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Harbor Nights Primavera brings authentic Italian cuisine, ambiance of the Mediterranean to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

in Events, Hotel, Theme Parks, Travel, Universal Orlando

Posted on by Sean Sposato
Guests enjoy an al fresco Italian dining celebration under glowing string lights beside the scenic waterfront piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, nestled steps away from Universal Orlando’s vibrant theme parks.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel created an authentic Italian evening with the glow of twinkling lights, the aroma of Italian cuisine and the beautiful sound of opera in the air at their Harbor Nights Primavera.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three resorts by Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando resort. The resort was the first hotel on Universal Orlando property and is billed as a flagship resort that offers guests the ambiance of an Italian seaside village with many rooms overlooking the resort’s stunning lake, Portofino Bay. This past Friday though, the Portofino took this ambiance to another level with its seperately ticketed Harbor Nights Primavera event, which offered guests delectable Italian-style foods and wines.

Guests enjoy an evening under twinkling string lights at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, relaxing amid the backdrop of sweeping city architecture while sampling authentic Italian dishes in a lively, theme park-inspired setting.

Guests enjoy an al fresco Italian dining celebration under glowing string lights beside the scenic waterfront piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, nestled steps away from Universal Orlando’s vibrant theme parks.

Held four times a year, Harbor Nights is a delicious event that offers a romantic night out where guests can sip fine wines and try gourmet food samples harbor side. The event also includes live music and a traditional opera performance complete with elegant ambiance.

A lively band energizes the outdoor stage at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, with twinkling string lights and musical instruments setting the perfect evening vibe for guests enjoying world-class entertainment.

Guests savoring authentic Italian cuisine at lively outdoor food stations, surrounded by twinkling string lights, with the iconic, picturesque Loews Portofino Bay Hotel glowing in the evening at Universal Orlando Resort.

Foods and wines can be found all around the Portofino Bay at small stations where the Italian fare is prepared and served. Take a look at the food and wine items from the event below.

Mama Della’s Ristorante:

Seared Sweet Paprika Dusted Ocean Bass with Citrus Olive Beurre Blanc, Sun-dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Three black plates filled with rice, juicy chicken pieces, and creamy sauce rest on a brown table under cozy lighting, serving up the classic Italian flavors guests love at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel inside Universal Orlando Resort.

Splendido Bar & Grill:

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Tomato, Artichoke and Kalamata Olive Stufato, Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Two ravioli topped with tomato sauce and parmesan shavings rest on a sleek black plate atop a wooden table, capturing the refined Italian flavors found at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Universal Orlando, inviting guests to experience Mediterranean luxury right inside the resort’s lively theme park atmosphere.

Trattoria del Porto:

Grilled Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Italian Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom Ragout

A chef at Epcot’s Italy Pavilion grills sliced meat in a cast iron pan over red bricks, expertly using tongs to serve guests in an immersive setting that captures the rustic flavors and ambiance of classic Mediterranean cuisine.

Sal’s Market Deli:

Mediterranean Rosemary Lemon Chicken with Golden Raisin Couscous

Four plates filled with couscous, piled high with shaved cheese, olives, and vibrant veggies are styled like a feast in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, set on a rustic wooden table ready for theme park guests to savor the flavors of an Italian adventure.

Bice Ristorante:

Barley, Artichoke and Shrimp Salad

Gelateria:

Berry Cabernet Sorbetto, Chocolate Gelato

Dessert:

Italian Classic Cannoli, Lemon Mascarpone Mousse with Strawberry Compote

Cannoli pastries filled with chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar, served alongside fresh strawberries on a white plate—just like the iconic Italian desserts you’d savor at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Universal Orlando Resort.

Dessert cups topped with cream, strawberries, crumble, and bright yellow candy shards are lined up on a glass shelf at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel—a picture-perfect Italian-inspired treat display set against the backdrop of the resort’s signature elegance.

Featured Wines

White Wines:

  • Argiolas Vermentino
  • Zenato Pinot Grigio
  • Mad Fish Sauvignon Blanc
  • Angeline Chardonnay
  • Dr. Berweiler Riesling
  • Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo
  • Figuiere Saint Andre Rose
  • Montelliana Prosecco (sparkling)
  • Cerretto Moscato (sweet)

Red Wines:

  • San Quirco Chianti
  • Renacer Punto Final Malbec
  • Cousino Macul Merlot
  • Michael Pozzan ‘Dante’ Cabernet
  • San Polo ‘Rubio’ Red Blend
  • Michael Magnien Pinot Noir
  • Convento San Francisco Tempranillo
  • Loosen Up Sweet Red (sweet)
  • Peachy Canyon Zinfandel
This event has since past, but tickets were $55 for regular admission, which included wine, food, entertainment and complimentary self-parking or $5 valet parking. For guests looking for a higher tier of service at the event, VIP was also available for $90. VIP included all the benefits of a regular ticket, plus reserved seating in a special area with a private wine station and passed hors-d’oeuvres.

The next Harbor Nights coming to Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel is La Dolce Vita, which will take place Friday, October 12 from 6:30 pm – 9 pm. Tickets are not currently on sale for this event.

The next event date is subject to change so be sure to keep checking the official website for more information.

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