Gilda’s: A Wonderful Italian Restaurant in Portland
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During our trip to Portland last year, my wife and I were looking for a nice Italian restaurant to host our anniversary dinner. After scouring Yelp, we landed on Gilda’s.
Based on reviews, locals and visitors alike seemed to enjoy it (which is rare) and the dimly lit, semi-casual atmosphere seemed right up our ally.
Additionally, it isn’t a chain. It’s locally owned and operated, which is something we make a point of supporting during our travels.
Take all that and combine it with the fact that it was a quick 15 minute walk from our downtown area hotel and it was a no-brainer.
So if you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Portland, read on to find out about our experience, what we ordered, our recommendations and more!
Restaurant Info
Location: Portland, OR
Address: 1601 SW Morrison Street
Cost: Mid - high range
Food: Italian
Open: Lunch & dinner (closed for a couple hours in between)
Seating: Indoor. Dining room and lounge available
Alcohol: Extensive beer, wine and cocktail offerings
Website/Menu: www.gildasitalianrestaurant.com
Our Visit: March 2022
Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.
Gilda’s is located in the Portland neighborhood of Goose Hallow, on the ground level of the historic Commodore Hotel.
It was opened by Chef Marco in 2010 and expanded in 2012 with the opening of the lounge in the adjacent space.
Chef Marco received his culinary training at Apicious International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. He credits his mother and grandmother (Gilda) as his early culinary influences.
As you may have guessed, the restaurant is lovingly named to honor Grandma Gilda, who sadly passed away in 2008, just two years before its opening.
According to the website, Grandma Gilda was known for her love of cooking homemade pasta, pizzas, soups and desserts for family and friends.
To her, food equalled love, and that’s the same passion for cooking Chef Marco committed to bringing to the City of Roses.
The dining room is dimly lit with Italian themed decor throughout, giving off a romantic, yet cozy atmosphere. A large photo of Grandma Gilda hangs deservedly near the entrance.
The menu consists of many Italian classics you know and love such as rigatoni, spaghetti and meatballs, and pappardelle, as well as rotating specials.
They also have an extensive libations menu consisting of a variety of beers, wines and cocktails. I deviated from my usual Old Fashion to try their Blackberry Lemon Drop (and I have no regrets).
Its base is Tito’s Vodka (a popular brand out of Austin, Texas) mixed with fresh lemon juice and blackberry coulis, finished with a lemon wedge and sugared rim.
I may or may not have ordered a few of these as I found the drink delicious, never mind smooth and perfectly crafted.
We were served a starter of their garlic bread with a side of tomato sauce. If you like garlicky-garlic bread, this is for you.
For our entrees, my wife ordered their special at the time, an oxtail dish. Speaking truthfully, she was let down by it as she felt the oxtail was overcooked and lacked sufficient flavor.
I kept it simple by ordering the Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, a house staple that I thoroughly enjoyed. The housemade pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauce had excellent flavor and I received a generous heaping of parmesan.
To finish the meal, we ordered the Italian classic, Tiramisu. I’ve yet to have a bad Tiramisu and Gilda’s was no exception (I bit into it before getting a picture).
Aside from my wife’s dish, we had a great experience at Gilda’s. If we’re ever in Portland again (and we definitely will be), we wouldn’t hesitate to book a table.
Whether you’re a visitor looking for a great place to eat in Portland or a local looking for a date night meal, I hope you’ll consider Gilda’s.
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