Sunday night in Portland was tough. We were all so ridiculously stuffed that we struggled to find energy (and room!) to make our 7:30pm reservation at Piazza Italia.

We were two seconds from canceling when one of us let out one huge, simultaneous belch and all of sudden we were starving (gross…that didn’t happen).

A perfect little authentic Italian joint in the Pearl District, this place was a joy…

From the adorable man playing accordion on the sidewalk, to the restaurant-length case full of antipasti, it was love at first sight.

Being as stuffed as we were, we decided to split two pasta dishes (it took less than one bite and I wanted both to myself)…

Penne pesto (perhaps the best I’ve had):

Spaghetti Pomodoro (fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic — simple but wildly delicious):

And no Italian feast is complete without creme brûlée! (we felt compelled to compare to Sweet Peas):

(Piazza Italia won).