Piazza Italia
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 478-0619
- Price:
- $$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Ice Cream 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11:30am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Piazza Italia – by Rachel Bellacera
In Short
Prepare to be treated as part of the family in this humble abode, with a TV over your companion's shoulder, close, intimate tables, glass coolers and molasses-speed service. The laid-back atmosphere is especially popular with Pearlites who love the antipasto, with classic Italian meats--prosciutto, mortadella, salami--and cheeses. Diners also opt for consistent, easyfare including linguine with eggs, prosciutto, onions and Parmesan and house tiramisu, sticky sweet with velvety marscapone and coffee-soaked lady fingers.
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Insider Tips
When to GoFor the linguistically adventurous, visit from 6pm to 10pm Thursday nights when everyone brushes up on their Italian.
The ExtrasPiazza now serves housemade gelato. If wanderlust brings you to the Pearl, stroll by and treat yourself to some of this trendy, creamy treat.
Know Before You GoOnly beer and wine can be had at this eatery.
User Reviews for Piazza Italia
04/27/2008 Posted by lisalis10
Piazza Italia is just a couple of blocks from where we live and we've walked by it numerous times without even thinking of stopping. A few weeks ago we decided to give it a try on a Saturday night, but didn't have reservations so couldn't get in. Right away we knew this place was something special. We called the next day to make a reservation and nobody answered the phone, so we popped in and were able to be seated anyway. I wish we had discovered this place a long time ago! The Italian-speaking staff were fun to watch run around taking care of the customers, and really made the experience seem authentic and not stuffy at all. The food was very good and inexpensive. The menu is mostly no-frills pasta dishes, but everything tasted really fresh and expertly prepared. I haven't stopped craving the Linguine Squarciarella since!
Pros: Excellent food, fresh pasta, fun atmosphere
Cons: Reservations recommended most night.
04/07/2008 Posted by cyam
On a weekend get-a-way to Portland, we tried Piazza Italia. For 1/4 of the price we spent at El Gaucho the previous night we had a wonderful meal. Service was excellent, food quality, beyond our expectations. After a day touring the Willamette Valley we were a bit wined out, but the nice Sangeovese by the glass was perfect with our meal. My Bucatini amatriciana was fabulous as was my wife's papadella. Nice warm atmosphere, friendly staff. I'll be back."
