Opened in 2005, Nostrana is Chef/Owner Cathy Whims’ love letter to Italy. This is a restaurant built on relationships: with our amazing farmers and purveyors, our dedicated staff, and of course with you, our guest.
We hope to offer something timeless and authentic in a beautiful space, the regional specialties of Italy deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. We strive to be better every day.
Private Dining
Book your next event with us
Safety precautions
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
Popular dishes
Amaretto Cheesecake
Almond praline, chantilly cream. Wine Pairing: Vino Santo 'Arle', Pravis 2005 - $7 / $14
4 reviews
Shigoku Oysters
Raw on the half shell. Prosecco mignonette
3 reviews
Dungeness Crab Cannelloni
Roasted in the wood oven. Ricotta, scallion, lemon, tomato, cream chives, wild fennel pollen, cress
2 reviews
We LOVED our dining experience here!!! The ambiance was great in the outdoor tent with string lights (especially for COVID times...), the food was incredible, and the mulled wine was perfect. We will absolutely be back!
Nostrana is our favorite restaurant in Portland, with reliable, high-quality Italian staples. They did the best job we've seen so far of creating a covid-safe dining experience in the tent in their parking lot.
I've been here once before and am very impressed by the food! Everything was delicious. I was even more impressed at the level of safety in regards to COVID-19 changes. They took steps to limit waiter interactions at the table by having us order and pay online and would bring dishes to a nearby table which we could grab from. I was very impressed. We were seated outside though and it was pretty cold and there weren't any heaters; that was the only negative for the evening. Would absolutely recommend it, just bring a jacket!
The food was fantastic. Wonderful selection of interesting and delicious food items on the menu. Our cocktails were strong and the ambiance (despite being in a tent outside) was lovely. Will definitely return.
Great pizza and loved that it was outdoors in a tent for covid safety. Only would recommend they install some heat lamps as it was a bit chilly.
The quality of service and food were exceptional, including covid precautions which were well thought out and unobtrusive.
Even in the trying times of Covid, Nostrana comes through with another great (and properly distanced) meal. Pizza and wine in an outdoor setting was great for the evening. Highly recommend the food and appreciate the fact Nostrana is following guidelines to keep the customer safe.
The food, the service and the cleanliness of the place is excellent. Although a heater was blowing near us my friend was frozen. I had on several layers plus sat on a blanket and was only cold, not frozen. They have created a beautiful setting but I don't know how they can cut down on the fall/winter winds? The evening we were there the open side near the restaurant had quite a breeze blowing into the dining space. Maybe overhead space heaters? I love the restaurant and will go back when there is no wind or breeze!
Great cocktails. The special radicchio salad was so delicious. Had the tuna conserva which we almost always get. The charred poblanos with crema was incredible. Had the pepperoni pizza and the radiatori. Incredible service. Comfortable atmosphere.
Same great food with amazing taste. The outside social-distancing tent was cold - need heaters in there. Limited table service- order from your phone. No frills experience.
You can still celebrate!
Nostrana has essential coronavirus protocols in place.
Bring a friend, your mask, and a blanket.
It was cold AF. That's not really your fault (considering you don't control the weather), but if you're going to create an outdoor experience, some heaters would be nice. Also, automatically adding 20% for gratuity when service is basically automated (again, not your fault) is ridiculous. Let people tip how they may... that's how it works. We love your restaurant - but this was not a good experience.
Food is amazing! Went for a birthday dinner, but since it’s in a tent outside it was freezing so dress super warm! Would go back when covid isn’t an issue.
The tent they had set up was so pretty! Twinkle lights and trees :) it was very cold out so I’m glad we bundled up! Other guests brought blankets. Social distancing and contact free ordering. The cauliflower and the beef shank were fantastic!
Biden wins!
Even though it was covered and apparently there was a heater somewhere, it was SO COLD!!!! IT's hard to enjoy all that Nostrana has to offer - the wine, the fabulous food - when you're FREEZING! I had four layers on under my coat and I was still really uncomfortable the whole time. Well be back in the spring though!
The food, as always, was fabulous and we really enjoyed our meal. Only concern/complaint was with the temperature in the tent. Obviously there are limitations to using space heaters but no matter how many layers you put on, it’s hard to be comfortable in damp, 42 degree whether. Kudos to the team for doing the best they can!
I understand the outside setting, I am currently working outside myself. Just a little cold due to the current weather conditions.
Under the circumstances the experience was good. I’ve eaten inside prior several times previously and inside is preferable. Overall happy.
Great seamless distanced dining experience. Loved the tiny negronis at the host stand!
