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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Waterfront

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9 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Mama Mia Trattoria restaurant
1. Mama Mia Trattoria
4.5
Awesome(1832)
££££
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 20 times today
Mama Mia Trattoria in Downtown Portland offers an authentic Italian dining experience that transports you straight to an old-school Italian kitchen. Everything is made from scratch, from the fresh mozzarella and pasta to the delectable sauces and desserts, ensuring a taste that’s both genuine and delightful. Diners rave about the “delicious homemade pasta and sauces” that elevate the flavors to new heights. The ambiance is described as “wonderful,” with a family-friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion. With its commitment to quality local products and sustainability, Mama Mia Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone craving true Italian cuisine.
A photo of Dimo’s Italian Specialties restaurant
2. Dimo’s Italian Specialties
4.7
Exceptional(53)
££££
• Contemporary italian • SE Portland
Booked 6 times today
Dimo's Italian Specialties (Located in Portland, OR), is an Italian Deli, Retail Market and Bakery by Day. At night we transition to a fine dining New York Italian Restaurant. With a menu mixed with old school Italian favorites and seasonally rotating dishes of local vegetables, crudos and charcuterie, an array of handmade pastas, and simple proteins grilled over a coal oven. At the beautiful old oak bar you can sip on amaro focused cocktails, European and willamette valley wines, or a large selection of local draft beers.
A photo of clarklewis restaurant
3. clarklewis
4.5
Awesome(2464)
££££
• Contemporary italian • SE Portland
Booked 2 times today
Clarklewis, nestled in Southeast Portland, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that masterfully combines Italian inspiration with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. This vibrant eatery is renowned for its “creative and delicious” dishes that consistently exceed expectations. The open kitchen, featuring a large oak-burning oven, is the heart of the restaurant, infusing every meal with authentic flavors. Diners rave about the “stellar papardelle with lamb ragu” and “homemade pasta that is so fresh and light.” With its commitment to farm-to-table excellence, Clarklewis not only offers exquisite meals but also a top-notch dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
A photo of Il Solito restaurant
4. Il Solito
4.3
Awesome(1343)
££££
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Elevated Classic Breakfast Fare in Downtown PortlandWhether you crave a sweet or savory wake up, Il Solito has a delicious breakfast selection with options ranging from a hearty Breakfast Sandwich with bacon, eggs, cheese, spinach, and tomato jam on a croissant to a luxurious Short Rib Hash, alongside sweeter choices like Brioche French Toast served with fresh whipped cream and berries.
A photo of Tartuca restaurant
5. Tartuca
4.7
Exceptional(244)
££££
• Contemporary italian • NE Portland
Booked 14 times today
Tartuca in Northeast Portland is a vibrant haven of Contemporary Italian cuisine that masterfully blends the charm of Italy with the freshness of the Pacific Northwest. Diners rave about the "absolutely FABULOUS dining experience" and the incredible house-made pastas and focaccia. The menu, which evolves with the seasons, guarantees unique and delightful dishes on every visit. Guests are particularly enamored with the ricotta gnocchi, described as "out of this world." Tartuca's intimate, welcoming atmosphere, paired with a meticulously curated wine list featuring small, artisanal producers, ensures a dining experience "like none other in Portland," making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.
A photo of Cibo restaurant
6. Cibo
4.7
Exceptional(279)
££££
• Contemporary italian • SE Portland
Booked 18 times today
Cibo is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and classic Italian dishes in a warm, inviting space. With red leather booths, wraparound windows, and an open kitchen featuring our imported Liberian pizza oven. Cibo is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.Please note-Reservations for parties of eight or more require our preset family-style Dining option. This helps the kitchen and the logistics on the floor to have predetermined food with larger parties. We stop taking reservations at 4:30 to save tables for walk-in guests.All Reservations are for 1 hour 45 minutes. Please email us at cibopdx@gmail.com with any questions. Cheers!
