"Many of these spots existed as pop-ups before they settled into permanent housing, while a few others followed the classic Portland narrative of food-cart-turned-brick-and-mortar. And a thread of comfort wove through these openings-rather than intricate tasting menus or experimental cocktail bars, we got homey cuisine and family recipes. We twirled pasta at new Italian spots, devoured roast chicken at LaVerne's and Bar Nouveau, and sipped pandan cocktails at Bone Sine and After Ours."
"We started early, with the February opening of Montelupo's Italian American spin-off, Monty's Red Sauce, and never slowed down as spots like Hey Luigi, Maglia Rosa, Fantino, Sunday Sauce, Dimo's Italian Specialties, and many others opened throughout the year. Even the newest Jewish deli has Italian touches (more on that below). The latest: Pomalo Bar on North Lombard, which combines Italian food and Southern cuisine with dishes like meatballs in Creole cream sauce and crawfish étoufée with garlic bread."
2025 brought many Portland restaurant openings without a single standout destination. Numerous establishments transitioned from pop-ups or food carts into permanent brick-and-mortar locations. Comfort food and family recipes dominated menus instead of intricate tasting menus or experimental cocktail programs. A substantial wave of Italian restaurants emerged, including Monty's Red Sauce, Hey Luigi, Maglia Rosa, Fantino, Sunday Sauce, Dimo's Italian Specialties, and Pomalo Bar. Pomalo Bar blends Italian and Southern cuisine with dishes like meatballs in Creole cream sauce and crawfish étoufée with garlic bread. Familiar comforting dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant sandwiches, and roast chicken resonated with diners. Bon Appétit figure Molly Baz announced plans for a vegan fast-food restaurant in Portland in partnership with local Matt Plitch.
Read at Portland Monthly
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