Tartuca

(160 reviews)

1.2 mi

Delicious food! Lots of vegetarian options. Excellent service. Highly recommend! Great ambiance.read more

(TEH-ruh-MY) translates to "My Mother, Your Mother" - In the elegant second floor of CASCADA, two…read morefemale Chefs (Jules Boyd & Megan Sky) are blending PNW ingredients with flavors from Portugal & Japan. Aspen greets me like an old friend, a happy welcome into an expansive, ethereal space that feels more like LA than (perennially in the 90s) Portland. Low lounge & hi-top tables surround an open-air kitchen - transparency in the atmosphere as well as their "nose-to-tail" cooking techniques. The bar is long and dotted with glowing agate votives, vines extending down over a broad selection of booze (whisky & bourbon by style, including Japanese). One menu offers cheeky cocktails, mocktails, and a wide variety of Willamette bottles + a broad selection of European & South American wines. Another menu presents Cold dishes/RAW bar/Small Plates & Larger (sharing recommended). First course is a bluefin TUNA SASHIMI (butchered in-house with absolute precision) alongside a Serrano black sugar tamari (RIDICULOUS blend of salty/umami/spicy/sweet and smartly balanced by THICK-cut servings of tuna & chutoro (3x3). The fresh fish shines, as does explosive flavor in the sauce. Brilliant, bravo! Second, bartender recommends a house-favorite DUMPLING - this is one like never before, blending Linguiça (a Portuguese sausage), leeks, and cabbage that has a familiar texture within tissue-thin rice dumplings, but completely original umami, especially paired with the Japanese curry. It's wholesome and comforting, not too filling, and entirely new. THIRD if I MAE (pronunciation, questionable) - LAMB SPARE RIBS in a heaping portion with sweet/spicy tamarind sticky sauce that's barely reminiscent of BBQ, a perfect counter-balance to fatty, slightly gamey lamb. It's the cilantro herb salad on top & green olive tapenade that make it sing - textures and flavors are exotic, playful, herbal & funky (in a good way) all at once. Whether you're seeking a hot date night, a special staycation (right here in the Historic Arts District), or hosting a board meeting, there is space and plenty of taste for all, with a refinement in technique characteristic of larger cities. A sweet and savory reminder that family is a state of mind, and we're all connected for better or worse.

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Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

To speak about Teardrop Lounge, I should probably start with this:…read more Ladies and gentlemen, I present my favorite cocktail bar. Not the best -- I'm not arrogant enough to claim that. I haven't been to every cocktail bar in Portland, and saying something is the best usually says more about your lack of experience than your conviction. But favorite? That I can stand behind. And I want to get that out of the way early, because of the amount of praise I'm about to pour on this place -- fully earned, completely intentional. The biggest crime here is that I only discovered it two weeks ago, after living in Portland for a year. It had been recommended to me countless times, and I ignored it. A mistake. A painful one. But now that I've found it, I don't plan on making that mistake again. I'm not typically an Old Fashioned drinker. In fact, I usually hate them. But somewhere between curiosity and too many episodes of Mad Men, I decided to try one anyway -- fully expecting to confirm my bias. Instead, it completely flipped me. Bright, almost citrus-forward in a way that felt unusual but entirely intentional. Balanced, smooth, just enough burn to remind you what you're drinking without overwhelming it. It was the first time I actually understood the appeal. I'm pretty sure I grew a few chest hairs that night. That alone would've been impressive. But it didn't stop there. The space is beautiful -- clean, intentional, but not cold. The staff are excellent: personable, engaged, and most importantly, authentic. Not scripted, not performative. The kind of people you actually want to talk to, and hopefully, eventually be on a first-name basis with. Now, all of that gets it close to a perfect score. But what pushes it over the edge -- what makes this place stick -- is the White Russian. One of the first drinks I ever had. My dad's drink. Not because of The Big Lebowski -- that came later -- but because it's just always been his thing. And at some point, it became mine too. Typically, when bars try to "elevate" a White Russian, they ruin it. They overthink it. Swap ingredients, tweak ratios, add unnecessary flair. And more often than not, it ends in disappointment. Teardrop does the opposite. They respect it -- but refine it. The coffee liqueur actually tastes like coffee. The heavy cream is properly integrated, not just dumped on top. The vodka -- whatever they're using -- is clean, present, and perfectly measured. There's a subtle complexity to it without losing what makes the drink what it is. It's the best White Russian I've ever had. No hesitation. I've gone back twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. If someone asked me what my death row drink would be -- this specific cocktail, from this specific bar, is in the conversation. Easily. Teardrop Lounge doesn't just make great cocktails. It reminds you why cocktails matter in the first place. And that's why it's my favorite.

