From the Kitchen

DeNicola's Italian Food Blog

Recipes, stories, and the Portland Italian food scene.

What Does Family Style Italian Dining Mean?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Does Family Style Italian Dining Mean?

Family style Italian dining isn't just a service model. It's a philosophy wrapped in marinara and passed around the table. Most people think it's about big

July 21, 2026 7 min read
What Are Portland's Hidden Gems For Italian Food?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Are Portland's Hidden Gems For Italian Food?

Portland's Italian scene isn't just about the big names everyone already knows. The real magic happens in the corners most people walk past - the spots where

May 26, 2026 7 min read
What Italian Food Is Portland Best Known For?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Italian Food Is Portland Best Known For?

Portland doesn't just serve Italian food-it reimagines it. The city's chefs take centuries-old traditions and filter them through Oregon's farms, forests, and

May 12, 2026 5 min read
Can You Find Keto-Friendly Italian Food in Portland?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Can You Find Keto-Friendly Italian Food in Portland?

Most people think Italian food means carbs. Pasta, pizza, risotto - all the stuff that'll kick you out of ketosis before dessert even shows up. But Portland's

March 17, 2026 6 min read
How Portland Locals Enjoy Italian Pizza Nights

Italian Food & Portland Dining

How Portland Locals Enjoy Italian Pizza Nights

Portland pizza fans don't waste time on small talk. They want to know: Neapolitan or Sicilian? It's not just about crust. Neapolitan means a soft, foldable

January 20, 2026 5 min read
Vegetarian Italian Meals That Satisfy in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Vegetarian Italian Meals That Satisfy in Portland

Vegetarian pasta in Portland isn't backup. It's the reason people walk through the door. The kitchens here don't just pull the meat and hope for the best-they

December 23, 2025 4 min read
Why Handmade Pasta Still Matters in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Why Handmade Pasta Still Matters in Portland

Boxed pasta can't compete. Handmade pasta in Portland delivers a bite, flavor, and texture you notice right away. The color pops. The aroma is real. The sauce

November 11, 2025 4 min read
Seafood Dishes That Define Portland Italian Dining

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Seafood Dishes That Define Portland Italian Dining

Portland puts its own stamp on Italian seafood. Our local waters give up salmon, Dungeness crab, and fresh clams - and our kitchens know exactly what to do

October 28, 2025 4 min read
Why Meatballs Remain a Portland Italian Staple

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Why Meatballs Remain a Portland Italian Staple

Meatballs are everywhere in Portland's Italian restaurants. They're not hidden at the bottom of the menu. They're right up front, and for good reason. These

October 14, 2025 4 min read
How Gluten-Free Pasta Became Popular in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

How Gluten-Free Pasta Became Popular in Portland

Gluten-free pasta is everywhere in Portland now. It's not a side note or a special request. It's just part of the menu. Ten years ago, you'd have to hunt for

September 16, 2025 4 min read
Popular Vegetarian Italian Dishes Locals Love

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Popular Vegetarian Italian Dishes Locals Love

Vegetarian Italian food in Portland isn't an afterthought. It's what fills the tables and keeps people coming back. Pasta, vegetables, and cheese show up in

September 16, 2025 5 min read
Italian Vegetarian Meals Beyond Pasta in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Italian Vegetarian Meals Beyond Pasta in Portland

Pasta isn't the only thing worth ordering at Portland's Italian restaurants. The best spots put vegetables front and center. Eggplant and stuffed veggies

September 2, 2025 4 min read
What Makes Authentic Italian Food Stand Out

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Makes Authentic Italian Food Stand Out

Italian food stands out because it's honest. The best dishes use what's fresh, nothing more. Tomatoes taste like tomatoes. Basil smells bright and green. Olive

August 5, 2025 4 min read
Family-Owned Italian Restaurants Locals Trust

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Family-Owned Italian Restaurants Locals Trust

Portland's best Italian restaurants are run by families who show up every day and do things the right way. You get real food, made from scratch, and a welcome

