Iorio RestaurantThe Best All Around PerformanceWe eat out a lot, so many people ask us for our favorite restaurant. While it is impossible to choose one, my consistent answer to the question is Iorio. The service is always very good or excellent, and the food is consistently great. Plus, the prices are in the exact right place for the quality and portion size. Many other restaurants get better buzz, but Iorio delivers great reality.
We started the meal with a green salad and the gnocchi. Both were very good, though the gnocchi really stood out. For the main course, we had the lasagna and the clam pasta in a cream pesto sauce. They were really, really good, and the service was spot on. For dessert, we had - as usual - the made-to-order chocolate chip cookies. Super yummy!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother Great Meal at iorio!My husband & I always enjoy our meal at iorio (and always leave stuffed because we simply don't know when to stop - warm chocolate chip cookies and milk, anyone?). They were down a server or two so the owner was hustling to help keep things moving along, the place was really busy. As usual, we'll be back!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWe arrived early for our reservatioWe arrived early for our reservation, and were immediately given the nicest table in the house (a 4-top for a party of 2). Our waitress learned we were there for our anniversary and brought us a gelato to celebrate. Food was wonderful, service was great and the sound level never gave away that the entire place was filled by the time we left (our table was hidden from most of the restaurant).5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMLocavore Italian In SEI am a Calabrian-American from NY. I fell in love w the food. We stared w the cheese plate. A lovely NW twist on an antipasti. We then shared the limestone butter lettuce w gorgonzola & friend onion strings. My main was the Casarecci past and clams & no issue making it mild (no peppers) for me because they are scratch cooking every meal. It was fantastic. My love ordered the ravioli of the day filled w pork osso bucco. They have the driest prosecco I have ever tasted & it paired impeccably w everything. Dessert for me was the molten chocolate cake w vanilla ice cream & love had well I forget because the cake was so good. My small quibble is w the espresso service. It should served w dessert not before & needs small sugar cubes. Will b back.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother excellent meal at IorioHaving been to Iorio several times before I was looking forward to visiting once again and trying another delicious vegetarian option from the menu. As usual the meal exceeded my expectations and I found the staff friendly and helpful. The eggplant parmesan was tasty, just the right mix of crispy and tender and filling while still being a manageable portion. Iorio's eggplant dish is (thankfully) is such a far distance from the usual fatty glob that is presented as this eggplant dish in other places. I have had the vegetarian ravioli choices in the past and found that to be equally excellent. I highly recommend Iorio!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMMmm...We had good service & delicious food. We had foccacia bread with butternut squash spread, vegetable lasagna, lamb favour & a limoncello spritzer. We will definitely be back with more friends for cocktails & desserts! Yummy!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious BirthdayI made an early reservation for my daughters and my birthday. I realized the place wasn't meant for kids right away, but the staff was very accommodating. It filled up fast! By 5:30 the restaurant was more than half full. The food was superb! I sampled everything from children's kids meals, and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday meal.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our new favorites!The food was amazing and the service was outstanding. The food is incredibly flavorful and creative. Iorio is certain to become one of our favorite spots in Portland!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of the best restaurantsThis is one of the best restaurants I have eaten in for many years !5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMMid-week at IorioWhen we arrived I was amazed! It was a Wednesday night at about 8:00 and the restaurant was packed and vibrant. We were greeted warmly, seated on a sofa and offered a glass of wine while our table was being set. We had prompt attention and fabulous food. Focaccia with butternut squash spread with chunks of roasted garlic - great. Pizza crust was just the right amount of thin crispness. The house-made pasta and meatballs topped the list. Loved the flavor of the meatballs. We would definitely return to indulge in more of the menu. Thanks!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWhy go anywhere else!Chris and staff are excellent
Menu is always a combination of new and classics.
