Mucca Osteria

Had a lovely dinner here last night. Delicious tuna tartare, creamy pasta special, warm and welcoming atmosphere. GREAT tiramisu, attentive service.

Came here for my birthday dinner. It was FANTASTIC. The service was superb. food and wine selection was amazing. One of the best places I have eaten at in Portland. we will be back!

Wow! Food & service 5 stars! A wonderful culinary experience from start to finish. Strange location in Portland for fine dining. This place is a hidden treasure. They make everything from scratch, including the bread.

Great food, service, and ambience! I love this restaurant!
They started with a variety of fresh baked breads, all delicious and I didn’t even want bread.
We decided to share two entrees, the seafood gnocchi and the rabbit bolognese. We were pleasantly surprised when they offered to split them into separate plates for us. They even brought them to us as two courses. Impeccable, thoughtful service.
The pasta was cooked perfectly and the flavors were amazing. Lastly, the wine pours were more than most restaurants serve.
This was our second time there, and I look forward to returning!

Stumbled in here on a cold December night. Maybe I found it on Unilocal,but I can’t remember. What I do remember is being warmly welcomed into a small, inviting dining space with friendly servers. There weren’t many customers at the time so we got lots of attention. Warm up, get settled, sip that first bit of red wine and get down to business. I was with my wife and daughters and it didn’t take long to decide that we really liked Mucca.
There was bread and olive oil to start, a and a couple of salads to share. Then the risotto, creamy and cheesy from the parmigiano. I remember pappardelle with a bolognese, and a slow cooked, meltingly tender lamb shank over creamy polenta and some garlicky greens. I remember girls smiling and content with good food and family. I remember thinking, this Mucca, it’s alright.

I came here by accident on a night that I was to attend a private dinner at the Persian House next door. I then stayed, because the Persian House was not open yet. That was a good thing for me because I got to sit at the counter — and watch the chef’s cook dinner. The aroma’s coming from their sauce pans and skillets were heavenly! I also love being able to look into a kitchen because it leaves room for no mistakes (no mishandling food) and means perfection as far as cleanliness goes (spotless counters and floors).
I should have ordered wine in such a lovely establishment, but I was in a beer drinking mood, so I ordered a dopplebeck and chatted up the couple next to me who were regulars. They come down from somewhere in Washington just to dine here monthly. That means they really love the food because Portland has a lot of great restaurants they could try.
The décor is lovely, although I must admit, the name had me fooled and upon walking in, I did not realize it was Italian. The delicious smells clued me in though.

Went here for my birthday. service top notch, food amazing and HUGE wine selection! We will be coming back here for sure. it was a great birthday dinner!

Had the six course tasting and it sure did not disappoint. Food was amazing and the service was perfect. Everything was on point.
Here’s what was with the six course tasting menu:
‘Carpaccio’ D’Astice
Tartara D’Anatra
Capesante Scottate con Fonduta di Parmigiano
Gnocchi al Ragù di Cervo e Funghi di Stagione
Faraona Arrosto
And forgot what we had for dessert.
It’s a win. Definitely five star. Will go back to try other things I haven’t had. Good experience of Portland for me. Guess you can say it left a good taste in my mouth.

Scallops scrumptious and lobster carpaccio delish, mushroom tortellinis delectable and bourbon vanilla gelato with a pour over espresso shot amazing!

Beautiful setting. We arrived early and were promptly seated.
The four of us ordered the six course chefs tasting menu. We were a mixed group of eaters. My father in law called the menu adventurous and we all called it delicious. Highlights of the fall 2015 tasting menu were the scallops and Parmesan reduction sauce and the Guinea hen and potatoes. Desert trio was to die for. Pardon typos — I had wine pairings. Real standout was the exceptional service– best I’ve had in 10 years in PDX.

