How is Ava Gene's restaurant rated?

Name: Ava Gene's
Address: 3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR, United States, 97202
Telephone: (971) 229-0571
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

Ava Gene's

4.6

1266 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Ava Gene’s is a neighborhood place, located on Division Street in Southeast Portland. Our restaurant serves rustic cuisine, features an extensive Italian wine list and offers cocktails focused on & inspired by the regions of Italy. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Sunday: 4:30pm-10pm Monday-Thursday: 5pm-10pm Friday: 5pm-11pm Saturday: 4:30pm-11pm
Phone number
(971) 229-0571
Website
http://avagenes.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Joshua McFadden

Location
3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Neighborhood
Southeast Portland
Cross street
SE 34th Avenue
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Carrots, Quinoa, Almonds, Seeds, Yogurt$13.00
Radishes, Cashews, Prosciutto, Dates$13.00
Beets, Potatoes, Egg, Lovage, Anchovies, Salsa Verde$13.00
Sprouted Barley, Cauliflower, Fiore Sardo, Pine Nuts, Peppers$13.00
Lettuces, Chicories, Herbs, Katz Apple Cider Vinegar$13.00
Fennel, Pistachios, Olives, Tangerine Agrumato$13.00
"Tuscan Cavalry " Raw Cavolo Nero, Sarvecchio, Filone$8.00

Primi

Ravioli, Nettles, Walnuts, Sheep Milk Ricotta$22.00
Paccheri, Chicken Ragu in Bianco, Peas$21.00
Freekeh Spaghetti, Sardines, Asparagus, Ramps, Pinenuts$21.00
Linguine, Clams, Garlic, Parsley, Basil, Lemon$22.00
Sagna Riccia, Beef Ragu, Tomato, Chicories$21.00

Secondi

Sausage, Oyster Mushrooms, Arugula, Parmesan$18.00
Halibut, Fennel, Dutch Bullet Beans, Capers, Meyer Lemon$34.00
Chicken, Raab, Yogurt, Mint, Almonds, Calabrian Chile$32.00
Strip Loin, Asparagus, Leek Scapes, Bottarga$34.00

Contorni

"Misticanza" Sauteed Greens, Garlic, Olives, Chiles$7.00
Amish Butter Corn Polenta$7.00
Turnips, Capers, Raisins, Anchovy$7.00

Family Style

full table participation - $70

Sunday - Sugo$22.00
Monday - Meatball$22.00
Tuesday - Lasagna$22.00
Wednesday - Sausage$18.00
Thursday - Rabbit$28.00
Friday - Fish$32.00
Saturday - Braciole$30.00

