I live up the street from Gino's and it is one of my favorite neighborhood fine restuarants. Every time I visit (about once every two months) I have a delightful experience. From their large, rustic Italian dishes made from local and seasonal produce to their delicious, garlicky Ceasar salad, I've never once had a poor experience. Their servers are approachable without being overly friendly, and all are knowledgeable on the extensive wine list (although they could use more Oregon wines!) and the food preparation. It is not the largest restaurant in the world, which adds to the charm but sometimes makes it difficult to get a table, but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes and I highly recommend sitting at the beautiful bar and enjoying a lemon drop while you wait (best in town, as far as I'm concerned).\r
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For a simple and still satisfying meal for two people, I would recommend sharing a small Ceasar salad, getting a cheese plate each, and toasting with a glass or bottle of one of their dry Italian or Alsatian whites. Thanks, Gino's!
Pros: Rustic, local food, great wine list, great neighborhood ambiance
Cons: Small so it's hard to get a table on weekends
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