July 8, 2025 5 min read
Local Pasta Making in Portland's Italian Kitchens

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Local Pasta Making in Portland's Italian Kitchens

Portland's Italian food scene brings the true taste of Italy to the Pacific Northwest. In small kitchens across the city, skilled pasta makers keep old-world

June 24, 2025 3 min read
Portland's Italian Food Scene Through the Years

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Portland's Italian Food Scene Through the Years

Portland's Italian food story started in the early 1900s when Italian families brought their cooking skills to the Pacific Northwest. What began as small

June 10, 2025 3 min read
Must Try Italian Comfort Foods in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Must Try Italian Comfort Foods in Portland

When cold rain hits Portland's streets, nothing feels better than sitting down to a warm plate of Italian comfort food. From rich pasta dishes to hearty soups

May 27, 2025 3 min read
Finding Authentic Italian Food in Portland

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Finding Authentic Italian Food in Portland

Portland's food scene keeps growing, but finding true Italian food takes more than just a quick search. Real Italian cooking brings together fresh ingredients

April 29, 2025 3 min read
How to Make an Authentic Lasagna

Italian Food & Portland Dining

How to Make an Authentic Lasagna

Lasagna dates back to Ancient Rome and is a favorite of many people. We all love this classic Italian dish together with its numerous health benefits. Known

March 11, 2022 3 min read
10 Essential Italian Ingredients for Italian Cooking

Italian Food & Portland Dining

10 Essential Italian Ingredients for Italian Cooking

Did you know that the most popular cuisine in the US is Italian?This is no surprise, considering that the cuisine has plenty of flavorful dishes perfect for

February 3, 2022 3 min read
7 Signs of Real Italian Food

Italian Food & Portland Dining

7 Signs of Real Italian Food

It would be a sin to talk about the world's greatest cuisines without Italian. Our beloved pizza Napoletana even made it onto UNESCO's Intangible Cultural

January 10, 2022 3 min read
7 Italian Classics Everyone Should Try

Italian Food & Portland Dining

7 Italian Classics Everyone Should Try

Italian food is known around the world and for all the right reasons. Thanks to its high-quality ingredients, simplicity, variety, affordability, and

January 3, 2022 3 min read
Calzone vs Pizza: The Ultimate Italian Food Battle

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Calzone vs Pizza: The Ultimate Italian Food Battle

Imagine a battle where both sides are winners. That's right, whichever side you come down on, pizza or calzone, you've made a great choice.What exactly is a

December 7, 2021 3 min read
The Different Types of Stuffed Pasta

Italian Food & Portland Dining

The Different Types of Stuffed Pasta

What's better than a steaming hot bowl of pasta in sauce?You guessed it! A steaming hot bowl of Italian stuffed pasta in sauce! No wonder delicious tortelli

November 30, 2021 3 min read
5 Italian Foods to Try Before You Die

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Italian Foods to Try Before You Die

A recent report by the National Restaurant Association showed that 61% of Americans eat Italian cuisine at least once a month.Italian food is more popular than

November 15, 2021 3 min read
The History of Italian Food in Portland, Oregon

Italian Food & Portland Dining

The History of Italian Food in Portland, Oregon

Over 100,000 out of 800,000 restaurants serve Italian food, according to the National Restaurant Association.But if you're looking for Italian food in Portland

October 12, 2021 3 min read
What Makes Authentic Italian Cuisine?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Makes Authentic Italian Cuisine?

Italian cuisine is the most popular cuisine in the world. For many decades now, people all over the globe have been enjoying the incredible array of dishes

October 4, 2021 3 min read
What Is Tiramisu and Its History?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Is Tiramisu and Its History?