I applied for a position at Mucca over four years ago, before they had opened. I had a chance to meet the Chef, and talk to him about his food. He was warm and inviting, modest and humble. None of the things that I had associated with a Chef. I didn’t get the job, and truthfully I didn’t want it. I was so intimidated by the caliber of the restaurant, and the food. My experience was weak at best. I didn’t follow up, but I knew that Mucca would survive. After speaking with him, I could not help but long to be a guest in his restaurant.
Finally, after many years of wanting to dine at Mucca, I went. I have been saving this restaurant like I have been saving my unread copy of Infinite Jest.
Probably the best service I have ever witnessed in my life. Good service is like a good dance, both partners have to read each other. Never once was my water glass empty. Or even close to it. My server was kind, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable. My friend and I were treated like princesses. And on a busy Friday night. We wanted for nothing. The pacing was perfect.
Now the food, the wine, the cocktails, the desert. My friend and I both went for the tasting menu, a splurge to be sure, but good food, conscious food is meant to be savored, to be experienced, not simply consumed. Each one of my dishes were so beautifully put together. Just pure art. Exquisite.
Here are some of my food impressions:
‘Carpaccio’ D’Astice — The integrity of the lobster was not masked but accentuated. Fresh and light. The flavors were delicate, not heavy. I ate this dish with my eyes closed.
Tartara D’Anatra-This dish had persimmon mustard. The flavors were wild and strong, but well balanced. My father used to hunt wild duck, and as I was eating this dish I was reminded of my mother braising the duck with grand marnier and squeezing fresh orange juice over the top. The quality of the duck reminded me of that fresh wild meat my father used to bring home.
Capesante Scottate con Fonduta di Parmigiano– Perfectly cooked. My knife slid through the scallops like they was warm butter. The truffle fondue was creamy and flavorful. I was especially impressed that that flavor of the truffles did not rob the scallops of their delicate power.
Faraona Arrosto– Guinea Hen– Tender, well seasoned, each flavor distinct and not muddled.
To end we had a complimentary glass of Moscato with our desert. It was like drinking roses. Never in my life have I tasted anything so beautiful. I cannot tell you how emotionally moved I was by this food. It’s left me for a loss of adequate words.

Truly one of the loveliest places in downtown to dine. Upstairs, front and center by the window or at the counter with a view of the open kitchen, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere regardless of where you sit. My favorite is the cozy upstairs with it’s loft feel.
You’ll find Mucca Osteria a place for conversation, an experience of what attentive (but not obtrusive) service should be, and soul nourishing food. If you’re visiting Portland and wish to take with you memories of a wonderful meal or a local looking for a gem in a sea of many outstanding options, this is your destination.
For me, bread at the beginning of a meal simply takes up space reserved for the main course. I make exception here, with the inclusion of a fragrant and palate pleasing olive oil, I could not pass it up this time. The Insalatina di Finocchio, Pinoli e Parmigiano, perfectly dressed greens with apple, pine nuts, parmigiano reggiano, shaved fennel and radish. Each bite hit a balanced note. Between bites of salad, the Tartara di Tonno (tuna tartare) was light and a delightful pairing.
I came here expecting an outstanding pasta dish. Expectations… exceeded. My Tortelli ai Funghi, was light and had a bright and flavorful White Wine Cream Sauce that enhanced the mushroom and ricotta filling. The only miss for me were the halved brussel sprouts that could have cooked a tiny bit longer — a personal preference only. I also enjoyed a few bites of the Pappardelle al Cinghiale. The wild boar ragu had a depth of flavor I wasn’t expecting. It’s a hearty (but not heavy) dish that would comfort you on the rainiest of Portland days.
Yes, adding wine and dessert can push the price point up on the tab. Sharing a salad and appetizer with a dinner mate, with each of us thoroughly enjoying our own pasta dish makes for a very reasonable bill. I’m for quality over quantity and there was plenty of food — you won’t leave hungry.
A last note, you’ll find yourself in a neighborhood accessible to Portland Streetcar and the Max line. One that easily affords for an evening stroll after a very satisfying meal.

By far one of the finest dinners and service by an entire staff that we’ve had in a long time. I brought my husband here for his birthday dinner, and the service was absolutely stellar, not to mention every single course we had was divine. From the wine to the scallops to the charcuterie to the house made pastas to the gorgeous desserts, everything was phenomenal.
The only thing that seriously irritated us was a group of four in the corner who insisted on taking multiple flash photos with their cell phones, which is completely rude (and unnecessary in this day and age when cell phones can take perfectly good pictures and actually more flattering photos without the use of an annoying flash). It got so bad that we had to ask the staff to please tell them to stop taking flash pictures because it was so distracting to us and other patrons upstairs. Even worse, they continued to do it and the staff did nothing. This is something that the staff should take extra care to make sure customers are not using flashes in their dimly lit restaurants to preserve the ambience for all patrons. When you’re paying over $ 150 for dinner for two you expect that will be taken care of.
Beyond that however we had a wonderful time and will definitely look forward to returning.

