Staying in an Airbnb in Portland heights without a car and we found the one place within a 30 min walk. The place is very cute and quaint with a rather limited menu that's focuses on pizza and some pasta dishes. It was a pleasant surprise that they had a gluten-free pizza option for an additional $2.50. We had two 10" pizzas and a caprese salad. I quite enjoyed the appetizer, and since it was late it gave us something to eat while we waited on the pizza. The Sicilian was nice and meaty, half would have been enough but I went ahead and had 2/3rd. We probably could have gotten away with just one pizza but having leftovers for breakfast was part of our strategy. Total bill was and $50. Service was attentive and pleasant. Overall it's a nice place and really one of your only options in the immediate area. read more

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I rarely leave negative reviews, or any at all unless service is exceptionally bad. I use yelp but not to review places myself.. only to look to see if itis worth going to, as my son tells me it's bad. But the service we received was honestly unacceptable -- especially for a quiet Thursday at 4pm. Our server came to the table exactly twice: once to take our order, and once to collect payment. That was the extent of it. In between, we were left with empty drinks, no chexks to see if everything was ok, and we were missing items from our order ( ---including both an appetizer and a salad.) No one ever came by to notice, ask, or fix it. We ended up just sitting there, hoping someone would acknowledge us. What made it more frustrating was watching the same server (short, with a nape exposed) spend plenty of time and attention on guests at the bar while completely ignoring our table. It didn't feel like she was overwhelmed......it felt like we just weren't a priority. Basic service is checking in, refilling drinks, and making sure the order is complete. None of that happened. Maybe I am just old school and expect more. Really disappointing experience. We won't be back. read more

I have driven by this lovely cafe for years and finally stopped for an early dinner. What a nice experience. Charming and quaint environment. Excellent, friendly service. Nice menu including a gluten free option for pizza. The Garlic Pancetta Pizza was delicious. Full bar. Street parking. Lovely, neighborhood location very close to Northwest and Downtown Portland. Definitely recommend. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - Garlic Pancetta Gluten Free Pizza - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Some friends and I stopped in recently for a late lunch based on fellow Yelper's reviews. This is a nice local restaurant housed in a historical building in a residential area. It's dark, rustic, and a bit musty, but the service was friendly and the food was tasty. Entrees include Italian and American dishes with a few coastal offerings such as clam chowder and fish. I opted for the spinach ravioli wasn't disappointed. My friends enjoyed a salad and burger. They have beer on tap and some creative non-alcoholic beverages like lavender lemonade. Expect to spend $25/person and up for a basic meal and drink, sans alcohol. A bit pricey for lunch imo but most everything is local and freshly sourced, so it's going to taste better than average as well. read more

I have wanted to try this restaurant for a long time and I finally did last week. The food was amazing, we had a Cesar salad and the Thai chicken pizza. The ingredients are fresh and the salad was very cold and crisp. Service was busy this night, but we understand when it gets busy. A glass of water would have been nice in the beginning and it took some time to get our wine (it came after the salad arrived). Once we finished the salad, our pizza came quickly and it was so delicious. Nothing was overwhelming in the pizza, the ingredients were balanced. Ambiance - so cute and cozy. We sat at the last 2 top table by a window. It was vibrant and lively. I can't wait to go back! read more

DO NOT GO HERE ZERO STARS... After two rolls of very dirty silverware... and terrible service... The owner Jason threatened to fight me over the cold lasagna he tried to sell me. Told me it was fine even though it was clear it cam from the freezer. Told me I should take it outside and followed me to my car. Jason told me that he isn't a chef and just a cook. But that he was calling the police if I didn't leave. Told me I was just there causing trouble. All I want is a decent restaurant in the neighborhood where I live.... This clearly isn't it. read more

My husband and I happened upon this little gem when we took a wrong turn, which turned out to be so right. It was cozy, romantic, friendly team members and the food was delicious. We'll go for sure read more

Great food in a cozy atmosphere. Staff were attentive and caring. We will go again. We had lasagna, ravioli, and spaghetti all were considered rather tasty read more

