Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Waterfront

6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mama Mia Trattoria restaurant

1. Mama Mia Trattoria

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

Mama Mia Trattoria in Downtown Portland is a haven for those craving authentic Italian comfort food. With every dish meticulously crafted from scratch—from mozzarella to fresh pastas and divine sauces—this restaurant transports diners straight to a traditional Italian kitchen. Reviewers rave about the "delicious homemade pasta" and claim the chicken parmigiana and lasagna are "some of the best" they've ever had. The warm atmosphere and glowing reviews confirm it's a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy. As one satisfied customer put it, "Everything was so delicious! I can’t wait to go back!" Mama Mia Trattoria consistently exceeds expectations, making it a standout in Portland’s culinary scene.

2. Tartuca

4.8

Exceptional(71)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Northeast Portland

Booked 17 times today

At Tartuca in Northeast Portland, the essence of the Pacific Northwest is celebrated through a unique Italian culinary perspective. Since its inception in 2022, this gem on Mississippi Avenue has been enchanting diners with its commitment to hyper-local, farm-direct ingredients, allowing the true quality of the produce to take center stage. Praised for its "excellent Italian food with a NW twist," Tartuca's menu changes with the seasons, ensuring each dish reflects the freshest, most vibrant flavors. Reviewers rave about the "perfectly cooked pasta" and "amazing pizza," with ingredients like candied spruce tips adding a distinctive PNW flair. The restaurant's cozy back patio and bustling, hip interior create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their artisanal wine list and delightful dishes. Tartuca's approach to simple, high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of the Northwest.

3. clarklewis

4.5

Awesome(2521)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southeast Portland

Booked 4 times today

Clarklewis in Southeast Portland is a gem for Northwest cuisine enthusiasts, offering a stellar farm-to-table experience that captivates both locals and visitors. This bustling eatery not only emphasizes local, organic, and sustainable fare but also brings Italian-inspired creativity to its dishes. The open kitchen with its large oak-burning oven adds a unique touch, enhancing the flavor profile of each meal. As a pioneer in Portland's culinary scene since 2004, Clarklewis has been consistently lauded for its high standards and innovative dishes. Reviewers rave about the "exceptional dining experience" and often mention the "perfectly prepared" meals and "attentive service." Whether it's the seafood delights like oysters and Chinook salmon or the masterfully crafted lamb ragu pasta, each dish is a testament to the quality and authenticity of Northwest cuisine. Clarklewis is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Portland.

A photo of 3 Doors Down Cafe and Lounge restaurant

4. 3 Doors Down Cafe and Lounge

4.3

Awesome(1822)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southeast Portland

At 3 Doors Down Cafe and Lounge in Southeast Portland, the essence of Italian cuisine is brilliantly captured and served with a local twist. This cherished establishment is renowned for its dedication to authenticity and quality, offering a menu that delights with "big bowls of pasta and shellfish, perfectly grilled fish and meats." Patrons consistently praise the "delicious sauces" and home-made pasta, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to traditional Italian cooking. A diner enthused, "The Ziti with Vodka Sauce? It's really really good. They made us feel like family!!!" This warm, inviting atmosphere combined with exceptional Italian dishes makes 3 Doors Down a must-visit for food enthusiasts craving genuine Italian flavors paired with innovative Pacific Northwest flair.

A photo of Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland restaurant

5. Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland

(0)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Downtown Portland is not just a place to stay; it's a vibrant social hub known for its exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Guests consistently rave about the bar’s unique cocktails, like the spontaneously created "10 Minutes Ago," and the inviting happy hour that features complimentary wine tastings, making it a beloved spot for both locals and travelers. The atmosphere is described as having a "cool, young, good vibe," complemented by live music on some nights, crafting a perfect backdrop for unwinding and socializing. Reviews highlight the bartender's skill and the overall excellent service, ensuring every visit is memorable. Whether it’s the quality of the drinks or the warmth of the welcome, Kimpton Hotel Vintage’s bar scene truly stands out as a premier destination in Portland.

A photo of Don's Favorite Foods restaurant

6. Don's Favorite Foods

4.9

Exceptional(93)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Beaverton

At Don's Favorite Foods in Beaverton, Chef Don Salamone and his team passionately deliver an authentic Italian dining experience that resonates deeply with both the locals and visitors. The monthly-changing menu features dishes rooted in Italian tradition, like "gnocchi like my Ma used to make" and Italian sausage that hints at familial recipes. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant, noting, "Some of the best pasta I have ever had" and "Rivals my very skilled Sicilian friend's cooking." This boutique eatery not only serves up exquisite Italian fare but also creates a warm, intimate atmosphere where every meal is a celebration of culinary artistry.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Charlie
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It’s been a long time since I’ve had “one of those meals” and this was definitely it. It was fantastic from start to finish. I feel like this is a hidden gem that’s going to explode when people start telling their friends about it. So dang good. My wife and I were still talking about it over coffee this morning.
More info
TartucaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Northeast Portland
•
4.8
V
Veronica
Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What a gem! Outstanding prix fixe menu for the holidays.
More info
Don's Favorite FoodsPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Beaverton
•
4.9
D
David
California Central Coast •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 26, 2024
Born into an Italian family, we wanted to experience an authentic meal. My wife and I were in town visiting our son for a few days and we said let's go eat at Mama Mia Trattoria. To summarize our meal and experience, the ambiance was perfect, the food was over the top and the ingredients were fresh, perfectly cooked, and tasty. The value of what one pays for this restaurant is a great deal. We will be back and Gracie!
More info
Mama Mia TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
•
4.3
R
Rory
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
Amazing as always! We love this place & it continues to be a reliably, wonderful restaurant!
More info
clarklewisPrice: Expensive• Northwest• Southeast Portland
•
4.5

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Waterfront

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6 restaurants available nearby

1. Mama Mia Trattoria

2. Tartuca

3. clarklewis

4. 3 Doors Down Cafe and Lounge

5. Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland

6. Don's Favorite Foods

See what locals rave about

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