Genoa Restaurant

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2832 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214

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(503) 238-1464
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Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Genoa Restaurant - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 20 )
( 20 )
( 5 )
( 6 )
( 10 )

Best

We went last night and the theme was Naples. I am half Italian, from NY and my family has restaurants all over LI. I am so happy with my experience at Genoa. The food was clean...

Worst

This little restaurant takes itself so seriously it would be difficult not to laugh if the food wasn't so mediocre & frankly unitalian Pros: , cachet Cons: , hallowed atmo...

It's OK if you are into it 8/3/2005

After hearing a lot of good things about Genoa's we decided to go here for a romantic diner, well I must say I was a little disappointed. It took a long time to get seated, the waiting room is ok, a nice feature but not special. The service was VERY slow, the food below average. My grandma would probably like it. TOO Expensive though! Pros: Waiting room, Friendly Staff Cons: Service Slow, Food Below Average, Price more
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A Portland classic 6/26/2005

This is THE place to go for a long, leisurely, high-end meal. Authentic, well balanced Italian dishes, including the occasional strange yet wonderful dish (e.g. cantaloupe pasta). Solid wine list, with good pricing, especially on the high-end wine (within $10-20 of retail on $100+ wines). Good service, and, as many have noted, dated decor (although I was there recently and they had updated the lighting, cool slipper shade lamps). I also think it's a bit weird that there is no foyer; you walk straight into the dining room. If you want huge portions or American-Italian staples such as Chicken Parmesan or Spaghetti and Meatballs, this is not the place for you. Pros: great food, good winelist, serious dining Cons: dated decor more
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A special occasion 6/9/2005

I took my partner to Genoa to celebrate her birthday. The best part of the meal by far was the dessert! The service was slow and not attentive at all. The ambience was nothing special- needs a good remodel. The food was ok - nothing special. We were both dissappointed. Pros: Dessert Cons: Expensive, Average Food, Outdated more
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User review by davidfield 5/20/2005

Genoa will always be a standout in Portland - it's unique blend of classic, old world dining, plus luxurious food and wine, make it an experience like none other - I highly recommend it. Pros: classy, leisurely, luxurious more
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Special Occasion 4/23/2005

I've been to Genoa's on several occasions, and my husband recently asked to spend his birthday there. Again, we enjoyed the champagne drinks in the funky waiting room, the 7 courses and mouth watering desert. Of all courses, the soup was the best. The trick is to go to the later sitting so there is no worries about being rushed off your table. Sure, it is expensive, but sometimes it is just fun to feel worth it. Pros: wine list, set meal price, soups Cons: expense more
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Sadly Disappointed... 2/2/2005

My husband and I went to Genoa about 6 years ago and it was fabulous. We were really looking forward to it again. However, our second experience was not good at all. The food was average, at best. The service was good, but when we weren't finished with our 7th course in time (its a long process and we had four people), they kicked us off our table and made us finish the evening in the waiting room. Our bill was $450, you would think that we would at least be able to enjoy it at our table. I'm afraid to say that I think its gone downhill since their old chef, Cathy Whims, left. There are too many superb restaurants in Portland to spend an arm and a leg on this one. Pros: experience, wine list, dessert Cons: expensive, average food more
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Disappointed 11/28/2004

Me and my wife were looking forward to a romantic dinner at Genoa after having read about it in Gourmet. The setting was nice and romantic but the food was just average. I expected more for a 7 course $70 price fix dinner. I had a steak which they recommended be served med./rare (which is how I normally like it) but was served cooked through and when I asked the server she said it was med./rare. The wine list was good, but the server seemed to have little knowledge about wine and there is no somelier to help either. I am a fairly avid food and wine guy but always appreciate a restaurant that can guide you in selecting a wine to match to the food and your personal tastes. Although the experience was ""fine"", I believe there are better choices for a romantic and/or upscale italian dinner in Portland Pros: Romantic, Quaint Cons: , Poor value, Service knowledge more
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Never again 8/4/2004

My husband and I are totally disappointed by this restaurant. The only good thing was the server: he was very detailed in letting us know the ingredients and cooking methods. The food is mediocre, even if charged at an average price, let alone at this price tag. The pork chop was said to have marinated for a few days - and it was too salty. The restaurant is a big square shaped area, no China wall to block out views from customers who just walk in. My first reaction when I stepped in was: is that it? Decor disappointing. No background music. Never again. Do not recommend to go. Pros: Service Cons: , Poor food, adjustment more
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Major Disappointment 4/2/2004

Growing up in an Italian-based community on the east coast, I found this place lacking any authenticity to what I grew up loving Italian restaurants for. It's a very nouveau-riche environment, vain, self-conscious, stiff. The food is OK and a departure from traditional Italian, but as for $100/plate price tag...I've had countless better meals and experiences at other Italian restaurants costing 1/10th that of Genoa. Without price factor, I'd rate Genoa as middle of the pack. I left hungry also, as the servings are quite paltry. Service was poor as well. Pros: Unique Cons: , Service, Food more
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You have to do it at least once 2/5/2004

