Iorio Restaurant

I went here for my birthday this year. My mother and I ordered the Chef's sampler- it is true to it's word in that you get samples only. But each sample got more delicious as we went along! It started with a spicy prawn ceasar salad- it was very good, but nothing extraordinary. Next was a pesto ravioli. This was absolutely delicious. However, I was really disappointed that they only gave me two raviolis. Come on! You need at least three!! It was so good I wanted to lick the bowl, but I didn't. Next was a wonderful grilled salmon on a bed of Israeli couscous and grilled vegetables. This was my absolute favorite. The piece of salmon was a decent size, slightly smaller than what would be an true serving. I wanted more couscous though. The whole thing was drizzled with balsamic vinagrette, and was wonderful. Dessert was slightly less wonderful- three little fried donuts (some francy French name I can't remember) drizzled with strawberry and chocolate sauce. They were very good, but not as good of a finish as I had expected. My dad had a pasta dish I can't remember, and the beet salad. He LOVED both, and I think he left more satisfied than my mom and I because our portions were pretty small. If I was the chef, I'd charge a few more dollars and give decent portion sizes. Other than that, it was INCREDIBLE. They even give you a little anise seed cookie at the end. Pros: Delicious food Cons: Service was unmemorable; Parking is a bit irritating on Hawthorne, but they do have a small lot more

I went here for my birthday this year. My mother and I ordered the Chef's sampler- it is true to it's word in that you get samples only. But each sample got more delicious as we went along! It started with a spicy prawn ceasar salad- it was very good, but nothing extraordinary. Next was a pesto ravioli. This was absolutely delicious. However, I was really disappointed that they only gave me two raviolis. Come on! You need at least three!! It was so good I wanted to lick the bowl, but I didn't. Next was a wonderful grilled salmon on a bed of Israeli couscous and grilled vegetables. This was my absolute favorite. The piece of salmon was a decent size, slightly smaller than what would be an true serving. I wanted more couscous though. The whole thing was drizzled with balsamic vinagrette, and was wonderful. Dessert was slightly less wonderful- three little fried donuts (some francy French name I can't remember) drizzled with strawberry and chocolate sauce. They were very good, but not as good of a finish as I had expected. Pros: Delicious food Cons: Service was unmemorable; Parking is a bit irritating on Hawthorne, but they do have a small lot more

I went here for my birthday this year. My mother and I ordered the Chef's sampler- it is true to it's word in that you get samples only. But each sample got more delicious as we went along! It started with a spicy prawn ceasar salad- it was very good, but nothing extraordinary. Next was a pesto ravioli. This was absolutely delicious. However, I was really disappointed that they only gave me two raviolis. Come on! You need at least three!! It was so good I wanted to lick the bowl, but I didn't. Next was a wonderful grilled salmon on a bed of Israeli couscous and grilled vegetables. This was my absolute favorite. The piece of salmon was a decent size, slightly smaller than what would be an true serving. I wanted more couscous though. The whole thing was drizzled with balsamic vinagrette, and was wonderful. Dessert was slightly less wonderful- three little fried donuts (some francy French name I can't remember) drizzled with strawberry and chocolate sauce. They were very good, but not as good of a finish as I had expected. My dad had a pasta dish I can't remember, and the beet salad. He LOVED both, and I think he left more satisfied than my mom and I because our portions were pretty small. If I was the chef, I'd charge a few more dollars and give decent portion sizes. Other than that, it was INCREDIBLE. They even give you a little anise seed cookie at the end. Pros: Delicious food Cons: Service was unmemorable; Parking is a bit irritating on Hawthorne, but they do have a small lot more

My husband & I spent a delightful Saturday evening at Iorio recently. We were visiting Portland from out of town and selected Iorio based on the recommendations at this website. We were very happy with every aspect of our experience there. We were pleased to see that the wine list contained selections that would satisfy almost any palate and was not overwhelmingly large. The food was absolutely delicious. We decided to split the beet salad and were given generous portions for each of us. I had the organic chicken breast. The chicken was moist and tender throughout and the polenta was smooth and creamy. My husband had the duck, and from what I could tell, he was just as pleased with his entree. We did have some room for dessert, so we shared a cherry gelato. It was lovely, vanilla gelato studded with delicious cherries and served an a waffle type of cracker. From the time we entered to the time we left, the service was nothing less than attentive. We also had the chance to chat briefly with Chef Chris. Subsequent to that, Steven, a member of his staff came over and talked to us about other restaurants we might like in Portland, and even went so far as to make a reservation for us! The topper? The bill. For 2 mixed drinks, a bottle of wine, a salad, 2 entrees, a dessert and coffee, it was less than $100. Can't beat that! We will absolutely dine again at Iorio next time we're in town and will recommend it to everyone who has travel plans to Portland. more

