Piazza Italia

Written by K. Hart at www.casago.com
facade at Piazza Italia
clam pasta
interior at Piazza Italia
Italian cuisine and wine

About

In a city where one traditionally thinks of seafood stands a charming Italian eatery, Piazza Italia. This culinary haven offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of the Rose City.

Established by Gino Schettini, an Italian immigrant from Rome, and his friend, Kevin Gorretta, Piazza Italia has become a beloved fixture in Portland since its inception in 2000. 

This eatery is what Gino and Kevin proudly call home, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the melodious conversations fill the air.

When hearty Italian fare is calling your name, make a beeline for Piazza Italia for a memorable meal. 

Vibe

Approaching Piazza Italia, the crisp red linens atop the small tables and the Italian flag above a large window tells you precisely what you're in for. The facade beckons you to enter and experience a slice of Italy in the heart of Portland.

The interior of Piazza Italia will convince you you have an Italian grandmother and you're currently in her dining room. The warm color palette, terracotta tile floor, statues imported directly from Italy, shelf after shelf of Italian and Oregon wines, and a ceiling lined with Italian soccer jerseys perfectly meld together. 

The restaurant's homey vibe will make you feel like you've stepped into a traditional Italian trattoria.

The ambiance at Piazza Italia is lively and friendly. Here, families gather for Sunday dinners, friends share a bottle of wine over a soccer match, and couples savor romantic dinners by candlelight. 

The authentic Italian background music adds to the authenticity, making you feel like you're dining in the heart of Rome.

Piazza Italia: Menu & Drinks

You won't find prix fixe at Piazza Italia, or small portions, or contrived menu items. What you will find, however, is huge portions of traditional Italian delicacies. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey on your Oregon vacation through Italy's rich and diverse flavors!

You've come to the right place if you're a pasta lover. Their homemade pappardelle al cinghiale is one of their classics. Tossed with a rich and hearty slow-cooked wild boar meat sauce, the chefs prepare the pappardelle with a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy.

If you're having trouble deciding what to get, you couldn't go wrong with Gino's favorite: the Linguine Squarciarella. The pasta, which can be subbed with their homemade pappardelle, is stirred with egg, prosciutto, onion, Parmigiano, and black pepper, giving you a creamy, decadent meal that will stick to your ribs and have you saying, "Mamma mia!"

Nothing goes quite as well with the rich pasta as classic wines. Piazza Italia has more than its fair share of bottles from Italy and Oregon. Whether you're looking for a rich red, crisp white, or bubbles, Piazza Italia has multiple options. And what's more Italian than finishing the meal with a delicious espresso?

Piazza Italia has mastered the art of Italian cuisine, and each dish is a testament to its commitment to authenticity and quality. Whether savoring antipasto or indulging in handmade pasta, every bite will feel like an Italian vacation.

Local Tips

  • Bar Rione, the sister restaurant next door, is a perfect place for a cocktail!
  • Order online for pickup to savor your meal as a picnic or at your Casago rental. 
  • Consider sitting on the charming outdoor patio to enjoy your meal al fresco.
  • The Italian menu extends to their desserts! Don't forget to save room for tiramisu.
  • Piazza Italia hosts Portland's AS Roma fan club. Catch a game on the weekends!

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