I've been to Italy. I've tripped on the cobblestones, tried to ask for bus tickets in Italian, wondered why pizza didn't have tomato sauce in Florence, and been lulled to sleep with the gentle whizzing of Vespas. This restaurant is as close as you can get to experiencing Italy with all five of your senses without leaving Portland.
The atmosphere is lovely. There are books about Italy near the window, the televisions are tuned to Italian events, the waiters and waitresses speak Italian, and the smells are absolutely intoxicating.
The amazing thing about the food is how the flavors can be so bold and subtle all at once. Everything is spiced just perfectly with very minimal ingredients used in perfect proportions. I had the minestrone soup, a pasta with mushrooms and shrimp, and about 3 loaves of the most beautiful crusty bread you could possibly imagine.
The one thing that many people may find frustrating is the pace of the restaurant. If you've been to Europe you know how laid back people are when they go out to eat. Each course will take at least 30 minutes, they'll add a few courses for good measure, and then assume you'll be talking for another hour before you pay your check and go home. It's not quite as bad (or good, depending on your interpretation) as that, but I'd suggest that you don't arrive starving, or you'll end up gorging on bread before your entrée arrives. Go on a Lazy Sunday afternoon when you don't have a care in the world and can just sit and simmer in the smells and atmosphere of Piazza Italia.
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