a Cena Ristorante

★★★★☆ 4.4 (924) • $$$

Mama Mia Trattoria

★★★★☆ 3.7 (998) • $$

"One of my favorite spots in Portland overall. What made this a 5 star visit was notOnly the food, but the service of the manager. We arrived 30 minutes early for our 7:15 reservation and they were somewhat busy, so we had to wait for our seating. At first we were seated at a round table for 4, which makes it awkward for a party of 2. I spoke with the manager and he promptly seated us in a traditional window seat which made it better for conversation.For the rest of our visit he was attentive, checked on us, and gave the type of service that makes you return over and over again. Thanks for this great experience, as sometimes you think customer service is dead in this day and age. The food as usual was amazing, and each item was fresh and prepared perfectly. Mama Mia is a standout establish in Portland's restaurant space, and make sure you give them a try. We did garlic bread, clams,Caesar salad, and 2 orders of bolognese. Don't miss the miracle.GREAT JOB WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE‼‼‼"

Ava Gene's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (810) • $$$

Mucca Osteria

★★★★★ 4.5 (626) • $$$$

La Bottega

★★★★☆ 4.4 (630) • $$

Gumba

★★★★★ 4.5 (533) • $$

"Gumba is a cozy Italian restaurant located in Portland, Oregon, one of my fave food spots that I visited! Gumba delivered. The interior was cute and aesthetic and each room had their own vibe to it. I loved the atmosphere Gumba had. As for the pasta, tagliatelle was my favorite out of the two I tried. The tagliatelle dish is made carbonara style with caramelized shallots, roasted seasonal mushrooms, burrata, sesame and olive oil. Shallots is a game changer for me, I love how aromatic and flavorful it made the dish! The pappardelle was good but a little bit too salty for my taste buds. The pasta itself was delicious and it had the perfect texture! The dish was made with braised beef short rib, toasted chili, garlic, olive, tomatoes, pecorino cheese, and bread crumbs. Yumm!"

Piattino

★★★★☆ 4.2 (570) • $$

"Outstanding locally owned establishment specializing in Italian dishes and wood fired pizzas. Service was fantastic !"

Cibo

★★★★☆ 4.1 (592) • $$

Clarklewis

★★★★☆ 3.8 (686) • $$$

"This would be a one star... but the two stars is for the folks at Clarklewis who tried to help us and spent time trying things to accommodate us but this was a truly horrible time for me and a friend who had never been here before. At least, in the end, her food was good. Over the last year I have been attending a lot of events with a friend new to Portland and she is a vegan. I saw a few things about Veganuary where a few spots in Portland were offering vegan items where their menu might not normally have these options. I would never normally take a vegan here and was so delighted that they had a prix menu 3 course meal offered for a great price. It sounded delicious. I made a reservation through Yelp. I am not a vegan but I love food and I do cook quite a few plant based options myself and I eat a lot of plant based food. The difference is that I am not restricted. We went to our event and were early for our reservation. The restaurant seems a bit darker since my last visit - I appreciate low lighting but this is very near pitch.We were given menus and that was when the awkwardness started. The waiter said he was being shadowed by another person and it was her first day. Totally fine...the weird was that the new person seemed way more to know things than the waiter did who immediately seemed to not be paying attention to us at all. My friend asked if they had a separate menu for the vegan options they had for January. He seemed confused and say yes but said he needed to go ask. He eventually came back, was extremely dismissive saying that was no longer available, started mumbling something and we were confused trying to explain that was GENUINELY the reason we were there. VERY long story short and after a lot of back and forth where he would leave, go somewhere and come back basically telling my friend a bunch of vegetables...we were not understanding because he was just saying they would make 'something'... so we just get charged something for something? Finally his, manager? came over saying similar but it was well, we make pasta but that has egg so we can give you the dried gluten free, add veggies... I honestly checked out just figuring I would order off the regular menu since a Caesar salad sounded good but the entrees... nothing was really jumping out so I just went with the chicken. I was delighted with my glass of Malbec which was great since I was mortified I had talked up this restaurant to my friend. We were told by multiple people that the executive chef took time off and apparently is the only person who could cook the vegan menu. Questions about other items were similar - there was a lot of talk about things being pre made which I found just weird since it was like the whole regular menu was almost described like a TV dinner yet the vegan 3 course was this complex thing that only the executive chef could make. All i know is that there were two things I found delicious - the Malbec and my Caesar which I am glad was filling. My friend ordered a drink described by the staff and the menu a sweet. She was confused and had me taste it... I sent it back for her because it literally tasted like vinegar. She was embarrassed thinking that they would feel like she was just nonstop complaints which is when I sent the drink back. The waiter took it and stormed off while the person ho just started was so kind, coming back saying the bartender wanted to try to make her a drink - he did and she loved it. Luckily she also very much enjoyed her whole meal. I did not want to spoil anything for her and I expected the waiter to make a comment at the fact that I barely touched my entrée. When you are planning to assault a dish with that much fennel, I would expect a heads up or I would not have bothered. I then thought I would correct it and was happy to order a simple orange sorbet. It was served as a soup, it was so melted. The tiny amount that was not melted had a very stringy and awkward texture. It has been a really long time since I have been given this bad of a meal. When I got the sorbet I seriously was laughing wondering if that was a joke. We were just exhausted seriously - my poor friend was having a anxiety attack an I was just glad that her meal was good since I am the one who has all the options normally... well, I will chose another option in the future to not come here. The true perfect ending was that I had parked near the door as I am ADA. Some lovely human in a white Tesla parked crooked over the line blocking my door to get in. The best part was that the spot next to them on their drivers side was empty!"

