Riccardo's Ristorante

06/27/09

Excellent dining experience

by lestrum

Sure it's spendy however one must do the homework ahead of time and find out if it's in the budget.

That said, the meal we had was well above average. My Double Cut Pork Chop with potatoes, smothered in a Bernaise type sauce was enough for two people, literally a mountain.

My companion's Penne was hefty and to the contrary she did end up demolishing all of it.

The tiramisu was perhaps the finest the city has to offer. The establishment has an excellent variety of desserts to choose from. There is an assortment of herbal teas, the brand name escapes me but not one you often see sold commercially. Very good..

I particularly enjoyed being seated adjacent to a book shelf type wine holder.. Though I didn't indulge, there was a fine array to choose from.

I"ve heard complaints about the waitstaff however the wait person was knowledgeable, personable, and offered objective advice.

• Pros: Nice ambience, above average food
• Cons: A bit spendy, for some can be a bit cramped

12/21/08

2 excellent visits in 2 years

by madflan

From the wine list through home-made pasta and all the way to desert, Ricardo's food and service were great. I will return and recommend it to others. It is one of the few places with a comfortable ambience that is good for a romantic evening or for a business lunch. 5-stars for sure.

• Pros: All
• Cons: none so far

11/06/08

Best Veal In Portland

by halfbottle

I've been dining here for the last 18 years or so, once or twice a year. The first time I went in my wife was out of town so I was alone with my two young daughters (3 and 5 yrs old) and the owner (his son manages it now) sat down with us and entertained the girls and complimented them on their table manners. At that point I was pretty much sold on the place. Then the food came, the girls had pasta dishes that were the best I've had since I was in Italy, I had a simply prepared veal dish (you know, white wine, capers,etc.) that was so incredibly good, melt in your mouth quality, that I have ordered veal every single time I've been back, except once when they had a boar special. The Italian wine selection is incredible with really great prices for a restaurant, markup is about twice retail, or a little less. Desserts are okay but not great, too many made off-site, and just not fresh enough, but I'm not a big fan of anything sweet. The bar is not too good, no selection in hard liquor and no after-dinner drinks, they would like you to buy a dessert wine. Unlike other reviews I've read here, I have ALWAYS had great service here, both on the patio and inside. It is not an inexpensive place but I have always walked away feeling like it was money well spent. To top it off the restaurant owns an Italian wines shop across the parking lot with truly GREAT wines. This review is making me hungry, I think I'll go call them and see what tonight's veal specials are!

• Pros: Great Veal
• Cons: Poor Bar