May 12, 2023

portland italian restaurants

I conducted research on Italian restaurants in Portland by examining various sources such as websites, articles, and Reddit discussions. There was a good amount of consensus among the sources regarding popular Italian restaurants in the area. The sources were highly relevant to the original query, and I am fairly confident in the recommendations provided.

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Nostrana

Nostrana

Nostrana is a highly recommended Italian restaurant in Portland, known for its great pizza, pasta, and wine. It is located on SE Morrison Street and has won several awards. It's described as "very Italian" by Reddit users and offers reasonably priced pizza.
Luce

Luce

Luce is another popular Italian restaurant in Portland, mainly serving pasta dishes in a homey atmosphere. One user praised their tortellini and brodo as heavenly. Luce is located at 2140 E Burnside Street and offers a delicate selection of fresh pasta dishes.

Allora

Allora is a casual cafe resembling a Roman eatery, located on SE Burnside Street. The restaurant offers a cozy and relaxed dining experience.
Cibo

Cibo

Cibo is recommended for its great happy hour and pizzas. Located on NE Fremont Street, the restaurant also offers a variety of Italian dishes.
A Cena Ristorante

A Cena Ristorante

A Cena Ristorante is a fine dining restaurant located at 7742 SE 13th Avenue. It serves handmade pasta dishes that transport diners to small town Italy, with the lobster pasta being a must-try item.

Gumba

Gumba, previously a food cart, has moved indoors and is known for incorporating various menu items into its Italian-inspired cuisine. It is located at NE Alberta Street and has been serving seasonal pasta offerings since 2018.
Sorbu Paninoteca

Sorbu Paninoteca

Sorbu Paninoteca is an Italian food cart with a seasonal menu located near Fernhill Park. It features items like chickpea flour flatbread and has a swift service with a menu that changes every two weeks, using fresh local ingredients.
Ava Gene's

Ava Gene's

Ava Gene's is a romantic Italian restaurant in Portland's Mississippi neighborhood, offering a frequently changing menu of dishes like radiatori and pizza with prosciutto. The restaurant is located at 3377 SE Division Street and serves a wide variety of pasta dishes. In conclusion, there are several Italian restaurants in Portland that come highly recommended by various sources. Some of the most popular options include Nostrana, Luce, Allora, Cibo, A Cena Ristorante, Gumba, Sorbu Paninoteca, and Ava Gene's. Each restaurant offers its own unique take on Italian cuisine, providing a diverse range of options for diners to explore.

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Research

"Where can I find some great Italian food in Portland?"

  • A thread on Reddit titled “Where can I find some great Italian food in Portland?” is discussed.
  • The thread is 1 year, 5 months old and has 64 points.
  • Multiple Reddit users give recommendations for Italian restaurants in Portland.
  • Nostrana on SE Morrison St is recommended by multiple users. One user describes it as “very Italian” with great wine and mentions that they win awards all the time. Another user describes the pizza as “reasonably priced”.
  • Luce is recommended, described as a very homey place with mainly pasta. One user describes their tortellini and brodo as heavenly.
  • Allora, on SE Burnside St, is described as a casual cafe right out of Rome.
  • Cibo on NE Fremont St is recommended for their great happy hour and pizzas.
  • Renata on SE Division St is described as having amazing fresh pasta.
  • Justa Pasta is recommended as a good, cheap and simple place for Italian food.
  • 3 Doors Down is described as pretty old-school Italian-American and is recommended specifically for their penne alla vodka.
  • Pinolo Gelato is mentioned as the best gelato shop in the country.
  • Other restaurants recommended by Reddit users include: DiNicola’s, Montelupo, Nonna Emilia, Piazza Italia, Bella’s Italian Bakery, Gino’s, 24th and Meatballs, Fino, a Cena, Casa Italia, Sebastiano’s, Gabagool, La Bottega and Gilda’s.
  • Multiple users discuss the difference between Italian and East-coast style Italian-American food.
  • Reddit users also mention the prices, portions and quality of food from the recommended restaurants.
  • Some users discuss their personal experiences at the recommended restaurants.
  • Users mention other specific food recommendations such as sfogliatelle from Bella’s Italian Bakery and the garlic bread from Grassa.
  • Some users mention restaurants they did not like.
  • Overall, the Reddit thread provides a wealth of local knowledge and reviews for Italian restaurants in Portland and may be helpful for anyone looking for recommendations.

