I say this knowing how much Italian food I've had in my life and having been to Italy several times: this was the best Italian food I've ever had. I never leave reviews but this was so good that I had to say something. The service was perfect and everything I ate was absolutely fabulous. The bread, oil and balsamic vinegar was incredible, my tomato soup was piping hot, creamy and delicious, and I had the daily special- spicy sausage ragu in a bread bowl which was so flavorful and rich. I cannot recommend this place enough. To top it all off, my meal was relatively inexpensive for the superior quality and generous portion size. Try this place out!
DanielR
A bit expensive, as expected. Wasn't crowded at 5pm. Excellent waiter: young man, probably early 20s, knew the wines and the food in detail. Food was very good. I would recommend it to anyone.
Stephanie
Great small bistro—wine list is much more expansive than the menu. Our sommelier was very knowledgeable! The puttanesca had great bite; caffe corretto was spot on! Definitely a great view of the harbor. We'll be back!
BridgetK
It took us over an hour to receive our entrees and we were almost late to our show. Once it arrived the food was delicious. We could not enjoy it as much since we had to rush to eat in 5-10 minutes. Not sure what happened with the kitchen but the restaurant did comp our meals.
JUDITHA
Excellent experience. The meals are one of the best in Portland. I have dined here several times and have never been disappointed. The restaurant is small and intimate with excellent authentic Italian food.
mjo421
The drinks were nice. Properly made as well chilled. Menu extensive and many vegetarian selections. Few fish dishes. The pastas were well thought out, but execution only average (or less). We all had different pasta dishes, but all used the same noodles-inappropriate for the type of dish. Our server was great. Prices are average, but high for the quality of the food. Caesar salad for the table (served 4) was a nice touch and enjoyed by all. Some imagination in the kitchen could make this spot a real joy.
Anna
This was exquisite. The baker came out to offer us three types of hommade bread. The waiter was very knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. He knew exactly what they had and the nuances and pairings of each we asked about. He knew what kind of meat the sausage was blended with. We requested a table by the window and got one. The noodles were fresh. The ravioli was to die for. It was fantastic. I highly recommend this.
DebS
Had such a lovely meal ... from the bread plate to tiramisu, the meal was lovely. Gracious service, great ingredients, wonderfully prepared. Ragu with tomatoes, butternut squash ravioli, lovely salad of greens and beets ... well be back.
This was our second time here and it was still so delicious. The customer service was so great. We got there a little later than our reservation and they were so kind to accommodate us, so I really appreciate it. Our server (a young man with glasses) was very knowledgeable about wines and recommended me a very tasty pasta after the lasagna had sold out. Katherine (name buddies!) was a really delight too, as was the other hostess/server. Everyone was so great and I'm excited to go back again!
TinaR
Perfect date night! Our meal was amazing. All of it- apps, starter, mains, dessert and wine. Our servicer was very attentive, making sure our glasses we never empty, and our courses came out when we were ready- but not rushing us. The noise level was low enough that my husband and I could actually have a conversation as we enjoyed our meal and watched the boats on the water and pedestrian traffic on the boardwalk.
Really nice place! The interesting mix of classic lights, classic furniture, mix with a modern setting was really interesting. I was only visiting in town, but people were decent. Straight to the point. I was kinda' tired from walking all over the night, and this place hit the spot. If I wasn't already full, I'd definitely try their pizza!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Amazing as always! Michael and team provided excellent service and a fun and enjoyable experience. The food was absolutely amazing as always - perfectly seasoned and balanced dishes paired with excellent wine. It was perfect!
TracyC
Our dinner here was amazing! The food was delicious and the staff were very kind and personable. They were also great about getting us out in time for our show at the Keller at 7:30. Highly recommend! We'll definitely be back.
Jhanae
The ragu was so good! And our server, I think her name was Lib or Liv... , she was great! Scenery was nice and was a very nice get away from the hustle of the city and life in general . Also the champagne cocktail , so good!!!
Grouponer
Initially had a difficult time making a reservation. Could not connect via phone, Facebook messenger or Open Table for a party our size. Finally made a reservation for two on Open Table with a note that we really needed a table for five. Got a call back and a friendly gentleman got us all set-up. We arrived at 4:30 pm to a pretty quiet restaurant and had only water addressed the first 30 minutes. Service was really slow and the service was not terribly attentive. She was, however, super engaged with people walking by. She seemed well know and friendly with all the locals. It was an average dining experience. Location is wonderful but the experience lacked a little luster for the price. Will likely not return.
