Burrasca used to be a Tuscan food cart until in 2015 it closed the cart after a successful Kickstarter and emerged as a brick and mortar at 2032 SE Clinton Street. Since then, this family owned, humble, little warm homey neighbohood restaurant has expanded their Florentine food offerings from the pasta to include some unusual authentic appetizers you normally don’t see and some hearty mains. When there are slightly cooler summer days like what we have been having, I think of them – and you should too. Or honestly, if you’re thinking of gnocchi – get yourself here!

For me, my first love remains the same: the Burrasca Gnudi, Spinach and ricotta gnocchi with butter and bits of crispy sage.

The service here can be a little slow at times, but I don’t feel like you go to a neighborhood family place to rush through a meal. I eat my gnudi, thinking about ordering a second plate of gnudi for myself but resist while sipping on an Italian wine in their back patio.

I use their crescentine, a puffy, fried breadstick to soak up all the rest of the butter and pick up the crispy sage, and then go across the street to Fifty Licks for dessert (sorry Burrasca). The plates here are on the small side, not the oversized portions you usually see at pasta restaurants, but they are all quality.

Burrasca’s Crescentine, a Puffed fried breadstick

Sformato starter, a warm and savory custard

Tagliatelle, Handmade ribbon pasta with beef ragù.

Don’t you dare visit without getting the gnudi.

What is your favorite Italian go to place in Portland?