Ciao Vito
Portland, OR 97211
Phone: (503) 282-5522
- Price:
- $$
- Specialties:
- Happy Hour
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Ciao Vito – by Ivy Manning
In Short
Once a greasy-spoon diner, this spot has been completely reincarnated as a chic neighborhood trattoria. Patrons pass the gleaming open kitchen and settle in at the airy bar, or head to the subdued dining room, lined with comfy banquettes and chocolate-colored wainscoting. Chef Vito Dilullo puts forth rustic Italian food using market-fresh, local ingredients. Entrees include pasta carbonara with house-made pancetta, as well as the mixed smoked-meat entree with lamb ribs and duck confit.
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User Reviews for Ciao Vito
04/21/2008 Posted by elvisruby
We went to Ciao Vito last nite for a birthday celebration. My favorite Italian restaurant was always Tuscany Grill and I've been looking for a replacement since they closed. We made reservations for a Sunday nite, and were immediately seated in the comfy front booth with a beautiful glass chandelier. While service was a bit slow to start, I think our server was giving us time to settle in and peruse the drink menu. Her wine recommendation was spot on, and from then on, her level of attentiveness, appropriate and friendly. We had delicious beet salad (a bit small for $9) and baked pasta with spinach marinara (creamy sauce & perfectly browned top). The tagliatelle (sp?) was good, but not a re-order item (a little too salty). I agree with other reviews, bread from the get go would've been nice and the first round of drinks took a while to arrive. Overall, I'd definitely return if invited to join other friends, but I'll continue my own search to find my next, new favorite Italian restaurant.
03/31/2008 Posted by oyabun
We went to Ciao Vito this past Friday. To my chagrin my friends failed to make a reservation ( that was my buddies job ) no biggie. The host got us in within ten minutes of our arrival ( not bad for 7:30 on a Friday night ) I agree with comments about the poor lighting. Too dark for my taste. My wife pointed out that the interior walls needed painting, hence the poor lighting. Now to the food & service. Drinks took longer to get than our table! Great bread ( I think it was Ken's ) wish there was more of it. Although we were re-filled ASAP. Food was great though . Good ingredients, local fresh. We had : Beet Salad, Polenta & Spinach, Salad with a Fried egg & sausage & meatballs to start. For entrees we had Linguini with Clams ( 2 orders ) Bolognese, Pork Chop, & spaghetti Agliolio (sp?) . AWESOME CLAMS! Great Pork Chop ( I had two bites ) and my friends liked their apps & entrees. Dessert seemed lacking ( although I was so full, I didnt need dessert ) Hot food was served hot, and cold food was served cold. Surprised there was no Tiramisu or Canoli. Really busy restaurant. our server was nice enough. Seemed as though they needed another body. Staff was efficient and very professional. The only guy who seemed stressed was the bald cook who was yelling and looked stressed behind the line. He looked ANGRY he kept berating this "punk Rock" chef all night. Overall great food! First time there. But not our last! We will try it during the week when it is probably quieter. Our friends said they have a great happy hour. Decent pricing ! Good value wine list ! We would have paid $100 more on the West side or the Pearl easy! Not bad for quirky Alberta - best meal on that street easy!
Pros: good hot food. great linguini & clams
Cons: too dark.
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