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a Cena Ristorante Reviews List
a Cena Ristorante
At a Cena, we share a love for simply cooked meals enjoyed with friends and family. We value fresh ingredients, local Portland area farmers, handmade pastas and cured meats, daily prepared breads, consistency, a well-matched wine list, and a seasoned and personable staff. With these elements, we strive to offer our guests a fine-dining experience with the comfort and warmth of an Italian country kitchen. Salute!
See more a Cena Ristorante details
203 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 203 reviews
5 stars
(123)
4 stars
(65)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(150)
- fit for foodies(145)
- special occasion(109)
- romantic(78)
- notable wine list(48)
- good for groups(28)
a Cena Ristorante Reviews List
Review 1 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing with a capital A!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything about this restaurant was an A+! From the greeting at the door to the server (who was super personable and extremely knowledgeable) to the food, WOW is an understatement. Appetizers? Excellent. Wine and cocktails. Perfection. Entrees? Delicious. And dessert? Heaven. We couldn't have made a better choice for our 25th anniversary dinner. We will definitely be back. Thank you, a Cena!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a lovely Mother's day lunch here. Excellent, friendly, personable (and knowledgeable) service; delectable food; elegant, welcoming atmosphere. And even though we were a few minutes late for our reservation, we were seated promptly at an ideal table by the window."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place! The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and calm. The employees treated us all very well and made sure that we were happy. We went on Mother's Day and they made sure to make my mom feel special. The food was also fantastic. Their scallops are fantastic."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently Perfect!!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my favorite because it is always perfect!! Perfection is hard to find in any age!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Cena is a delight
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I will always come here with out of town guests. It is a most accommodating restaurant. The staff and service are excellent. The energy is wonderful. Mostly the food is beyond delicious."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous! We arrived at 7:15 on a Saturday night with a group of 6 people - some of which very picky eaters which makes it a struggle to pick a restaurant all will be happy at. This hit the mark! It was the prime dinner rush, every table was taken but you wouldn't have known it by the service. Our server was quick to greet us, share specials, answer questions, bring our drinks, etc. The owner/manager (??) was at our table within a minute of requesting his assistance for a wine suggestion - which was delish. All in our party loved it and were each sampling one another's dishes. Staff were friendly, fun, quick to get us anything we asked for and clear empty plates. The night couldn't have been better - we will definitely be back. :)"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Italian Food in Sellwood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good service, nice tables outside (but lots of traffic noise), relaxed atmostphere. Perfect for a casual dining experience, but with exceptional food."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just what I wanted - table for 2
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I wanted a special dinner for my Mom, who while I was away on business, took care of my 2 kids and my husband who recently had surgery + completed a mirage of house projects! And it was Mother's Day weekend. She wanted Italian and I was flying into PDX, so I looked up recommendations on the East side of Portland. a Cena had great reviews and wasn't the most expensive! We sat at the bar and ordered a glass of wine while they made our "perfect table for 2" outside. We had a quiet spot away from most of the other tables and enjoyed our wine and conversation. We split the smoked mozzarella antipasta, tagliatelle half order and halibut. It was perfect! There were lots of diners inside with kids - for when I want to bring back my family!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food at A Cena is incredible. It is as though it is straight out of Tuscany. I am partial to their wild boar bolognese and lamb ragu but have never walked away unhappy with the food choice or service. I will mention that I had a reservation for 2 at 8:15 but didn't get seated until 8:45. This is not totally unusual for Portland restaurants though and we were in no rush so it wasn't a big deal for us."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Insightful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Being in the business you come to expect more when dining out. What set a Cena apart was that they took the little information I included when making my reservation and gave me exactly what I wanted without even having to ask. I had mentioned that I was bringing my Mother and Aunt in for a visit and we were given probably one of the best tables for conversation. That's insight! The food was amazing as well. Loved the red sauce used for the pizza and pasts. It was an all-around great experience. Thank you!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food and service. We had a party of 10 and each person at the table was able to hear all of the others. That's a rare find in a restaurant of this high quality, where noise is the norm."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 12 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was an awesome meal !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was an awesome meal ! It was much like eating in Italy"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 13 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the best lobster agnolotti
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the best lobster agnolotti in the world. Thanks again for a spectacular dish! One i rave about to all my friends."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 14 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a great experience this was. Could not have started off better with Chris (the owner) being so gracious and entertaining. Our waiter (Andrew) was fantastic and made some awesome recommendations (which we needed - this being our first time).
Started off w/ the strip steak, arugala & Gorgonzola crostini - simply perfect. Second - our shaved fennel and sliced apple salad was light, crisp and refreshing. The two pasta main courses were nothing short of perfection. The Cavatelli (Ricotta and nettle gnocchi,
lamb ragu, parmesan) and the supremely decadent Agnolotti (Corn & Mascarpone Raviolini,Butter-Poached Maine Lobster)were one of a kind."