I say this knowing how much Italian food I've had in my life and having been to Italy several times: this was the best Italian food I've ever had. I never leave reviews but this was so good that I had to say something. The service was perfect and everything I ate was absolutely fabulous. The bread, oil and balsamic vinegar was incredible, my tomato soup was piping hot, creamy and delicious, and I had the daily special- spicy sausage ragu in a bread bowl which was so flavorful and rich. I cannot recommend this place enough. To top it all off, my meal was relatively inexpensive for the superior quality and generous portion size. Try this place out!
A bit expensive, as expected. Wasn't crowded at 5pm. Excellent waiter: young man, probably early 20s, knew the wines and the food in detail. Food was very good. I would recommend it to anyone.
Great small bistro—wine list is much more expansive than the menu. Our sommelier was very knowledgeable! The puttanesca had great bite; caffe corretto was spot on! Definitely a great view of the harbor. We'll be back!
It took us over an hour to receive our entrees and we were almost late to our show. Once it arrived the food was delicious. We could not enjoy it as much since we had to rush to eat in 5-10 minutes. Not sure what happened with the kitchen but the restaurant did comp our meals.
Excellent experience. The meals are one of the best in Portland. I have dined here several times and have never been disappointed. The restaurant is small and intimate with excellent authentic Italian food.
The drinks were nice. Properly made as well chilled. Menu extensive and many vegetarian selections. Few fish dishes. The pastas were well thought out, but execution only average (or less). We all had different pasta dishes, but all used the same noodles-inappropriate for the type of dish. Our server was great. Prices are average, but high for the quality of the food. Caesar salad for the table (served 4) was a nice touch and enjoyed by all. Some imagination in the kitchen could make this spot a real joy.
This was exquisite. The baker came out to offer us three types of hommade bread. The waiter was very knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. He knew exactly what they had and the nuances and pairings of each we asked about. He knew what kind of meat the sausage was blended with. We requested a table by the window and got one. The noodles were fresh. The ravioli was to die for. It was fantastic. I highly recommend this.
Had such a lovely meal ... from the bread plate to tiramisu, the meal was lovely. Gracious service, great ingredients, wonderfully prepared. Ragu with tomatoes, butternut squash ravioli, lovely salad of greens and beets ... well be back.
This was our second time here and it was still so delicious. The customer service was so great. We got there a little later than our reservation and they were so kind to accommodate us, so I really appreciate it. Our server (a young man with glasses) was very knowledgeable about wines and recommended me a very tasty pasta after the lasagna had sold out. Katherine (name buddies!) was a really delight too, as was the other hostess/server. Everyone was so great and I'm excited to go back again!
Perfect date night! Our meal was amazing. All of it- apps, starter, mains, dessert and wine. Our servicer was very attentive, making sure our glasses we never empty, and our courses came out when we were ready- but not rushing us. The noise level was low enough that my husband and I could actually have a conversation as we enjoyed our meal and watched the boats on the water and pedestrian traffic on the boardwalk.
Restaurantji Recommends
Really nice place! The interesting mix of classic lights, classic furniture, mix with a modern setting was really interesting. I was only visiting in town, but people were decent. Straight to the point. I was kinda' tired from walking all over the night, and this place hit the spot. If I wasn't already full, I'd definitely try their pizza!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Amazing as always! Michael and team provided excellent service and a fun and enjoyable experience. The food was absolutely amazing as always - perfectly seasoned and balanced dishes paired with excellent wine. It was perfect!
Our dinner here was amazing! The food was delicious and the staff were very kind and personable. They were also great about getting us out in time for our show at the Keller at 7:30. Highly recommend! We'll definitely be back.
The ragu was so good! And our server, I think her name was Lib or Liv... , she was great! Scenery was nice and was a very nice get away from the hustle of the city and life in general . Also the champagne cocktail , so good!!!
Initially had a difficult time making a reservation. Could not connect via phone, Facebook messenger or Open Table for a party our size. Finally made a reservation for two on Open Table with a note that we really needed a table for five. Got a call back and a friendly gentleman got us all set-up. We arrived at 4:30 pm to a pretty quiet restaurant and had only water addressed the first 30 minutes. Service was really slow and the service was not terribly attentive. She was, however, super engaged with people walking by. She seemed well know and friendly with all the locals. It was an average dining experience. Location is wonderful but the experience lacked a little luster for the price. Will likely not return.