Coming from Los Angeles, the city with tons of great restaurants. Mucca sets the standards high on Italian Dining experience. Mucca was recommended by Fabio at Piccolo Venice, because he personally knows the chef owner Simone. We made it sure that we dine in this place.
No regrets! An amazing experience!
The wait staff is so nice and very attentive. The food, is soooooo delicious and making you see what’s next.
This place is a must when you visit Portland or even if you’re a local.

PROS: Spectacular Italian food
CONS: ?
For delicious, exquisite Italian food and excellent service, Mucca is about as good as it gets anywhere in the states. Portland has a slew of 4.5 star-​rated restaurants on Unilocal (from all the happy locals?), but Mucca was one of the few that did not disappoint.
The Ravioli alla Livornese was tasty, well-​seasoned, and filled with cod meat in little pasta-​wrapped packets. The panna cotta was silky smooth and delicious, drizzled with a tart berry sauce. The overall dining experience was incredible, and my wine glass was continuously full, despite how much I kept drinking. 5 stars.

We are Italian foodies anyway and this rose to the top of the reviews on our first visit to Portland. It more than lived up to the recommendations. Inventive cocktails to start. Excellent cauliflower soup and a nice size salad to start, but entrees were the star. House made pasta that almost melts in your mouth with house made sausage was my husband’s favorite. I had the veal which was the most unique and excellent presentation I’ve ever had. It was a nice hunk of veal loin, breaded and fried and then sliced with a sauce and served with tasty potatoes. Description can’t do it justice, you have to taste it.
Dessert was a panna cotta with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce. Really good but the fun was a presentation in a mini mason jar.
Downstairs is a little tight but if you can’t do stairs, I just hope you don’t get the same loud mouth sitting next to you.
Great service!

Portland has a lot of really great Italian food, it’s always hard to decide where to go. If I’m looking for convenient, classic, and downright delicious Italian I come here. The service is consistently excellent and professional, which makes this place that much more solid in my book.
As far as apps go, if they say burrata you say, «YES!» Their salads are always delicious, and the pasta is always fresh. The paparadelle is a mainstay on the menu for a reason, although I usually go for the specials and have never had a bad dish. I generally stick to the pastas, but have tried bites of their meat dishes and they are also very good. As far as desserts go, get the tiramisu and (not or) the panna cotta. The panna cotta especially is the best I’ve had, honestly.

This is on the top 5 favorite restaurant lists for me in Portland. I am very picky when it comes to my Italian food when I eat out because most of the time I feel like I can make it better at home — with Mucca that is FAR from the truth. I ate here every chance I got the year I lived in Portland, which was about once a week, and dream about some of their dishes wishes they were here in NYC with me. You can make reservations pretty easily and the staff once you arrive is always accomodating. I usually sit at the Chef’s table, which is small but worth a wait if there is one. I love watching the chef’s take out the homemade pasta and make all of the sauces. Their wine list is also amazing and the servers are very helpful in choosing the right pair if you don’t know which one is best for your meal.
Some of the dishes that are perfect in every way include the mix of bread and oil that you are given to start off with.
Capesante scottate con Fonduta di Parmigiano — this is a must get to kick off the meal
Tortelli ai Funghi — even if you are not a mushroom lover, these literally melt in your mouth. I have had friends who hate mushrooms for a variety of reasons tell me this was one of the best dishes they have ever eaten
Pappardelle al Cinghiale — the meat sauce is delicious and the homemade pasta is cooked perfectly
Bistecca di Manzo Kobe — probably one of the best cuts of steak I have ever had. It is just cooked to perfection and will realy knock your socks off
Daily Specials — Whoever I am with we always get one of the specials which never ever failed to disappoint me
As for dessert, there are no words. I have had most of them but my favorite is probably the Pannacotta. It is just amazing every time.

