Our Family
About DeNicola's
Four decades of classic East Coast Italian cooking on Powell Boulevard, still served by the family that started it all.
Our Story
A Family Recipe Since 1978
DeNicola's was founded by Giovanni and Rosina DeNicola, who brought their recipes with them from Italy to Portland. What began as one family's love of good, honest cooking has become a Southeast Portland institution, family-owned and operated since 1978.
Today the restaurant is run by Donata, her sons Patrick and Johnny, and her brother Nick. They carry on the same traditions that made this place a neighborhood favorite, from the ravioli and chicken fettuccine alfredo to the lasagna, veal parmigiana, chicken piccata, and our famous meatballs and garlic cheese bread.
Guests tell us our food reminds them of their favorite East Coast Italian spots, and film fans may recognize the dining room from the Oregon-shot series Shrill. Explore our house specialties, our Italian pasta dinners, or let our catering team bring the family recipes to your next event.
"Just like a Sunday dinner at home."
View Our MenuWhy Guests Keep Coming Back
What Sets Our Table Apart
Family Recipes
The same dishes Giovanni and Rosina DeNicola carried over from Italy, still made by their family today.
Made Fresh Daily
Our sauces, meatballs, and garlic cheese bread are prepared in house every day, never trucked in.
Special Diets Welcome
Over 25 vegetarian dishes plus gluten-free, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options for the whole table.
Warm Family-Style Setting
A casual, unpretentious dining room built for weeknight dinners and big celebrations alike.
In Good Company
A Portland Favorite for Generations
After more than forty years on Powell Boulevard, DeNicola's has earned a loyal following of Portland families, transplants who grew up on East Coast Italian food, and newcomers hearing about the cheese bread for the first time.
We are grateful every time our little family restaurant is featured or recognized, but what matters most to us is the table full of regulars who make DeNicola's part of their own family traditions. Come see what people have been talking about, and read their words on our what Portland diners say about us.
The Faces Behind the Food
Meet the Family
The DeNicola family runs the kitchen and the dining room together, just as they have for decades.
Donata
Family Owner & Operator
Patrick
Family Owner & Operator
Johnny
Family Owner & Operator
Nick
Family Owner & Operator
Pull Up a Chair
Come Sit at Our Table
Join us for dinner on Powell Boulevard, or order online for pickup and delivery.