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Where to Go for Delicious Italian Food in Portland

Are you new to Portland and looking for somewhere to eat?

melanzane alla parmigiana at portland italian restaurants

Or maybe you love Italian food and want to find new places to enjoy it.

Whatever the case, I have taken it upon myself to be your friendly guide.

Portland is an amazing city famous for its vibrant food, drink, arts, and culture scene.

With the vibrant food scene, you may have trouble finding a place to sample some authentic Italian cuisine.

This well-researched list should help you pick at least one of the best Italian restaurants in Portland.


Nostrana

1401 SE Morrison St Ste 101, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-234-2427
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Nostrana is a charming, upscale Italian restaurant located at 1401 SouthEast Morrison Street in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood.

It’s located in a 1955 building in a former Kienow’s grocery store, giving it a hint of vintage charm.

You can use SE 14th Avenue or SE Alder St to get to Nostrana.

They serve seasonally-influenced Italian dishes on Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9:30 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, dinner is served until 10 PM.

Nostrana’s specialty from Chef Brian Murphy is their wood-fire, hand-tossed pizzas.

They also make delicious seasonal pasta and have an award-winning selection of wines from Italy and the Northwest.

Nostrana is closed on Sunday and Monday for restocks and to give their phenomenal staff a much-needed break.

With their beautiful decor and relaxing ambiance, you can enjoy a romantic or relaxing dinner.


Caffe Mingo

811 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-445-4646
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If you’re looking for a quaint Italian restaurant that serves simple but delicious dishes, try out Caffe Mingo.

It has a home-like and intimate vibe with recipes that date back decades.

They use local ingredients sourced from organic farmers in the Northwest, and their long-time cooks prepare heart-warming dishes with them.

The pasta topped with beef braised in espresso and chianti is a winner, or you can stick to their classic panna cotta.

Caffe Mingo is located at 811 NW 21st Avenue, near Russo Lee Gallery and Serratto Restaurant and Bar.

They open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available, and the staff are phenomenal.


Luce

2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-236-7195
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This small, low-key restaurant also doubles as a grocery store.

Luce specializes in seasonal recipes, and of course, they provide homemade pasta to the hungry people of Portland.

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Their menu is crafted by celebrated chef John Taboada.

They also provide catering. Luce has no signature dish per se or even consistent theme.

However, its main vibe surrounds the idea of “old-men places” in Italy.

I recommend you try the spaghetti with garlic oil, hot peppers, and clams for a decadent, tummy-filling meal.

Located at 2140 E Burnside Street, Luce is open daily from 4 to 10 PM. No reservations are needed and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School is a few blocks away.

If you see Lowell or National Gallery, Luce is right next door. 


Mucca Osteria

1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-227-5521
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A romantic Italian restaurant with a gothic flair, Mucca Osteria is an aesthetically pleasing option for dinner.

Their menu items are decadent without being overly filling.

You will find excellently prepared traditional Italian dishes, friendly and professional staff, and an unmatched wine list.

I think the nicely cooked scallops, tortellini, and duck breast by the chef and owner Simone Savaiano will impress your taste buds.

Mucca Osteria is located at 1022 SW Morrison Street, near Mayas Taqueria.

If you’re using SouthWest Morrison Street, look out for the Galleria, as Mucca Osteria is a few blocks away.

Their opening hours vary by season, but in the summer, they are open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 10 PM.


a Cena Ristorante

7742 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-206-3291
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A Cena is a warm, intimate, upscale Italian restaurant that serves elegantly cooked meals.

It is perfect for gathering with friends or family and enjoying classic Italian dishes with a unique spin.

They use locally-sourced ingredients to make the finest dishes, and the staff are seasoned and professional.

You can’t go wrong with any of their house-made pasta, but I recommend the delicious hand-rolled penne pasta with house-made fennel sausage, cremini mushroom, cream, and Grana Padano.

Visit them at 7742 SE 13th Avenue, across from Cadence Academy.

A Cena is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5 PM to 9 PM.

On Friday and Saturday, they are open until 10 PM. Be sure to make a reservation to find adequate seating for your group.


Gino’s

8051 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-233-4613
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Gino’s is an Italian restaurant and bar with a modern, low-key aesthetic and classic Italian dishes.

They serve the perfect combinations like their homemade lamb sausage on polenta topped with parmesan and the steamed mussels in garlicky white wine and fish broth.

The family-style restaurant is ideal for casual dining.

Gino’s is located on 8051 SE 13th Avenue near the Cat and Dog Hospital of Portland. You can walk in or make a reservation.