A lot of great reviews. There is the restaurant itself, a wonderful space. The food is good. A great neighborhood restaurant as seen by the reviews. If this was a U of O game the reviews would be called homers. My experience. I called and ordered a pizza to go and confirmed to come by in 35 minutes. When I arrived the pizza was not ready. okay I was a little early. There was an excuse, things happen I ordered a drink. After 15 more minutes a gentleman sat at the bar next to me. He was a regular they satisfied his drink order without saying what he wanted and took his to go pizza order. When his pizza came shortly after I asked again where is my pizza. Another excuse different then the first one. 65 minutes after placing my order I got my pizza. No apologies. The staff had jumped the line for a regular. It does not make want to order a to go order again and am not inclined to use the dining room again. read more

The lasagna, the pizza were delicious. The ambiance is super cozy and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed our time and the meal very homey. We had not been here since before the pandemic and super glad Vista Springs is still a wonderful oasis in the West hills. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - Special's; Hugo Spritz was delicious as was the beet salad and the mushroom ravioli. - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What a cozy and charming cafe in the neighborhood! They are the most friendly staff and their service is always excellent! Try their Montrachet pizza - it is uniquely flavorful. This is a gem at the top of the hill, and while you're headed here for dinner, don't miss out on the views of Portland on your way down. Better yet, grab one of their pizzas and head up to counsel crest for a memorable picnic! read more

Very comforting space, with outstanding pizza, and warm and friendly service. I look forward to returning! read more

Vista Spring Cafe - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Came here for dinner and instantly felt we were in a small town with a very family feel restaurant. We ordered a salad with smoke salmon and spinach ravioli. We also had their seasonal maple old fashioned and glass of Cabernet - unfortunately wine list is a bit limited but the fresh well prepared food made up for it. They have also set up so nicely for Christmas - the place is full of lights and decorations Highly recommended! read more

Vista Spring Cafe - Inside bar - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I LOVE this spot, what a gem. Food is good, beer and wine selection is good, dessert is great. Very cozy, warm and thoughtful atmosphere. Staff is kind. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - a vase of flowers on a table - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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An Italian restaurant in a residential area. Their pizza is great!! It is the best pizza in Portland. Not sure why it is not publicized so much, yet many people know how good their pizza is. A true hidden gem. On the weekends they can be quite busy and you may have to wait for a table. read more

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We moved to the area a few years ago and found this little gem tucked away in our neighborhood. So glad we did. The staff is really nice, and the food is fantastic. We tend to drop in at least once a month, and often times more. The meatballs, pizza and salads are our go-to's. I really like the Asian chicken noodle salad. The dressing has just enough,, but not too much, spice that my husband will eat it too. I do enjoy the wine selection. My husband always orders a light beer, which we never know what will be available. It's not a biggie, he's easy to please. Place is charming, with 4/5 bar section. Children are welcome and outside dining is available when weather permits. read more

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Food was super fresh, full of flavor... we just picked up but the restaurant was super cute inside so next time we will eat there!! The staff was awesome... nice and approachable... and get the tiramisu... best I have had!! read more

When it comes to reviews about restaurants I can be pretty lenient when it comes to the taste of food. The one thing that will make me give a bad review is service. I drive past this place all the time and it looks so cozy so I finally had the time to take my wife. It closes at 9 and I got there at 8 and when we walked in NO ONE greeted us. They walked by and attended to tables, people at the bar and still not a "hi" or "hello, welcome in!" For a whole 10 minutes. Mind you we were the ONLY ones waiting. After 15 minutes someone finally came to greet us and sat us down. We sat down for literally one minute and got told we could only order something to go cause they weren't taking anymore dine in orders. Wasted 16 minutes of my life. read more

