Riccardos Ristorante
16035 Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego, OR, 97035
Riccardos Ristorante Menu
-
Insalata & Zuppa
-
Entrata
-
Pasta
-
Panino
Healthy Meal suggestions for Riccardos Ristorante
-
Insalata & Zuppa
-
Entrata
-
Pasta
-
Panino
Visit below restaurant in Lake Oswego for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lake Oswego for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
16035 Boones Ferry Rd
Lake Oswego, OR, 97035 - Phone (503) 636-4104
- Website https://riccardoslo.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Chris M.
Amazingly good food. Service is excellent. Outdoor seating is beautiful.
(5)Stephen O.
I grew up in the Italian community in Portland, a lot of Italian restaurants have come and gone...My mother taught me how to cook at the age of 6-7 years old. This is the true style, authentic in every way, the pasta, always fresh, salads crisp and bright, soups...delicious. What I come here for is the arrabbiata sauce on the capelinni. Only Italian wines, the best of the best...only at Riccardo's on the patio.
(5)C B.
Thoroughly mediocre. The staff is appropriately attentive and the outdoor ambiance is really nice, but indoors is lackluster and the food is...meh. The prosciutto e melone ($12!) was two hard, thick pieces of melon with the rind on with two tough pieces of prosciutto draped over. The pasta arrabiata had nice zing but the pasta itself was overly starchy, as if it had been cooked in too little water or with too much other pasta in the pot. There was so much Parmesan on top that the whole dish was dry. Some excellent wines, and the wine/coffee shop next door is great. Fine with a large group outdoors, where the focus is on the fun, but you're left wanting more if the group is four or fewer and there are fewer distractions from the average-ness of it all.
(3)Mark B.
The exterior of this restaurant is almost perfect. Grape vines, flowers It is very pretty. To bad the interior doesn't live up. The interior is white walls, and a mix of modern abstract and religious paintings. The tabletops are imitation granite, not to convincing tough. The chairs are metal, they look like they were probably meant for outdoors, with cushions on them. The colors are cool lots of grays and white in al kind of generic looking other then the odd art. The service is very good, very professional and knowledgable. The food is quite good, The soup I had was excellent. The main dish was very good, Though not really what was described on the menu. It had a lot of tomatoes maybe 20 percent of the volume were not listed on the menu. The prices seem quite high for what you get. This is why I give it 3 stars, at their prices the interior should be much nicer and the food... the menu should do a better job at listing main ingredients even then prices seem high.
(3)Juleea A.
Thank you for a lovely sunny lunch on the patio. Amazing soups, spinach salad, tuna and tiramisu. What a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. Friendly service and fresh ingredients.
(5)Alison C.
Riccardos was the perfect choice for my 33rd birthday! Everyone that worked there was friendly and the server was knowledgable about the wine list. My family likes to try a new place for every birthday and this restaurant didn't disappoint. Everyone said the meal they chose was delicious and they would definitely return.
(4)Marissa T.
Mmmmmmmmm Never disappointed!! I'm disappointed with myself for not coming here more! My pocket book is probably ok with it! I am a fool for red sauce and red wine! That is pretty much all I want to consume!! Coming here is a great treat!! The wine list is SUPERB!! They have an extensive list! I usually just order the darkest reddest one they have or the cheapest chianti! SO good! Never sad from the first to last drop! If you're a girl on a budget be sure and tell the manager dude! You might get the 25$ glass! FYI! It is LO and I'm sure they are all used to the Jaguar type clientele! If however you get Walter, which I strongly recommend, he'll give you the heads up on price points! He's also the resident Italian server! Very fun! They did a lovely job with my "to go" order tonight! Beautiful salad with a lot of bread! I am usually SO disappointed with "to go" orders! They put the perfect amount of sauce on my pasta! So happy! I recommend the patio for dine in! They were packed tonight!
(5)Sharon P.
