i've been eating at gino's for year's and my friends and i feel decadent going there once or twice a month. We know we are going to eat the most seasonal amazing food available. We don't want no stinkin' summer squash in February! More than standard ""italian"", Gino's always uses their creativity to bring Portland ethics to timeless favorites. They are known far and wide for the caesar salad, but be brave and get the large house mixed green salad with roasted vegetables and baby greens. It's truly a revolution in salad! I can't live without the mussels -- a must appetizer. Friday I shared 4 courses (3 appetizers, and 1 entree), plus a bottle of white, and shared dessert for $26 per person including tip! We might have had more to eat, but would have been stuffed. For large parties, go with the family style menu,you have to ask for it and remember to ask for to go boxes along the way. The pork chop and salmon are standards on the menu, but the rotating seasonal ravioli, is always exciting to try, and throw down for the steak every so often and you won't be sorry. The wait staff is loyal and so knowledgeable, with enough portland hip, but not a naggy rushed temperance. Once recently the waitress wouldn't let me get my favorite wine because she thought the quality control had gone amiss. I really appreciated that. Going on the weekends is trouble for getting a table, but in summer there isn't a day that it isn't packed. It's hard going there with large crowds because there are no reservations. be patient or come during the week for that kind of affair. or if you are in a rush and can't be bothered with the wait, go to portofino. then you'll know why people wait for gino's. :)
Pros: farm to chef collaborative, seasonal entrees and appetizers, fresh garlic, beautiful place, not scary pretentious
Cons: no reservations for large parties, too many winers from california looking to be pampered
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