Ports of Italy in Rockport
Ports of Italy, owned by Sante Calandri and managed by his son, Ariel Calandri, brings authentic Italian cuisine to Rockport, Maine. Known for its handmade pastas, thoughtfully curated wine list, and house-made desserts, this family-run spot offers a taste of Italy on the Midcoast.
Sante’s journey to owning Ports of Italy began in 2010 after years of working in high-end New York City restaurants. When he saw an opportunity to take over a restaurant space in Boothbay Harbor, he went for it. By focusing on traditional Italian cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Ports of Italy steadily grew in reputation. In 2020, Sante expanded to Rockport, offering a larger dining space with seating for 90 indoors and 60 more on the riverside patio in the summer.
The menu sticks to the heart of Italian tradition. You won’t find spaghetti and meatballs or chicken parmesan here. Instead, Sante’s philosophy is to keep the food authentic. Their pastas are handmade daily using only semolina and water—except for the ravioli, which require eggs to seal. Popular dishes include the Lobster Ravioli (offered seasonally) and the Caprese Salad served in a fried parmesan basket. Guests have also come to love their house-made desserts, especially the cannoli, which Sante says took him three years to perfect.
The wine list is extensive, featuring over 250 bottles ranging from affordable selections to rare vintages priced as high as $650. They’ve even installed a dedicated wine refrigerator to ensure wines are stored at the perfect temperature. It’s clear that thoughtful care goes into every detail of the dining experience.
While the core menu stays consistent, the specials give the chefs room to be creative. Seasonal ingredients like truffles, fresh seafood, and house-made sauces are often featured, with specials rotating every few days. Sante trusts his chefs to develop new ideas for the specials, keeping both the kitchen and the customers inspired.
Desserts are made from scratch, and the house favorites include the Tiramisu, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Limoncello Cake, and the ever-popular Cannoli. Customers often describe the cannoli as the best they’ve ever had, thanks to its crispy shell and rich, fresh filling.
Whether you’re looking for a night of fresh pasta, a thoughtful wine pairing, or simply one of the best cannoli in town, Ports of Italy delivers a dining experience rooted in tradition, but never stuck in the past.
FAMOUS FOR:
A wine list with over 250 bottles, from affordable selections to high-end vintages.
ADDRESS:
141 Commercial St in Rockport, Maine
HOURS:
Fri-Weds: 11:30a-8p
Closed Thursdays
WEBSITE:
portsofitalyrockport.com
photos: Tiffany Wolf