This place is great, the food is good, and the wine is awesome! We have had great service consistently and always enjoy our experience. The staff is very accommodating to our dietary restrictions and offer great suggestions when we ask. Love the veal medallions, kind of a standard when we go, but the polenta and greens are always a great addition to any of the entrees.
(4)Susan C.
Ciao! Here on. Tuesday at 6pm. The staff, cuisine and ambience was wowza wowza! Greeted and seated immediately and couldn't have been more friendly. We ordered soups, dinners off the daily menus. I had the mushroom penne, side of meatballs. Hubby had the chicken cacittoria. All excellent. Biscotti' for dessert. $52 We will be back.
(4)Dan L.
Oh yeah baby! This is good simple Italian dining with great service. Walter the waiter was attentive without being intrusive and knowledgeable without being smart about it. He knew his food and could work his way around a wine list with grace and aplomb. Food was great, from the soffiatine alla blazut antipasti dish to the saltimbocca di vitello, lasagna della marche and penne arrabiata, all washed down with a good robust chianti. If I'm in this neck of the woods again I will be back. Hey, I would go out of my way to revisit. I suggest you do too.
(4)Aimee L.
After having not been to Riccardo's in - gulp - 25 years when I last came for dinner during homecoming, it was so great to find out that not only are they still running but still FANTASTIC! Great service, great appetizers, great veal, great wine, great lasagne for us and a lovely peanut butter & chocolate torte. Not the overly foo-foo Italian that is often served in our neck of the woods (NE) but old school family Italian with good sauces and nice people serving belly-filling food. It reminded me of all those times coming here as a kid, and so relieved to see they haven't strayed from their deliciousness. The Zipcar drive was worth it!
(4)Joan A.
What a lovely little jewel of a place this is! It's been years since I've eaten here and I was so glad I was in the area to go again. The service was impeccable and friendly and the food outstanding. Also loved our server, he was very efficient and friendly. Cannot say enough about this darling little place, hope they're around another 30+ years!
(5)Joe T.
Six of us went to Riccardo's for a company dinner last night. I have been there a few times before and this place is consistently very good. Last night was no exception so I decided I should write a review. Our waiter, Walter, was awesome. Very knowledgeable about the food and the wine list and took great care of us. The food was great. Three of us had a razor clam special (including me) and we all raved about it. The other three dishes were great too. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Mangia M.
4 1/2 stars overall. We have been going for several years. Ricardo's is a great spot for good consistent Italian cuisine. Complete wine list with good values, with very good service. The waiters know their wines and make good pairing recommendations. The food is always very good. Scallops, egg plant Parmesan, and any pasta dish is fantastic. Indoor and outdoor seating both are very comfortable and the spaces are rarely overly noisy. Oh and reasonable prices. So, Ricardo's is one of our "go to" places in Portland When we are in the mood for Italian cuisine.
(4)Jennie M.
Maybe it was due to the fact that we were there on a Monday night, but the only thing impressive was the wine list. The service was excellent, but the food was under-seasoned and frankly, uninteresting. Overcooked pasta, rack of lamb that had not been salted at all. Pork tenderloin with cherries, very bla. The dried beef appetizer was the only good dish we had. I was hoping it was the "little gem" people were talking about, but that expectation was sorely disappointed.
(2)Archie R.
A really nice place for date dinner. Ask for Walt, the head waiter , for an even more fun experience. He's passionate about Italy and its culture. The stuffed ravioli was so so tasty. I have never eaten something so complex. There were so many flavors. Their minestrone and cream of mushroom soup were yum too. The tiramisu could have used a bit more coffee. It didn't pack that punch. They have an extensive wine collection. I believe they import it from Italy. Overall, an amazing dining experience.
(4)Harmony G.