My husband & I spent a delightful Saturday evening at Iorio recently. We were visiting Portland from out of town and selected Iorio based on the recommendations at this website. We were very happy with every aspect of our experience there. We were pleased to see that the wine list contained selections that would satisfy almost any palate and was not overwhelmingly large. The food was absolutely delicious. We decided to split the beet salad and were given generous portions for each of us. I had the organic chicken breast. The chicken was moist and tender throughout and the polenta was smooth and creamy. My husband had the duck, and from what I could tell, he was just as pleased with his entree. We did have some room for dessert, so we shared a cherry gelato. It was lovely, vanilla gelato studded with delicious cherries and served an a waffle type of cracker. From the time we entered to the time we left, the service was nothing less than attentive. We also had the chance to chat briefly with Chef Chris. Subsequent to that, Steven, a member of his staff came over and talked to us about other restaurants we might like in Portland, and even went so far as to make a reservation for us! The topper? The bill. For 2 mixed drinks, a bottle of wine, a salad, 2 entrees, a dessert and coffee, it was less than $100. Can't beat that! We will absolutely dine again at Iorio next time we're in town and will recommend it to everyone who has travel plans to Portland. more

I read all the rave reviews so I decided to take a friend from Brazil to this restaurant. Oh! it was a mistake. Food was below average. Pasta was rubbery, pizza was tasteless, cookies were burnt, coffee was luke warm, service was ok, ambience so so. It was hardly crowded so calling ahead to reserve is a joke! At the end they did give us a complimentary dessert and let us stay until the restaurant closed without trying to hurry us. The staff was very friendly, but niceness cannot satisfy your appetite for good food. more

I read all the rave reviews so I decided to take a friend from Brazil to this restaurant. Oh! it was a mistake. Food was below average. Pasta was rubbery, pizza was tasteless, cookies were burnt, coffee was luke warm, service was ok, ambience so so. It was hardly crowded so calling ahead to reserve is a joke! At the end they did give us a complimentary dessert and let us stay until the restaurant closed without trying to hurry us. The staff was very friendly, but niceness cannot satisfy your appetite for good food. more

My husband & I spent a delightful Saturday evening at Iorio recently. We were visiting Portland from out of town and selected Iorio based on the recommendations at this website. We were very happy with every aspect of our experience there. We were pleased to see that the wine list contained selections that would satisfy almost any palate and was not overwhelmingly large. The food was absolutely delicious. We decided to split the beet salad and were given generous portions for each of us. I had the organic chicken breast. The chicken was moist and tender throughout and the polenta was smooth and creamy. My husband had the duck, and from what I could tell, he was just as pleased with his entree. We did have some room for dessert, so we shared a cherry gelato. It was lovely, vanilla gelato studded with delicious cherries and served an a waffle type of cracker. From the time we entered to the time we left, the service was nothing less than attentive. We also had the chance to chat briefly with Chef Chris. Subsequent to that, Steven, a member of his staff came over and talked to us about other restaurants we might like in Portland, and even went so far as to make a reservation for us! The topper? The bill. For 2 mixed drinks, a bottle of wine, a salad, 2 entrees, a dessert and coffee, it was less than $100. Can't beat that! We will absolutely dine again at Iorio next time we're in town and will recommend it to everyone who has travel plans to Portland. more

I read all the rave reviews so I decided to take a friend from Brazil to this restaurant. Oh! it was a mistake. Food was below average. Pasta was rubbery, pizza was tasteless, cookies were burnt, coffee was luke warm, service was ok, ambience so so. It was hardly crowded so calling ahead to reserve is a joke! At the end they did give us a complimentary dessert and let us stay until the restaurant closed without trying to hurry us. The staff was very friendly, but niceness cannot satisfy your appetite for good food. more

We are SO glad we didn't just go someplace else after u-turning a few times looking for the place. Hawthorne is crazy over there! When we walked in the hostess greeted us as if we were her sister and brother- in town for just one night. We were seated and immediately presented with the wine list (really affordable and well done, NOT cheap- but inexpensive wines) and menus. The waiter was awesome and led us through the menu and specials expertly. Wine sercive is perfect and the stemless glassware adds to the romantic touches of the place. FOOD is AMAZING. We had salmon that was the best I've ever had. Every single sauce and ingredient is inventive, fresh, and stunning. There is nothing on the menu that you've had before I bet. I left thinking that the food was not too filling and absolutely perfectly executed. It was the first time since moving to Portland that I didn't leave thinking, gee, I could have made something better at home. We stayed late and we NEVER rushed. Everyone in the dining room (staff) gave a quiet but personal goodbye as we were leaving. Wow. This place is fantastic.... Pros: Amazingly affordable. Good date spot Cons: Damn one way Hawthorne :) more