"https://www.travelportland.com/culture/portland-restaurants/"

  • Portland is known for its culinary scene and has a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets.
  • Indoor dining is back and flourishing in Portland, with a few businesses requiring masks or proof of vaccination for entry.
  • For finding exciting new restaurants in Portland, Eater Portland’s Hot List is a great resource (mentioned in website text).
  • Portland does not have any Michelin star restaurants, as Michelin inspectors have not enjoyed the bounty of the Pacific Northwest yet.
  • Some famous Portland foods include the meat and cheese boards, fresh seafood, the locally brewed beer, and vegan donuts.
  • The website provides a list of breakfast and brunch places in Portland, with their descriptions and ratings.
  • Portland has many popular bakeries, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, along with award-winners galore.
  • Portland has many comfort food favorites, such as mac and cheese, fries with gravy, and steaming bowls of pho.
  • The text mentions several James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants in Portland, such as “Higgins,” “Magnus,” “Amalfi’s,” “Akadi,” “Canard,” and “Le Pigeon.”
  • The website lists some great Chinese, Indian, and Latinx-owned eateries in Portland, along with their menus and ratings.
  • Portland also has many BBQ spots, including Matt’s BBQ, Podnah’s BBQ, and Kee’s Loaded Kitchen.
  • For vegan food, The Sudra has been serving up delicious plant-based cuisine since 2013.
  • The website provides a list of Portland’s top-rated taquerias, with their menu items and locations.
  • The Portland Mercado is a neighborhood grocery, meat market, coffee shop, food cart pod, and a delicious destination.
  • Portland has several Italian restaurants, such as “Nostrana,” “Oven and Shaker,” “Grassa,” “Piattino,” “Gabbiano’s,” “A Cena,” “Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant,” and “Luce.”
  • Some other must-visit restaurants/menus in Portland include “Screen Door,” “Broder,” “Tin Shed Garden Cafe,” “Mother’s Bistro & Bar,” “Fried Egg I’m In Love – Prost Marketplace,” and “Kachka.”
  • The website also briefly mentions COVID-19 restrictions in Portland, major safety methods, and also touches on the variety, cozy vibes and excellent value of restaurants in Portland that does not have to be expensive.

"https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/portland/italian-restaurants-portland/"

  • The webpage titled “8 Italian Restaurants In Portland That Serve Pasta To Die For” lists eight restaurants in Portland, Oregon, that serve popular Italian pasta dishes.
  • JustaPasta is one of the restaurants on the list and serves homemade pasta with classic sauces like pesto, marinara, and alfredo. Customers can customize their meals by selecting their preferred pasta and sauce. The restaurant is located at 1336 NW 19th Avenue.
  • A Cena Ristorante is another restaurant that serves handmade pasta dishes that transport diners to small town Italy. The must-try dish at A Cena Ristorante is the lobster pasta. The fine dining restaurant is located at 7742 SE 13th Avenue.
  • Accanto serves delicious dishes like lamb rigatoni and spaghetti and cauliflower, and it is located at 2838 SE Belmont Street.
  • Toro Bravo is a small plates restaurant that serves popular squid ink pasta. Diners can expect a wait at the restaurant, which is located at 120 NE Russell Street.
  • Luce is another restaurant that serves great tagliatelle and rabbit pappardelle. The restaurant is located at 2140 E Burnside Street.
  • Ava Gene’s is a classic Italian eatery that serves a wide variety of pasta dishes. All dishes are exquisite. The restaurant is located at 3377 SE Division Street.
  • Iorio Restaurant is a home-style Italian restaurant that serves top-notch handmade gnocchi and other pastas. The pizza and calamari are excellent too. It is located at 912 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
  • Le Bistro Montage is a cajun/Creole restaurant that serves wonderful pasta dishes like spicy mac and cheese. The restaurant has a dark and lively location under the Morrison Bridge, which adds to the atmosphere. It is located at 301 SE Morrison Street.
  • The webpage also indicates that Portland has a thriving international food scene and offers plenty of great pasta dishes.
  • The list of Italian restaurants in Portland is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and additional suggestions in the comments.
  • There is a disclaimer at the bottom of the webpage that the site may earn compensation through affiliate links in the article.
  • The webpage was published on January 25, 2017.