Ricardo's is a fixture in Lake O and has wonderful Italian food. My teenaged sons and I went to dinner together tonight. Our server was fun and knowledgable, present when we needed him and absent when we did not. He helped the boys make their selections and both were hits. He had a good sense of what would work for us. I have never tried their lasagne but a friend had it the last time I was there and raved. It was every bit as good as she claimed. I have a hard time deciding which was better, the scallop appetizer, which we shared, or the lasagne. Both were terrific. The boys loved the scallops too. In the summer, Ricardo's has dining in their enclosed courtyard. None better. I'd be happy to eat there anytime, but dining al fresco can't be beat.
(5)Danny D.
A group of us had our Christmas lunch here. This was my first visit, but others in our group had been here several times before. I had the Adriatic style Lasagna - dish was cooked perfectly, amazing flavor, very good sized portion! Since it was a special lunch, we even splurged for dessert. The flourless chocolate cake was way bigger than I imagined - and I should have tried to share it with the group. Needless to say - I was stuffed for the rest of the day with delicious after tastes reminding me how good the lunch was!
(5)james c.
This was not our first visit but it had been a few years. We had reason to be in the Portland area so decided to dine here for lunch. Our drive from the coast was delayed by traffic so although we were in the restaurant before two we were seated after two and got the late lunch menu which was smaller than we hoped it would be. I asked about the menu available ten minutes before and waitress offered to ask the kitchen about it but I decided not to negotiate over it. My wife loved her meal. I got a scampi dish which seemed bland. Our waitress came by and said "everything tastes great doesn't it" and left before I could respond. After a few minutes someone came out of the basement and we asked him to find our waitress. She responded once I got to talk to her. I got cheese and pepper flakes which helped a lot. Soup and salad were great. Peanut butter torte was great. We found a good arneis though it wasn't easy to negotiate the wine list. I asked for a grappa list but it turned out they have only two. I liked the one I had. My real problem was that our waitress was not easy to talk to. There were not many tables but she obviously had other responsibilities that kept her away from the diners.
(4)Ramie M.
I'd like to preface this review with a couple things. One, Italian doesn't typically top my list of food I tend to seek out. Two, I'm not yet a huge fan of wine. Three, I don't like olive bread. And this restaurant is all three...so, take my review with a grain of salt. Initially sitting down, I was pretty blown away by the prices. I had never seen Italian food that expensive. I'd say the average plate was $20-$32. I ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce and my friend ordered the lasagna. Sounds like pretty standard fare, right? One would wonder what you get for $40. Well, let me tell you that my dish was hands-down the *best* spaghetti with meat sauce I have ever had in my entire life. So, A+ for flavor, and I would totally and completely order it again. The lasagna was also very, very good, but the meatball add-on was just okay. I only have two qualms, one is that parking around there is kind of nightmarish. The other is that it took 43 minutes from ordering our two dishes to receiving them. That seems like a long time to me, but perhaps that is justifiable given the fresh preparation? Someone may know better than I on this one. So all that said, if you're a fan of Italian food, wine, and olive bread - this place may be just right for you. I will personally be returning, as the food I had was that good.
(4)Kristin M.
Okay, so I might be a little biased since this place was one of the first dates for my husband and I. We actually ended up getting married here. Beautiful surroundings in the outside patio and great food and great people helping out. Riccardo and Georgette and Shane and Chef Alan were amazing! They helped make our day extra special by what they provided. We consistently dine at Riccardos. We've had many different entrees and all of them have been great. I love the lasagna and the Saltimbocca. Such a great flavor in the meat. Perfectly steamed vegetables and the sauce is yummy. My husband and I always plan on at least 2 hours for the whole experience of a 3-4 course meal. Getting a reservation is advised, especially in the summer if you want to dine alfresco. The Cumpleanos cake is something that we love. We have gone there for just dessert because of this cake! Excited to be going there this Saturday for an early Valentines Dinner!
(5)Sarah J.
