This downtown restaurant is known for its local cuisine; all the ingredients are harvested here in Oregon. The small, split-level setup is cozy, but it can get bit noisy. Northwest seafood, local mushrooms and other veggies make up an array of uniquely Oregon dishes. Sustainability is at the core of the restaurant's food philosophy and it firmly believes in supporting and sourcing from local growers. The lamb sausage and Totten Inlet mussels are specialties not to be missed. The pastrami sandwich is a good choice for lunch. The freshness of the ingredients and the diversity it brings to the palate is an obvious advantage of this practice. This restaurant also claims to have the largest wine and beer list in the city; don't expect a Budweiser though. An excellent choice for a local culinary experience.
Standing a little away from Portland's bustling city center, Nostrana serves up honest regional Italian fare in a warm and welcoming setting. The restaurant's outdoor facade is fairly simple. Step in, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at what they've done with the place. Clean lines, lots of wood, ceiling-mounted fans, large decorative plants and some great lighting choices give the place, a very charming feel. Choose from a limited, but well-crafted menu of regional Italian specialties made using the freshest local, seasonal ingredients. Seafood features in pretty much every course, with meat, also getting good representation. Pizzas are extremely popular and offer the most variety on the menu. From options like the classic Margherita to the lesser-known Vongole and Salumi, the selection offered is a good mix. The food has received stellar reviews and it ranks as one of the better Italian restaurants in the city.