Serratto Restaurant Review: A Portland Culinary Gem

When a meal begins with an exquisitely presented dish, you know you’re in for a remarkable culinary experience. That’s precisely the feeling I had when the Ahi Tuna Tartare arrived at our table at Serratto, a renowned Portland, Oregon restaurant.

Serratto - Portland, Oregon Restaurant Ahi Tuna Tartare — Ahi Tuna Tartare “Nicoise” at Serratto – A culinary masterpiece.

The Ahi Tuna Tartare “Nicoise” (chopped egg, capers, olives, house-made potato chips, tarragon aioli – $15) was the stunning opening dish I had the pleasure of enjoying during a recent blogger dinner at Serratto. Owners Julie and Alex Bond, along with Executive Chef Tony Meyers, treated us to a delightful autumnal feast, sampling their Italian and Mediterranean-inspired fall menu while Julie shared the fascinating history of the restaurant.

If you’ve spent any time in Portland, you’re likely familiar with Serratto. But have you visited recently? As someone who grew up in Portland, I’ve witnessed the transformation of the space from Delfina’s (1979-1999) into the “old” Serratto (1999), and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the “new” Serratto. The Bonds acquired the restaurant from Michael Cronin in 2004, and they’ve created a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual neighborhood gathering, a special occasion celebration, or a romantic date night. With their thoughtfully curated kids’ menu, it’s also an excellent choice for a family meal.

My last visit to this space was in 2001, celebrating my bridesmaids’ brunch with cherished family and friends before my wedding. Returning after twelve years, those fond memories flooded back. I imagine many Portlanders have similar memories associated with this space. If you do, and haven’t been back lately, it’s time to revisit. And if you’ve never experienced Serratto, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go and enjoy!

The Culinary Delights at Serratto

Executive Chef Tony Meyers at Serratto, crafting culinary masterpieces.

Following the exquisite Ahi Tuna Tartare, we were treated to seven incredible dishes, accompanied by a selection of beverages to keep us refreshed throughout the evening. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showcasing Chef Meyers’ talent and dedication to quality ingredients.

The refreshing Kale Salad at Serratto, a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

The Kale Salad (pine nuts, honey crisp apple, sour cherries, Grana Padano, apple cider vinaigrette – $8) was a standout dish. As a kale enthusiast, I appreciated the fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of apple and pine nuts was particularly delightful, adding a touch of sweetness and nutty crunch to the salad.

Perfectly Seared Sea Scallops at Serratto, a culinary highlight.

Seared Sea Scallops are consistently one of my favorite dishes, and Serratto’s version, featuring brussel sprouts, roasted butternut squash, and apple butter, was absolutely exceptional. I wholeheartedly loved this dish and highly recommend it. Chef Meyers truly excelled with this creation. I sincerely hope this dish remains a permanent fixture on the menu. The Seared Sea Scallops are available for $30 on their dinner menu, a worthwhile investment for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Braised Tails & Trotters Pork Shank Ravioli, a savory and satisfying pasta dish.

The Braised Tails & Trotters Pork Shank Ravioli (caramelized onion, baby arugula, stone-ground mustard cream sauce) was another highlight. The house-made ravioli was impeccably prepared, and Serratto offers a variety of other pasta options, including pappardelle, spaghetti, cavatelli, and rigatoni. The pasta dishes are available in small ($13) and full ($18) plate servings.

As a devoted pasta lover, I could happily eat pasta every day. On my next visit, I plan to try the pappardelle with wild boar, arugula, hazelnuts, and shaved pecorino. I often find myself daydreaming about perfectly crafted house-made pappardelle. It’s a true culinary obsession. In fact, I might just dream about that dish tonight.

Or perhaps I’ll dream about the pomme frites…

The Painted Hills Burger, featuring delicious pomme frites.

While I enjoy fries in general, I have a particular fondness for pomme frites. These thinner, twice-fried potatoes are typically cooked in animal fat, resulting in an extra rich and flavorful experience. The Painted Hills Burger at Serratto is served on a brioche bun with white cheddar, bacon, aioli, BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and, of course, pommes frites ($14). These pomme frites were simply superb – perfectly crisp on the outside with just the right amount of salt.

Serratto a Portland Oregon Restaurant - duck and dessert — Muscovy Duck Confit and Apple Turnover – A perfect ending to a memorable meal.

Another standout dish was the Muscovy Duck Confit. Duck is a meat I adore, but usually reserve for special occasions. Serratto’s rendition was wonderfully prepared, featuring black lentils, kale, parsnip cream, pancetta, and a juniper demi-glace.

We concluded the meal with a classic: Apple Turnover served with cinnamon gelato and amaretto caramel. It was divine! I could have easily devoured a dozen of these. Okay, maybe just three, but it was truly fantastic. The turnover was perfectly baked with a delightful combination of sugary, buttery crunch. This sweet treat was accompanied by a Spokane Speedball: a large cup of espresso with Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Serratto wine flight — A selection of fine wines available at Serratto.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed a selection of beverages, including a delightful red wine flight:

Mandrarossa “Bonera” Sicilia ’09 Nero D’Avola/Cab/Cab Franc
Els Guiamets “Isis” Montsant ’06 Carignan/Grenache/Syrah
Fidélitas “M100” Columbia Valley ’11 Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec

Serratto’s extensive wine list boasts an excellent selection of wines from Italy, Spain, and the US.

It had been twelve years since my last visit to Serratto, and I was delighted that this recent experience was also a fun girls’ night out! I’m looking forward to bringing my whole family here soon so the kids can enjoy their fresh, house-made pastas.

Serratto: A Portland Dining Destination

Serratto is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Portland institution. With its warm ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and dedication to quality, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot, a place to celebrate a special occasion, or a family-friendly restaurant, Serratto has something to offer everyone.

www.serratto.com
2112 NW Kearney St. at NW 21st Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97210

I encourage you to check out the reviews from my fellow food bloggers who also attended this event. It’s always a pleasure to share a meal with others who understand the need to capture photos, tweet, Instagram, Facebook, and Pin while engaging in conversation. (Blogger links below the photo):

Food bloggers at the Serratto dinner.

Mrs. Maki Cooks // A Well Crafted Party // PDX Food Love // Spoon and Saucer // The Spicy Bee // Salt Water Coffee // Pechluck’s Food Adventures // Hummingbird High

A special thank you to Serratto and HJ Consulting for the complimentary dining experience. I only write about experiences, products, and services that I genuinely believe in and personally recommend to my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.