I'll start out w/ the food, the food is fantastic! This place would be 4.5 stars if I was only rating the food. I've been here 4 or 5 times now, and have never been let down. Very flavorful, and I really enjoy how often they change up the menu. Now, the service. SLOW! Bring your patience, the taste of the food makes it worth it though. I went a couple of months ago, and unfortunately had the displeasure of having the little Italian guy as our waiter. He is so incredibly rude. When we asked him to split the check (2 groups), he was very displeased and acted like we were asking him to split it 10 ways. When he came back with the split check, he talked back too! Making sure we knew how inconvenient we were. Thankfully we have only had to deal with this waiter one time, so I will be going back, but definitely will NOT be sitting in his section. Advice: Try the lasagna, it's fantastic! Avoid the Italian guy's section, he is not worth the attitude.
(3)Jeanie L.
My daughter and I went to a celebration lunch on the patio today and were very disappointed, again! We both ordered the Penne Strozzapreti (Penne pasta tossed with fresh Cremini mushroom, black olives, garlic and sun dried tomatoes in a light cream sauce, dusted with Parmigiano Reggiano), a good glass of rose, and waited to be dazzled with the taste, as we were the first time we ordered it (such a sumptuous dish)! But instead of the flavors bursting in our mouths, we got a mundane cream of mushroom dish! Not an olive or sundried tomato to be seen. The Manager tried to explain away the bland concoction by saying the ingredients were chopped fine! Are you kidding? If the ingredients in the entree description were in the entree, you would TASTE them, no matter how small they were chopped!!! Riccardo's seems to have a problem with consistancy in their entrees, or, they are getting cheap with their ingredients (which is not, BTW, reflected in the cost at $15.00 per entree!) One time it is fabulous and the next time, not so much. We have been dissappointed with this dish before, so, I suppose we should have been weary (fool me once . . .?) It was a damn good dish the first time we tried it and it is a shame they are unable to repeat that taste again and again! New chef??? Sadly, (one of the best patio atmospheres you will encounter!) we won't be going back!
(2)Brett C.
Nice quick great quality lunch for a reasonable price. I'd shopped at the wine store (great selection of Italian wines) but never eaten at restaurant until today. We both had the salad, soup and a pasta. I had arribiata and wife had ragu which are both a good benchmark of an Italian restaurant. Both were good and left us wanting to explore the menu more another time. Service was excellent and friendly atmosphere. Price felt like a steal (cheap) and great way to try menu as understand dinner is more expensive. We got in early and got a great seat. I can see how if you were at one if the 2 tops it may feel cramped, though I liked that the wine is on display all around. Felt like a little oasis on a sunny afternoon.
(4)Quency F.
Wonderful place in Portland, OR area for Italian food. Best Lasagna I've ever had! The atmosphere is classy with great service; enough said.
(5)Suzie Q.
During a recent visit to Portland to visit family, my mom suggested that we try Riccardo's Ristorante, as she had a Passport 2-for-1 card that could be used here. From the moment I stepped into the outdoor courtyard this warm summer evening, I was totally enchanted. On a Thursday night, the patio was totally full of diners who looked to be having a great time (though the inside was nearly empty). The bubbling fountain, cobble stones and plants really transport you to another place. Now for the food: I had only a single pasta dish, the linguine with clams. It was good but not utterly fantastic. Service was not bad, though it took the waitstaff about 20 minutes to comply with a request for parmagiano cheese for the pasta (by then, my pasta was half-eaten... and the parmagiano was the Kraft powder variety, not freshly-shaved as it should be at a fine Italian restaurant). Prices here are unusually high for Portland. My pasta entree was, if I recall, $22, which is a tad steep considering the relatively casual aura of the restaurant (though in pricier LA, no one would blink an eye). Though with the Passport card (two dishes for the price of one), there is certainly no cause for complaint. My only other issue is the parking - of which there was literally none. I had to park an entire complex away out of sheer necessity (thankfully, it was after hours, and there was no one around to notice). There are simply too many restaurants trying to share too small a parking lot. But all in all, the lovely environment and generally friendly service, and serviceable food, made the experience a very pleasant one.