La Buca

★★★★☆ 4 (425) • $$

"Jennifer and her husband owns this nice corner restaurant for over 25 years. And there is a good reason for it. And the reason is a very simpleOne: they serve good food. - You can have Italian food almost on every corner in the USA. - you will find nicer and more "Italien" feeling places But at Bucas you will find Italien inspired food with a personal touch in service and an experienced influence of good flavor. It's a great Neighboor restaurant you want to go to. We had Bruschetta with goat cheese and caramelized onions and bruschetta shows you if the chefs understands the concept of one bite. In Bucas they do and that bite is so good. And I learned through the years it's important to be risky sometimes and order items you normally would not and so I'll be ordering the soup of the moment: Soups toscana with spicy Italian sausage - and I don't like sausages that much especially Italians can have very strong spice profile. But this soup was an experience and one in every way a very good experience. Instead of the typical Italian soups that mostly are clear this one was cream based and so tasteful without overwhelming into any spice hikes. Just delicious. As main, there was the salmon pasta and the Chicken Marsala both made with fresh ingredients and the salmon made to perfection. Did we have dessert, yes - I could not resist and I ordered another bowl of soup - can you imagine? Yes, it was that delicious. The husband and wife owners deserve five stars even when the paper napkins would have been way cooler if they had been replaced with fabric ones. And a side note: they do not serve espresso. And there is a simple reason for it a Starbucks is just a couple of entrances away. And they have in their Corporate rental agreement that there are no espresso makers allowed in the same house/building or block. Tbh I can understand this from a Starbucks corporate viewpoint - with that brand I would want to have the same in my rental agreements. If you allow it you will have fastly others to follow and you want to be the only one in the block to protect the brand and revenue. But the thing is Starbucks at this location close at 4 pm and Buca doesn't even is open at that time. I wish there would be a way to find a solution for local situations like this to make an exemption. Cause what is an Italian restaurant without an espresso machine."

LoveVerona Pizza&Pasta DownTown

★★★★☆ 4.2 (360) • $$

"When you enter it should be evident that interior decorating is not their thing. There was a large appliance right in the middle of the ordering area and no decor on the walls. I initially walked out as I thought they were closed.That said, the ample sized cheese slice should satisfy your hunger and the price is a more than fair.Unfortunately, the taste is very low-end resembling something you'd find at a ballgame or concert. No customers at lunch and very stoic service. Probably one and done for me."

Ristorante Di Pompello

★★★★☆ 3.7 (462) • $$

"This is my comfort spot. The pasta is incredible. The bread and balsamic is okay, I would prefer garlic bread. The complimentary soup is amazing!! Don't eat too much or you will spoil your pasta. I love the penne pesto pollo. I always add sun dried tomatoes. It's my dream pasta. The sun dried tomato tortellini is good too!! They have a good happy hour/drink menu and dinner specials. I take all my friends. I brag about this place. I come to celebrate my birthday. I come when I'm sad and need a pick me up. I have had tough conversations here. I have gotten offered a job on the phone here. I had my softball end of season party here. This place is the real deal. The owner is so kind and sweet and welcoming. The outdoor seating is so nice in the summer. I love this place."