Started off w/ the strip steak, arugala & Gorgonzola crostini - simply perfect. Second - our shaved fennel and sliced apple salad was light, crisp and refreshing. The two pasta main courses were nothing short of perfection. The Cavatelli (Ricotta and nettle gnocchi,
lamb ragu, parmesan) and the supremely decadent Agnolotti (Corn & Mascarpone Raviolini,Butter-Poached Maine Lobster)were one of a kind."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Looking for a place to celebrate
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Looking for a place to celebrate both my wife and son's birthdays, we decided on a Cena Ristorante in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. It was the right choice. We were greeted with a "Happy Birthday" and that was quickly repeated by our waitress. Everyone there is polite and friendly and quite attentive. Our water glasses were never even half empty. we had halibut, which was excellently done. A delicious complimentary tiramisu dessert, with two candles on top, followed our main course. I get the opinion that this restaurant has a regular following, and we certainly plan to join them for more wonderful meals."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 16 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were celebrating our 46th
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary and pick the perfect place. It was wonderful and the food was amazing. The waitstaff did a great job...even pick a special place for us! We will certainly return!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have eaten here 7 of the last
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have eaten here 7 of the last times we have "Gone Out" always great service and fantastic food. We always reserve with Open Table which is one of the reasons we like eating here. Sadly, this was the first time we made a reservation with open table and had to wait over a half hour past our reservation time for our table. A minor complait, we were accommodated at the bar but, I would expect my table within at least 15 minutes of my reservation. Just saying."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved my lunch at A Cena!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved my lunch at A Cena! The staff was amazing and fun and made the meal special. Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding overall; physical
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding overall; physical environment has lots of hard surfaces so it's a little noisy."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2012
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Review 20 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The bar makes a great Manhattan.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The bar makes a great Manhattan. We enjoyed the grilled Romano Salad. It was beautifully prepared and presented. I particularly appreciate that many of the pasta dishes come in two sizes--so that they can be shared as small plates or as a more reasonable size portion. Our pasta was very good--nothing quite like hand made pasta. The wine list is very reasonable and the Barbera that we chose was good. Our server ws friendly and knowledgeable. We spent a couple of hours and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 21 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, very noisy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food, very noisy in main dining room"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I will begin by saying the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I will begin by saying the food from start to finish was outstanding. My only complaint was service. We showed up about 10 minutes early for our reservation and were seated about 20 minutes late. Once seated at our table it took over 15 minutes for someone to ask if we were ready to order by what appeared to be the manager. The waiters for the tables around us just continued to walk by our table without making eye contact. Each part of our meal was delivered by someone different who never asked if we wanted another drink since our glasses were empty throughout the entire meal. The food was well worth the price just not the service."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 23 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
consistently excellent italian food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A Cena is one of our favorite PDX restaurants and we eat out a great deal. Because the food, service and atmosphere are always superb, we often take friends there for dinner to introduce them to one of our fav places. Friday night was another excellent meal and our friends, from LO, who'd never been there, it the best pasta they'd experienced in pdx...
kudos to a cena...we look forward to returning soon.
mhj"
kudos to a cena...we look forward to returning soon.
mhj"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We always enjoy A Cena. Often
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We always enjoy A Cena. Often eat there with friends and it is always delicious."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is the second time I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is the second time I have been here. I loved it so much the first time, I just had to bring family when they came to visit. I ended up ordering the same thing, a Lobster pasta dish, because my mouth waters everytime I think about it. The food is so fresh, and as I recall, everything is local and organic. The Limoncelotin is dynamite, and my brother just raved about his Negroni. They use the best ingredients in everything. Our server, I wish I could remember his name, was fabulous. He was very personable, knowledgeable and he was also the maker of our fabulous drinks. I loved everything about our experience, and certainly plan on coming back."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
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Review 26 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our friends who have returned
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our friends who have returned to Portland after being gone for 30 years noted that the restaurant looked like restaurants in Portland used to look like - comfortably warm in contrast to the popular industrial look. Every dish was delicious."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2007
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Review 27 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth drive out of downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Do worth the 5 mile drive out of downtown Portland to Sellwood neighborhood. What a fun, cute neighborhood! Our server was one of the best ever. So friendly & helpful with diet needs and teens. The lobster agnolotti was amazing. The mascarpone filled agnolotti w the butter sauce and chunks of lobster meat made my mouth tingle!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Among the best ever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am not an expert on Italian food, though I have eaten a lot of really good Italian food (some of it in Italy). This was on par with any of the best places I have been. We had a couple of the signature filled pastas, one filled pasta special, a short rib with potato gnocchi, and a couple of pork chops (six dishes in all). The pastas and gnocchi dishes were quite filling and rich, with great flavor. Everyone at the table shared and everyone liked everything they ate. The pizza antipasti wasn't outstanding, but still good. The desserts were delicious. The waiter was among the best also, with seemingly expert knowledge, yet casual and friendly. The rest of the staff was great as well. Definitely will go back when we can."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 29 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice Italian spot. Beautiful day!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I enjoyed a great meal at a cena on the loveliest of spring days. We were able to dine outside, taking advantage of a beautiful Portland afternoon. The waitstaff were outstanding. My water glass never reached half empty and the waitress was knowledgable as well as direct about different menu items. We had the cauliflower and the arancini to start. Both delicious, but the cauliflower was incredible. We decided to order a full veal chop entree and a a smaller agnolotti for our mains. It was a good choice as the serving sizes are generous. The agnolotti is like little pillows of heavenly deliciousness. The sauce was a bit too rich and buttery for my taste and lobster was a tad tough. The veal was very good. I'll be back!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful service (sorry,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful service (sorry, I did not get her name) - she was pleasant and helpful. Started with the tasty cauliflower (I am not usually a fan but this was the BEST cauliflower I have ever had. The grilled romaine salad with pancetta was delicious. Definately split the lobster ravioli - it's great but pretty darn rich. Overall a great dinner and we'll be back."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One word - fantastic! From
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"One word - fantastic! From the antipasti to the Dolci, every item delivered with absolute perfect preparation and service. Wine list is good, but the specialty list is great.