(4)Christa C.
Fantastic.... The server was great the food was better and I will come back multiple times. Bring your people here
(5)Beverly C.
Food is tasty here but I feel like it always takes forever for my party to get our food.
(3)Jimmy J.
We stumbled across this place during out last visit to Portland... It was a weekend, but they were still able to immediately seat us... The wine list, well, it's large...and, it's really well organized - by region - and with bottle labels...very unique - I don't recall ever seeing this before in any restaurant...a really nice touch! I was stunned by the wine offering of this restaurant...the wine list is simply amazing - rivaling many of the lists one would see in San Francisco...we ordered a Bruno Giacosa Barolo Riserva...and it was simply delicious...just delicious! And, I loved the fact that I didn't have to ask for the wine to be decanted...IMHO, every wine should be decanted... Our appetizer was absolutely delicious...it was a selection of sliced meat, cheese, and olives...outstanding... For the main course we both had the Pork Tenderloins...while the meat was pretty good, the veggies and potatoes were probably from Sysco...my broccoli was huge with almost no flavor...the potatoes were waxy, as was the pear...and the black plum sauce...just not that good... For dessert we had the Tiramisu, honestly just so-so...but the coffee was really good! The service was outstanding, as was the wine list...but the food...well, it was just so-so...
(3)Larry C.
Lives up to the legend. Great service, waiter was excellent. Lasagna and pork medallions were out of this world good. Highly recommended.
(5)Stew R.
We had visited this place a few years ago and were unimpressed. At the urging of some friends we recently decided to give it another try. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were actually very good but the sauce was watery. Either the pasta wasn't adequately drained or the sauce is just thin. I mentioned that to our server who looked spooked and said that is how the sauce is supposed to be made. My son had the lasagne and ate very little of it. I tried a bite and it was ok but not fabulous like some of the other reviews have stated. My daughter had the penne Alfredo and didn't like it. I found the service mediocre and was disappointed there wasn't a children's menu. On the plus side, the manager did come to our table at the end of the meal and comped my pasta. I gave him the same feedback. He seemed genuine in his concern about our meal and willingness to improve. Now I may be a bit harsh as a critic regarding italian food having grown up in the Northeastern U.S. where there are plenty of very good italian restaurants. All in all, the quality of the food and service didn't warrant the high prices.
(2)Dick C.
What is all the fuss about this place? Italian food is right up there with a TV dinner, tables are tight with no privacy, service is very good but I just don't get it. This city lacks authentic Italian in a big way. Portland has become a dining out Mecca but the Italian category is the biggest open table.
(2)Marie A.
After another local restaurant overbooked our Valentine's Day reservation, my husband and I decided to come here in hopes of getting in. We were lucky and got a table. The owners were very nice and greeted us right away. The place was full and the owners poured champagne to patrons waiting for a table. We waited for a while, but with no reservation, it was worth the wait. Our dinner was fantastic. My husband had the veal and it was simply mouth watering. It melted in your mouth. The potato and leek soup is perfect. We had the scallop appetizer and it was the most perfect, beautiful scallops I have ever eaten. They were big, cooked perfectly, and I seriously had a moment of silence due to the enjoyment of eating them. The celery puree was delicious, as well. My husband loved the wine and we loved the knowledge our server had about all the wines in the restaurant. We really appreciated how the staff actually knew their wine lists, how the wines tasted, and what certain wines went best with what dishes. The staff are even great at dish recommendations due to them having to try the dishes they serve. Our food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The prices are worth the food quality. This is definitely a new favorite for future date nights with the hubs.
(5)Melissa S.
The best butternut squash ravioli I have ever had. Also I now love scallops because these were also the best I have ever had. We came here after receiving a gift certifigate from my husbands boss for Christmas. We will be back and not soon enough. Try to read up on Italian wines first if you don't know much about them. They have a great selection of them.
(5)Richard B.
