Portovelo Cafe

What is Portovelo Cafe? Portovelo Cafe is an independent Ecuadorian kitchen and cafe located on St. Clair Avenue West in the Weston-Pelham Park neighborhood. Named after the historic gold-mining town of Portovelo in southwestern Ecuador, the family-run eatery showcases the coastal and highland flavors of Ecuadorian gastronomy in a sunny, relaxed dining room filled with hand-painted ceramics and warm hospitality.

Portovelo Cafe Menu & What to Order Plantains take center stage across breakfast and lunch specialties. The Bolón de Verde features large, golden spheres of smashed green plantain stuffed with melted farmer's cheese or crisp chicharrón. The Tigrillo offers a comforting scramble of crushed plantains, eggs, and soft cheese, served hot in a skillet. For a hearty coastal standard, order the Encebollado de Pescado—a robust tuna soup infused with yuca, cilantro, and tangy pickled red onions, accompanied by chifles and popcorn. Round out the meal with warm, gluten-free panes de yuca, citrusy Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, and a slice of house tres leches cake.

Know Before You Go The cafe is situated on the south side of St. Clair Avenue West between Silverthorn and Prescott avenues, easily accessible via the 512 St. Clair streetcar. Street parking is available along St. Clair and surrounding residential streets. Weekend brunch draws steady crowds for Tigrillo and hot Morocho (spiced corn and milk beverage), so consider arriving before noon to secure a table quickly.