By Jim Thomson

We feel the chill in the air and deep down inside know that summer if officially coming to an end. Italian cuisine reigns as king of warm and cozy, comfort food. Spicy hot red sauces, heavy and tender pastas, gooey cheese of all kinds, complimented with amazing wine.

Also check out our Portland Pizzerias: Top Ten

Tabla [map it]
A collage built from some of the best gastronomical regions in the world, Tabla serves Greek, Italian, and French with a touch of NW. The woody and fluid interior is artsy and therapeutic. A superb bar and happy hour makes the off hours just as rewarding. Owner Adam Berger also runs Ten 01 and relative newcomer Nutshell. - Portland's Food Family

3 Doors Down Café [map it]
3 Doors is an active, lively and warm dinning experience. They are celebrating their 15th year of serving Portland fresh seafood and Italian dishes. Their risotto or gnocchi is a must when you visit. And if there is room, the Tiramisu is beyond creamy and light. Heck, if there isn't room, order it to go.

Navarre [map it]
Navarre offers French and Spanish flavors in addition to Italian. The daily menu is based on what was available from the farm that day. The restaurant is a bit narrow and chalked full of jarred food and happy dinners.

Alba Osteria & Enoteca [map it]
Hand-formed pastas, perfectly paired wines and fresh seafood pushes Alba to stand out in their 'not-so Portland' Hillsdale location. Alba's chef combines local Northwest and Italian ingredients. The ambience is very simple and underwhelming, but let's face it, you're not coming here for fresh flower and crown molding.

Garden State Food Cart [map it]
If food carts are the response to the flighty economy and allows Portland's food scene to continue to thrive, I say keep the 'shanty eateries' coming. The owner, Kevin Sandri, brings life to his selection with mostly organic and local ingredients. Sandri always has fresh vegetable soups available which goes amazing with the chickpea sandwich (A lightly fried chickpea patty, tasty greens on ciabatta) or meatball hero (beef meatballs swimming in zesty marinara and mozzarella).

Caffe Mingo [map it]
The Nob Hill area offers a cornucopia of worldly restaurants, and Caffe Mingo has been the flag ship for Italian dinning there for ten years. Caffe Mingo has also received much recognition over these years so their tight area is even smaller with the constant bustling crowd. Reservations are only for large groups so arrive early or visit their Beaverton location, Mingo, which carries a similar menu. You can't go wrong with any item you choose here. The hot/cold anti pasta is a good start and a must is the penne al sugo di carne (braised beef simmered in tomatoes, espresso and Chianti tossed with fresh penne).

Giorgio's [map it]
Giorgio's also has over a decade under it's belt. Watching its surrounding Pearl build upon itself, Giorgio's also strived to be a mainstay while improving at the same time. Their signature entrée is the Pappardell with Wild Boar. The prices can be a bit high but you will be happy to pay the fee at first bite.

Iorio Restaurant [map it]
If you are looking for a romantic Southeast spot with local and organic ingredients, Iorio would be a local's first suggestion. The menu changes with the seasons and what is locally available. Chef Chris Thompson suggests daily specials if you have a hard time deciding. - Chloe Visits Iorio

ClarkLewis [map it]
Accolades and praise poured in non-stop when clarklewis opened in 2004, including being named the Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year. Set in a former Southeast warehouse, with cement floors, roll-up garage door front windows and leather and wood settings, diners sit at white linen-covered tables and watch their meals being prepared in the open kitchen. All produce comes from local farms, meat is butchered and cured in-house, and starters, pastas and entrees are available in three sizes for all appetites - small, large and family. - Dining by Bruce Carey: clarklewis

DeCarli [map it]
Owned by husband and wife team, Paul and Jana DeCarli. Home made pasta, infused cocktails and 'to die for' desserts. You will forget you are in Beaverton and even the states. It will also change your entire view on dinning in the 'burbs. DeCarli is quite young in comparison to its competition but certainly hit the ground running. - Andy Visits DeCarli