What 1,266 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

1,266 Reviews

RB
RoseBubbles
Portland
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2017
overall2food2service4ambience4
We've been excited to try Ava Gene's for a while since we love vegetables and pasta, and this what they are known for. The food was all simply ok. I honestly think we could've made better food at home. The service was kind and prompt, although our waiter (was in-training) didn't offer clear guidance on the menu, so we ordered a few dishes from each section. The prosciutto starter and salads were the best things we ate. Again, dinner wasn't bad, but it was "just ok" for dinner for 2 people for $170.
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R
Ricky
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my second time dining at Ava Gene's. I was impressed-again! I bought a gift card on my way out. That says it all!
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K
Kkjacoby
Orange County
56 reviews
vip
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the tasting menu and it was delish! Great service, great wine, and great food...
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j
janv
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
I live in Dallas and that was my 3rd visit to Portland and 2nd visit to Ava Genes and I can't say enough good things about it. I believe it is truly one of the best and most creative restaurants I have been to . I bought the cookbook but am hoping I can call and get one of the recipes that is not in the book
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L
Luvourchef
Portland
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food had good flavor and unique items. Very nice dinner
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MG
MikeG
San Francisco
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second visit. Exceptional food. They perform miracles with vegetables, pasta, and meats! Wine list is full of interesting and well-chosen options.
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B
pickyB
Portland
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love their vegetable plates, the chef is truly creative. Lamb chops were also tasty.
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S
Spitfire1
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant for a night out with friends. Food is incredible. Who knew we would ever crave Kale Salad, it is awesome. Pastas amazing, service amazing..
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2017
overall4food3service5ambience5
I want to love Ava Gene's - the atmosphere is lovely, the service great, the food was very good - just not worth the hype & $250 for 2 people. Nothing wrong with any of it - I just won't be lusting for Ava Gene's. If you do choose to go, get the panna cotta and garlic bread, which were the highlights.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2017
overall5food5service3ambience5
We'd heard so much about Ava Gene's and it did not disappoint. The food, drinks and ambiance were incredible! I would definitely recommend. My only negative comment was that our waitress seemed distracted. She took a long time to take our first drink order, rarely did table touches and forgot one of our dishes. That was sort of a blessing in disguise as we would have been stuffed! Even with that I would still recommend this spot.
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T
Theriver
Portland
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Meatball Monday is amazing and I highly recommend going to the restaurant any day of the week. The bread, salad, then pasta are the best I've ever had. Favorite restaurant hands down.
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n
nk335
Exclusive
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience4
The garlic bread was amazing and the waitress was very helpful in suggesting wine pairings and spirit flights. The one issue I had with the ambiance was the restroom - my friends and I all did not appreciate how dark it was in the bathroom. They should improve the lighting. Also the soap dispenser was confusing. Apart from that the restaurant was wonderful and I'd recommend it to friends.
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CN
ClaireN
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was impressively good! And my boyfriend is a vegan and they made him a special pasta that was just as delicious as the ones that weren't. Highly recommend!
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IK
IanK
Portland
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Started with the best bread appetizer ever, moved on to amazing asparagus and then flavorful and tender main courses, all coupled with well-made and well-balanced cocktails and mocktails brought by friendly and knowledgeable staff (a lot of them!) in a vibrant atmosphere. It's obvious why it's so hard to get a reservation here.
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D
Dacha
Phoenix
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
Beautiful restaurant. Stunning bathrooms! Excellent food, particularly for plant strong vegetarians. Didn't care for the clams linguine, as the chili paprika sauce was overpowering.
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LE
Likes2Eat
Sacramento
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were so glad that we had faith enough to try the Family Dinner. Each course was a nice surprise, beautifully presented and delicious. Our waiter was spot-on with wine recommendations. On a long weekend in Portland, it was easily the best meal we had.
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W
Wombat
Portland
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience4
Another amazing meal. While the menu may change, the food is consistently amazing. The veggie dishes are so creative and delicious. Great place to go with friends and share.
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HB
HugoBoss
Portland
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2017
overall5food5service3ambience5
Always a great experience service and food-wise. Service was off this time. I know who to ask to "not" be our server in the future. The food and space overcame the poor service we received.
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J
Jape
Portland
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent as always. Service was outstanding in every way: the perfect balance of attentiveness without intruding. Could have ordered anything on the menu and been happy
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience5
One of the best of PDX restaurants. Consistently serving delicious meals and unique combinations of freshly sourced ingredients. The asparagus salad was superb! The prosciutto appetizer was exquisite, some of the best prosciutto I have ever experienced, and I've been all over Italy. Always enjoy lovely wines here too. Another wonderful meal at Ava Genes.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
BEST meal I've had in 2017! Absolutely fabulous. Do the family style dining and let the chefs take control. You will not regret it!
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LB
LindseyB
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great and attentive staff, prompt seating for a small party, and excellent food. An all around great experience that I will definitely keep coming back for. (And delicious cocktails..coming back for them too!)
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c
cakemaker
Vancouver
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience5
Visited Ava Gene's from out of town with 2 friends and it was well worth the trip. The staff was very accommodating of my friend's dietary restraints and very friendly. We tasted the fritto misto, calamari, burrata, polenta, one of the pane options with beans and anchovies (this dish was a little too oily), some cocktails, and 3 pastas (cappelletti with veggies, tagliarini with white ragu, and linguine with clams). Everything was soooo good! Especially the burrata and the fried leeks in the fritto misto. At times we had to wait a long time for the server to come by and we'd have to wait a long time to get their attention. The restaurant was completely full though and it looked like a table next to us was having a fit about something that made our server very frazzled.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a great family meal! Thank you!
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r
richardp
Portland
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food excellent but menu is eclectic. Makes it hard to visit the restaurant often
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my first time to Portland and I was nervous because I was alone. Reading up on everything online every review said Ava Gene's was not to be missed. I booked a solo reservation and I'm so glad I did! It felt refined and classy, but not old or stuffy. I had a light meal - the asparagus and walnut salad was the best thing I've ever had. At the end they gave me a complimentary little panna cotta with a candle in it for my birthday. I had to try REALLY hard not to cry. It was wonderful. (Also the bathrooms are super cool and vintage-y)
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Beautiful interior. Great wine and cocktails. Would love to try Ava Gene's again when back in town.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Received excellent service from our server. She was very attentive. The food was outstanding. I had been dying to try the Gnocco Fritto and it was incredible. The meatball special was delicious, as well as the Tagliatelle with chicken. The ambiance was great, even on a Monday night. Perfect for a birthday celebration.
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J
Judy
Portland
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the service was impeccable. The wait staff knows the menu and wine list inside and out. They spend time answering questions and making very helpful suggestions. The food is creative, fresh and very PDX. The ambiance is romantic but also perfect for friends, family or business dinners.
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F
Fuudy4food
Portland
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the tasting menu, which provided an abundance of food cooked to perfection, and amazing flavors. I can't wait to return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2017
overall2food2service4ambience1
The food was such a disappointment, the wine list absurdly huge, the noise level like a diner. Not worth the money or the time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience5
Best meal I've had in past few years. Vegetables, in particular, were amazing!
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K
Kansas4
Kansas City
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding! Love the Burrata appetizer. Had the Rye pasta and linguini wth clams....both delicious. Highly recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Restaurant...people are friendly, efficient, food and wine AMAZING!!!!
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G
Graciela
New York Area
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food , great service! The only thing is that the waiter insisted in that we had two or three appetizers that we didn't have thank God because the entrees were very abundant, he could have told us this Other than this it was excellent overall!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first visit to Ava Gene's and I will be back without a doubt. Service, food, ambience, attention to detail - all first class!!!
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LF
LisaF
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutky outstanding! Great food, beautiful decor and perfect service!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience3
Not cheap, but food is awesome. Great pasta. Gourmet and a half. Italian to the core.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect meal! Amazing service, completely knowledgable and kind staff. Food was wonderful, drinks were great. Couldn't ask for more!
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WT
WalterT
Portland
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was excellent, from the host to our server. They were always available and were excellent at guiding us through the menu as well as the wine list.
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FAQs