I wanted to celebrate something special, so I was looking for a nice bar when someone recommended…read morethis place. From the outside, it looks pretty unassuming, so I wasn't expecting much. But as soon as I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior is beautiful, with a stylish central bar that immediately catches your eye. Although they do serve food, I wasn't very hungry, so I decided to just enjoy a couple of drinks. There are a few dining tables inside if you're planning to have a meal as well.The bartender was incredibly friendly and took the time to chat with me after I asked for a few recommendations. The drinks were excellent, well-balanced, flavorful, and actually tasted like proper cocktails instead of just juice. They definitely didn't skimp on the alcohol either! I'm really glad I chose this place to celebrate. It ended up being the perfect spot for the occasion.

Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

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Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

Eem

Thai bbq and cocktails?? I love that Portland has SE Asian flavors AND great cocktails at the same…read morerestaurant. Drinks: I cannot handle day drinking anymore, but I couldn't resist... - Acid test: bourbon based - Separation anxiety: rum based, tiki; I was hesitant about the lychee (not a fan), but it was very well balanced. This was my preferred cocktail Food: family style - Sweet and sour chicken: even the small was a big portion. Flavor was great on this, and it had a crisp, crunchy batter - Wok fried yu choy: great wok char - Smoked pork krapao: crispy pork belly pieces, a fried poached egg (literally deep fried). Break up the yolk to dip with the pork. The cucumbers and green beans are a nice clean accompaniment; spicy fish sauce was great - White curry with brisket burnt ends: I've never had a white curry, but the white curry and cauliflower was a great match for the super rich brisket pieces. I love the interesting combination! Note: pretty much everything has some spice to it, so for kids, the jasmine rice and yu choy are the main items, though my older daughter did ok with the fried chicken and brisket! Music was great, and all of the food flavors were bold. Though flavor combinations were unique, everything was cohesive. They were packed on a Wednesday for lunch, so I'm glad we got here before noon to snag a table. I wish the Bay Area had more interesting fusion done right like this (I feel like fusion is a bad word in the food world...)

Our family had a Pacific-Northwest trip and this was our favorite Thai meal…read more We had a 11:15 am reservation for Saturday and we shared the following: 1) Sweet and sour fried chicken, small 2) Roasted mushroom fried rice, regular 3) White curry with brisket burnt ends 4) Red curry with roasted vegetables 5) Massamam curry with smoked lamb shoulder The Thai iced tea is refreshing but the mango nectar can be skipped. It is not an in-house, concocted drink. Our favorite entree was the roasted mushroom fried rice. It has that complex charred aroma which is achieved by stir-frying over extreme heat with the wok. Our next favorite item is the sweet and sour fried chicken. A small order was plenty for us to share. It is sticky, sweet, and tangy with just the right touch of spice.

VIBES

Wok fried yu choy

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Chopped BBQ Fried Rice

Alma

(45 reviews)

0.9 mi

A super unique and great way to explore Balkan dishes. All you can eat for $55 and 2 hours. Food…read morecame in small portions but you can try so much! Ambience was a perfect balance of cozy, romantic, and fun. Our staff was very friendly and helpful. We particularly loved the Cevapi! Other kebabs were decent too. All the dips and roasted vegetables were awesome. Definitely would love to be back!

We had such a wonderful experience that I was too busy enjoying every moment to take many pictures…read moreof the food! Normally, we don't go out to eat often because we find ourselves spending money and leaving feeling like the experience didn't quite match the cost... but today was completely different. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with genuine smiles and such a welcoming atmosphere. It honestly felt like we already knew the staff. We had a group of 8 adults and 3 babies. At $55 per person for all-you-can-eat (with kids eating free), it was such a fun experience. We ordered a little bit of everything, and enjoyed seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths! Every dish came out hot, fresh, and full of flavor. This is definitely the kind of place you want to visit with a group so you can try a little bit of everything. The service was incredible; we were cared for with so much attentiveness and joy. The owner was amazing, right there alongside his team, serving guests and making sure everyone felt welcomed. The whole experience felt less like eating at a restaurant and more like sitting around a family table: sharing food, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. What a beautiful restaurant and such a memorable experience. We will absolutely be back!

