We are taking reservations online to ensure proper social distancing for guests and staff. You are also welcome to call us at (503) 206-3291 to reserve a table, or join our wait list. We value fresh ingredients, local Pacific Northwest farmers, consistency, and seasoned and personable staff. We proudly serve handmade pasta and cured meats, daily prepared focaccia bread, a well-matched wine list.
Our aim is to offer our guests a fine-dining experience with the comfort and warmth of an Italian country kitchen. Consistent with our mission, we take the pandemic seriously, and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that we take the necessary, preventative steps to mitigate risks and protect our guests and employees.
Our aim is to offer our guests a fine-dining experience with the comfort and warmth of an Italian country kitchen. Consistent with our mission, we take the pandemic seriously, and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that we take the necessary, preventative steps to mitigate risks and protect our guests and employees.
Reviews (23)
Mary C.
Jan 30, 2022
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Nina N.
Jan 18, 2022
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When I lived in Sellwood this is one of those places that I always wanted to go to and yet I find myself here celebrating good company with friends years later after I moved. I definitely understand why it's so popular the service is really great and it feels like you get transported to a different country. I ordered their braised dish and unfortunately the meat did come out not as tender as I wanted it to be. But they have a good wine selection and we did love our appetizers. We ordered a salad and my friend really loved her butternut squash ravioli. The desert was also really good although
David C.
Jan 12, 2022
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We decided to choose a Cena for my sisters graduation dinner and everything was tasty. Considering how we went at dinner time everything was served at a proper time and the service was good. We got a little bit of everything for our party of 6 and everything was delicious. The pasta was cooked to a perfect Al dente and they tasted homemade. The sauce tasted natural and paired harmoniously with the dish. My only complaint would be the size of the table. Although the restaurant is small we were sat at a round table that should maybe 5 people at most. We felt a bit squished and the table barely had
Joohee Park
Jan 03, 2022
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Yasaman E.
Dec 25, 2021
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We were finally about to come here last night for Christmas Eve dinner. Everything was truly so amazing.
1. Drinks (one or the best dirty martinis I've had) and extensive wine list with proper recommendations from our waiter
2. Amazing Ceaser salad (their version not made with romaine) and olives
3. Octopus - was delicious, so well marinated and well cooked
4. Lobster ravioli - life changing, truly
We dine out a lot in Portland and their service is not even comparable to other restaurants. Waitstaff and host were outstanding.
1. Drinks (one or the best dirty martinis I've had) and extensive wine list with proper recommendations from our waiter
2. Amazing Ceaser salad (their version not made with romaine) and olives
3. Octopus - was delicious, so well marinated and well cooked
4. Lobster ravioli - life changing, truly
We dine out a lot in Portland and their service is not even comparable to other restaurants. Waitstaff and host were outstanding.
Russ H.
Nov 27, 2021
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Mac McKinzie
Nov 13, 2021
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I had a mixed bag of emotions with my dining experience. The main meal was great, but the deserts were a bit disappointing. The service was great, but the table location was not so good. I'm sure it could be remedied, but my table and ambiance experience was kind of bad. To the managers/owner, you have to fix the leaning table of pisa permanently. Also the banging of the far NW door when it opens and shuts can be fixed. The door hitting of the door against he wall makes it shake and is quite disturbing. Finally, the far NW corner tables are way too cramped and not socially distanced from each other
Bobbie Jo
Oct 22, 2021
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Cute area of the city. The food was incredible and came out very quickly. The service was spot on - very attentive staff means my wine glass and water glass were never empty. Get the octopus for an appetizer! The appetizer size of pasta was enough, though it would be a good idea to order a couple dishes to share among a group because the dishes are varied and inspired.
Heidi Hagemann
Oct 03, 2021
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Eric Boslar
Sep 01, 2021
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The service was good. It would have been great if someone would have acknowledged it was my wife and I anniversary like I said in the reservation notes. Honestly after working for a mainstay Portland Italian restaurant for years, I wasn't very impressed by the food other than the price. The hanger steak was seasoned well, but was tough. The lobster ravioli was cooked perfectly but over salted. We really liked the decor and the atmosphere. Server and Owner were very polite and accommodating.
Raphael M. Verdile Iii
Aug 26, 2021
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Gina Di Roma
Jul 25, 2021
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Caitlynn Josslynn
Jul 15, 2021
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I absolutely loved it here! The waiters were very attentive and sweet, the food was freaking delicious and the place was very clean. They have genuine fresh made pasta, fresh caught fish and amazing drinks. They have a LARGE wine menu and wonderful cocktails.
I would so recommend this place to anyone. Menu is on the pricy side but I feel it's worth the experience.
I would so recommend this place to anyone. Menu is on the pricy side but I feel it's worth the experience.
Wayne G.
Jul 07, 2021
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My favorite restaurant in Sellwood, and they have only gotten better. Service is exceptional - it always is spot on. The food is fresh and expertly crafted. Fresh linen and nice touches everywhere. This industry is struggling given the events of the past year, but a Cena has come through it better and stronger than ever.
Yobani
Jun 14, 2021
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We celebrated our 1 year anniversary here, simply said, they are as good as advertised. The Attention to detail as well as amazing dishes, including dessert made this visit perfect. They were making sure we were comfortable often and also set the mood once the sun went down. A definite 5 stars for me⭐
Kristi B.
Jun 04, 2021
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David P.
Apr 30, 2021
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Came here before the restaurant had to close down again, due to county-wide measures, and the food/service was outstanding.
The wait staff was practicing health protocols by wearing masks and kindly request that we wear ours only when they approach our table. They allowed us to take off masks when eating, of course.
We ordered the Burrata, Prawn Polenta, Lobster Agnolotti, and Cannoli for dessert. All four dishes were delicious.
The burrata was a large piece off fresh mozzarella and adorned with side salsa garnish. I highly recommend spreading the burrata on the complimentary bread. It was divine
The wait staff was practicing health protocols by wearing masks and kindly request that we wear ours only when they approach our table. They allowed us to take off masks when eating, of course.
We ordered the Burrata, Prawn Polenta, Lobster Agnolotti, and Cannoli for dessert. All four dishes were delicious.
The burrata was a large piece off fresh mozzarella and adorned with side salsa garnish. I highly recommend spreading the burrata on the complimentary bread. It was divine
Apr 18, 2021
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Tim W.
Nov 01, 2020
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Probably the best meal I've EVER had in Portland.
My fiancée and I went for a date night and couldn't have been happier. My beef tenderloin was perfectly cooked and paired with the mushrooms and potatoes it came with. For dessert I tried their vanilla bean gelato, and it was the best way to end the meal.
From beginning to end: the drinks, appetizer, food, and dessert we're better than anything I've had in Portland. We'll for sure be back.
My fiancée and I went for a date night and couldn't have been happier. My beef tenderloin was perfectly cooked and paired with the mushrooms and potatoes it came with. For dessert I tried their vanilla bean gelato, and it was the best way to end the meal.
From beginning to end: the drinks, appetizer, food, and dessert we're better than anything I've had in Portland. We'll for sure be back.
Cheryle Easton
Feb 21, 2020
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Pam Minton
Feb 03, 2020
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Anh Duong
Aug 10, 2019
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Hailey Levasa-Helbling
Oct 25, 2018
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We chose a Cena for my mom's birthday dinner. Our evening was perfect. The food was incredible. The service was amazing and the restaurant has a great ambiance. Mark was attentive, kind and helpful. We ordered lots of dishes to share and everything was cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this place, they accommodated our party of 6 very well. We will absolutely be back.