Best Italian food this side of Atlantic that I have found."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 32 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite Local Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is what italian dining is all about. We were treated like family at every level of the service. Our food was outstanding. Authentic, creative and fresh with a local flare! A Cena is proud of what they do a you can tell. The newsletter provides you with what is fresh and in season along with recipes you can try at home."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 33 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Two of us had the special pasta which was braised short ribs ravioli. It was outstanding. The mixed greens with pears was a winner, and so was the grilled romaine salad (my favorite). The place is warm and friendly with knowledgeable, attentive waitstaff. The food is well-balanced and interesting without trying too hard. It truly is a neighborhood gem."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 34 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our food was fabulous. A fried
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our food was fabulous. A fried medley of seafood as an appetizer was a surprise hit. The lobster bisque was very flavorful, but it doesn't include any chunks or even any pieces of lobster (so just know that going into it). The main courses were rich and absolutely delicious. The wine we ordered was pretty awful, but that can happen anywhere. The staff didn't seem to care when we mentioned the off flavor of the wine. Otherwise, the service was engaging and knowledgable. For us,the server made the restaurant experience better than just good. The important critical note would be how cramped this restaurant is. You are packed in there like you are flying American Airlines. I mean WOW, it was tight! No private conversations here."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 35 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We LOVE a Cena! Chef Gabe
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We LOVE a Cena! Chef Gabe is so talented! Food is amazing - everyone is very friendly. Truly one of our favorite spots in Portland!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 36 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 37 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were only in Portland for 1 night and chose A Cena for dinner. It was great! Our food was wonderful. Portions were just right. We split an appetizer and a small portion of pasta and and it was plenty. Drinks were strong and tasty. It was a great find!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I had the most expensive macaroni
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the most expensive macaroni and cheese disguised under a very fancy name. It was tasty, but it was still macaroni and cheese. This establishment was rated so very high, I thought it would be absolutely wonderful. I won't be back. The food quality was adequate, but it was simply over priced for the level of service and value."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
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Review 39 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've been here about four
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I've been here about four times in the past couple of years. It's our favorite special occasion spot. Food, service, ambience, etc. are consistently fantastic. I feel it's priced at a great value for a truly special evening. Very understated."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 40 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You feel like you are actually
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"You feel like you are actually in Italy!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 41 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was one of the best meals
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was one of the best meals I have ever had!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 42 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been meaning to get
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been meaning to get to A Cena for quite awhile. Finally we did and it was fantastic! Great local hangout with great food and fun. Excellent all the way round!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
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Review 43 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Although the wait was longer
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although the wait was longer than expected, given that we had reservations, we were treated courteously and eventually seated at my favorite table (the quiet corner banquette). As always, the food was excellent, wine quite nice and service outstanding.
A Cena will continue to be our "go to" place for special dinners with friends!
Sheri Cordova"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 44 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
When I Yelp'd "Best lobster
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"When I Yelp'd "Best lobster ravioli in Portland" aCena was the top pick. Yes, very good lobster ravioli but the whole experience made the dinner!! Had a great birthday dinner with my husband."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 45 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Italian Food with a PDX Twist
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful menu that changes seasonally and features locally sourced ingredients. The food offers a nice blend of traditional Italian food but with a Northwest flair. For example the antipasto appetizer offered a nice selection of smoked meats and cheeses, but they were all from local sources, and the house made fresh mozzerella was fabulous. Very cozy setting - great for date night."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 46 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Absolutely delicious! Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Absolutely delicious! Great rec's from our server."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 47 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best meals I have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of the best meals I have had recently. Everything was fantastic."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 48 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love Sellwood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding food. We have found a new favorite Italian dining restaurant."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 49 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food, the food, the food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food, the food, the food! Best Italian in Portland no question. Missing five stars because the owner (?) walked from table to table asking how everything was while people had their mouths full and struggled to answer...and then after aggressively pushing us to get dessert, showed his digust when we didn't order any. Rude."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 50 for a Cena Ristorante
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the food and ambiance.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the food and ambiance. Service was excellent."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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