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The Knock Back

At first glance the queso fries looked only moderately appealing: "nacho style" processed cheese…read moreand CUBED pulled pork. But the taste was loaded goodness. Yum. Their take on a Negroni cocktail was excellent. Great vibe and awesome bar. Decent prices, friendly service, doable parking.

Love this place. It's definitely a neighborhood spot. Good Food, Great Atmosphere, Amazing Bar…read moreTenders, couldn't ask for more. Definitely stop in if you are in the Alberta Neighborhood.

Minority-owned & operated

Slushy and Jello Shots

Brisket French Dio

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Kaya

Insanely good happy hour. Food items for a few bucks, drinks for not much more…read more Service was very friendly, felt like I was talking with a friend. Bartenders know their menu very well. Swanky, fancy type feel but not overtly pretentious.

Had a dinner party there lastnight love atmosphere dj was great…read more The food was okay just need more variety of food. The waitress we had was rude to our group like she was frustrated. We did give her a hard time we was close to the dj so we couldnt really her. But overall the place was nice I love it got that hip hop feel to it.

Bar

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Whiskey sour!

Spoke & Fork

4.4

(16 reviews)

1.6 mi

Amazing bar and food Amazing service…read moreNice ambiance Outside seating available too Nice drinks options All kind of beer and scotch or vodka and tequila available

This place is cool for hanging out for drinks or a bite to eat. Located inside of the Hyatt…read moreRegency Hotel at the Oregon Convention Center, order one of several local craft beers, regional wines or specialty cocktails. There is outdoor shaded seating available, grab a spot inside the lobby area or at the bar. There is a gigantic flatscreen and a bar that stretches the entire wall. Checkout the menu, not a lot but has the staples including wings, flatbreads and burgers. Pretty good service, with cool bartenders that keep the vibe going.

Old Fashioned

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Viscous Cycle

Dream House

(24 reviews)

0.7 mi

Dream House is great. The cocktails are good. The food is the kind of cozy, comforting stuff that…read morehits even harder after a couple drinks. Nothing pretentious, just the sort of menu that works. The vibe is dialed in too. It's chill without being sleepy, lively without being chaotic. They've got local XRAY DJs spinning, trivia nights, and hot jazz that's so good. It's the kind of place you stop by for "just one drink" and end up shutting down hours later.

just a great hang. sick patio, good drinks, friendly bartenders, and they do a lot to support local…read moreartists and events. Feels like a spot people genuinely want to be in. oh yeah, and always tip your bartenders;)

Rum, pineapple, and scorched cinnamon stick with the Farmer's Salad

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Sad Valley

4.3

(49 reviews)

0.8 mi

Great local bar with kitschy funeral theme. Strong commitment and support for Dining out for Life !read more

Came here the other day for lunch and I'm already planning my return!…read more What acute unique " lively " place!! (Saying this for the coffin) Came in on a rainy day, the person behind the bar gave us menus and let us sit where we wanted to. The booths are so retro and cute also extremely clean! I definitely want to come back and make some photo content the place is so unique and fun to look at. When we were ready to order, we walked up to the bar. I forgot what burger it was, but had faithful in the name ordered our drinks. They made our drinks right then in there and we sat down with a number on our table. Although it was a slower day that food came out so quick and it was hot, you can tell it was made of fresh to order. The burger tasted very charbroiled. Also enjoyed that the fries had a lot of seasonings. I'm a girl who loves ketchup and I was able to eat these fries dry. Very tasty meal! Thank you who ever made that I enjoy the unique menu and fun names for everything that gets me. Excited about coming back again! Definitely want to try those slushees! Just wait for my wallet to get some meat on her and I'll be in!!! Take a trip to sad valley

11/17/2025 - Fabulous, even on a Monday! There's something fun mounted to every wall!

Bought a mystery bags from vending machine in the back

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11/17/2025 - Fabulous, even on a Monday!

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine | Pearl District

Love it, great service and ambience Really good food ,…read morepanang nea and blue rice, shrimp appetizer.

Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Food was very tasty and the atmosphere was very…read moreauthentic

Tom Kha (Large) and pumpkin fries

Bar decoration

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Khao Soi Neua

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine

Everything was super good! My fav dishes were the cucumber salad and Pad Thai noodles. 10/10 would…read moredine again!

service was super helpful in giving recommendations for various dishes. the star of the show was…read morethe wagu beef rolls with the delicious sauce. the meat on the short rib braised beef was falling off the bone and so flavorful!