The outdoor tent space Was WAY too cold. ( had long johns under jeans, wool sweater and thinsulate lined coat and scarf. )Don’t go if its below 55 or so until they hopefully add some heat. The large tent was spare but nice looking w strings of lights and a few large planters. I hope Nostrana can adapt this winter.
Great food, great atmosphere. I felt very safe as they ensured a strict distance policy during COVID.
Nostrana has done a wonderful job of adapting to the Covid-19 reality. The covered space is well protected and I am hoping that heaters will be added as the evening cool even more. I would have given them 5 stars except my wife's pasta (not on them menu, presently) was sub standard as it lacked flavor and any variety of ingredients. The Nostrana salads, Tuna Conserva, and Mushroom/feta and Diavola Pizzas were excellent. We will return.
The outdoor tent and contactless dinning experience was like no other we experience. It made for a safe, relaxing and wonderful dinner. Kudos to Nostrano for going the extra steps.
Appreciated the steps taken for health and safety. Got pretty cold after about 8pm, but before then dining outside in the heated tent was very comfortable. Also appreciated the clear directions and information about the process. Food was as tasty as ever!
A delicious dinner! The staff was very nice, and helpful. The dinning experience felt very safe, they are doing the best to keep everyone distanced. The ambiance is still fun and fancy! Will definitely be going back.
Service was perfect, from reservation through our entire meal. They have it dialed in!! After reading reviews, we came prepared for a cooler dining experience and were so comfortable! But really, it’s all about the food!!! Everything was delicious, as always. The ONLY thing missing were the wonderful smells that come from that kitchen. Thanks Nostrana❤️
Very cold day. The tent heater was not working. We are dressed for the cold but the tent seemed even colder
I think that heater will be key going forward in the winter to make dining pleasant
Lovely dinner celebrating friend's birthday on 10/24.
We were seated under tent but near edge of tent opening...it was cold and at times windy!! They need MORE heaters and placed near tables if continue with this set up! We had down coats, hats, blankets...and still chilled!
The outdoor dining experience was not my most preferred. It was cold and also made the food cold twice as fast. I love Nostrana and will continue to support but I must say that the indoor experience is what I used to come here for!
We loved our evening in the rather cool weather patio environment.
Food was great like always. I understand the need for the tent atmosphere. But they're going to have to do something about the heat if they plan on continuing during the colder months. Half the tent was open to the wind, and it was very chilly.
You continue to create a fantastic and safe dining experience despite the circumstances of a pandemic. Thank you! My MIL said it was the best birthday dinner she’s had in years—thank you for being a part of her special day.
Thanks for being open. It was a nice way to celebrate my wife's birthday.
The dining patio Nostrana has created for winter, pandemic dining is perfect. This is the safest I've felt at any establishment. The staff is also excellent.
The crab pizza. Omg, sooooo good!
Their outdoor operation leaves a bit to be desired. I found ordering and paying for the order on my phone something of an awkward pain. There was no heat in the outdoor tent the night I was there and the food got cold quickly. I didn't realize how tasty the pizza I ordered was till I warmed up the leftovers I took home the next day. Also I thought $15 for a very small amount of wine in a huge wine glass was pretty ridiculous. Still, I give them points for trying very hard under these difficult circumstances. The servers were friendly and accommodating.
I'm a long-time service industry professional so I am happy to support as many restaurants as I can during this pesky pandemic, and I am understanding and fully supportive of the methods restaurants are using to keep everyone safe. That said, a couple of things bugged me during my experience.
My friend and I ordered two courses and they were really delicious as the food always is-- that buckwheat pasta with cabbage!! But were not given new plates or utensils for the second course. We were sharing the pastas so didn't want to stick our used forks into the shared dishes. And it took so long to flag someone down for those items that our ravioli was cold. That's also due to the outdoor dining, which isn't Nostrana's fault. And then I had an espresso which inexplicably arrived in a disposable cup. We drank wine from stemware and ate from ceramic, why couldn't my perfectly drawn $4.80 espresso come in a ceramic cup too?
I'm glad y'all have reopened and I will definitely come support you again when I'm feeling flush, it just feels a little spendy for the times.
I understand that covid 19 is making things challenging but Nostranas system is horrible. What used to be a fantastic dining experience is replaced by a sterile, uninviting atmosphere. It's essentially take out that you're paying a 20% surcharge in expected tip to sit out in the cold.... Truly disappointed in one of my favorite Portland restaurants.
Food at Nostrana is always wonderful. The service experience was fine - awkward - but I appreciate the care they take to keep staff & customers safe
Highly recommend - especially in these times
FAQs
You can order delivery directly from Nostrana using the Order Online button. Nostrana also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (503) 234-2427.
Nostrana is rated 4.5 stars by 3369 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.