What is Tiramisu? The short answer is a sponge cake, soaked in coffee and alcohol, then layered with powdered chocolate and mascarpone cheese.But it is

September 7, 2021 3 min read
A History of the Cannoli

Italian Food & Portland Dining

A History of the Cannoli

Did you know that when you take a bite out of an authentic DeNicholas cannoli, you're part of cannoli history?The majestic cannoli didn't appear overnight! It

August 3, 2021 3 min read
7 Traditional Ingredients in an Italian Restaurant

Italian Food & Portland Dining

7 Traditional Ingredients in an Italian Restaurant

Have you ever wondered why Italian foods are so delicious even though they seem so simple?Whenever that craving strikes and you search for "good Italian

July 8, 2021 3 min read
How to Find the Best Italian Restaurants

Italian Food & Portland Dining

How to Find the Best Italian Restaurants

Did you know that there are around 350 different types of pasta? If you love pasta and Italian food, you are probably always on the hunt for the best Italian

July 8, 2021 3 min read
A Quick Guide to the Best Pizza and Wine Pairings

Italian Food & Portland Dining

A Quick Guide to the Best Pizza and Wine Pairings

Did you know that 98% of Americans eat pizza? It's not surprising, considering how delicious pizza is.But what about wine drinkers? A survey showed that 75% of

June 22, 2021 3 min read
A Brief History of Italian Cuisine

Italian Food & Portland Dining

A Brief History of Italian Cuisine

Pizza, lasagna, gelato, espresso ... Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines available. Associated with both romantic settings and comfort food

June 15, 2021 3 min read
What Makes Italian Food Authentic?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Makes Italian Food Authentic?

Italian food speaks for itself: it's the most popular cuisine in the world. Whether you're an Italian person cooking up family recipes at home or a food-lover

May 13, 2021 3 min read
Firstleaf Cooking Wine

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Firstleaf Cooking Wine

Drinking wine is a part of any traditional Italian feast. And sometimes wine is part of the food itself. Wine is literally cooked into many Italian dishes

April 20, 2021 3 min read
5 Amazing Health Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Amazing Health Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese

Are you a huge cheese fan and are looking for an option with some nutritional benefits? Mozzarella cheese is a great option!Keep reading to learn more about

April 14, 2021 3 min read
Calzone vs Stromboli: What's the Difference?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Calzone vs Stromboli: What's the Difference?

To the untrained eye, a calzone might look a lot like stromboli. They're both just variations of rolled-up pizza, right?Wrong. There's a big difference.We're

March 9, 2021 3 min read
Pasta vs. Noodles: Is There a Difference?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Pasta vs. Noodles: Is There a Difference?

According to the National Pasta Association, the United States has the largest pasta market with 2.7 million tons of pasta consumed. You may be a hardcore

March 2, 2021 3 min read
What Is the Best Wine Pairing for Your Italian Dish?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

What Is the Best Wine Pairing for Your Italian Dish?

Wine and Italian dishes go hand-in-hand. The sweet flavors of red wine are perfect for everything from a simple pasta dish, down to the best tasting lasagna

February 23, 2021 3 min read
5 Awesome Health Benefits of Pizza

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Awesome Health Benefits of Pizza

Is pizza your favorite "unhealthy" food? Did you know that roughly three billion pizzas are sold every year in the United States? That's a lot of cheese and

December 28, 2020 3 min read
5 Interesting Facts About Italian Food

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Interesting Facts About Italian Food

With hundreds of different types of food and cuisine out there in the world, it certainly speaks volumes that Italian food reigns as one of the most popular

December 28, 2020 3 min read
How to Easily Make a Delicious and Easy Alfredo Sauce

Italian Food & Portland Dining

How to Easily Make a Delicious and Easy Alfredo Sauce

According to a recent survey by the National Pasta Association, pasta has it all. It's the ideal comfort food, it's cost-effective, and it's easy to cook, and

December 8, 2020 3 min read
'Tis the Seasoning: A Brief Guide to Italian Herbs

Italian Food & Portland Dining

'Tis the Seasoning: A Brief Guide to Italian Herbs

What's your favorite part about Italian food?If your answer was "that delicious Italian herb seasoning," this is the article for you. And if you're sitting

