit hub, with parking available nearby. Family traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan find us easy to reach.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for christening guests?
We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests, including gluten-free pasta. Inform our coordinator of any allergies or dietary needs in advance and we will tailor the menu accordingly.
Can we reserve the whole dining room for a christening?
Yes. Full-room reservations are available for larger christening and baptism celebrations, allowing you to transform the space with decor. Book early to secure your preferred date.
Do you host christening celebrations on weekends?
Yes. Christening and baptism celebrations are typically hosted on weekend afternoons following the ceremony. Weekend dates book quickly, so reserve early.
How far in advance should I book a christening?
For weekend christening celebrations, we recommend booking two to four weeks in advance. For larger parties or full-room reservations, book as early as possible to secure your preferred date.