‘Top Chef’ alum launches Italian-inspired pasta and cocktail bar in Northwest Portland

Published 5:00 am Thursday, October 16, 2025

Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi, a Portland native and “Top Chef” alum, is debuting a cocktail and pasta bar in Slabtown.

Hey Luigi, where two bars are married for endless combinations of craft cocktails and twists on Italian classic pasta dishes, is now open in Northwest Portland. It’s described as a place where Italy’s “timeless aperitivo tradition” meets Portland’s “inventive culinary spirit.”

Spanning 1,600 square feet with enough seats for 32 guests — plus standing room and patio seating for the warmer months — this dark, moody venue features vintage posters, a verdant plant wall, porcelain finishes, custom artwork and Pascuzzi’s personal cookbook collection.

Pascuzzi, who is also the chef and owner of nearby wood-fire steakhouse, Bistecca, aims to continue shaping the city’s dining scene by combining world-class and deeply local concepts.

At Hey Luigi, guests are invited to gather over snacks and spritzes, experiencing blends of Pascuzzi’s Italian roots and Portland upbringing, merging classic recipes with Pacific Northwest ingredients. The eatery name is an homage to his father, whose middle name is Luigi, and to their family’s Italian-American heritage.

Feeling thirsty?

Beverage Director Natane Adams, of Bistecca, and Bar Manager Kyle Sanders, formerly of Multnomah Whiskey Library, mirror Pascuzzi’s culinary take with a concise wine list and selection of signature cocktails.

Here’s what’s to drink:

Ciao Luigi: a crushable, bubbly cocktail made with Cocchi Americano, Clear Creek Apple Brandy, pear liqueur, lime soda and topped with Lambrusco.
Evil Monkey: a banana-heavy cocktail made with Planteray OFTD Rum, Ron Colon Red Banana Oleo Rum, Cynar 70, marsala, Pairidaeza Creme de Banane and topped with brûléed banana.
No! Groni (non-alcoholic): Pathfinder non-alcoholic spirits with Roots Divino Aperitif Rosso & Blanco.

Time for some grub

The menu dives into Italian-inspired classics, featuring shareable bites like “Nonna’s Bread,” a family recipe, and Prosciutto di Parma, fresh from a countertop slicer.

Other snackable options include:

Anchovy Toast
Habanero Smoked Oyster Dip
Burrata di Puglia with confit tomatoes

For a bigger appetite, guests can indulge in pasta imported from Italy, including:

Mezze Maniche alla Pesto, using fresh pesto made via mortar and pestle daily
Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Mushroom Risotto
Hamburger al Fromaggio

Top off the evening with a sweet treat, such as glazed pistachio donuts or an “adult ice cream float,” made with Averna, Ramazzotti Liqueur, Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, soda and vanilla soft serve.

Hey Luigi, 2175 N.W. Raleigh St., Suite 105, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to midnight.