10 Leading Italian Restaurants in Portland (2023)

Discovering new restaurants in Portland can be overwhelming, especially when craving authentic Italian cuisine. As your friendly guide, I’ve compiled a well-researched list of the top Italian restaurants in Portland in 2023. Whether you’re new to Portland or simply looking for a new place to satisfy your Italian food cravings, this list will help you find the best spots to indulge in delicious dishes.

Restaurants in Portland

Here are the ten top restaurants in Portland well-known for providing top-notch Italian cuisine:

1. Nostrana

Nostrana is an elegant Italian restaurant situated in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood. Housed in a vintage building, it offers seasonally-influenced Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas by Chef Brian Murphy.

Open on selected days until 9:30 PM or 10 PM, Nostrana also boasts a remarkable wine selection. Although closed on Sundays and Mondays, the restaurant’s appealing decor and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a romantic or peaceful dining experience.

• Address: 1401 SE Morrison St Ste 101, Portland, OR 97214
• Phone: 503-234-2427

2. Caffe Mingo

Caffe Mingo is a charming Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and traditional recipes. They prioritize using local ingredients from organic farmers in the Northwest. Caffe Mingo’s pasta with beef braised in espresso and chianti is a must-try, as is their classic panna cotta.

Located at 811 NW 21st Avenue, Caffe Mingo offers indoor and outdoor dining from 4 PM to 9 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. The staff is highly praised for their exceptional service. However, Caffe Mingo is among the ten top Italian restaurants in Portland.

• Address: 811 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
• Phone: 503-445-4646

3. Luce

Luce is a small restaurant and grocery store in Portland. They serve seasonal recipes and homemade pasta curated by renowned chef John Taboada. The restaurant has no signature dish but aims to evoke the ambiance of traditional Italian “old-men places.” One recommended dish is spaghetti with garlic oil, hot peppers, and clams.

Luce operates from 4 to 10 PM daily on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s conveniently near Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School, Lowell, and the National Gallery.

• Address: 2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
• Phone: 503-236-7195

4. Mucca Osteria

Mucca Osteria, a romantic Italian restaurant with a gothic ambiance, offers a visually pleasing dining experience. Their menu features indulgent Italian dishes that are satisfying but not too heavy.

With expertly prepared traditional cuisine, attentive staff, and an impressive wine selection, Mucca Osteria is a standout option. Chef and owner Simone Savaiano’s skillful creations, such as the scallops, tortellini, and duck breast, will surely delight your taste buds.

Mucca Osteria’s operating hours vary by season, but during the summer, they are open from 5 to 10 PM, Tuesday to Saturday. However, Mucca Osteria ranks fourth among the top Italian restaurants in Portland.

• Address: 1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
• Phone: 503-227-5521

5. a Cena Ristorante

A Cena is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers deliciously prepared meals using locally-sourced ingredients. The staff is experienced and professional. Their hand-rolled penne pasta with fennel sausage, mushrooms, cream, and Grana Padano is highly recommended.

A Cena Ristorante is open from 5 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Make a reservation to secure seating for your group.

• Address: 7742 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
• Phone: 503-206-3291

6. Gino’s

Gino’s falls at sixth among the ten leading Italian restaurants in Portland. This modern Italian restaurant and bar is known for its classic dishes. Some of Gino’s traditional dishes include homemade lamb sausage on polenta and steamed mussels in white wine broth. Gino’s is located near the Cat and Dog Hospital of Portland and offers casual dining with walk-in or reservation options.

• Address: 8051 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
• Phone: 503-233-4613

7. Grassa

Grassa, a popular Italian restaurant in three Portland locations, offers seasonal salads, appetizers, and cocktails. Their chicken parm ravioli is a must-try pasta dish. With a modern Italian trattoria ambiance, communal tables, soothing music, and impeccable aura, Grassa is a fun and easy place to enjoy delicious food.

• Address: Multiple locations

8. Lucca

Lucca is one of the top Italian restaurants in Portland. This Italian restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of delicious Italian dishes. Lucca’s brick oven pizzas are outstanding, making it a must-try spot.

• Address: 3449 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97212
• Phone: 503-287-7372

9. 3 Doors Down Café

3 Doors Down Cafe is a cozy Italian restaurant with a neighborhood feel. Their homemade pasta, especially the pappardelle with beef and pork bolognese, is a must-try.

• Address: 1429 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
• Phone: 503-236-6886

10. Cibo

Cibo is a snazzy Italian restaurant in the heart of Portland, known for its tasty wood-fired pizza and flatbread. The cocktails are fantastic, especially after a satisfying meal. Cibo is a perfect spot for Friday gatherings. Don’t miss Cibo’s thin-crust pizza and try the delicious Crespelle Alla Fiorentina. The friendly wait staff offers delivery and pick-up services.

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

Conclusion

In the article above, I highlighted the ten leading Italian restaurants in Portland. Each of these restaurants offers unique menus and atmospheres. You can go through the article carefully and make your choose of restaurant. Have a wonderful dining experience.