Being a 3rd generation Portlander and self-proclaimed "foodie", I don't like giving up my "hidden gems", but I'm also a Team Player. This cute restaurant 3 minutes up the hill in Portland Heights from Burnside is amazing. We tried bunch of things on the menu and all were great. 3 different salads, including the Cesar, were all well-prepared with just the right amount of dressing. We had the meatball and focaccia bread appetizer and were not disappointed- it arrived hot and delicious. For our main, we split a large pizza and found it hot and fresh with a great ratio of pepperoni, Italian sausage and olives. Dessert? You know it!!! We enjoyed the molten lava cake, fresh baked chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and a chocolate-amaretto-hazelnut cake that was on point. Last but not least, the service was beyond amazing. Do yourself a huge favor - GO. NOW. We will be back very soon. read more

Absolutely GEM in the hills. Been coming here for 33 years! Kenu is excellent and superb service. Salads are divine! Hope she stays open another century. Thank you! read more

What a treat to have a place like this in our neighborhood. I love it. The pizza is as good as anywhere. There are a few pasta dishes and the usual soups and salads. Overhead are two antique fans from India. It's a shame they don't operate. We really ought to eat there more often. read more

Bias review: 14 year tradition to come here after getting Christmas tree food here is good and atmosphere is better. Reminds me of those 10 hour YouTube videos of calming background you would use if you were studying or something. read more

Excellent meatballs! Service top notch. Please bring back some sandwiches, the BLT was always bomb. Keep up the good work!

We waited 45 minutes to get seated, and after waiting that long (and the restaurant seating people who arrived after us first), the waiter came to tell us the owner said they were out of food. This was on a day when most restaurants were closed because of a heat wave. Had they told us that from the beginning we would have had a chance at finding another restaurant that was open but since they made us wait before telling us we were out of luck. It's ok to run out of food. It's not OK to make 3 people wait 45 minutes just as most restaurants are closing and then say "sorry you have to leave." Unprofessional. read more

I'm 9 years old and vista springs cafe is my favorite restaurant.And they also have really good macaroni and cheese.But I don't recommend the bathroom.I also can get free lollipops.So I do recommend this place. read more

My friend and I ate here last night, we were looking for a place close to the zoo and didn't know what to expect but it seemed to have good reviews. So with that in mind, we might not have had the typical experience but ours was pretty bad. For a café at 6:00pm on a weeknight it seemed pretty crowded, but the list only had one 2 person group ahead of us so we signed up and heard a server say it was about a 10 minute wait. I tried to reserve online while I was at work, but this is not an option. They do apparently take reservations but only by phone. It was an odd experience from start to finish, partially because it did seem like they were pretty short staffed. Anyway, a waitress came over and called out a 2 person party (the one right ahead of us) and got no response. Rather than calling us next instead, she walked away and didn't come back (nor did anyone else) for 20 minutes before calling us up. She stood at a table and talk to 2 guys for about half this time, and then went in to the kitchen. Who knows what was happening here, but really unsure why she didn't just call us next since the group ahead of us wasn't there or why it took so long to come back (at that point we had been waiting 30 minutes). We considered leaving at this point, but we were trying to get somewhere by 8 and figured we wouldn't have time to relocate. We were seated around 6:40 (30 min longer than suggested, with 5-6 tables open this whole time that never ended up being seated in our time there, so clearly not reserved). We ordered right away assuming that would take forever too. We ordered the brie starter and the large garlic and pancetta pizza. The brie was just okay, not worth the price and I definitely would say it was not a tapenade as the menu said that was in the cheese. The pizza could have been good, but had very little pancetta that was just in random balls throughout the pizza rather than distributed out- sort of like they just grabbed a few handfuls and threw it on there. Most slices didn't have any and we spread it out ourselves. It was okay, but basically just a cheese pizza the way they made it. Our waitress didn't check on us once while we were there, and we had to ask her to come over to give us the check. The whole ordeal ended up taking more than 2 hours and we missed our chance to go to the zoo. I'd say this place has potential, but everything was so poorly executed that we definitely won't be back. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The kind of amazing neighborhood spot everyone wants. Great food & friendly service with reasonable prices. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - Meatballs & caprese appetizers - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Service and food were amazing. Something for everyone- both traditional and modern! Great atmosphere.