Inside room area

The best Peanut Sauce

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Samosa's

Jacqueline

Just an outstanding experience at Jacqueline. The food is top notch, great service, charming and…read morewell used space. What's not to like? We came here because I heard they have a great seafood menu and my kids recently started enjoying oysters and other shellfish that used to be "gross". We got here about 15 minutes to opening on a Friday night and there was already a line. We were fortunate to still get a spot outside which worked out because it wasn't too hot and the outdoor space is much more spread out than inside. We ordered a dozen oysters to start. Love their various droppers with infused mignottes and hot sauces. Really made it fun to try out different combos. We also got the cold smoked mussels, the hamachi crudo, grilled oysters, lobster roll, rockfish, and the little gem salad. In order of least favorite to favorite, the little gem salad was good but just not that memorable or spetqcular the way the other dishes were. Next, the grilled oysters were flavorful with the garlic and lime but I wished there was a little more kimchi flavor and overall more sauce given the size of the oysters (they were huge!). The lobster roll was good and I appreciated the different take on a lobster roll but my favorite lobster rolls that really accentuate the lobster flavor and this masked it a little. The hamachi crudo was a surprise. It's a dish you see a lot and I was a little worried about how the pineapple might overtake the rest of the flavors but that didn't happen. The balance between sweet, savory, sour, and crunch from the peanuts was perfect and every bite was really enjoyable. Finally, my favorite was the cold smoked mussels. You never know how fish sauce and tom kha might overwhelm everything but again, their chef understands flavor balance really well. You could taste all the flavors, the smokiness, the slight bitter and sour umami flavors and slight sweetness to round it out. It was outstanding and highly recommend. They also have great cocktails that go well with their dishes. Really enjoyed the experience here and will definitely come back.

If you are ubering to Jacqueline, you will likely get dropped off 5 blocks from the restaurant…read morewhich is their old location. Leave a few minutes to hike up to the new place. Vibe is loud, fun, cool. Employees are having a blast, both behind the beautiful open kitchen and hearth and those walking. Can be a little hard to converse depending on where you're seated. Food is really good but for some reason, not great. Can't put my finger on it but everything was a 4/5*, even though it looks like 5/5*. Service is punctual and professional, but missing something personal. Maybe a little perfunctory? A really solid meal. Fun vibe. But my least favorite of our 3 dinners in Portland. Would I try it again. ABSOLUTELY.

Crab toast

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Branzino

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mari M.

4 years ago

My husband and I were in Portland recently and, at the recommendation of friends of ours, had dinner at Tartuca Italian restaurant. Loved it! We had a reservation for a table but when we got to the restaurant decided to sit at the bar. We're "bar people":). It's a cozy restaurant. The place was bustling, a very good vibe, and a very friendly bartender. We started with a great bottle of wine and the homemade focaccia, YUM! For dinner we shared a Caesar salad and both had pasta. I'm a sucker for bolognese so that was my choice. Having pasta made inhouse does indeed make a difference. The restaurant is a "scratch kitchen". I had never heard that term before but it means what it sounds like...everything is made fresh in house. The pasta was killer. We LOVED everything we had. I wanted to have dessert but I was too full to do it...next time and there WILL be a next time. Oh, and also, the street Tartuca is located on is very cool...hip! We went to a bar just down the street a bit. I wish I could remember the name, but it was a very happening, fun place. It was a great evening in Portland!! read more

Anita L.

3 years ago

Food was awesome, came in with a few friends and we all ordered different dishes so I got a good scope of the menu. It's not a typical sit-down and waiter comes to take your order, rather you order up at the front counter and they bring food to your table. Water was self-serve, and the setting was simple and clean. Ordered the garlic bread and pork belly mac and cheese, and the seasoning on both were on point! Pork belly was candied and went well with the subtle mac and cheese flavors. Both were reasonably priced. Excellent restaurant overall and would recommend! read more

Brenda E.

7 months ago

This place is an absolute must. From the moment we arrived, Adrian greeted us with a warm and welcoming attitude. Kellie was fantastic, despite it being our first visit, she walked us through all of our options and crafted exceptional drinks. The food was equally impressive. Zeph's dishes were outstanding, and the pasta was genuinely some of the best we've ever had. I highly recommend this restaurant. The drinks, ambiance, and food were all exceptional read more

Steve R.

11 months ago

Had a great experience here. From start to finish, everything was so dialed in. The servers, chefs, everyone, are there for you. Food came sometimes from the chef who made it, or your personal server, but it was always delightful and such a comfortable and comforting experience. The food and drink were excellent. From the salad to the dessert, I enjoyed every bite. Great work all around. read more

Wendy W.

