Last week, we asked what’s the best place for pasta in the Portland area for The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Readers Choice Awards, and this week, we’re going to get straight to the voting results.
No. 5: Estes Ristorante
Former Paley’s Place chef Patrick McKee’s long-running pasta concept began as a pop-up at the since-closed wine bar Dame, had a stay at Broder North, then returned to its original Northeast Killingsworth Street intersection. “The sheer love and enjoyment Patrick McKee puts in his food comes thru with every delicious bite. He’s a joyous cook and clearly it shows with his every adventure,” one reader said. Another summed up Estes with: “Great food, excellent cocktails, beautiful service and ambiance.”
5513 N.E. 30th Ave., estespdx.com
No. 4: Boccis Peace and Pasta
Boccis calls its offerings “East Coast American Italian inspired comfort food” and is known for huge portions. “Best Alfredo I’ve had in my life,” one reader said. Another shouted out angel hair pasta and a third said, “Everything they do is amazing.”
1728 S.E. 7th Ave., boccispeaceandpasta.com
No. 3: A Cena
This trattoria in the Sellwood neighborhood serves handmade pasta and cured meats with a focus on local ingredients. We love the lobster agnolotti. “A Cena is without a doubt my go-to restaurant any time someone is asking me for recommendations, whether they are seeking Italian, a date spot, special occasion, a quiet bistro. A Cena is that unique place that can meet all these needs with a delicious menu, fantastic staff, and wonderful service. It’s kept me coming back year after year since they opened. I cannot say enough great things about this place,” one reader said.
7742 S.E. 13th Ave., acenapdx.com
No. 2: Nostrana
The No. 3 finisher from the previous Readers Choice Awards for the best pasta as well as a top finisher for the best restaurant, Portland’s Italian standard bearer from chef Cathy Whims has been going strong for more than 20 years. “The pasta at Nostrana is always great no matter the dish,” one reader said. “Nostrana has it all, style, sophistication, story, execution and most importantly everyone cares about their craft and customers to the maximum,” another said.
1401 S.E. Morrison St. #101, nostrana.com
Campana Italian restaurant Offerings at Campana include Rigatoni Amatriciana. (Sean Meagher/The Oregonian/Sean Meagher/The Oregonian) No. 1: Campana
For the second time, Campana is our readers’ pick for the best pasta place in the Portland area. “Campana delivers perfect pasta every time. It’s our go to place for special events and I always know we will have a delicious meal with great service. Plus, their coffee is amazing,” one reader said. Many readers called out the restaurant’s reasonable prices and one person said, “Their cannoli are divine.” Another reader summed it up with: “The food, the people, the vibe. All are fantastic.”
901 N.E. Oneonta St., campanapdx.com
Dining and Cooking