Established in Old Town Alexandria in 1973, our restaurant has been a beacon for authentic Italian flavors, blending traditional roots with a modern culinary approach. Our kitchen takes pride in crafting every dish from scratch, on premise, ensuring freshness in every bite.
Our pasta, made fresh daily, is a testament to our dedication to quality and authenticity.
At Il Porto, we invite you to savor the finest in Italian cuisine, where each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a passion for culinary artistry.
Akbar & Wali Zadran, Owners
1989 to Present
Brothers Akbar and Wali Zadran are the longtime owners of Il Porto Ristorante. Their dedication to the restaurant and the Old Town Alexandria community has helped make Il Porto a local institution for generations.
Known affectionately by many as “Mr. Ray,” Giovene was respected not only for his passion for hospitality but also for the genuine care he showed his employees and guests. He believed a restaurant should feel like family, a philosophy that helped shape Il Porto’s welcoming atmosphere and lasting reputation.
That commitment to people would ultimately define the restaurant’s future. In 1982, Akbar Zadran joined Il Porto as a bartender. Through years of dedication, hard work, and a shared passion for hospitality, he earned Mr. Ray’s trust and became an integral part of the restaurant’s success. Their relationship grew beyond employer and employee, rooted in mutual respect and a shared belief in treating guests like family.
Akbar purchased the restaurant, becoming only the second owner in its history. In many ways, the transition represented more than a transfer of ownership. It was the continuation of a legacy built on hard work, loyalty, and hospitality.
In August 2001, Akbar’s younger brother, Wali Zadran, joined the restaurant’s leadership team. Together, the brothers carried forward the traditions established by Mr. Ray while guiding Il Porto into a new era. Through periods of growth, economic uncertainty, and industry challenges, their focus remained the same: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to the community that has supported Il Porto for generations.
Today, more than fifty years after its founding, the spirit that defined Il Porto under Mr. Ray continues through Akbar and Wali’s leadership. Their stewardship reflects the same values of generosity, respect, and hospitality that have made Il Porto a beloved Alexandria institution for decades.