We are SO glad we didn't just go someplace else after u-turning a few times looking for the place. Hawthorne is crazy over there! When we walked in the hostess greeted us as if we were her sister and brother- in town for just one night. We were seated and immediately presented with the wine list (really affordable and well done, NOT cheap- but inexpensive wines) and menus. The waiter was awesome and led us through the menu and specials expertly. Wine sercive is perfect and the stemless glassware adds to the romantic touches of the place. FOOD is AMAZING. We had salmon that was the best I've ever had. Every single sauce and ingredient is inventive, fresh, and stunning. There is nothing on the menu that you've had before I bet. I left thinking that the food was not too filling and absolutely perfectly executed. It was the first time since moving to Portland that I didn't leave thinking, gee, I could have made something better at home. We stayed late and we NEVER rushed. Everyone in the dining room (staff) gave a quiet but personal goodbye as we were leaving. Wow. This place is fantastic.... Pros: Amazingly affordable. Good date spot Cons: Damn one way Hawthorne :) more

We are SO glad we didn't just go someplace else after u-turning a few times looking for the place. Hawthorne is crazy over there! When we walked in the hostess greeted us as if we were her sister and brother- in town for just one night. We were seated and immediately presented with the wine list (really affordable and well done, NOT cheap- but inexpensive wines) and menus. The waiter was awesome and led us through the menu and specials expertly. Wine sercive is perfect and the stemless glassware adds to the romantic touches of the place. FOOD is AMAZING. We had salmon that was the best I've ever had. Every single sauce and ingredient is inventive, fresh, and stunning. There is nothing on the menu that you've had before I bet. I left thinking that the food was not too filling and absolutely perfectly executed. It was the first time since moving to Portland that I didn't leave thinking, gee, I could have made something better at home. We stayed late and we NEVER rushed. Everyone in the dining room (staff) gave a quiet but personal goodbye as we were leaving. Wow. This place is fantastic.... Pros: Amazingly affordable. Good date spot Cons: Damn one way Hawthorne :) more

My husband and I chose Iorio for our anniversary based on the recommendations on this site. We were not disappointed! We dined on a weekday night and found the atmosphere romantic (cozy decor, not too busy) and service wonderful (attentive from beginning to end). And the food...so good! The foccacia with butternut squash spread was a great little starter. We had read great things about the gnocchi, so we started with that (it was served with a cream sauce on the day we visited) and both my husband and I chose the pork with polenta for our entree (it is a different dish than the osso bucco listed on the internet menu). The gnocchi was so delicious. I could have made a meal of those little bites of heaven and been perfectly pleased! Another reviewer described the gnocchi by saying that it could "change lives". I agree. The portion was generous enough that it would easily satisfy if ordered as a main course. The pork, though not quite what we expected, was perfectly done and a delicious surprise--if it would have been described in detail my finicky husband may not have ordered it or would have requested alterations, but he ended up loving it, in spite of himself! The only "bad" thing about the experience was that we were too full to get dessert (but a group at another table ordered the dessert sampler and were obviously satisfied). Great choice for those seeking a hearty Northern Italian meal and for those who appreciate quality and creativity in their food. We will be repeat customers and recommend Iorio highly to our friends and family! more

My husband and I chose Iorio for our anniversary based on the recommendations on this site. We were not disappointed! We dined on a weekday night and found the atmosphere romantic (cozy decor, not too busy) and service wonderful (attentive from beginning to end). And the food...so good! The foccacia with butternut squash spread was a great little starter. We had read great things about the gnocchi, so we started with that (it was served with a cream sauce on the day we visited) and both my husband and I chose the pork with polenta for our entree (it is a different dish than the osso bucco listed on the internet menu). more