Grassa

Multiple locations
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Grassa is a popular Italian restaurant with three locations in Portland.

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They serve seasonal salads, delicious appetizers, and exciting cocktails.

Whatever location you choose to visit, try their chicken parm ravioli for a mouthwatering pasta dish.

The restaurants are made to look like a modern Italian trattoria and have communal tables.

The music is soothing, the food is fun and easy to order, and the aura inside is immaculate.


Lucca

3449 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97212
Phone: 503-287-7372
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Located in one of Portland’s favorite pre-historic neighborhoods, Lucca is a charming Italian restaurant.

Their bustling dining room is family-friendly, open, and inviting.

You’ll have many choices of well-prepared Italian dishes, but I recommend trying their pizzas.

Lucca’s brick oven pizza is some of the best in Portland, and you will not be disappointed.

Lucca is located at 3449 NE 24th Avenue near the North East Fremont Street Bus Stop.


3 Doors Down Cafe

1429 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-236-6886
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If you are looking for comforting Italian dishes served in a warm, cozy atmosphere, then 3 Doors Down Cafe is the right place.

It is an intimate restaurant that serves traditional Italian dishes.

There is a strong neighborhood vibe the moment you step in, and you will want to come back again and again.

You won’t go wrong with any of their house-made pasta, but I recommend the house-made pappardelle with beef and pork bolognese.

You can find the 3 Doors Down Cafe and Lounge at 1429 SE 37th Avenue. South East 37th Avenue is a hub of culture, and you will not get bored visiting.


Cibo

3539 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-719-5377
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The best way to describe Cibo is Snazzy.

This Italian restaurant has a wood-fired oven that makes tasty pizza and flatbread.

The cocktails are immaculate and go down well after a meal.

Cino is located in the heart of Portland, right at the corner of Division and 35th place at 3539 SE Division Street.

This makes it an ideal spot for those Friday get-togethers with friends and family.

The thin crust pizza is great, but I recommend the Crespelle Alla Fiorentina.

Cibo’s wait staff is friendly and helpful, and they provide delivery and pick-up options.


Fillmore Trattoria

1937 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: 971-386-5935
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Fillmore Trattoria is an Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon that specializes in Italian-American-style cooking.

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It is a casual place perfect for after-work and weekend meals.

They have a wide range of pasta dishes bursting with fresh, bright flavors.

I think the best one is the Rigatoni Speck.

Find them at the corner of North West Vaughn Street and North West 23rd Place and enjoy casual Italian dining at its finest.


Gilda’s | Italian Restaurant

1601 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-688-5066
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Gilda’s is a fun, upbeat restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine. Chef Marco, the founder and head chef, crafted beautiful Italian dishes inspired by his late Grandmother’s Italian cooking.

The dishes at Gilda’s Italian Restaurant are hearty, decadent, and retain that Italian magic.

The spaghetti with Grandma’s meatballs is popular for good reason, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Visit Gilda’s at 1601 SW Morrison Street near Portland Shakespeare Project after the Historic Scottish Rite Temple.


Pastini

Multiple locations
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Pastini is another Portland restaurant with multiple locations.

Pastini specializes in both classic and contemporary kinds of pasta.

They also serve delicious gluten-free options.

This Italian bistro is affordable and has an open and warm atmosphere.

Try their roasted artichoke-spinach spread with bruschetta for a decadent starter, followed by the spaghetti with spicy sausage for your main course.

If you are a vegetarian, I have to recommend their fettuccini alfredo.

You can visit them at their downtown location at 911 SW Taylor Street for dinner with a vibrant feel or pick any of the other two locations for the same view but a different ambiance.


Piazza Italia

1129 NW Johnson St, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-478-0619
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Piazza Italia serves authentic, traditional Italian cuisine.

The soccer-themed restaurant is quaint and cheery and serves the most amazing La Burina.

Their tiramisu is moist and decadent and leaves you wanting more.

They are located at 1129 NW Johnson Street near Jamison Square.

The staff is friendly and the ambiance is light and reminiscent of New York Italian eateries.


Renata

626 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-954-2708
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Renata is an upscale Italian restaurant with high ceilings and great decor.

While their Italian dishes are not traditional, they are delectable and will make you come back.

I recommend the Quattro Formaggi pizza for cheese lovers and the Bucatini All’Amatriciana for those who enjoy a good pasta meal.

Renata is located at 626 SE Main Street in Portland’s vibrant Central Eastside district.

It is within walking distance of many other Portland attractions and sites like the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and Burnside Skatepark.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.