Justa Pasta

★★★★☆ 4.2 (351) • $$

"Casual little restaurant/market that you can buy house made pasta cooked or to take home and cook (along w/ wines & pasta sauces and such). We tried a seafood linguine which was great - nice & creamy without being too heavy or creamy & fresh light flavors w/ parsley & cherry tomatoes. Could've been a bit more generous w/ the clams but still good. We also shared a dessert, I forget the name but it was something like Paris Breast or something lol. It was like a buttery croissant cookie sandwich with cream & strawberries, quite tasty.Cafe vibes with a few indoor seats but a good amount of seating on their covered heated patio. Open for a few hours during lunch and then again for dinner later."

Allora

★★★★☆ 4 (378) • $$

"A friend and I visited Allora when staying in Portland. We found them after searching for something hearty when returning to the city after a long day of hiking up on the coast.Allora is a small and cozy restaurant with a beautiful ambiance. We were seated immediately upon arriving and were taken care of by a friendly and attentive server. We ordered bread, wine, and different pasta dishes. I ordered the rigatoni nico and enjoyed it so much. The pasta was delicious and the flavor of the sauce was wonderful. I'd definitely recommend checking out this Italian spot if ever in the Portland area."

Luce

★★★★☆ 3.9 (367) • $$

"Amazing little spot and I see myself coming here again and again . From the food to the wine selection to the ambiance-everything was just perfect. We were immediately seated and attended to despite there being a line. The interiors are cozy and the dimly lit environment makes it a perfect date night spot. The menu is made of big and small portions and as a result you get to try a variety. We ordered a bottle of Le Vigne di Faraone Montepulciano to share amongst the three of us . The wine selection is extensive and focuses on bold Italian reds. One thing that I didn't really like was their choice of glassware for wine ,I believe what they used were Sospiros . The volume of the big glass allows ample headspace to collect aromas and with the glasses they provided It kind of brought down the experience a notch . I do understand that they are trying to make an authentic Italian experience but I also think it should depend on the type of wine being served . Not trying to be picky but just a suggestion for the restaurant . The wine was fantastic- light and dry and had a little earthy tones .For food we ordered - Focaccia Crostini with Rabbit Mousse Linguini with shrimp Spaghetti with Garlic & Hot Pepper Pappardelle with Rabbit Whole Flourless Chocolate Cake Food was superb and portion sizes just right . Service is alright , I wouldn't say they were bending over backwards to be friendly but answered all our questions . The staff was to the point and seemed to be in a hurry but that did translate into our food coming out fast as well. Pricing seemed fair for the quality and taste ."

Trattoria Gallo Nero

★★★★☆ 4 (331) • $$

Il Terrazzo

★★★★☆ 4.1 (285) • $$

"Highly recommend this place and reservations. Best Italian restaurant I have been to! Had 3 out of town folks wanting something local and it did not disappoint. Be ready for longer wait times in general but the staff communicates it upfront but makes up with hospitality! I recommend inside as the local heathans are in full effect due to lack of local government support."

Dame

★★★★★ 4.7 (216) • $$$

Caffe Umbria

★★★★☆ 4.2 (269) • $

"Espresso and coffee makes the day for lots of peeps in The Pearl District. This is a bustling coffee shop to hang out inside or outside sidewallk table in the shade of trees. Cool vibe. I am really enjoying my cappuccino with a complementary chocolate.Also, serving up a spot of tea, cold drinks, yummy pastries and some sandwiches."

