During our trip to Portland Oregon in June, we definitely wanted to visit food cart pod spots like Tokyo Sando, but also, there were a few classic spots we wanted to visit. One of them was called Gilda’s Italian Restaurant, with a soft “g” which is a name of an Italian Grandmother. You can find photos of her and her family everywhere inside the restaurant, which is really sweet. From their website, it is stated that “for Grandma Gilda, food was love.”
Now, her legacy continues on, by her grandson Marco. Chef Marco named the restaurant after her to honor her memory. Such loving family! We got to meet Chef Marco, he was extremely nice, welcoming, and really fun. He worked at several notable Portland area restaurants, then in Italy. When he returned home, he opened Gilda’s, using the loving memories of her, and his trained culinary skills.
We wanted to visit Gilda’s for lunch, and arrived just 10 minutes before they close between lunch and dinner hours. With that, the restaurant was empty, and we were worried that we were too late. But the server Stephen welcomed us with excitement. Thank you! We first received some bread that they source from Grand Central Bakery. Really good pieces of bread for sure. The bread service cost you $1, but I think it is a nice thing to have, especially to clean your plate after you finish your pasta. The olive tapenade oil was really nice too.
The server Stephen was extremely friendly and talkative. He gave us recommendations on not only what to order, but what to see in Portland. He was simply awesome! So, the dish that he recommended above everything else was Pappardelle “Alla Panna” ($16). It is made with House-Sausage, Cream, and Parmigiano. To be honest, it didn’t sound like much, and if I was just reading the menu, I probably would not have chosen this dish over other really tasting sounding dishes. But Stephen knows what’s good, and what’s best. It was super delicious! Every bite was heavenly. Creamy white sauce that I might say the best I’ve ever had. Sweet Italian sausages coated in the goodness, and pasta that was perfectly cooked, plump and satisfying. Such simple looking dish, yet it was like a grand orchestra playing beautiful melodies in my mouth and tummy. Amazing! I could have a huge bowlful of this every day…
We also wanted to try another dish, so we ordered Spaghetti with Grandma’s Meatball & San Marzano Tomato Sauce ($22). It comes with one HUGE meatball, and there is an option to add another meatball for additional cost. We went with just one meatball, and I tell you, it was enough. The huge meatball was juicy and packed with flavor. Sauce was earthy and tomato-y. We enjoyed this dish a lot also. But if I have to choose between the two, I would have to say Pappardelle takes the center stage.
To finish off, the server Stephen recommended us to try their house-made ice cream or sorbet. At this point, we had 100% trust in Stephen. LOL. We got Strawberry Mango Sorbet with his recommendation. It was refreshing, with such strong fruity flavor, as if you are eating the actual fruits. What a way to end the epic lunch!
Now, Gilda’s Italian Restaurant is not just a restaurant. They also have lounge or bar space, separated from the restaurant by kind of a long hallway in the back. They open from 4:30pm, and is a very different vibe from the restaurant upfront. Seems like a really fun spot to hang out.
Half way down the hallway is where the bathrooms are located. They have a large sign on the doors that says “one person at a time” so make sure you lock the door when you enter. It was a nice big restrooms, well-lit and clean.
We had a fantastic lunch here at Gilda’s Italian Restaurant. Stephen and Chef Marco made the experience extra fun. Food was excellent, we enjoyed every bite from the beginning to the end. I definitely recommend vising Gilda’s if you are in Portland area. And If you don’t know what to order, just ask Stephen for recommendations, and he will set you straight, and you will sure to have a great time!
Gilda’s Italian Restaurant – 1601 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205