← Back to Blog

Bars at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel waterfront

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel recreates the Italian Riviera right down to its bar program — three very different watering holes, all within a short walk of each other around the Harbor Piazza.

⚓ The Bar at Trattoria del Porto

Trattoria del Porto is the resort's family dining spot by day, but its bar — centered on a counter shaped like the keel of a ship — is a surprisingly chic, nautical escape from the theme parks. Warm tones and textured tiles give it an airy feel after a recent property refresh.

On the list: An Italian wine list heavy on Chianti, plus Peroni on tap, Aperol Spritz, and Negroni variations.

🎣 The Thirsty Fish

The Thirsty Fish waterfront bar

Set right on the Harbor Piazza waterfront, The Thirsty Fish feels like a neighborhood cicchetti bar you'd stumble into along the Italian coast — cobblestone outdoor seating overlooking the bay, water taxis drifting past, and live acoustic or jazz music Friday and Saturday nights.

Italian Old Fashioned: Maker's Mark, Amaretto Disaronno, and maple syrup.
The Dino: Michter's Rye and barrel-aged Campari with espresso and cinnamon notes.
Ligurian Lemonade: Ketel One, lavender, lemon, and soda.
Cocktails average $16–$20.

Pair a round with the rotating meat and cheese board — the blueberry goat cheese, balancing sweet fruit against tangy cheese, is a standout.

🍷 The Bar & Lounge at Bice Ristorante

Bice Ristorante bar and lounge

No dinner reservation needed to drink at Bice — just rich cedar wood, dark marble floors, warm lighting, and a quiet exclusivity that upgrades the evening. Grab a seat on the upper terrace balcony for prime views of the nightly opera serenades (6:00–8:00 PM, seasonal) over the Harbor Piazza.

Espresso Martini ($17): Premium Espresso Vergnano with a raw sugar rim — arguably one of the best on Universal property.
Mezzanotte: Black sambuca, Chambord, amaretto, light cream, and fresh berries.

Dress code: resort-casual to business-casual is recommended; theme park attire is welcome but feels a little out of place here.

Universal-area bars pour strong drinks — as always, drink responsibly.

This article is reprinted with permission from Universal Drinkers.