Boccellis Ristorante

★★★★☆ 3.7 (303) • $$

"The food, ambience were nice but the SERVICE was really the best.We came here tonight to celebrate our daughter's birthday. She remembered coming here last year when we met up with friends of mine and asked to come here for her birthday dinner.We had reservations for 7 and were seated immediately when we arrived in the back at one of their big round tables that was the perfect fit for all of us. The restaurant is charming and it's in the cutest lil part of downtown Gresham. There is a HUGE parking lot right across the street (to the west) with free parking so you don't need to search for street parking. There are lots of food options here and I personally had the fruitti de mare which is a linguini pasta with a yummy garlic lemon sauce and a ton of scallops, salmon, clams, and shrimp. The seafood was NOT overcooked and was perfect. Oh I don't usually eat a lot of pasta but this was good. I think it's a nice place with good food italian american food. My dear daughter wanted their spaghetti with meatballs because she remembered how tasty it was over a year ago. I think everything they had was delicious and fair priced.But can I just share how awesome our waiter was?? I feel horrible because I didn't get his name but he was so friendly and was genuinely a happy guy and his energy was just great. He brought drinks before we even needed out refills, he checked on us consistently. We brought our own cake that she had picked out and he made sure we had plates, a cake knife, etc and even brought me coffee. The coffee ended up being cold and not that great and when I mentioned it to him when he asked if I wanted more. He immediately got me a fresh americano to take with me.He really made my daughter's birthday dinner lovely.Thank you for a wonderful evening!"

Montelupo Italian Market

★★★★☆ 4 (239) • $$

Bocci's on 7th

★★★★☆ 4.4 (180) • $$

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant & Lounge

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (337) • $$

Dimo's Apizza

★★★★☆ 4.2 (190) • $$

Il Solito

★★★★☆ 4 (206) • $$

Caro Amico Italian Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (188) • $$

Bugatti's Ristorante

★★★★☆ 3.5 (219) • $$

"Superior dining experience thanks to our delightful and attentive server Benji. Really felt like he went above and beyond for us.Recommend the ravioli, bruschetta, and the cacio e pepe pasta is delicious with prawns added. Ambience is nice and waters were always filled. Best service in West Linn. Highly recommend."

Bari Food Cart

★★★★★ 4.9 (94) • $

"First, you have to meet Walter. he is the most wonderful example of hospitality I have come across.My cannoli was really good.The ricotta filling had a delicious flavor, a little sweet, a little lemon, really great!Thank you for the water and containers of homemade marinara sauce. See you again soon!"

Lilla

★★★★☆ 4.4 (89)

The Grove Restaurant & Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (110) • $$

Heavy Plays

★★★★☆ 4.2 (34) • $$

"(closed on Mondays) this hidden neighborhood gem has a some delicious menu items. My favorites are the seafood alfredo and banana pudding (yum!)I highly recommend calling ahead and doing pickup. Seating inside is minimal. They share a parking lot with two other restaurants + one other business and the lot is tiny and street parking is usually full, because of all the neighboring condos."

Sit Tite

★★★★☆ 4.4 (24)

"I love myself some chicken parm sandwich so when I read about this place knew I had to try it. We got there on a Friday night right before 6 pm and just beat the rush. You order and pay at the bar then take your number to a table. It gets a bit crowded if there is a line. They have inside seating with TVs, pinball and a pool table. It's a bit loud. Outside the have music from speakers but easier to talk. Maybe 12 tables or so in a very large area. We asked about the sandwich size and with the charcuterie plate he thought sharing a chicken parm should be fine. The plate had some Italian ham which had some heat and another type of meat, generous cheese and some olives and pickled stuff. Okay now the sandwich. First I wish I had a whole one to myself. I would have skipped sharing the other plate. It's messy but the sauce has flavor, lots of basil and the bread was crunchy (but did fall apart as noted got messy) it didn't matter. The sandwich was great with the right balance of cheese, sauce, chicken and basil. I saw a plate of fries and it was HUGE. I would want a large group to order that. All reasonably priced just wish they had opened in the summer as I think it will be too crowded and small when it rainy and cold. Oh and fun drinks. I had a watermelon fresca that didn't have alcohol but the other real cocktails looked good too. I will be back when my chicken parm craving hits again. Also the New Seasons right next door is handy for dessert."

Angolo Italian Street Food

★★★★★ 4.9 (10)

Nostrana

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"Bellissima beautiful ~ equally enjoyable indoor or outdoor. Pup friendly on the patio.Service ~ consistent. Not so personal, just proper.Our own Italy here ~ freshest quality ingredients means $$$$ but chewy pasta textures and extensive wine selection is top notch.Only good memories here."