Portland, Oregon's Pearl District is a former industrial area that was once home to warehouses, factories and railroad yards. Today, the Pearl District is the center of Portland's art scene, and home to galleries, boutiques and loft apartments. Powell's -- the world's largest independent bookstore -- occupies a full block of the district, and other attractions include an art walk and a wide variety of restaurants that include several offering quality Italian cuisine.
Piazza Italia is located a few steps from the N.W. 11th and Johnson light railway stop and a block from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. The restaurant was opened in 2000 by Gino Schettini, and is largely staffed by his family and friends. Piazza Italia's interiors feature large sculptures imported from Italy and televisions tuned to Italian and soccer channels, offering an atmosphere that Frommer's describes as like "a trip to Italy." The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner seven days a week, serving pasta, seafood and meat dishes, accompanied by an extensive list of Italian wines. Frommer's recommends the linguine squarciarella, made with stirred egg, prosciutto, onion and parmesan, and said by the restaurant to be Gino's favorite dish.
Giorgio's is located two blocks south of Jamison Square and is run by Giorgio Kawas, who is originally from Ferrara in northern Italy. The restaurant's interiors feature black and white tiled floors and a gold-lit foyer, and are described by Fodor's as intimate and classic. Giorgio's makes use of fresh, local ingredients, including organic produce when available, and serves lunch and dinner on Tuesdays through Fridays, along with a dinner service on Saturdays. The menu changes daily, but always offers French-influenced northern Italian dishes, accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list. Desserts include fresh sorbets and crème brûlée.
Located a short stroll west of Giorgio's, Fratelli has been in business since 1998. Frommer's describes the restaurant as "rustic-yet-chic," for its interior design that features contrasting cement walls and elegant drapes. The restaurant serves dinner every night of the week, and lunch from Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fratelli's regional Italian dishes are prepared using fresh, locally-sourced produce and feature selection of pasta, meat, poultry and fish dishes. Frommer's recommends ordering the mix-and-match antipasto plate to start. Desserts include homemade ice cream and cheese plates, and the restaurant offers a fixed-price menu.