A photo of Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace restaurant
7. Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace
4.7
Exceptional(2724)
££££
• Contemporary italian • Lake Oswego
Booked 29 times today
Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace in Lake Oswego is a true gem for those seeking authentic Deli cuisine with an Italian flair. Patrons rave about the "delicious, fresh homemade" dishes and the "excellent service" that accompanies every meal. The house-made pasta dishes are a standout, with one delighted guest noting, "We love the house-made pasta dishes; they are all so good!" The welcoming atmosphere, complete with delightful live music, enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a "home away from home." Whether you're indulging in their exquisite gelato or enjoying a lively evening out, Nicoletta's consistently delivers excellence and warmth.
A photo of Yum's of PDX restaurant
8. Yum's of PDX
4.9
Exceptional(86)
££££
• Contemporary italian • SE Portland
Booked 7 times today
Head pizzaiola and owner Miriam Weiskind hails from Brooklyn, New York now bringing her passion and artistry in pizza making to Portland, Oregon. Miriam, founder of The Za Report, first gained accolades teaching pizza with Scott Wiener of Scott’s Pizza Tours in NYC. About a decade later, she began baking pizza and during the pandemic helped to launch the pizza popup scene in NYC and beyond. During the pandemic, she baked more than 5,000 pizzas from her 350’ Brooklyn apartment to help New Yorkers in need.Having starred on The Food Network’s CHOPPED and Hulu’s Best in Dough, Miriam has gained international recognition in pizza for her eccentric pizza recipes and craft in creating a truly special dough.Prior to moving to Portland, Miriam was written up in the New York Times by Pete Wells as one of NYC’s best new aspiring pizza masters in NYC having baked pizza he could only dream about.
A photo of Don's Favorite Foods restaurant
9. Don's Favorite Foods
5.0
Exceptional(182)
££££
• Contemporary italian • Beaverton
Don's Favorite Foods offers an exquisite journey into Contemporary French/American cuisine, nestled in charming Beaverton. This intimate dining gem is celebrated for its "elevated Italian-American nostalgia" and features a prix-fixe menu that changes monthly, showcasing Chef Don Salamone's mastery from Michelin-starred kitchens. Diners are treated to dishes like "the most amazing manicotti" and "perfectly timed" courses, each paired with imaginative wines by Sommelier Adam Galbraith. Guests rave about the "fantastic food and service," making it a go-to spot for special occasions. With a focus on authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients, Don's is a culinary delight that keeps patrons returning.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cheryl
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful dinner at Dimo's prior to a show at the Imago Theatre. We started with the fresh baked bread, dressed arugula salad and the roasted cauliflower. All were very fresh and delicious. We enjoyed the meatballs and pork chop as our main entrees and were very happy with both. The pork chop was particularly amazing! The specialty cocktails were expertly crafted and a wonderful addition to a lovely meal. Our server was very polite and efficient. Dimos's is just a block away from the Imago Theatre so it's a short walk to the venue. Highly recommend!!
    More info
    Dimo’s Italian Specialties$$$$• Contemporary Italian• SE Portland
    •
    4.7
  • Stacie
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Went to Cibo to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation! We had a wonderful time -- food and service were exceptional.
    More info
    Cibo$$$$• Italian• SE Portland
    •
    4.7
  • ScottGold
    Portland / Oregon •57 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 30 May 2026
    Food was fantastic as usual, and great cocktails. The pastas are always nice and fresh, and the salmon was light and tender, cooked perfect! Always a great spot!
    More info
    clarklewis$$$$• Regional American (Northwest)• SE Portland
    •
    4.5
  • BruceGold
    Las Vegas •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 26 May 2026
    Loved this restaurant. Food was outstanding, as was the service. A great choice when you are in Portland.
    More info
    Mama Mia Trattoria$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Ken
    Portland / Oregon •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 May 2026
    It was our first time in, and we were able to make reservations for 2 on a Saturday. It was busy, but we managed. The ambience is nice - candlelight but also with energy and a bit of underlying bustle. Perfect date night energy. Our server was amazing, and frankly everyone from our main server to the fine other staff members running dishes, everyone was so smiley, welcoming and helpful. They also did not hover, which was appreciated. The food was delicious, and we had great recommendations from our server. Drinks were on point as well. I can speak to the oysters, the field salad, the Tagliatelle, gnudi...all so delicious. Will definitely be back.
    More info
    Tartuca$$$$• Italian• NE Portland
    •
    4.7

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