4 years ago

it was quite evident from the time we were seated by the hostess to our sumptuous dessert - the love and devotion to food that the staff possesses was way beyond our expectation. The food was prepared with a funky hip northwest vibe... great flavors and textures...friendly staff.... great ambiance. Will be back to Tartuca on our next trip to Portland! read more

Joe A.

3 years ago

Amazing amazing food! I was one of the first ones in the restaurant when they opened for Friday lunch so I was lucky enough to get seating at one of the 4 indoor tables (plus 1 outdoor table). Luckily I came first, because it filled up quickly and within 10 mins, the takeout wait time was 1 hour. read more

Sarah M.

3 years ago

Came to Tartuca because it was my husbands suggestion and I the restaurant did not disappoint me. The pizza is so good. Both me and my husband had their pizza. All I can say is that me and my husband had a fantastic date night at Tartuca! read more

Kat M.

175

4 years ago

Great food! Been here twice and the food does not disappoint. Definitely will be back soon. Also, great wine selection.

Tanner P.

2 years ago

Easily one of the best Caesars I've ever had. The pizza was good but their house made focaccia was incredible.

Tartuca - italian - Updated August 2026

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Cibo

4.2

(647 reviews)

•$$

What a delight!!! Tonight was my second time visiting here (first time was restaurant week-…read moreeverything was great) and I can't wait to visit again. For restaurant week I made a reservation, but this time (on a Saturday) we just popped in after visiting All Good, the beer/wine/cocktail next door (they also have an awesome antique spot). I don't leave reviews, normally, unless it's super great or horribly bad, and I would 1,000% like to shout out some positivity for this Italian spot. Massive Plus: - told we had to wait at least 30-45 minutes wherever by a very nice and sunny redheaded host (I did not get their name, but they were really nice and had a super cute dress and I just want them to know that they're awesome- hence being more descriptive). We got a text in about 10 minutes that our space was ready!!!! We had gone back to All Good to wait (BTW, if you're waiting for Cibo and go next door to get a beer, your drinks are $1 off!). We tried to chug, but we decided that our burpfarts would be best saved for after dinner than delicious IPA chugging, so we left the majority of them on the bar. -Food: Just order everything. We were sat at the bar and had a front seat view of the kitchen. Although everyone on the line was awesome, I asked the bartender/server the name of the person at the head of the line. His name is Gayo and he is a f***ing bad***!!! The restaurant was busy as heck and he just...did it. Watching him (as well as the rest of the kitchen staff, bar staff, and servers) work, was a pretty gorgeous ballet that I would suggest you pair with a bottle of wine. -That being said- our server/bartender was Christine and she was such a delight!!! I CAN NOT stress enough how many amazing people you get to meet when you're relaxed, calm, and have a sense of humor when you're out dining. Christine suggested an amazing Rosé (I definitely could chug that...nbd) was kind, funny, sweetly sassy, and you could really tell that she had dealt with busy days many many times before. There is almost zero space between the bar/kitchen/pass and everyone does such a great job dealing with it. Myself and my husband have already decided this is our new Italian spot and we hope you will love it too!!!

Dear Cibo, you have officially lost your way. My family would come here weekly prior to COVID…read more During COVID we ordered delivery a lot. Over the past couple of years we come in, but the experience hasn't been the same. Last night we walked out shortly after we had been seated due to the first 10 minute impressions. We stood in your entrance, waiting to be seated for 5 minutes and 6 different employees passed in front of us and didn't say a word...two employees passed us by multiple times. Finally, someone decided we were important enough to acknowledge and seat. As we followed her to the table, we were able to view her baby blue bra with her backless spaghetti strap dress. JFC...develop some uniform standards already so that I am not being engaged by someone in their trashy underwear. She came back to drop off a dirty water carafe and didn't say a word...not hello, not can I get you something to drink, not so and so is your server...nothing. After sitting for another 3 minutes with no interaction we got up and left. You were excellent at one point in your history. You had standards, you cared about service, and your food was reasonably priced. So basically, you are now offering much less for more. This is how restaurants go out of business in this ultra competitive hospitality environment.

