Business Details
39 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in Portland
Since 1987, Ernesto's Italian Restaurant has been a cherished gathering place for friends and family, offering an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes and chef-inspired specialties. Our commitment to quality is evident in every hand-rolled meatball, fresh focaccia bread, and homemade tiramisu prepared daily. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere caters to both intimate dinners and large celebrations, with flexible banquet spaces accommodating groups from 20 to 180 guests. Our full-service lounge provides a welcoming environment for neighborhood gatherings during happy hour, while our dedicated staff ensures every guest experiences genuine hospitality.Chef Marco's custom banquet menus feature everything from plated steaks to specialty Italian buffets, making us a trusted choice for both personal and corporate events. With decades of experience and a focus on fresh ingredients, we continue to uphold the traditions that have made us a Portland favorite.
Services
Italian Restaurant
Banquet Services
Catering
Happy Hour
Takeout
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We hand-roll meatballs and prepare fresh focaccia daily since 1987
- Our banquet space accommodates events from 20 to 180 guests
- Chef Marco creates custom menus for special occasions
- Family-friendly atmosphere with neighborhood lounge since 1987
- Yelp reviewers consistently praise our fresh ingredients and service
What people say
Fresh ingredients
Delicious tiramisu
Friendly staff
Cozy atmosphere
Great happy hour
Services
Italian Restaurant
Our Italian restaurant serves traditional pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and chef-crafted specialties using daily-prepared ingredients. Guests enjoy fresh focaccia bread, homemade tiramisu, and hand-rolled meatballs in a family-friendly environment. The menu combines classic Italian flavors with modern interpretations for diverse palates.
Banquet Services
Flexible banquet facilities accommodate events from 20 to 180 guests with customizable menus. Chef Marco creates specialized dining experiences ranging from plated dinners to Italian buffets. The space features dedicated event coordination and adaptable seating arrangements for weddings, corporate functions, and family celebrations.
Happy Hour
The full-service lounge offers daily happy hour specials in a neighborhood-friendly setting. Guests enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers while socializing in a relaxed atmosphere. The bar maintains regular hours for casual gatherings and special promotions throughout the week.
Takeout
Takeout service provides freshly prepared Italian meals for pickup or delivery. Orders include signature dishes like seafood fettuccine and sauted eggplant with proper temperature control. The restaurant maintains efficient service times while preserving food quality for off-premise dining.
Catering
Custom catering services feature Italian cuisine for events with options including plated meals and specialty buffets. The experienced team handles food preparation, delivery, and service coordination for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Menus can be tailored to specific dietary requirements and guest preferences.
People
Chris Wegner
Owner
Owner Chris Wegner has operated Ernesto's since 1987, creating a family-friendly Italian restaurant with daily-prepared specialties. His leadership maintains the establishment's reputation for quality food and community hospitality.
Chef Marco
Executive Chef
Chef Marco designs custom banquet menus and oversees kitchen operations, creating Italian dishes from traditional pasta to specialty buffets. His culinary expertise contributes to the restaurant's consistent quality and event hosting capabilities.
Questions
What Italian dishes are most recommended at Ernesto's?
Our hand-rolled meatballs, wood-fired pizzas like 'That's Amore', and homemade tiramisu receive consistent praise. The daily-prepared focaccia bread and seafood fettuccine are also customer favorites.
Can Ernesto's accommodate large private events?
Yes, our banquet facilities seat 20-180 guests with customizable menus. Chef Marco creates specialized Italian buffets or plated dinners for weddings, corporate events, and family celebrations.
What happy hour specials are available?
The lounge offers daily happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers. Specific promotions vary weekly while maintaining affordable pricing for cocktails, wine, and Italian-inspired small plates.
Is takeout/delivery available?
Yes, we offer both pickup and delivery services. Orders maintain food quality with proper temperature control for dishes like pasta, pizza, and our popular tiramisu dessert.
How long has Ernesto's served Portland?
Since 1987, Ernesto's has been a Portland staple for authentic Italian cuisine. Owner Chris Wegner established the restaurant as a community gathering place with consistent quality and hospitality.