October 30, 2020 3 min read
5 of the Most Iconic Foods to Try in Italy

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 of the Most Iconic Foods to Try in Italy

Among the world's cuisines, few are as notable as Italian cuisine. This is an ideal cuisine that offers variety and can be enjoyed at any time. If you are

October 27, 2020 3 min read
4 Italian Side Dishes You Need to Try

Italian Food & Portland Dining

4 Italian Side Dishes You Need to Try

One of the best and most popular cuisines is Italian. Italy has a rich history, including its diverse cuisine that has traveled across the globe. In every

October 20, 2020 3 min read
6 Cooking Pasta Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Italian Food & Portland Dining

6 Cooking Pasta Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Cooking pasta correctly is actually harder than it looks. And making an exceptional pasta dinner depends on cooking the pasta to perfection.So whether you want

September 8, 2020 3 min read
5 Reasons Eating Italian Food is Good for Your Health

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Reasons Eating Italian Food is Good for Your Health

Pasta, bread, and other carbs get an unfairly negative reputation in the health community. The truth is that carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy

September 1, 2020 3 min read
5 Classic Italian Pasta Sauces You Should Try

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Classic Italian Pasta Sauces You Should Try

Pasta is a beautiful thing all on its own. But it's always a great idea to pair your pasta with a delicious, flavorful sauce.Americans love their pasta sauce

August 19, 2020 3 min read
The 5 Best Authentic Italian Vegetarian Dishes

Italian Food & Portland Dining

The 5 Best Authentic Italian Vegetarian Dishes

Do you avoid eating meat as much as you once did? You are not alone. Over 7 million Americans are vegetarian and nearly 23 million additional people tend to

June 3, 2020 3 min read
3 Popular Italian Cheeses That You Need to Know

Italian Food & Portland Dining

3 Popular Italian Cheeses That You Need to Know

Practically everyone loves cheese. And with so many different kinds of Italian cheeses out there, it's easy to get lost in a world of gooey goodness. Not only

May 8, 2020 3 min read
Panzerotti or Calzone? What's the Difference?

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Panzerotti or Calzone? What's the Difference?

Do you pride yourself on being a foodie? If so, then you better know the difference between Panzerotti and Calzone before ordering at a legit Italian

March 30, 2020 3 min read
The 4 Best Keto Italian Food Recipes

Italian Food & Portland Dining

The 4 Best Keto Italian Food Recipes

The keto diet was the trendiest diet of 2018. It's gotten stuck in the public consciousness since then, and it's an appealing approach to dieting. Making your

March 25, 2020 3 min read
Italian Comfort Food

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Italian Comfort Food

Did you know that Italian cuisine has been called the world's most popular food? Who doesn't crave Italian dishes when you're in the mood for some comfort

February 4, 2020 3 min read
5 Classic Italian Recipes That You'll Love

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Classic Italian Recipes That You'll Love

Do you wish you could eat Italian meals all day every day?If you're in love with Italian food, learning how to cook it yourself can help you accomplish this

December 30, 2019 3 min read
7 Healthy Italian Dishes That Still Taste Amazing

Italian Food & Portland Dining

7 Healthy Italian Dishes That Still Taste Amazing

Did you know that adopting a Mediterranean diet can help you live longer? If you love Italian food, then this news will be the highlight of your week.The

December 30, 2019 3 min read
Delizioso! 5 Italian Desserts You Have to Try

Italian Food & Portland Dining

Delizioso! 5 Italian Desserts You Have to Try

Italians may be most famous for their savory pizzas and pastas, but these culinary geniuses also make some unbelievable desserts.Whether you're in the mood for

December 2, 2019 3 min read
5 Italian Pastas That You Have to Try at Least Once

Italian Food & Portland Dining

5 Italian Pastas That You Have to Try at Least Once

Did you know that historians haven't uncovered the true origin of pasta?Although Italians have perfected the art of making pasta over many centuries, noodles

September 23, 2019 3 min read

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