Ava Genes

4.1

(885 reviews)

This spot nails the balance between cozy and elevated. The ambiance is intimate and rustic with an…read moreopen kitchen concept that adds a lively, engaging touch--perfect for a girls' night or a date night. Service was top-notch. Our server knew the menu inside and out and spoke confidently about ingredients, flavors, and textures, which made the whole experience feel thoughtful and curated. The cocktails were a standout--creative, well-balanced, and genuinely delicious. We went with the summer prix fixe menu, and it exceeded expectations. At $55 for four courses, it felt like an incredible value. Each dish was appetizing, filling, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The clear winner of the night was the corn gelato dessert--unique, memorable, and absolutely delicious. The only miss for us was the focaccia with whipped butter antipasto. It fell a bit flat in flavor and didn't quite hit the mark (and we're big butter people). Overall, highly recommend. Would absolutely return.

We just moved in a few blocks away and really wanted to like this place but it's just off on too…read moremany things that make a spot THE spot. First try, we walked in at 10:04 on a Friday night and were happily (Disney villain like) turned away by the hostess. It says on the outside they close at 11 and we saw quite a few tables who were just sat and hadn't ordered yet but she said last seating is at 10. If I were the owner I'd be mad bc the food isn't cheap so having a gatekeeper turn away $100++ over being 4 minutes too late is wild. We finally got to try it and it was a big letdown. We did a walk in and were only given the option to sit at the bar or outside. Outside tables can't be pushed together so if there's more than 2 people you sit adjacent to each other. We sat at the bar and were mostly ignored. My water glass stayed empty (had to ask for a refill). Beyond the lackluster service, the food wasn't good either. The meatball appetizer was the saddest, tiniest 3 meatballs for $16. If they tasted great, I'd be ok with the price but they had a watery flavorless tomato sauce and they were tiny and tasted like vinegar. I've never had vinegar meatballs so I'm not sure if this is normal? We also tried 3 different pastas. The spaghetti dish tasted like what I imagine a children's menu butter noodles at an Olive Garden might taste like. It was literally butter on noodles with a hint of lemon. For almost $30. The farfalle with lamb was salty and the noodles were overly Al dente. I appreciate Al dente noodles but not when it's hard in the middle of the bow tie. Our friend got the tagliatelle and it was bland. Not much veggies. My husband was still hungry after eating his whole plate of spaghetti so he finished our friend's tagliatelle and a quarter of my farfalle. It shouldn't take 2+ plates of pasta and an appetizer to fill someone up. I ended up making food when I got home about 2 hours later bc I was still hungry. On top of it all, 20% gratuity is included so I don't think the servers are trying like they would if they had to earn their tips. Overall, one of the biggest letdowns in SE so far. If you want to pay a lot of money to be ignored and leave hungry, you will love it here.

Serratto

4.0

(791 reviews)

Nice venue, people watching is fun too…read more The food was tasty and well presented, my slight issue is with portion sizes of some of the dishes - the pork chops were huge, and the cheesecake was so tall there was snow on the top. Staff were helpful and friendly. Extensive wine choices, maybe I'll be back one day to order the $1200 bottle of red.

Five of us visited Serratto for dinner. We ordered a Caesar salad, rigatoni, papparedelle, leg of…read morelamb, and ravioli. All were perfectly prepared and delicious. For dessert, we had the NY cheesecake and a chocolate crumble. Delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant, while full, was quiet enough to encourage conversation.

Vya

4.3

(36 reviews)

We had an incredible dinner at VYA! The restaurant specializes in Spanish food. The restaurant has…read morea lively and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is on a busy street so parking can be limited. The seafood paella was the star of the meal. Well, it was the only thing we ordered and it was perfect for two! Heads up: Order the paella as soon as you sit down since it takes a while to prepare. Trust me, it is 100% worth the wait. Honestly, the best paella I've ever had. We also had white wine and white sangria, and both were fabulous. Our waiter was highly attentive throughout the evening. We arrived around 7:00 p.m. and ended up staying until closing because we were having such a great time. Such a memorable meal and experience. We'll definitely be back!

I had a really good experience at VYA. The food was flavorful, reasonably priced, and the seafood…read moretasted fresh. I ordered the paella, and it was probably my first time trying it. It definitely won't be my last. One thing I appreciated was that the staff asked us as soon as we were seated if we wanted the paella since it takes about 45 minutes to prepare. That way it was ready at the perfect time instead of keeping us waiting. The seafood was cooked perfectly the shrimp were tender, not rubbery at all and everything was well seasoned. I also had the oxtail empanada, which was another highlight. The meat was really tender, and it was my first time trying an oxtail empanada. I'd definitely order it again. To drink, I had a Chardonnay and also tried the white sangria. I was expecting the sangria to be much sweeter, but I actually preferred that it wasn't. It was refreshing and went really well with the meal. One cool surprise was discovering they have a rooftop space for private events. We took a quick peek at the view, and it looked like a great spot for a party. The only disappointment was that they were sold out of the hamachi crudo, along with another tapa I wanted to try. Honestly, that's probably a good sign that those dishes are popular. I'll definitely be back to try the crudo since I'm a big fan of crudos. The service was great as well. Tony was our server, and he was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. Overall, I'd definitely recommend VYA. The food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and I'm already looking forward to coming back to try the hamachi crudo.

