It's been a year and a half since my last review of Porta Alba, and only my 3rd time here since then, in an attempt to avoid the service issues (and perhaps give them a chance to improve). I feel half-sad and half-vindicated to find that nothing has changed. A lukewarm focaccia arrived as a starter (proof positive that it had been sitting at the counter for a while in spite of the restaurant being 2/3 empty). Just 90 seconds later two of our main courses arrived (both salads). The other three people in our party have yet to be served--and it's been long enough for two of us to finish eating and for me to write this review. At least we can sit back and watch the others eat, now. Cafe Porta Alba remains absolutely oblivious of what good service is and what the dining experience ought to be like. If you're at Hilldale, Sushi Muramoto is the place to go, with a vast variety of food (not just sushi) and excellent service. Cafe Porta Alba's hit and miss food and dismal service is as pervasive as it is unacceptable--so save yourself the frustration. As for me, maybe I'll give it another shot in 2019 if it's still in business.