Don’t let the serious, and stern appearance of owner and chef Simone Savaiano dissuade you from making a reservation or grabbing a seat at Mucca Osteria! We met him and found him to be just a really warm and amazing guy and we found the staff to be just as delightful.
Quite by accident we were able to grab a coveted table at this place. We had been trying for weeks but they were continually booked. Just on a whim we thought we would attempt to inquire about reservations — our luck must’ve been with us as we were able to snag a 5:45 seating but the lower-​level adjacent to the open kitchen. As we sat at our table we could feel the rumblings in our bottoms as the streetcar went by and just giggled at how lovely the atmosphere was on this warm summer night.
We are admittedly food snobs when it comes to Italian cuisine. In my other reviews I’ve shared that my husband and his family are from northern Italy and they know firsthand what amazing Italian food really tastes like and Mucca did not disappoint.
We began with the Tagliere della Casa which is their selection of cured meats and house-​made charcuterie, pickles and Italian olives. I’m not a fan of pâté or livers or anything like that– but this was delicious.
One of my favorite dishes to try at any Italian restaurant is gnocchi so we tried the Gnocchi con Salsiccia, Funghi e Rughetta which is their house-​made pork from carlton farm sausage, seasonal mushrooms, and arugula. The gnocchi were nice and light just like they should be– perfect.
Next on our list was the Pappardelle al Cinghiale which is their freshly made egg pappardelle pasta, and slow braised wild boar ragù. I have heard so many comments about this dish that we just had to try it. The pasta was perfect, the Ragu was decadent and very rich.
Last but not least — because we are the carnivores that we are we had to try the
Bistecca di Manzo Kobe which is truly an Oregon Kobe culotte steak, Madeira reduction, green beans, pancetta, kale.
OH MY GOD.
I’m sorry Ruth Chris, El Gaucho, Ox, Ringside — but these folks got you beat when it comes to steak.
Tender, moist, perfectly seared, and expertly seasoned. It was a melt in your mouth experience.
I can’t complete this review without saying something about their wine. We chose one of our favorites a 2006 Pignolo Villa Rubina. I am not a fan of red wine– I know, I know, that’s just a heinous thing to say living in Oregon. Red wines give me massive headaches so I stick to white. This stuff was off the hook — headache be damned and it comes from the area of Italy where my husband’s family is from so it’s nice to see that.
Because we absolutely had no room for dessert after such a decadent meal we ordered it to go to share with others at home and it was a hit!
For my full figured voluptuous sisters in my life please note that the tables are smallish — and the seating is a little cramped. Make sure you take a great shower and you smell lovely because you’re gonna be sitting really close to the person next to you.
Smart park is on 10^th and Yamhill!

I wasn’t impressed by the food here and thought the service could use some improvement so I can’t recommend this place. My complaint about our server was I couldn’t hear anything he said because of his accent and was quiet /​mumbling most of the time. I had to ask him to repeat things a few times because it was so noisy around us. Also, in the middle of the meal I realized there was a large fly that fell into my glass of wine. He didn’t seem too bothered by it and had almost no reaction but did manage to take the glass away and replace it. I felt like it was because we were sitting by the front of the restaurant and they had the front door open so there were flies coming inside. Gross.
BREAD BASKET: I liked how they had a selection of 3 different types of bread with walnut bread, foccacia, and wheat roll as options. My favorite was the foccacia but I wish they had some butter to go with it because they only came with olive oil.
CAPESANTE SCOTTATE CON FONDUTA DI PARMIGIANO ($ 14): Menu states «seared sea scallops, truffle-​Parmesan fondue». There shouldn’t have been a plural on the scallops because there was only one. We were ordering appetizers to share so it would have been good if the server warned us there was only one scallop. It was a good scallop but the sauce had a very weak truffle flavor.
TUNA TARTARE: This was one of the specials for the night. I liked this appetizer that came with tuna and avocado slices.
TAGLIATELLE FRUTTI DI MARE, ZUCCHINE E POMODORINI ($ 19): Tagliatelle pasta dish with shrimp, calamari, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. It was a good dish with light flavors. Nothing stood out too much about it.
BISTECCA DI MANZO KOBE ($ 28): Worst dish of the night. You should definitely avoid this dish. I don’t know how they can claim this is Kobe steak because it definitely wasn’t. This was ordered medium rare and the meat was super tough with tons of gristle and difficult to cut by knife. It seamed like a very cheap slice of meat and did not have the buttery, melt in your mouth fatty flavor that Kobe beef usually has.
PESCE DI GIOMATA (market price of $ 30): This is the fresh seasonal fish and it was Alaskan halibut served with mix of fresh veggies and cauliflower purée. I liked the sides but fish could have used some flavoring.
TIRAMISU: Standard tiramisu. I liked how it wasn’t super sweet.