Italian

Northeast Portland [1]’s top Italian restaurant is Ciao Vito (2203 NE Alberta St., 503/282-5522, 5–10 p.m. daily, $13–28), where robust flavors meld perfectly with a sunny, handsomely decorated dining room. Dishes like pork sugo—like a pulled pork sandwich only with a tangy-sweet tomato sauce—is served over polenta and perfectly represents the chef’s affinity for full-flavored, well-crafted Italian comfort food.