The Bling Dental team continues their quest on discovering some of the Pearl’s best and most unique restaurants… this time our wonderful insurance trio of Abbie, Molly, and Olivia sat down at Piattino, a small but cozy and intimate spot with elevated Italian dishes and wood-fire pizzas.

📍 Piattino

Lunch & Dinner: Everyday from 12 PM – 9 PM
Happy Hour: Everyday from 2:30 PM – 4 PM
Address: 1140 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Reviews: Over 1,000 Google Reviews | 4.7 Average Rating

Why Janken?
It was the talk of the town when it first opened. Rumor has it there’s even a hidden speakeasy inside. Though they didn’t make it this time, it’s definitely on their list to come back and check out. They had heard amazing things about the food and ambiance and were so excited to experience it together.

At First Glance
Right away, the girls noticed a big wood-fire oven centered in the restaurant, giving an immersive feel. You could see the pizzas being made, which you might see even closer if you sat at the bar. The aromas of delicious dishes constantly wafted in the air, which was not something to complain about. A small but welcoming spot with a rustic feel, Piattino brings a sense of sophistication while also still feeling homey.

The Dishes of the Night

The three shared the Pistachio Martini, which was so creamy and decedent, with a hint of cherry flavor. A trio of appetizers started the evening: crispy brussels sprouts with fresh garlic and parmesan, a deliciously balanced asparagus salad with massaged kale, golden raisins, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic glaze, and lastly crispy arancini balls stuffed with creamy rice and served with a chipotle aioli. All three appetizers were a perfect start to the dinner, all feeling balanced and not too heavy.

But where Piattino really shined was the handcrafted and made-in-house pasta as well as the wood-fire pizza cooked right in the middle of the restaurant. Olivia’s favorite was the seasonal pasta special – the creamy squash risotto, which was so hearty and flavorful with asparagus and Mama’s Lil’ Peppers. “It felt like a warm hug and was the perfect dish on a gloomy, rainy day!” Olivia said.

They also shared the herbaceous pesto tortellini, and manicotti which was stuffed with rich beef and creamy bechamel sauce and served in its own individual little cast iron skillet. All pasta dishes were served with a side of homemade, slightly grilled rustic bread. Molly and Abbie’s favorite of the night was the pear and prosciutto pizza, which had an explosion of flavor with the salty prosciutto, sweet and caramelized pear, and sharp shaved pecorino. They all described the first bite as the scene in “Ratatouille” where fireworks go off in the brain. “The pear, prosciutto, and cheese was a perfect combination,” said Abbie. They also tried out the classic Margherita pizza, a suggestion from their waiter. Classic and simple, the pizza was delicious and had a perfectly chewy crust.

They couldn’t leave without dessert, and so they decided to try the seasonal crème brûlée, which was a vanilla bean flavor with lemon zest. The crunchy top shell was so perfectly burnt and crystalized, and underneath was a silky custard that melted in their mouths. The flavors of vanilla bean and lemon were subtle but added the perfect extra something to a classic dessert.

Vibes & Service Their waiter, Christopher, was so attentive and personable, guiding them the whole way through ordering. Everything came out in a timely manner and was so fresh. The restaurant itself was very small but cozy and comfortable, almost feeling like a little hole-in-the-wall. The lighting was dim and warm, and the decor gave off an overall rustic feeling with lots of wood accents. All of the interior walls are made from wood from a barn from the late 1800’s in Aurora, Oregon, so everything is locally sourced and handmade, which naturally follows their way of preparing their dishes as well! The tables were made with live-edge wood and perfectly tied in with the atmosphere. “I almost felt like we were in an elevated cabin somewhere in Italy,” Olivia mentioned.

Final Thoughts from Olivia, Abbie, and Molly “A perfect spot for a nice Italian dinner where you want to feel like you’re splurging a bit but you don’t actually break the bank,” said Molly. The prices were reasonable for the quality and portions. All three were impressed with the flavors, kind service, and cozy ambiance. “Definitely make a reservation as the restaurant is pretty small – but it’s worth it!” they agreed. We’ll be back next month with another review of one of our neighborhood eateries!

“Neighborhood Bites” – Piattino