Craving rustic pastas and wood-fired pizzas in Portland? The city’s Italian restaurants blend Pacific Northwest ingredients with old-world charm, serving up cozy comfort and bold flavors in every bite.

Highlights:

  • Authentic trattorias with handmade pasta and regional Italian dishes
  • Chic Italian bistros with seasonal, locally sourced menus
  • Trendy pizza spots with creative toppings and natural wines
  • Cozy neighborhood cafes serving espresso, cannoli, and gelato
  • Upscale Italian dining with elegant wine pairings and tasting menus

Unique Restaurants

For Upscale casual diners: Piattino

For Upscale casual diners: Piattino

© Piattino

Piattino brings a lively, shareable Italian dining experience to Portland’s Pearl District with artisan pizzas, house-made pastas, and Italian-style tapas crafted from fresh local and imported ingredients. With a focus on small plates and family-style dining, it’s a cozy, social spot perfect for casual gatherings or intimate evenings out.

Recommended For: Italian food lovers, group dinners, and anyone who enjoys shareable plates and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Sample hand-tossed pizzas and traditional small Italian plates.
  • Build your own bruschetta or charcuterie board with meats and cheeses.
  • Enjoy locally sourced ingredients alongside authentic Italian imports.
  • Gather with friends for family-style meals or Happy Hour specials.
  • Unwind with pizza, wine, and apps in a relaxed, rustic setting.

Piattino, 1140 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 971-983-8000

For Wine lovers: Cibo

For Wine lovers: Cibo

© Cibo

Cibo, led by chef Marco Frattaroli, adds creative flair to classic Italian cuisine in a cozy, modern space anchored by a Ligurian pizza oven. Located on SE Division Street, this laid-back neighborhood gem serves wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, inventive small plates, and hearty mains—all made with seasonal ingredients and Italian soul.

Recommended For: Casual dates, Italian food lovers, and fans of wood-fired, rustic cooking with a twist.

  • Watch your pizza cook in an authentic Ligurian oven at the heart of the restaurant.
  • Taste unique regional favorites like the cecina—Tuscan chickpea flatbread.
  • Dive into inventive Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Catch food specials during happy hour in a warm, friendly space.
  • Pair your meal with Italian wines or craft cocktails for the full experience.

Cibo, 3539 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-719-5377

Restaurants for a Date

For Special occasion diners: a Cena Ristorante

For Special occasion diners: a Cena Ristorante

© a Cena Ristorante

a Cena Ristorante invites you to supper the Italian way—through simple elegance and exceptional flavor. Located in Portland’s charming Sellwood neighborhood, this intimate fine-dining spot delivers upscale Italian fare in a setting that feels both refined and warmly rustic. Seasonal ingredients shine in every dish, especially the signature lobster agnolotti that’s won over Portland foodies time and again.

Recommended For: Romantic date nights, intimate celebrations, or any time you want to savor exquisite Italian food in a cozy, elegant space.

  • Enjoy fine dining with a welcoming, old-world Italian ambiance.
  • Savor locally sourced dishes that rotate seasonally for peak flavor.
  • Try the lobster agnolotti—rich, delicate, and unforgettable.
  • Explore a thoughtful wine list featuring Italian and local picks.
  • Treat yourself to one of Portland’s most refined Italian experiences.

a Cena Ristorante, 7742 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-206-3291

For Trendsetters: Ava Gene's

For Trendsetters: Ava Gene's

© Ava Gene's

Ava Gene’s offers a thoughtfully elevated Italian dining experience on Portland’s SE Division Street, where rustic Roman flavors meet seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients. With a stunning marble bar, elegant ambiance, and a menu grounded in local sourcing and sustainability, Ava Gene’s is a standout for modern Italian cuisine and curated wine pairings.

Recommended For: Refined date nights, foodies seeking ingredient-driven Italian fare, and wine lovers looking for rare Italian labels.

  • Dine on rustic, seasonal dishes inspired by traditional Roman flavors.
  • Support local farmers and artisans through every sustainably sourced bite.
  • Admire the sophisticated space, centered around a glowing marble bar.
  • Sip from an extensive wine list featuring organic Italian bottles.
  • Host private events through their nearby sister restaurant, Tusk.

Ava Gene’s, 3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 971-229-0571

For Friendly vibes: Caffe Mingo

For Friendly vibes: Caffe Mingo

© Caffe Mingo

Caffe Mingo is a charming Italian gem nestled in Northwest Portland, beloved for its cozy candlelit vibe and heartfelt cooking. With a dinner menu that changes weekly based on the freshest seasonal ingredients, this warm, neighborhood eatery focuses on simplicity and quality—serving up authentic Italian fare in an inviting, intimate setting.

Recommended For: Romantic nights out, casual celebrations, and anyone seeking a true Portland-style Italian experience.

  • Dine on rotating Italian classics crafted from seasonal local ingredients.
  • Relax in a romantic setting with candlelight and a neighborhood feel.
  • Watch the kitchen crew in action from the open dining room.
  • Enjoy alfresco seating when the weather allows.
  • Skip the stress with valet parking for an effortless evening.

Caffe Mingo, 811 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-226-4646

For Comfort food fans: Denicola's Restaurant

For Comfort food fans: Denicola's Restaurant

© Denicola's Restaurant

Denicola's Restaurant is a beloved Portland classic where old-school Italian comfort food shines in a warm, family-run setting. With recipes handed down through generations, this casual eatery serves up generous portions of pasta, pizza, and house specialties like veal and eggplant parmigiana that feel like home with every bite.

Recommended For: Comfort food seekers, families, and anyone craving hearty, traditional Italian dishes in a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere.

  • Enjoy time-tested family recipes passed down from the owners’ Italian parents.
  • Dive into fan favorites like spaghetti with homemade meatballs and creamy fettuccine alfredo.
  • Try gluten-free or vegetarian versions of classic dishes.
  • Join the all-you-can-eat spaghetti nights on Sunday through Tuesday.
  • Relax in a cozy, welcoming space perfect for laid-back dining.

Denicola's Restaurant, 3520 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-239-5221

For Wine lovers: Fillmore Trattoria

For Wine lovers: Fillmore Trattoria

© Fillmore Trattoria

Fillmore Trattoria brings a Portland twist to classic Italian-American comfort food in a cozy, welcoming space that feels like home. Inspired by its San Francisco roots, this neighborhood trattoria dishes out satisfying favorites like stuffed artichokes, calamari spaghetti, and red snapper simmered in spicy tomato sauce—plus complimentary house-made bruschetta to start every meal.

Recommended For: Comfort food cravings, casual date nights, and family dinners with a little extra charm.

  • Indulge in Italian-American classics made with heart and tradition.
  • Enjoy complimentary bruschetta with every table.
  • Pair dishes with a well-curated list of Italian and local wines.
  • Relax by the outdoor fireplace on the cozy, dog-friendly patio.
  • Return again and again—this is the kind of place locals love.

Fillmore Trattoria, 1937 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: 971-386-5935

FAQ:

  • Q: What makes Portland, OR a great place for food lovers?
  • A: Portland, OR is known for being a foodie's paradise, and its selection of Italian restaurants certainly doesn't disappoint.
  • Q: What is the focus of Portland's Italian cuisine?
  • A: The focus is on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t get your fill of traditional Italian flavor.
  • Q: What types of dishes can you expect at Italian restaurants in Portland?
  • A: Portland restaurants serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to creamy risotto.
  • Q: Are there family-friendly dining options in Portland?
  • A: Families will be delighted to find affordable kid's menus in many of the eateries.

Plan Your Trip


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