Cafe Castagna
(503) 231-9959
1758 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland,
OR
97214
45.5121
-122.6481
Neighborhoods: Hosford - Abernethy, Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program
What People Are Saying About Cafe Castagna
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Starkness and clean lines highlight this bistro's décor. The stainless-steel kitchen opens onto the austere dining room, which has loud concrete floors, dark-wood tables and a wall of windows overlooking Hawthorne Boulevard. However, the menu offers families and couples homey fare such as crispy, fried risotto balls with melted fontina cheese and pesto pizza topped with potatoes, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. For dessert, the favorite treat is creamy homemade sorbets or IBC root beer floats.
User Reviews
dangrmous
January 19, 2009
We went to Cafe Castagna last night and were completely delighted. First off, the service was impeccable: prompt, informed, pleasant, and unobtrusive. The meal was superb! A standout was the braised beef angliotti recommended by our server. They were really sensational, and came in a beef broth reduction with chives and I'm guessing sherry. The fried risotto croquettes with fontina were delightful. We ordered cheeseburgers and fries based on their reputation for burgers and they did not disappoint. I think the fries were some of the best tasting fries I have had anywhere. The potato flavor was clear and earthy, the fries were properly cooked - light and crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. The burgers were superb, and the addition of delicious house-made sweet pickles didn't hurt either. I can't wait to go back and try more items, the people here clearly have skill and obviously cook with love and pride.
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Anonymous
October 22, 2008
Cafe Castagna has been creating wonderful food for years. While flashy places come and go they are still here. Service, great food and great drinks is the key. Local ingredients used in a variety of ways leads to some very creative dishes.
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kinnetic
June 18, 2008
The food here is always excellent. I've been on a couple occasions... the burger is fantastic. The penne and cheese is a little overwhelming but good if you're looking for something rich, and the margarita pizza was delicious. However, the wait staff seems a little confused for the most part. My recent visit was not an overly busy night, yet service was slow (got drinks after appetizers) and a little schizo. We requested an outside patio table, but then they gave it to a different group that came in after us. Okay. Our server wasn't bad but the water-pourer/busser didn't seem to know what was happening. My friend and I asked for our meals boxed (half a pizza and half a penne meal) and she acknowledged and took them away, only never to return. Kind of inconsiderate considered I paid $14 for barely half a meal... I saw her later bussing tables but in the rush of things forgot to confront them about it. I don't feel like I should have to! Did she just take our whole meals and throw them away? I guess we weren't old and rich looking enough to be taken into consideration. I'd give it another try for the food...but maybe just one more.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Castagna
Know Before You Go:
For a dressier affair, venture next door to Castagna, the gussied-up sister of Cafe Castagna. It dishes up more complex, sophisticated--and expensive--fare.
Where to Sit:
During the beautiful Portland summers, enjoy sidewalk dining.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Outdoor Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