My husband and I chose Iorio for our anniversary based on the recommendations on this site. We were not disappointed! We dined on a weekday night and found the atmosphere romantic (cozy decor, not too busy) and service wonderful (attentive from beginning to end). And the food...so good! The foccacia with butternut squash spread was a great little starter. We had read great things about the gnocchi, so we started with that (it was served with a cream sauce on the day we visited) and both my husband and I chose the pork with polenta for our entree (it is a different dish than the osso bucco listed on the internet menu). The gnocchi was so delicious. I could have made a meal of those little bites of heaven and been perfectly pleased! Another reviewer described the gnocchi by saying that it could "change lives". I agree. The portion was generous enough that it would easily satisfy if ordered as a main course. The pork, though not quite what we expected, was perfectly done and a delicious surprise--if it would have been described in detail my finicky husband may not have ordered it or would have requested alterations, but he ended up loving it, in spite of himself! The only "bad" thing about the experience was that we were too full to get dessert (but a group at another table ordered the dessert sampler and were obviously satisfied). Great choice for those seeking a hearty Northern Italian meal and for those who appreciate quality and creativity in their food. We will be repeat customers and recommend Iorio highly to our friends and family! more

Tried it for the first time last night after the positive reviews here and was not disappointed. We made a reservation earlier in the day and probably would recommend it for weekend nights (it was pretty busy). I was impressed that when he took the reservation he inquired about food allergies and special occasions. When we got there, we were seated promptly. The space is modern and pleasant but not especially romantic, as another reviewer mentioned. The fresh warm focaccia bread and squash-garbanzo dip was an excellent starter. I had the chef special menu consisting of watercress salad (ok), a couple ravioli (perfectly cooked and delicious), salmon on celery-mashed potato (again, perfectly cooked) and gelato (ok). We also had the calamari, but this one I couldn't recommend. It's not bad (breading was light enough), but the calamari wasn't particularly tender and the cornmeal breading seemed to overpower it a bit. We also tried the organic greens with candied walnuts. The salad was pleasant enough on its own but nothing special; however, the goat-cheese tarts that were served on the side were an excellent surprise. Our second entree was the duck. Wow! Perfectly cooked and a nice pairing with the cherries. The second desert was the apple tart - very tasty with a light phyllo-like crust that wasn't overpowered by the small pieces of apple in a light sauce. I think next time I wouldn't order the chef's menu and order ala carte instead. We'll definitely be going back to see if they can hold up to our, now substantial, expectations. It seems like this place is a winner. more

Tried it for the first time last night after the positive reviews here and was not disappointed. We made a reservation earlier in the day and probably would recommend it for weekend nights (it was pretty busy). I was impressed that when he took the reservation he inquired about food allergies and special occasions. more

Absolutely wonderful mixture of flavors and textures. Everyone in my party was more than impressed with their dinners (definitely start with the tender calamari) and the attentive service. The only downfall was the noise level ... I was expecting a subdued ambiance that held up to the rating of being one of Portland's romantic dining spots, and instead got something more catering to the young date crowd with the piped in music a tad too loud for dinner conversation. Don't get me wrong - I will be returning time and time again, but now I know what to expect. Pros: Service Cons: Noise Level more

Absolutely wonderful mixture of flavors and textures. Everyone in my party was more than impressed with their dinners (definitely start with the tender calamari) and the attentive service. The only downfall was the noise level ... I was expecting a subdued ambiance that held up to the rating of being one of Portland's romantic dining spots, and instead got something more catering to the young date crowd with the piped in music a tad too loud for dinner conversation. Don't get me wrong - I will be returning time and time again, but now I know what to expect. Pros: Service Cons: Noise Level more

Tried it for the first time last night after the positive reviews here and was not disappointed. We made a reservation earlier in the day and probably would recommend it for weekend nights (it was pretty busy). I was impressed that when he took the reservation he inquired about food allergies and special occasions. When we got there, we were seated promptly. The space is modern and pleasant but not especially romantic, as another reviewer mentioned. The fresh warm focaccia bread and squash-garbanzo dip was an excellent starter. I had the chef special menu consisting of watercress salad (ok), a couple ravioli (perfectly cooked and delicious), salmon on celery-mashed potato (again, perfectly cooked) and gelato (ok). We also had the calamari, but this one I couldn't recommend. It's not bad (breading was light enough), but the calamari wasn't particularly tender and the cornmeal breading seemed to overpower it a bit. We also tried the organic greens with candied walnuts. The salad was pleasant enough on its own but nothing special; however, the goat-cheese tarts that were served on the side were an excellent surprise. Our second entree was the duck. Wow! Perfectly cooked and a nice pairing with the cherries. The second desert was the apple tart - very tasty with a light phyllo-like crust that wasn't overpowered by the small pieces of apple in a light sauce. I think next time I wouldn't order the chef's menu and order ala carte instead. We'll definitely be going back to see if they can hold up to our, now substantial, expectations. It seems like this place is a winner. more