Italian Restaurants in Portland, OR

If you’re craving Italian with a social twist, Piattino in Portland’s Pearl District is the perfect pick. True to its name—piattino means “small plate”—this cozy spot serves up artisan pizzas, pastas, and shareable Italian tapas, all made with a mix of local ingredients and authentic imports straight from Italy.

Highlights:

• Hand-tossed pizzas and traditional Italian small plates
• Fresh local meats, produce, and imported Italian specialties
• Build-your-own meat and cheese boards with bruschetta and crostini
• Family-style dining perfect for sharing
• Happy Hour specials on pizza, wine, beer, and apps

Pro Tip:

Go during Happy Hour and pair a glass of Italian wine with a custom meat and cheese plate—it’s the perfect start to a relaxed night out.

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

Helmed by chef Marco Frattaroli, Cibo brings a playful twist to classic Italian cuisine in a warm, modern space centered around a showstopping Ligurian pizza oven. This SE Division Street gem offers a mix of creative small plates, handmade pastas, rustic pizzas, and hearty meat dishes—all served in a laid-back, neighborhood-friendly setting.

Highlights:

• Authentic Ligurian pizza oven and wood-fired pies
• Inventive Italian dishes with local, seasonal ingredients
• Try the cecina—a Tuscan chickpea flatbread you won’t find everywhere
• Casual vibe with friendly service
• Happy hour food specials worth planning around

Pro Tip:

Order the cecina and pair it with a glass of Italian red—it's a street food staple with major flavor and a perfect start to your meal.

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

Restaurants for a Date

In Italian, *a cena* means “come to supper,” and at a Cena Ristorante, that invitation comes with a promise of simple, elegant, and utterly delicious Italian fare. Tucked into Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, this cozy yet upscale spot feels like a refined take on a traditional Italian country kitchen—perfect for a special night out or a memorable dinner with friends.

Highlights:

• Fine dining with a warm, rustic Italian feel
• Seasonal menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
• Signature lobster agnolotti by Executive Chef Gabe Gabreski
• Excellent wine list with Italian and regional selections
• Ideal for date nights, celebrations, or just treating yourself

Pro Tip:

The lobster agnolotti is a must—tender, rich, and unforgettable. Pair it with a crisp white from the wine list and let the evening unfold from there.

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

With its stunning marble bar and glowing interior, Ava Gene’s offers a beautifully curated Italian dining experience inspired by the simple, rustic flavors of Rome. The menu is seasonal and ingredient-driven, with a strong commitment to sourcing from local farmers and artisans, ensuring every dish is as fresh and sustainable as it is flavorful.

Highlights:

• Rustic Italian fare with a modern, seasonal twist
• Locally sourced ingredients supporting regional producers
• Elegant interior with a show-stopping marble bar
• Extensive Italian wine list, mostly organic and sustainably sourced
• Private dining events hosted at sister restaurant Tusk

Pro Tip:

Ask your server about wine pairings—many bottles come from small family-run vineyards in Italy that you won’t find anywhere else.

3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 971-229-0571, See the Map

Tucked into the heart of Northwest Portland, Caffe Mingo is a beloved Italian spot known for its cozy charm, candlelit ambiance, and weekly changing menu packed with fresh, seasonal flavors. The kitchen keeps things simple and heartfelt, serving up classic Italian dishes made from top-quality local ingredients in a space that’s both intimate and inviting.

Highlights:

• Romantic, neighborhood atmosphere with a loyal local following
• Weekly changing dinner menu based on seasonal ingredients
• Open kitchen adds warmth and energy to the dining room
• Outdoor seating available in warmer months
• Valet parking offered for a seamless night out

Pro Tip:

Snag a table near the open kitchen to catch the action while you sip wine—it’s cozy, lively, and perfectly Portland.

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

A true Portland staple, Denicola's Restaurant is a family-run spot where old-school Italian comfort food is the star of the show. Recipes passed down from the owners’ parents are still going strong, with a menu packed full of pizzas, calzones, hearty pastas, and house specialties like veal and eggplant parmigiana. It's casual, classic, and always satisfying.

Highlights:

• Family-run with recipes straight from Italy
• Fan favorites: spaghetti & homemade meatballs, fettuccine alfredo
• Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
• All-you-can-eat spaghetti nights on Sun, Mon & Tues
• Warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed night out

Pro Tip:

Visit on a spaghetti night for the full comfort food experience—and don’t skip the house meatballs, they’re legendary for a reason.

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

A Portland spin on a San Francisco favorite, Fillmore Trattoria serves up home-style Italian-American comfort food in a warm, inviting space that feels like a neighborhood classic. The menu is packed with crave-worthy dishes like stuffed artichokes, spaghetti calamari, and red snapper in spicy tomato sauce. And yes—every meal kicks off with complimentary house-made bruschetta.

Highlights:

• Italian-American favorites in a cozy, family-friendly space
• Popular dishes: stuffed artichoke, red snapper, calamari pasta
• Extensive wine list with Italian and local selections
• Outdoor patio seating with a fireplace
• Complimentary homemade bruschetta with every meal

Pro Tip:

Grab a table on the patio if it’s chilly—they’ll fire up the outdoor fireplace for extra cozy vibes, especially with a glass of red in hand.

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