Ava Gene's is rated 4.6 stars by 1266 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

Additional information

Cross street
SE 34th Avenue
Neighborhood
Southeast Portland
Hours of operation
Sunday: 4:30pm-10pm Monday-Thursday: 5pm-10pm Friday: 5pm-11pm Saturday: 4:30pm-11pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Joshua McFadden
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Website
http://avagenes.com/
Phone number
(971) 229-0571

Ava Gene's

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Salumi

Coppa (Brooklyn, NY)$7.00

Calabrese (Salt Lake City, UT)$6.00

Salame Toscano (Berkeley, CA)$6.00

Leporati (Parma, IT)$11.00

Affettati Piccolo$15.00

Affettati Grande$29.00

Roasted Olives$5.00

Piatto Di Verdura, Duck Egg, Ham, Halibut Tonnato, Lemon$16.00

Formaggi

Testun Di Capra (Piemonte, IT)$7.00

Toma Piemontese (Piemonte, IT)$7.00

Ouleout (Walton, NY)$7.00

Tre Formaggi$18.00

Burrata, Strawberries Almonds, Peashoots$17.00

Fritti

Mushrooms, Ramps, Green Garlic, Turnips, Black Garlic Mayo$13.00

Gnocco Fritto, Prosciutto, Parmigiano, Chiles, Honey$12.00

Pane

Garlic Bread$6.00

Fresh Sheep Cheese, Ramps, Currants, Pine Nuts, Chile$11.00

Borlotti Beans, Garlic, Rosemary$12.00

Chicken Liver, Peas, Cippolini Onions$11.00

Filone, Pizza Bianca, Carta Di Musica, N'duja Ricotta (Roman Candle Bakery)$6.00

Giardini

Carrots, Quinoa, Almonds, Seeds, Yogurt$13.00

Radishes, Cashews, Prosciutto, Dates$13.00

Beets, Potatoes, Egg, Lovage, Anchovies, Salsa Verde$13.00

Sprouted Barley, Cauliflower, Fiore Sardo, Pine Nuts, Peppers$13.00

Lettuces, Chicories, Herbs, Katz Apple Cider Vinegar$13.00

Fennel, Pistachios, Olives, Tangerine Agrumato$13.00

"Tuscan Cavalry " Raw Cavolo Nero, Sarvecchio, Filone$8.00

Primi

Ravioli, Nettles, Walnuts, Sheep Milk Ricotta$22.00

Paccheri, Chicken Ragu in Bianco, Peas$21.00

Freekeh Spaghetti, Sardines, Asparagus, Ramps, Pinenuts$21.00

Linguine, Clams, Garlic, Parsley, Basil, Lemon$22.00

Sagna Riccia, Beef Ragu, Tomato, Chicories$21.00

Secondi

Sausage, Oyster Mushrooms, Arugula, Parmesan$18.00

Halibut, Fennel, Dutch Bullet Beans, Capers, Meyer Lemon$34.00

Chicken, Raab, Yogurt, Mint, Almonds, Calabrian Chile$32.00

Strip Loin, Asparagus, Leek Scapes, Bottarga$34.00

Contorni

"Misticanza" Sauteed Greens, Garlic, Olives, Chiles$7.00

Amish Butter Corn Polenta$7.00

Turnips, Capers, Raisins, Anchovy$7.00

Family Style

Sunday - Sugo$22.00

Monday - Meatball$22.00

Tuesday - Lasagna$22.00

Wednesday - Sausage$18.00

Thursday - Rabbit$28.00

Friday - Fish$32.00

Saturday - Braciole$30.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Ava Gene's restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information