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge

4.4

(73 reviews)

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randomly stopped by and wow, this isn't normal bar food, it's straight up gourmet italian!…read more cesar with homemade anchovy based dressing was a great way to start. they even make their own gelato! Sunday Gravy pasta was excellent. Cacio Pepe mac n cheese was good too but needed something, maybe slightly stronger/stinkier aged cheese, a bit of chili oil on top, dunno. well def be back to try more. pizza looks excellent in the pics & want to try it. place itself is super charming, great vibes & cozy.

This is a small place on the corner of the hopping part of Clinton. They have seating both inside…read moreand outside, with QR codes to submit your order right from your table (so convenient!). The food came out fresh and fast. The portions aren't huge, but they have a pretty great happy hour menu from 4-6 that makes the portion sizes completely justified for the price. The service was also very friendly! My one complaint was the noise level. Being that it's so small you had to shout to talk to your table mate and the more people shouted the louder everyone got. With that being said, I'd recommend sitting outside if possible.

Estes

4.2

(25 reviews)

Very cute and romantic setting! Great for a date night, or a small group. The service was great,…read moreand so was the food! I've been here twice now. Once for their standard menu and once for their Red Sauce Wednesday menu. Everything I've had was great! I'd recommend the gnocchi and lasagna, along with the focaccia. Pro tip: Use the InKind app here for extra savings!

This place was a treat. It's a hidden gem in this neighborhood. You wouldn't expect the interiors…read moreof this restaurant to be quaint, cute and European based on the exteriors. We had reservations and had options of where we wanted to be seated. We chose the low seats. When we got to our table, we were offered the drinks and dinner menu. We knew in advance what we wanted to order. To start, the bread and whipped ricotta cheese was an amazing pair. The Caesar salad had a nice balance as well. Perfecto! Then our main dish came: the cacio e Pepe and the wild boar rags. Both dishes were rich in flavors and very tasty. Then our second main dish arrived, which was the trout. The fish was a bit fishy and the paired vegetables were a bit on the salty side. However, the zeppole and the pana cotta at the end was magnificent! We will be returning to try out the other items on the menu.

Jacqueline

4.4

(514 reviews)

Irving Street Tapas

3.1

(110 reviews)

•$$

What a vibe! We went early on a week day and I cannot say enough great things about Irving Street…read moreTapas. The staff were friendly, engaged, and the most helpful. Matthew was our main waiter and he was delightful. With that said, other staff also came by and were friendly and helpful. The drinks were worth what they charged, the Brussels sprouts were phenomenal. We also ordered the Lumpia, Beets & Burrata, olive tapenade, and kale salad. Everything was well-prepared and delicious. Coming during happy hour was the right choice in terms of cost, but I don't think their normal prices are abnormal given the amount and quality of food you receive. There is so much more on the main menu that we want to try and will absolutely be returning.

Service by staff was excellent and very accommodating for our large group. Food was pre-ordered and…read moreacceptable - but not the experience I was expecting from a "tapa" location. For me the best "tapas" are small and enjoyed as "one experience" per bite. I found the food to much like a buffet gone bad. Perhaps it is related to what was pre-ordered. I'll try again - due to the excellent service of the staff. Ambience is cheerful and open once in a while- and as mentioned, the staff then takes care of you! For those who avoid stairs: Mobility accessibility is not clearly posted and requires asking someone with you to go in and ask how to get in. It's not the easiest but it works. One suggestion for the team is to clearly post where to go and how to notify someone access is needed. Thanks!

