Kim G.
Yelp
Love everything about Campana! The absolutely delicious food; the warm and welcoming owner, George, and the staff; the affordable food offerings; and the safe and comfortable outdoor seating. Everything contributed to a fabulous night and I can not wait to go back again and again.
We showed up for our reservation 30 minutes early, not really understanding where this restaurant was located. George greeted us warmly, the smile evident even under the mask! He accommodated us without hesitation and seated us outside on the patio. There were several tables on the street also, and party lights on the awning that turned on at dark, making the area feel intentional and not isolated.
Tim was our waiter and he was super friendly, knowledgeable and accommodated our request to pace our meal. Never once did we feel rushed, which we really appreciated. We started with cocktails, of course, which hit the spots, then shared a Cesar salad that had the most delicious lemony dressing. Wish we could have the recipe! Along with their garlic bread that is topped with crispy cheese.
For the main, I had to go with cavatelli, a pasta not often offered in Portland but a staple in NJ and NY where I'm from. The pork ragu was flavorful and the Dollop of whipped ricotta the cherry on top! Perfecto!
My friend ordered the penne with a vodka sauce and it was divine. Both of us ate every last morsel! And accompanied our meals with a wonderful bottle of juicy red wine.
Even though we were satiated, we had to get the cannoli for desert. I'm a Jersey Girl of Italian descent so could not pass it up. The cannoli was totally legit. They pipe in the ricotta filling right before they serve them which keeps the shell crisp, which is the only way to eat cannoli. It did not disappoint! Reminded me of my favorite line from The Godfather, "Take the gun, leave the cannoli."
Because if my background and knowledge and fan of east coast Italian, I had to ask a George where he grew up and learned to cook. New Jersey! Knew it! After years of cooking in top restaurants in NJ and NYC, he and his wife moved to Portland and first opened Grand Army Tavern in this same location. Added Campana as a Pop-up which has since taken off and replaced Grand Army as of June 2020.
George and his wife are already researching and implementing safety procedures such as A hospital type ventilation system and screens to separate tables That are spaced far apart so that customers can continue to enjoy Campana's fabulous food indoors once the weather gets cold.
Please give this restaurant a try! You will not be disappointed. Easy to get to, right off NE MLK in the Woodlawn neighborhood, it was a quick ride from downtown Portland and so worth it. They do take out and dine in on their outdoor space, soon to have indoor seating. Already planning my next visit!!!