Sal's Famous Italian Kitchen

Nice Italian venue, disappointing dinner. Living in Portland's West Hill, my wife and I were pleased to find Sal's close to home where the venerable Uptown Broiler was when our boys were growing up. We first went there mid-afternoon and had dessert and coffee, which was good. Tonight we decided to try Sal's for dinner. I had a "sugo" dish, pulled lamb on egg noodles, which was very disappointing. The sauce was a small amount of weak broth. My wife had lasagna. She liked it but it was a small piece with more pasta than filling, covered by a large amount of sauce. As my dish was so bland there was enough sauce to put on my noodles. I added some olive oil and pepper and the sugo became somewhat edible. When the I was asked if I liked my meal I asked that my displeasure be communicated to the chef.

We were hopeful that Sal's could become a regular stop, but I doubt we will be going back. There's too much good Italian in Portland to accept mediocrity.…

Bring back the OLD meatball recipe please!!. I would have given this place 4.5 stars if they hadn't changed their meatball recipe. Some of my friends and I are regulars, and over time (several visits each) we all have noticed that the meatballs have changed and not for the better . . . which is very disappointing since that is what kept bringing us back!! Please bring back the old recipe. Thank you. Oh, also a better house salad would be appreciated.

Otherwise, this is a GREAT neighborhood place, that is well priced and has good classic Italian food -- food that I could get everywhere in NY, but have a hard time finding here in Portland. A real gem.…

Excellent Pizza and italian food, good service, parking lot behind the restaurant.. Terrific pizza.(kalamata olive, green olive, and onions). Exellent cannelloni and sauce. My wife and I liked the bread (served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar) and the salad. Calamari was very tasty and cooked just right. I have had their various pastas many times and it's always al dente and not mushy. Service is very good. This is nice family or take a date out restaurant. Prices are medium. Oh, my wife really enjoyed her eggplant scaloppini and I also liked their vegetable lasagna. Not fancy smacy but good italian food at a decent price.…