Sunday Sauce

4.1

(65 reviews)

You can't go home again, but you can do your best to make your current home as comfortable and…read morefamiliar as the one you remember. For 13 years, my expat Northern New Jersey family has chased the promise of great Italian-American food in the Portland metro area and--since the pandemic--watched countless establishments and fellow travelers rise to meet the challenge. We've had Hunterdon County Ken's Artisan alum Elise Gold make us the city's best St. Joseph's pastries out of Sebbastiano's. We've taken home the pork rigatoni and penne vodka from Bergen County's own Adam Berger's Montelupo for holiday dinners with the extended Jersey family. Most surprisingly, we've had our Oregon neighbors at Sit-Tite, Gabbiano's and Picone's Quality Deli use Oregon ingredients to make their best representation of Italian-American dishes. The words "red sauce" still get thrown around on occasion, but less frequently and with decreasing pejorative connotations than when we first moved to the city and any establishment not aping Tuscan or Napoletan cuisine and aesthetic was viewed as producing children's strip-mall food. But with an interior designed by the Gabbiano's folks and with personal touches from an owner just up Route 17 (nobody--nobody--from outside of North Jersey who hasn't driven the narrow, crumbling lanes of the Pulaski Skyway over the oft-burning weeds and industrial sites below would ever consider decorating a restaurant with it), Sunday Sauce aims right for the heartstrings. You know that Rusty Nail on the cocktail menu: It's a better version of one the waiter at Cha Cha's in Little Italy made you and your friends try when you big shots decided to take your limo over after the prom. You know that fried mutz on the appetizer list: It's a slightly more presentable interpretation of what you had at the stands during the Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri in Hoboken. You know that chicken parm: It's not the hubcap-sized portion from Gabbiano's or the sloppy pinball sangwiche from Sit-Tite, but the one the pizza place around the corner would serve in its restaurant section--but with a nicer cut of chicken, slightly better mutz, and more care with the sauce. You definitely know the Sunday Sauce, even if you know it as Sunday Gravy: You've had it your entire life. The old ladies at Shop-Rite stopped you in the aisles to correct you on your use of produce and tomato paste. The first person you brought home for a big dinner asked what that big bowl of meat on the table was for and what was in it. You've moved to strange, far off places and received curious looks when you've asked grocery staff where to find neckbones for the stock. You helped your family make it every weekend and ladle the overstock into old Polly-O containers to put in the freezer. You've sent it to college campuses in Pennsylvania and Ohio. You think you still have some of it that you made during the pandemic when you hoarded San Marzano tomatoes. Sunday Sauce takes its place in the pantheon of Portland's Italian-American greats because the team behind Normandie was going to sweat the basics, but also because someone who grew up in that state's loud, crowded, NYC- and Philly-adjacent, table-leaf using, shore vacationing, "should I get the spumoni"-arguing, extended Italian-American family is going to pour as much love into the cuisine and culture they're 3,000 miles away from as possible. With no offense meant to the other establishments on this list, which have been alluding to the Jersey Italian connection in their own ways (Montelupo's original market setup, Picone's Shop-Rite inspired merch), Sunday Sauce gets bonus points for wearing its background directly on its sleeve and using all its learned during its time here in Portland to translate the experience for this market as uniquely and lovingly as possible. With nary a Soprano or Springsteen in sight, but patron saint Danny DeVito overlooking the dining room, Sunday Sauce has done everything it can to avoid novelty and make its establishment and cuisine the staples they're meant to be. P.S. When the spumoni came in my grandma's jello goblets, that locked up the last star.

TLDR: it was just okay…read more Food. Garlic cheese bread ($10): meh, nothing special. Comes with red sauce, which is flavorful. Pork scallopini Marsala ($24): the cutlets are way too thin so they're dry and the sauce they're in is basically flavored water. Has potential but severely lacking. Does not come with anything but a few small pork cutlets, sauce and mushrooms. Chicken Parm ($25): pretty good, needed seasoning (or parm in the breading) but the red sauce is bright and tasty. Did not come with anything except for a double-sized chicken cutlet, sauce, mozz. We ordered a side of spaghetti ($10) because it's wild chicken parm is à la carte - so effectively a $35 chicken parm that's not as good as others. Penne in a House Pesto ($22): best flavor, light on the basil (which is what I like), came with a couple blistered tomatoes - could add shrimp for $9. Banana Pudding Tiramisu ($13): pretty good, an interesting twist on a classic Amanda's Cannoli Birthday Cake ($12): dense, light flavor like a cannoli! We waited 45 minutes for a table for 3, no biggie on a Saturday. Service was fine, meals come out as they're done so apps with entrees is the norm. Music is a couple clicks too much, made it difficult to have a conversation. For the price, was expecting a better meal and ambiance but hey, we tried it! Much prefer Monty's Red Sauce in Sellwood - has the same fast casual Italian cafeteria vibe but better food.

Enoteca Nostrana