I moved away from Portland and so missed the hilly dog hikes and a stop at Vista Springs for a little nosh. It was great to see how busy still is - even mid afternoon. Jill, my server, was a wonderful bartender and waitress, managing until a co-worker showed up at 4p. I had ordered a pizza to go and kept wondering what was taking so long as I watched the navigation line down I-5 turn from green to red... Jill came out and apologized because there had been a mistake. The kitchen read the order "pick up at six" instead of "table six." I decided I just needed to get refunded and get going. The chef, Josh, came out, also apologetically and said, "It will only take 10m - and the pizza's on us." So, I changed my mind and decided family would be happy to have pizza for dinner! And sure enough, with another apology and a fabulous 1/2 Hawaiian and 1/2 Palm Springs I'm off! The Rose City Gin Naighty martini was great as was the mac and cheese and Caesar! Always appreciate how people make up for mistakes. Josh and Jill get *****! read more

A real disappointment. My first time, new to the neighborhood (today), and brought out-of-town company with me -- and ordered a drink with dinner, too. Even still, no effort to satisfy me, just reverse the charge of half-eaten sub-par food and send me away unsatisfied and with a bad taste in my mouth. The most ironic part had to be reading the owner's representation of "excellent service" when I came here to write my online review. What is supposed to be excellent about it? Is it telling me, "I'm sorry YOU don't like our recipe" when I explain why I'm disappointed in my order and not going to finish my meal? Others would have saved a customer after an initial failure like that. I probably would have dropped in 100 times in the next year (2/week - it's the closest food). The drink tasted good. Now I see there's a 1-star review from two years ago citing the staff's attitude, tasteless crust, and mediocre pizza. Today, two years later, nothing has improved. read more

This place is terrible now. I used to eat here on the semi regular long ago, but a trip last weekend will be my last. I ordered a large pizza with pepperoni and mush on half, and double anchovy on the other. The pizza when it arrived was very mediocre. It was underdone and the crust was just tasteless. Oh well, I figured. Maybe I'll get something not pizza when/if I return. The bill comes, we paid without examining it in great detail at first. Then I realize they charged me not for two topping, like every SINGLE PIZZA PLACE in the known universe, but charged me for FOUR. Initially I thought this was probably just a simple mistake on their part, as there were literally two topping on each side. I talked to the waitress, who was just super bitchy about it. She agreed to go talk to the manager. She came back ten minutes later and literally threw $4 in ones down on the table at me and said "There! Does that make you happy?" I said no, but it does answer the question of if I will be returning or not. Unbelievable rudeness! Sub par pizza and a super bitchy attitude do not equate to return customers. read more

My hubby and I ate here on our last night in Oregon, and we were so thankful that Yelp led us here. It was such a romantic treat. It's nestled in a residential area, one that we enjoyed walking around after dinner. The décor is beautiful, dark wood booths, with multicolor lead glass desk lamps at the end of the booth for lighting. Such a beautiful accent to the tablescape. The food was very good. We ordered a big salad and sandwich, splitting both. We ordered martinis, which we enjoyed very much. There were maybe five other parties there that evening, so it was nice to feel like we had the place to ourselves on a week night. The ingredients were fresh, tasty, and well put together. Service was friendly. I wish wish wish that we could pick up this place and plant it in LA. I do hope we get a chance to have a beautiful and romantic dinner here again. What a fond memory to take home with us! read more

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Delightfully satisfying food, lovely ambiance, thoughtful servers, and easy to converse made an evening with family quite special.

Nice outdoor seating just a few tables pizza is good I had great pasta special once, get there early for a table - I usually walk up from PSU area for exercise and to enjoy the day. read more

I am so thankful to have found this lovely family run restaurant! It was my first time ordering food to go and it was scrumptious. (Pro tip: if you order pizza, I highly recommend mixing red sauce with pesto! Owner suggested and it was delicious!). With social distancing, they will take payments over the phone and bring your to-go orders to you curbside. I am incredibly grateful that they are continuing to provide delicious and comforting meals especially during this time. I look forward to being able to return to dine in and enjoy its ambiance and friendly staff, but until then highly recommend ordering take-out! read more

