At Bling Dental, we're always looking for another neighborhood favorite to experience, and this month our lead hygienist, Jordan, revisited one of her go-to restaurants, Piazza Italia. Located in the Pearl District, Piazza Italia has earned a loyal following for its authentic Italian cooking, welcoming atmosphere, and genuine charm. With Jordan's Italian mother visiting from out of town, it was the perfect opportunity to see if Portland could live up to some high Italian standards.

📍 Neighborhood Bites – Piazza Italia

Hours: Monday–Thursday from 5pm to 9pm / Friday from 5pm to 10pm
Saturday for Lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm & Dinner from 5pm to 10pm.
Sunday for Lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm & Dinner from 4:30pm to 9pm.
Address: 1129 NW Johnson St, Portland, OR 97209
Reviews: Over 1,200 Google Reviews | 4.6 Average Rating

Stepping Into Italy

While this wasn’t Jordan’s first visit to Piazza Italia, it had been a while since her last meal there. Whenever she’s craving authentic Italian food that’s simple and done exceptionally well, this is the place she keeps coming back to.

From the moment they walked in, the restaurant felt warm and inviting. The cozy dining room, approachable staff, soccer jerseys hanging from the ceiling, and small Italian deli tucked into one corner made it feel less like a restaurant and more like a neighborhood spot in Italy.

One detail that immediately stood out was hearing the staff speak fluent Italian throughout the restaurant, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience. “I love that you can show up dressed casually or dressed up for a special occasion and still feel like you belong,” Jordan shared.

The Dishes of the Evening

With so many options on the menu, Jordan and her mom had one ambitious goal: try as much as possible. Even after ordering appetizers, multiple pasta dishes, and dessert, they barely made a dent.

The table featured everything from Minestrone Soup, Bruschetta Monferrina, Prosciutto di Parma with melon, and the Insalatona salad to classic pastas like Rigatoni Bolognese, Lasagna, Penne al Pesto, and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. To complete the evening, they couldn't pass up the tiramisu, which earned a perfect 10 out of 10!

Jordan's standout favorites were the Penne al Pesto and, especially, the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. “I can’t say enough about this dish,” she said. “I had to resist licking my bowl at the end so I had to order bread to mop up the juices!”

One pleasant surprise during the meal was the Insalatona salad. With so many hearty pasta dishes on the table, the fresh greens, avocado, tuna, eggs, and lemon vinaigrette provided the perfect balance and quickly became a favorite.

More Than Just Great Food

The service matched the quality of the meal. Every member of the staff was warm, friendly, and approachable, and before the evening ended, the owner even stopped by to chat about the restaurant's cheeses and wines.

One thing Jordan appreciated most was how present everyone seemed.

"People weren't distracted by taking pictures of everything," she said. "They were simply enjoying good food and good company."

Jordan's Final Take

If Jordan had to sum up Piazza Italia in one sentence, it would be this: simple dishes, affordable prices, and authentic Italian cuisine done right.

She would gladly recommend Piazza Italia to anyone searching for genuine Italian comfort food without the high-end price tag. The portions are satisfying, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, and every visit feels welcoming regardless of the occasion.

Whether you're introducing visiting family to one of Portland's hidden gems or simply craving a delicious plate of pasta, Piazza Italia delivers exactly what great Italian dining should be: authentic, comforting, and full of heart.

Stay tuned for next month's restaurant spotlight, where another member of our team will share one of their favorite Pearl District finds!