Can't wait to return
Roberto & Judy5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMService was very good, allService was very good, all the way from the moment we walked in to the moment we walked out we were treated very well. However, the food was mediocre at best. The gnocchi was an absolute disaster, gummy, underdone and drowned in olive oil. The calimari was tasty, with a good sauce, but so small it was like trying to eat corn flakes with a fork. The meatballs were chewy, with virtually no flavor except the peppery tomato sauce. The lasagna was boring beyond belief. In what seems like a rare spark of brilliance, the eggplant parmesean was very good, with excellent flavor, but you had to order the pasta separate, with a separate charge(huh?). Wine was in tasting portions. When all is said and done - come for the service...not the food.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Italian foodReally enjoyed the Italian food at this restaurant, and I have lived in NY and SF. The eggplant was delicious as was calamari. Bread cost $3 but was also excellent. It was also very reasonable and a lot of food for the price, something that is getting scarcer in Portland. I am looking forward to trying everything on the menu. Our waitperson, Jessica was very sweet and helpful. I liked the restaurant so much that I thanked the owner. I'll be back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Italian food I've hadBest Italian food I've had for ages. Interesting menu and all items were prepared well with a nice presentation. Good energy and lively conversations all around, but the noise level was fine. Service was attentive and helpful. Will definitely go again.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing flavors &ingredient combosThe food was deliciously prepared and the flavor profiles, mix of ingredients used in the dishes... absolutely YUM! Which is what we were saying after every bite. Service exceptional!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways great food but a bit noisyWe always have a terrific meal here but tonight was especially loud for some reason.
This is unfortunately a long standing trend for most smaller restaurants. A packed house and hard surfaces equals "vibe".
Make no mistake, we will be back but with earplugs!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Dining ExperienceThis was our first time at Iorio, but it definitely won't be our last. Our cheese plate appetizer was a perfect starter with all the variety of cheeses, fruits, and Iorio's own butternut squash spread, spicy pickles, and candied walnuts to round it out. Our entrees, Eggplant Parmesan and Lemon Chicken Breast were both cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spices and substance without being overwhelming. The presentation on the plate was also beautiful. The service was excellent. Our server made some wonderful recommendations on the food and the best wines to pair it with. We can't wait to go back and try some of their other dishes as every dish we saw that was served around us just looked incredible.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMItaliano..Decent portion size, friendly staff and wonderfully flavored food. Absolutely loved the smoked chicken ravioli. Either have a huge appetite or be prepared to share!!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat RestaurantPleasantly surprised - our first time - will beon our list for future considerations. At some point want to bring the whole family.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMdelicious!We've been to Iorio a few times now. It never disappoints! Great food. My husband is gluten sensitive and there are many gluten free items to choose from. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. We'll definitely be back!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA nice surprise. ExcellentA nice surprise. Excellent service and food. I had the lamb ragout and my date had minila clam with pasta. My only complaint was that the noise level was a little high for dining but there was a large group there for dinner together and I could tell they were having a good time. I would recommend this neighborhood gem to my friends.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst pasta in 4 monthsFriends and I have been eating the Paleo diet for 4 months which means lots of no bread pasta etc...of all the restaurants in Portland we chose this one to have our first cheat night. The food was outstanding great pasta and all was well executed. I had smirked chicken ravioli in an amazing cream sauce. Back to the diet.....and back here in 3 months for another cheat night!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMagnificent"Magnificent " is what my husband said as he savored his slow cooked shredded pork shoulder served with crispy on the outside polenta cakes. The flavors were complex and to be tasted slowly. My husband almost never has much to say about the food he is eating. My ravioli of the day was so good. The sauce was slightly spicy and it was all topped off with some really nice Gorgonzola.
I have already told a coworker that she and her dining friends really must go and experience this food.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFoods to be savoredThe salads, the appetizers, the main course we excellent for everyone in our party of four. And, the wines were exceptional. The only downside....dessert. But I have heard the gelato is good. That could be redeeming.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best Italian restaurantThe best Italian restaurant in Portland, and quite possibly, the best restaurant in Portland period.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMBellamisio!The food was excellent, quite authentic Italian. The service was wonderful and everyone is very friendly. This is my new favorite restaurant in Portland.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely wonderful ItalianAbsolutely wonderful Italian food. Very fresh ingredients. Great Service.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a treat and a menuAlways a treat and a menu that never disappoints! One of the best values in town for quality of food, service and overall experience. Way to go Chris and staff!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our favorite restaurants.One of our favorite Italian restaurants. Always excellent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, always somethingGreat food, always something new and their gluten free menu is so good you won't realize it's gluten free! Service is attentive, though like all good food, it takes some time to cook. Would highly recommend!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love Iorio! Since we areWe love Iorio! Since we are both from Italian immigrant families we think we know good Italian cooking.