"https://familydestinationsguide.com/best-italian-restaurants-in-portland-or/"

  • The webpage is a list of the 20 best Italian restaurants in Portland, OR, with a short description and review for each restaurant.
  • “Pastificio d’Oro” is a restaurant that opened in 2020 and is located in North Lombard St, Portland. It serves traditional Italian fresh pasta and provides a northern Italian flavor experience.
    • Specialties: Salame Nostrano, Gnocchi al Castelmagno, Pere Cotte nel Nebbiolo.
  • “Campana” is a restaurant established in 2019 at NE Oneonta St, Portland. It offers traditional and inventive Italian cuisine, along with salads and sandwiches.
    • Specialties: Caesar salad, Spaghetti alle Vongole, Cavatelli.
  • “Gabbiano’s” is an old-school restaurant located at NE 30th Ave, Portland. It provides American and Italian comfort food, large group dining, and an extensive menu with diverse options.
    • Specialties: Fried Mozzarella, Calamari Fritti, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Hot Italian Pork Chop.
  • “Gumba” restaurant is located at NE Alberta St, Portland, and has been serving seasonal pasta offerings since 2018. It has an intimate vibe and has small plates for light dining but also has heavier fare entrees.
    • Specialties: Spaghettini, Pappardelle, Flourless Chocolate Cake.
  • “Sorbu Paninoteca” is a food truck located near Fernhill Park and has been casting a spotlight on unique Tuscan sandwiches since 2020. It has a swift service, and Menu changes every two weeks and uses local fresh ingredients.
    • Specialties: Porchetta sandwich, Pasta e Fagioli, Caffe Espresso.
  • “Tartuca” is a restaurant located at N Mississippi Ave, Portland, that offers high-quality Italian food inspired by the Piedmont region in Italy. It features an intimate space and menu features oysters, seasonal dishes, flavorful pizza, and roasted specialties.
    • Specialties: Half-dozen oysters, Gemelli, Lamb sausage pizza, wood-fired roasted beets.
  • “Fillmore Trattoria” is a family restaurant located at NW 23rd Plaza, Portland, that has been serving homestyle cooking and traditional Italian fare since 2016. It has a focus on penne pasta, prawns, and seafood entrees. Moreover, patrons can sign up for membership to secure priority seating

"https://cibopdx.com/"

  • Restaurant name and address: Cibo Italian Restaurant, corner of Division and 35th Place in SE Portland
  • Operating hours: dine-in from Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Sunday from 5 pm to 9:30 pm, takeout/delivery from 4 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Reservation policy: accepting reservations for up to eight guests, email at cibopdx@gmail.com, and walk-in guests are also welcome
  • Services: takeout and delivery services available, and online ordering available
  • Menu: wood-fired pizza, housemade pastas, cocktails, dessert
  • COVID-19 precautions: CIBO has developed its own COVID protocols in consultation with government and industry to protect the health and welfare of employees and customers, and asks for feedback from customers for better service
  • Testimonials: positive reviews from customers on their website and their experience with the takeout service and food
  • Local tax will be added when applying
  • No information provided on outdoor or indoor dining capacity
  • No specified information on the availability of gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options on the website, suggest checking the menu or call to inquire
  • No mention of the attire required for the dining experience
  • No information provided regarding the price range of menu items
  • Payment options: credit card payment recommended, and no mention of any restrictions or exceptions
  • Contact information: phone number, email address, and the link to the website’s contact page
  • No explicit mention of availability on holidays or any special events/public events
  • Customer reviews are brief and do not provide extensive details about the food or ambiance of the restaurant
  • Offers gift cards in different values.

