Kim G.
Yelp
I'm still dreaming about the Mortadella pizza we had last night! Thankfully, I brought a slice home and will enjoy later. This is the best pizza in Portland! With combinations I've only enjoyed previously in Rome. This particular pizza is listed on the menu as Bologna's Love, and it's aptly named! Get it! The mortadella, bologna, studded with pistachios, is placed over a base of pistachio pesto. Yes! Divine! And stracchino cheese, a superbly creamy cow's milk melting cheese, that adds to this pizza's creaminess, a delightful contrast to the lightly charred crust.
When a friend invited me to dinner, I knew the pizza would be fantastic because it's the sister restaurant of Mucca Osteria, next door, arguably the best high end Italian restaurant in Portland. The pizza menu boasts many traditional Roman ingredients and combinations, in pizza form. For example, the Amatriciano is topped with delicious guanciale (pork cheek), carmelized onion, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano, adding a salty flavor layer. Fabulous.
We shared the Cesar salad, both of us exclaiming it was one of the best we ever had. Crisp romaine, noticable flavor bombs of minced anchovies with a creamy in-house dressing That I wish they bottled. We left no crumbs!
Since we have different wine preferences, we enlisted the assistance of the Sommelier to select a wine. The Cab Franc she recommended was simultaneously light (few tannins) with rich berry notes. Perfection.
For lunch they serve pasta, but only during lunch. And yes, that includes the 4 pastas of Rome, each of which I love for different reasons. Cacio e Pepe (Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper) for the saltiness and simplicity; add gianciale for pork goodness and its Alla Gricio. Add egg yolks for richness and it's Carbonara. Sub tomatoes and onion for egg yolks and it's a tomatoe based Amateiciano. I need to visit 4 times so that I can enjoy each! Not kidding, thats a declaration.
Inside is small and unassuming with an open view of the chefs doing their magic. The waitstaff is wonderful, friendly and efficient. This is new favorite casual restaurant.
Located on SW Morrison between 9th & 10th, which is the street car route so there is no parking out front. Park at the Smart Garage on SW 9th, right before Morrison, and walk one half block up to restaurant on the right.
This is legit pizza.