Custom Celebration & Private Party Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens
If it's worth celebrating, we'll host it the Italian way in Forest Hills.
Every Celebration Welcome at Portofino
Portofino Ristorante on Ascan Avenue has hosted every kind of Queens celebration for over fifty years, and if your event is not listed elsewhere, we welcome it here, a neighborhood Italian landmark on Ascan Avenue where authentic cuisine and warm hospitality have welcomed celebrating families for generations.
If your celebration does not fit a named category, it belongs at Portofino just the same. From intimate dinners for two to grand banquets for one hundred, retirement parties to sweet sixteens, christenings to charity galas, if it is worth celebrating, it is worth celebrating at Portofino. No event is too big, too small, or too unique. Tell us about your vision and our team will craft the perfect Italian experience tailored to your occasion, your guests, and your budget.
No Event Too Big, Too Small, or Too Unique
Whether you are planning a dinner for eight or a banquet for one hundred, a traditional milestone or a one-of-a-kind celebration, our team has the experience and the warmth to bring your vision to life in our Forest Hills dining room.
Tell Us Your Vision
Share the details of your celebration with our event coordinator, and we will craft a custom Italian menu, a tailored layout, and a personalized experience that honors your occasion exactly as you imagine it.
A Flexible Queens Venue for Any Celebration
Our Forest Hills dining room accommodates celebrations of every size, from intimate corner tables for two to full-room banquets for one hundred. The banquet area, with its warm lighting and Italian charm, transforms beautifully for any decor or theme you envision.
Located on Ascan Avenue in the heart of Forest Hills, Portofino is convenient for you and your guests traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan. The Forest Hills transit hub is steps away, and parking is available nearby for your celebration.
Fully Custom Menus & Experiences
Work with our coordinator to design a fully custom menu, or choose from our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus for predictable per-person pricing. Add a Prosecco toast, curated wine pairings, live music, and a dessert presentation tailored to your celebration.
What Your Custom Celebration Includes
Every custom celebration at Portofino is tailored to your vision, 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 your guests arrive, perfect for mingling and celebration before the seated dinner begins.
Fresh Pasta & Main Courses
A fresh handmade pasta course and main courses follow, served to suit your celebration, whether family-style for sharing or plated for elegance.
Dessert Presentation
Finish with our roaming dessert tray presentation and a candlelit treat for your guest of honor, presented with care to make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Plan Your Custom Celebration at Portofino
Booking your custom 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.
Whatever you are celebrating, our event coordinator will craft a bespoke Italian experience tailored to your occasion, your guests, and your vision. We look forward to making your celebration unforgettable the Italian way, right here in Forest Hills.
Request a Quote for Your Other & Custom Celebration
Tell us about your event and our coordinator will craft a personalized Italian experience tailored to your celebration, your guests, and your budget.
Other & Custom Celebrations at Portofino — Your Questions Answered
Can Portofino host a celebration that isn't listed on your site?
Absolutely. If your celebration does not fit a named category, it belongs at Portofino just the same. No event is too big, too small, or too unique. Tell us about your vision and we will craft a custom Italian experience for it.
How many guests can Portofino accommodate for a custom celebration?
Our Forest Hills dining room seats celebrations from intimate dinners of two to full-room banquets of one hundred. Full-room reservations are available for larger gatherings. Contact our coordinator to discuss your guest count.
Can you create a fully custom menu for my celebration?
Yes. Work with our coordinator to design a fully custom menu, or choose from our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus for predictable per-person pricing. We tailor every detail to your celebration.
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 menus are also available for celebrations with specific themes or dietary needs.
Do you offer live music or entertainment for custom celebrations?
Yes. We offer live piano entertainment and our dining room acoustics and layout also support your own DJ or musician. Tell us your vision and we will help coordinate the entertainment.
Is Portofino convenient for out-of-town celebration guests?
Portofino is located on Ascan Avenue in Forest Hills, steps from the Forest Hills transit hub, with parking available nearby. You and your guests traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan find us easy to reach.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for my celebration 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 custom celebration?
Yes. Full-room reservations are available for larger custom celebrations, allowing you to transform the space with decor and a layout tailored to your vision. Book early to secure your preferred date.
Do you offer a Prosecco toast for custom celebrations?
Yes. We can arrange a complimentary or custom Prosecco toast for your celebration, along with curated Italian wine pairings. Our daily happy hour from 5 to 7 PM also offers 50% off wine and beer for early-arriving guests.
How far in advance should I book a custom celebration?
For most custom celebrations, we recommend booking two to four weeks in advance. For larger parties or full-room reservations, especially during holiday seasons, book as early as possible to secure your preferred date.