- 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.
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1. Piattino
Piattino, which literally means “small plate,” specializes in traditional Italian small bites and pizzas. The menu features artisan pizzas, pastas, and tapas made for family-style dining, all of which are prepared using fresh local meat and produce as well as some specialty ingredients imported from Italy.
A wide selection of cheese and cold cuts are available for guests to create their own personalized cheese and meat plates, which come served with bruschetta, crostini, aged garlic, and walnuts. Specials are offered on selected beers, wines, pizzas, and appetizers during Happy Hour.
Piattino , 1140 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, Phone: 971-983-8000
2. Cibo
Cibo is the second restaurant to be opened by chef Marco Frattaroli and offers experimental Italian food in a friendly, casual setting. The decor is inviting and modern and the imported Ligurian pizza oven takes center stage. The menu offers a range of small plates, pizzas, and pastas as well as several meat dishes.
If you're looking for something unique, try the cecina - a baked chickpea flour flatbread that's a popular street food in Tuscany. Happy hour food specials are available.
Cibo , 3539 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, Phone: 503-719-5377
3. a Cena Ristorante
In Italian, a cena simply means “come to supper,” and this is an invitation that you'd be wise to accept. a Cena Ristorante prides itself on its simple but delicious Italian fare and offers a unique fine dining experience that incorporates the comforting and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian country kitchen.
The menu changes frequently, but one item that can always be found on it is Executive Chef Gabe Gabreski's signature lobster agnolotti pasta dish. Food is prepared using fresh ingredients that are sourced locally wherever possible and an excellent wine list is also available.
a Cena Ristorante , 7742 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, Phone: 503-206-3291
4. Ava Gene's
The glamorous Ava Gene's boasts a warm interior with a stunning marble bar. Inspired by the tastes of Rome, the food served here is simple, rustic, and seasonal. The restaurant also makes an effort to source their ingredients locally wherever possible, and in doing so supports a large number of local farmers and artisans.
The extensive wine list allows guests to sample some of the restaurant crew's favorite wines from Italy, most of which are organic and sourced from sustainable family wineries. Special events can be held in the private dining room at Ava Gene's sister restaurant Tusk.
3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, Phone: 971-229-0571, See the Map
5. Caffe Mingo
Located in Northwest Portland, Caffe Mingo is a favorite with locals and visitors alike thanks to the cozy, romantic atmosphere and delicious food. The simple Italian fare served here is prepared by experienced chefs committed to using the best possible ingredients and the dinner menu changes weekly to take advantage of the local, seasonal produce and meat.
Guests can choose to dine either outdoors or inside near the inviting open kitchen. The restaurant is open for dinner every day of the week and valet parking is available for those who want an extra-special experience.
Caffe Mingo, 811 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, Phone: 503-226-4646
6. Denicola's Restaurant
Denicola's Restaurant is a family-run eatery that serves delicious food prepared using traditional Italian recipes brought over to America by the current owner's parents. The extensive menu includes pizza, calzones, seafood dishes, and a wide variety of pasta; chicken fettuccine alfredo and veal and eggplant parmigianas are some of the house specialties.
There are plenty of vegetarian options available and pizzas, pastas, and some other dishes can be made gluten-free upon request. The restaurant's most popular dish is their spaghetti and homemade meatballs, and all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinners are offered on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings.
Denicola's Restaurant , 3520 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, Phone: 503-239-5221
7. Fillmore Trattoria
Fillmore Trattoria is an offshoot of a popular San Francisco restaurant of the same name and offers home-style Italian-American cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting. The menu lists snacks, appetizers and salads, pasta, and entrées; popular dishes include the stuffed artichoke, the spaghetti calamari, and the red snapper in spicy tomato sauce.
There is also an extensive wine list that includes plenty of Italian wines as well as several domestic options and complimentary homemade bruschetta is served with every meal. The restaurant is family-friendly and outdoor seating is available on a patio with its cozy fireplace.
Fillmore Trattoria, 1937 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210, Phone: 971-386-5935
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