"https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-italian-restaurants-portland-pasta-pizza"

  • Portland’s Italian food scene has grown with a variety of food carts and markets in addition to classic trattorias.
  • The article lists 22 Italian restaurants with details on each.
  • The restaurants are also mapped out by neighborhood in Portland.
  • Chase Dopson’s pasta-focused restaurant is listed as a standout among Portland’s Italian restaurants.
  • Campana is listed as another exceptional Italian restaurant in the Woodlawn neighborhood known for its pasta dishes and entrees.
  • This self-identified Italian American restaurant located in Portland’s Southeast district is said to have all the greatest hits and also infuses its dishes with a modern twist.
  • Gumba, previously a food cart, has recently moved inside and is known for incorporating various menu items like fry bread and celery root cream into its Italian-inspired cuisine.
  • Sorbu in Cully is an Italian food cart with a seasonal menu featuring items like chickpea flour flatbread.
  • Ava Gene’s is a romantic Italian restaurant in Portland’s Mississippi neighborhood with a frequently changing menu of dishes like radiatori and pizza with prosciutto.
  • Fillmore is a Northwest Portland home-style restaurant offering classic red sauce standards.
  • Luce is another Italian restaurant in Portland with a delicate selection of fresh pasta dishes.
  • Mucca in downtown Portland is a high-end Italian restaurant with an excellent food and wine selection.
  • Sebastiano’s in Montavilla is an Italian bakery, cafe, and deli specializing in sandwiches made with in-house focaccia and fresh meats, cheeses, and pantry items.
  • Nostrana is a destination restaurant in Southeast Portland visually evoking a traditional Italian dining experience with its variety of pasta dishes and hearty entrees.
  • 3 Doors Down in Southeast Portland is listed as a comfortable restaurant with house-made pasta dishes and a deep wine list.
  • Mama Mia Trattoria in the John’s Landing neighborhood is known for its six-hour-simmered Bolognese.
  • Cibo, an Italian eatery in Southeast Portland, is a more casual restaurant with a pasta list and wood-fired pizzas as the main draw.
  • The article mentions some restaurants serve notable dishes, including Tagliatelle with Braised Boar Ragu from Mucca, Delicate Tajarin with Truffle Butter at Montelupo Cafe and Ristorante, and Happy Hour Puttanesca with Italian wine at Campana.
  • Some restaurants mentioned as having excellent ambiance and service include Mucca, Nostrana, Luce, and Caffe Mingo.
  • Some locations

"Best Italian Restaurant?"

  • A Reddit post from 11 years ago titled “Best Italian Restaurant?” in the Portland subreddit.
  • A user asks for recommendations for the best Italian food in Portland for a fancy-ish dinner.
  • Several users recommend specific Italian restaurants in the area, including Enzo’s Cafe, Gino’s, Fratelli, Nostrana, A Cena, Tabla, La Buca, Sub Rosa, Roma, Nonna Emilia Ristorante Italiano, Denicola’s, and Ciao Vito.
  • A user recommends Enzo’s Cafe on the north side of Alberta for having the best Italian food. Handmade pasta and small, intimate restaurant run by an old Italian couple.
  • Another user recommends Gino’s in Sellwood.
  • Someone recommends Fratelli, Nostrana, and A Cena, with price ranges starting from $ to $$$.
  • A user suggests Tabla on NE 28th for their spot on pasta and 3-course dinner for $28.
  • The same user adds that Tabla is a good spot for a fancy-ish dinner because it’s not stuffy, still nice, and with a great wine list.
  • Genoa is suggested and is said to be the fanciest in any restaurant in this list with a long, multi-course dinner.
  • La Buca near 28th and east Burnside is suggested with an assertion that it’s seriously delicious and not too expensive.
  • Another user suggests Sub Rosa on Clinton and 28th for their good value and entrees under $12.
  • A user recommends Roma on the SW 12th for authentic Italian food.
  • The same person recommends Nonna Emilia Ristorante Italiano in Beaverton for its massive portions and being the closest to actual Italian food they have had in the area.
  • Denicola’s in SE is recommended for nostalgic atmosphere and gnocchi, despite having bad reviews online.
  • Ciao Vito is suggested for its pork sugo that’s said to explode one’s head and incredible food happy hour deals from 4-8 M-W (and all day Sunday).
  • Ciao Vito is said to have more northern dishes.
  • Some users share personal experiences with the food and the atmosphere of the restaurants they recommend.
  • One user says that if a comment doesn’t suggest Genoa, it’s wrong.
  • There are comments from some users thanking everyone for the recommendations and confirming that they’ll try them.

💭  Looking into

Highlights of the Portland Italian restaurant scene

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Comparison of popular Italian dishes served at these top Italian restaurants

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List of the top 5 Italian restaurants in Portland