Eating at Genoa is an experience in itself. It's even more fun with a big group. Be sure to check out their menu in advance and call for reservations as it's sometimes hard to get one on the weekend. Plan on 3 hours for dinner! more
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Perfect Special Occasion Restaurant 1/5/2004

What new can I say? My husband brought me here for my birthday and I was so impressed I almost cried at every course. I can't say much more that hasn't already been said. The place is not cheap but it was worth every penny. I'm in love with Genoa! more
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Best food and atmosphere! 7/27/2003

The Genoa is our favorite spot for special occasion dining. We were treated to a fine meal, as usual, last night on our anniversary. The food was excellent: the service friendly, knowledgeable, and flawless; and the overall experience was exceptional. Our waiter recommended a wonderful wine to go with our dinners. At the table behind us was a couple from MI in town for a convention and they thoroughly enjoyed their dining experience too. Hats off to a place that is ALWAYS firstrate! Pros: Romantic, Fantastic food, Knowledgeable Cons: Neighborhood Parking more
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Not 5 star for nothing! 7/22/2003

Having lived in this area for many years, I have frequented Genoa many times. This is one of the few 5 star restaurants in Portland. This restaurant was started in 1971. To this date, the FORMER waiters/waitresses OWN this establishment. One of my very favorites, Cathy Whims is the current owner. You walk in and you realize it is VERY small. Not too much effort is in the decor, but believe me, it has upscaled 100% over 20 years! You sit down, and your waiter brings you the first of 7 courses, explaining IN DETAIL how everything is prepared. You have no choice in your courses except for the main course - always 3 choices, which again are explained fully. The food is delicate, beautifully prepared with the freshest, seasonal ingredients AND the staff goes to Italy at least once a year to get new ideas..an incredible feast!! Pros: Soft, dim lighting, Attentive Staff, exquisite food! more
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Lovely but not Amazing 6/24/2003

Genoa has excellent food in at least A FEW of the courses, but there are ALWAYS a few that are not so good. For the price paid, this should not happen. The ambience is, well, what ambience? The restaurant really should invest in some better decor. It looks more like a Brazilian dive in a strip mall than a fine Italian restaurant. The service is pleasant but not as polished as one would expect for the type of restaurant that Genoa portrays itself to be. Despite my complaints, I usually go about once a year, because, although expensive, it's not THAT expensive, and there are always some really good courses to be had. Excellent food is hard to find, and this is one place that you can count on to have it. Pros: excellent food Cons: ambience lacking, service more
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Worth every penny! 5/1/2003

Just had dinner at Genoa for the first time last night and my husband and I were both impressed (both former cooks, not easily bowled over). Every course was delicious and we left very satisfied. Service team was excellent. We did the full 7 courses and were there 2 hours. We will be back for sure. I'm just sorry we waited as long as we did to try it! Pros: Delicious, Good service more
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For a special moment 4/29/2003

This is an occasion restaurant, so no, ""I'm hungry, let's stop at Genoa."" Of course it's overpriced, that's the point. All the offerings on the prix fix were delicious; corkage fee is definitely too high. Service a bit snooty, but expected. I'd opt for the seafood as a choice entree. Pros: tradition, soups more
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Best italian in PDX 2/14/2003

Most of the negative reviews here must be skewed. Those people have no idea what good italian food tastes like. They are probably the same people that thing The Olive Garden is good ""real"" italian food. Genoa lacks in ambiance, but easily makes up for it in food. The entire idea around the set menu is great and as it should be; it's how all great restaurants are. I think Portland has a lack of knowledge and experience when it comes to good dining and great food. Pros: inventive combination, quality wait staff, seasonal/NW ingred. Cons: ambiance, lighting, price more
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se-DUC-tive luscious 1/21/2003

if you are considering ""value"" here, you have it wrong. this place starts with a fifth category, say ""experience."" you're greeted, and sat comfortably, and before you know, your meal has started; lovely, you haven't even seen a menu. the food is probably delicious. if it's not revelatory, it has good depth. i know all the candlelight and stuffed flowers produce a tranquilizing effect, but like opium, genoa is seductive. Pros: like dreaming, depth Cons: not always astonishin more
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Mediocre at best 1/21/2003

I took my wife here for her birthday and I was extremely disappointed, a meal at this price should be exceptional, not just merely digestable. Lack of creativity, presentation and overuse of outside suaces and condiments were the rule of each course. Service was ok, atmosphere was not worth noting. Pros: dark Cons: Overpriced, No creativity, food more
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what service 1/20/2003

great atmosphere, food okay, service terrible. Too much time between couses, service inconsistant, it took so long to get to the final couse our water asked if we would vacate the table as they had another reservation waitng. I will never go back again. more
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Menu for Genoa Restaurant


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Editorial

  • Old standby draws tourists and special-occasion diners with multi-course Italian-inspired meals.

  • 12/3/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tuesday To Sunday From 05:30 PM To 09:30 PM
  • Payments: Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, Carte Blanche, Visa, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Sunnyside, Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program
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