Great food but the server, an older lady dressed in near funeral garb, seemed rushed and trying to get us out of there while we sat at a quiet booth. It seemed like she was annoyed we showed up with only two people and asked for a booth. She quickly asked us for dessert orders before we were ready and then told us she would transfer the table order if we wanted more. Totally acceptable, however she treated us like we needed to leave then and there at that moment instead of providing us service since they were still open another hour. She even went as far to put chairs up while we were still dining. I admit, we were there late but no later than close. I would return, only for the food and ambiance despite the un empathetic waitress. read more

This restaurant is across the street from a grade school. Lots of mothers bring their children in after school gets out. Also, it is a great place for your tutor to have a one hour lesson with your child and then you can go shopping. They do not expect you to order any food and best of all, you can use the public bathroom at no charge. You will feel right at home as there are lots of other children there, so it is like a free play school. I recommend it for all children to have a good time. And you don't have to spend any money. The waitresses won't bother you about ordering food as they are visiting with each other and the cook. read more

We love this cafe for its menu, high quality ingredients, and its cozy neighborhood friendly ambiance. For now, while we can't enjoy its ambiance, we can still enjoy the food, by purchasing take out. Call 503-222-2811 of view menu at vistaspringpdx.com We got take out yesterday. Our sandwiches and salads were just as delicious as ever and the two lasagnes and two mac and cheeses are in our freezer to cheer us up down the line. Take-Out let's us show some love for Vista Springs and its people while giving us/ healthy and comforting meals for challenging days ahead. Social Distancing They will take credit card info over the phone 503-222-2811 and bring take-out orders curbside - no need to enter Our Take-Out out brightened our day!! We took orders from neighbors and did a run. Maybe you can do that, too. NEXT WEEK 3/21 - 3/27 I have been told, upon inquiring, that Vista Springs plans to provide a reduced, but still robust offering from their online menu: 1) SALADS (The Thai Chicken and Cesar Salads is my favorites) 2) PIZZA (hot or half-baked so it bakes at home perfectly for at home dining and fills our house with great Italian aroma) 3) MEATBALLS and pasta dishes 3) LASAGNE and MAC and CHEESES (hot OR chilled to freeze for later, as we chose) I hope this is helpful to any folks finding the Vista Springs Cafe for the first time as well as long-time guests like us. For any of you in Beaumont Wilshere area across town, Jason is a longstanding neighbor who founded Red Fig that we all loved, before taking over ownership of Vista Springs. I would be happy to coordinate times and bring your order to you when I pick up my own over the next week or so. The restaurant can give you my contact info. read more

Vista Spring Cafe - Chicken Crunch Salad - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Excellent small Italian restaurant with fabulous food and very reasonable prices. I would highly recommend!!! read more

On one of my visits to Portland, my sister brought home a pesto pizza with artichoke and sun-dried tomatoes from the Vista Springs Cafe. From the first slice, I was in love. That was back in 1990. Every time I came to Portland afterwards, I dreamed about having that pizza. A little over ten years later, I moved to PDX and found myself living near the cafe. It became a frequent treat to order a pizza on my way home from work or to go to dinner there with out of town guests. The atmosphere is a great. Relaxed, casual and comfortable. It's a neighborhood hangout that is great for an intimate meal with good friends. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, any time I am in the area I schedule it (even subconsciously) so that I happen to be driving by it at the time I need something to eat. Anyway, enough about all that. What should you eat? Everything! There honestly hasn't been one thing that I have regretted ordering. Obviously the pizza is high on my list. Love them. Salads are great if you want something lighter. Try the Poppyseed Chicken Crunch or the Southwest ChIcken Salad. Burgers are amazing if you need something more filling. The Oregon blue cheese burger is a highlight. Love it! I will always be partial to their pesto pizza, even though they changed the original one I fell in love with and added more toppings. One of the best things about the Vista Springs Cafe is its consistency. I am all about the latest and newest places to try but there is something comforting in knowing that you can go to a place for almost 30 years and be served with the same consistently good food, great friendly service and a casual relaxed atmosphere. Thank you Vista Springs Cafe! read more

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