Portland's Best Italian Restaurants

"Toothsome bucatini in vibrant marinara. Clams and mussels in garlicky broth. Red sauce, white sauce. Brodo! A nice glass of vino and, of course, some dreamy focaccia to scoop up whatever's left. Oh, and some boozy tiramisu and crunchy cannoli, too. When it comes to comfort food, it's exceptionally hard to top Italian cuisine, whether it's rooted in Old World tradition or East Coast diaspora."

"A Cena is built around hallmarks of a bygone era: butcher paper over the tables, complimentary bread delivered as you peruse the menu, even a perfectly potable house red and house white. The menu of familiar dishes carries a similar, practiced aplomb. A chicory Caesar comes with just enough dressing. Arancini nail that crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside texture, with an extra gooey cheese stretch."

Portland's Italian dining scene emphasizes comforting, traditional flavors across red and white sauces, seafood brodos, and hearty pastas. Restaurants often promote shared plates, large portions, and nostalgic service elements like butcher paper tables and complimentary bread. Signature dishes include bucatini in marinara, clams and mussels in garlicky broth, arancini with creamy centers, agnolotti filled with sweet corn and mascarpone, and bistecca from wood-fired grills. Menus extend to garlicky cannellini dips, chicken liver pâté, ricotta-enhanced meatballs, risottos, roast chicken, and braised short ribs. Desserts frequently feature tiramisu and cannoli, and several excellent Italian delis complement the scene.

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