Chris and staff do a wonderful job. We've never been disappointed. We'll continue to introduce friends to a lovely
relaxing evening with great food & wine. Also love the guitar music.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMthis was a great restaurant,this was a great restaurant, and we look forward to returning and bringing others!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMIorio is a gem of a restaurant!Iorio is a gem of a restaurant! We always order the ravioli special of the evening, you can't go wrong with it and it is always inventive and delicious. Other highlights are the cheese board and calimari, both excellent appetizers to share with friends.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely wonderful restaurant,Absolutely wonderful restaurant, we will be returning for sure. Excellent service from the moment we walked in the door, until the moment we left..Excellent food and wine as well.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had the calamari - perfection.We had the calamari - perfection. Pork shoulder was amazing. Polenta fried crisp, not overdone or greasy. Great meat flavor, seasonings. Lamb ragout was outstanding, very rich and flavorful. The torte was nice, the gluten-free donuts an amazing find.
Lovely place for a date night. Terrific service, the server knew the menu well and was able to offer and explain the gluten free options. One table is definitely romantic, by the window, where we were. The others are smaller rounds, kind of squished, not my first choice for comfortable dining.
We've come before, will do so again.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely outstanding dinnerAbsolutely outstanding dinner - all four in our party were totally wowed with every course.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our fourth time atThis was our fourth time at Iorio. We always have good service, good food and a relaxing evening. Homemade pasta is delicious! Wait staff very friendly. Chris the owner came and checked with each table. Nice ambience.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food and service.Fantastic food and service. Will be returning soon.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is an awesome restaurantThis is an awesome restaurant for fresh, local, delicious Italian food. The ambiance is wonderful and the small size of the dining area makes for a cozy experience. You need to make reservations to be assured of a table. The place was packed the last couple of times I was there.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMYumThis is our second visit to Iorio. This time we brought friends and we all agreed Iorio is a great find. We had fish, meat and pasta dishes. All were delicious. Good service, there, but not too there.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a lovely evening andWe had a lovely evening and will definitely return.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service, delicious ItalianGreat service, delicious Italian food! Had trouble coming up with what I wanted to order4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMIorio- Great Portland DiningChris Iorio is fantastic, his culinary skills are amazing and their gluten free dishes are amazing with good variety!! Really enjoyed the experience at Iorio!!!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfecto!We love Iorio for any and all occasions. We're always looking for an excuse to go! The food is out of this world. I'm married to an Italian with a family that cooks and I've never tasted anything like this place. We highly recommend to any we meet!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMBecoming a favourite now.Becoming a favourite now. Excellent Italian food and great and friendly service, nice wine and liquor. Who'd have thought to find this in its unusual location. It will be even better when Chris gets in some draught beers! And people might have to scramble for parking, but it's well worth it!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful FindWe were looking for a restaurant for a group of various ages and food experience. We also like to support restaurants that serve local and sustainable farmed food. Iorio did not let us down. We felt like we were in my Croatian grandmother's dining room - the heavy drapes, family photos in antique frames and the dimly lit, cozy and nostalgic feeling room. Then there was the food and the wine! The owner was our waiter and he talked us through each item on the menu with such detail, I wished I could order them all. We had a fabulous bottle of wine at his suggestion and each entree was scrumptious and beautifully presented. Overall wonderful dining experience.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a very good dinner,We had a very good dinner, gnocchi was excellent, lamb ragout very good, salads very good, service outstanding. Several menu items that we will return for. Prices were reasonable. Convenient parking adjacent to the building. Will definitely return.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMEvery bite delicious. AnotherEvery bite delicious. Another great meal shared with friends.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service and food hereThe service and food here are consistently good, but be sure to get a reservation (while easy to come by, they do seem necessary, even during the week). Highlights of the menu are the Calamari, which is very tender, in a light cornmeal breading, the Ravioli of the day, which is handmade, fresh, and probably the best you'll find in Portland, and the Pork Shoulder, which is hard to describe but not hard to order over and over and over again. This place has a cozy ambiance but can get loud, especially on the weekends. Enjoy!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe gnocchi was pillow soft,The gnocchi was pillow soft, wonderful.
The lasagna and egg parmagsian was excellent. Overall though, all these items together was too cheesy in total. But may have been fine each on their own.
The house wine was fantastic!
I arrived early and waited for my friend. I had to wait a little while before someone came to take my drink order. I asked the hostess to bring me a glass of house red-- that was the only downside of the evening.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AM