We have gone to Riccardo's many tines since we moved from Calif. in 1988. My wife and I are both Italian and grew up with Italian food. Two trips to Italy has confirmed our knowledge and tastes. I wanted to start by saying how expensive this place is, but their taste and quality are fantastic. Having said that, it is pricey, so save it for a special occasion. I have one critique. Some dishes come with a side of polenta, and I had sautéed spinach (very good)and garlic (an Italian favorite), but a lot come with steamed, al dente carrots, broccoli etc. Sorry-----definitely not Italian. The side dish should be sautéed greens and garlic, if I remember years ago spaghetti was a side dish. A better choice than al dente veggies if you really want to be Italian. We will go back.
(4)Mary B.
The atmosphere and food we're wonderful but the service was terrible. We waited over an hour before our food arrived and other tables that were seated after us were served first. It was 45min before we even received our salads. It was our first time there so we will probably give them one more chance before giving up on them.
(3)Dede M.
First visit and will be back. Food and service were excellent. Started with scallops for the table. Dinner entrees were rack of lamb, veal medallions and another veal dish. Finished with spice cake, peanut butter cake and flourless chocolate cake (all made in house and delicious). All Italian wine list. Waiter was knowledgable and friendly. Great overall experience
(5)Laura C.
What a fantastic wine bar restaurant! My team at work got taken here for dinner by one of our vendors, which meant I got to order anything I wanted! Not wanting to look like a novice, I just drank the red wine our group ordered. Whatever it was, it was wonderful! I then nibbled on the fresh homemade bread while the others shared some sort of seafood-y appetizer. I can't remember what it was - probably calamari. I don't like much seafood, so I wasn't paying attention. I ordered a chicken dish for my entree. Not sure what it was called, but it tasted amazing and I was thrilled to have enough leftovers to take to work the next day! For dessert, I got the tiramasu, which comes served in a martini glass. It was almost too pretty to take a bite out of...but not quite. I don't know when I will get a chance to re-visit this restaurant, but i hope it's sooner than later.
(4)Kate T.
Great wine list. Delightful patio for warm-weather dining. Some great staff, some not so great. And ok food, i guess. Let me unpack that for you. Great wine list: that's pretty obvious. They have a wide, wide, wide variety of italian wines, from a few dollars for a glass to quite pricy for a bottle. The bottle we got was lovely. It's the first time i've pocketed a cork from a restaurant so i wouldn't forget what the wine was. Delightful patio for warm-weather dining: again, pretty obvious. There are umbrellas and awnings to keep the direct sun away, but the patio is a fair replica of something you might actually see in Italy, from the tile to the flowers to the conspicuously even spacing of the trees along the outer wall. If the weather's good, sit outside. Some great staff, some not so great: Our waitress was wonderful. She was there when we needed her but left us alone the rest of the time. However, the waiter serving some nearby tables was loud and a little bit obnoxious. Twice i heard him literally read the description on the menu to someone when they asked about a dish. Seriously? I think they're asking because they read the description themselves but wanted to know more. He was also really, really loud (the second menu-reading was heard loud and clear halfway across the patio with every table full and chatty). He alone probably knocked a full star off my rating, and he wasn't even our water. And ok food, i guess: Yeah. So the menu varies a little by season. When we went, there was literally not a single vegetarian appetizer. I had to ask if it would be possible to just get some plain olives or something. I know 'authentic' italian food can be pretty meaty, but to not even have an olive plate or something in the appetizer list was... frustrating. I have it on good authority that the fried meat-filled olives were amazingly tasty, though, so there's that. The entrees were unimpressive. My pasta with spring veggies was quite blah - the peas and asparagus and everything were pale, limp, and bland. Deserts were good but not great. This is not an inexpensive restaurant, but i wonder if most of the check goes to paying for patio upkeep and storage for all the amazing wine. It sure didn't go into getting snap peas that were picked that day.
(3)Jae K.
This place is right in my neighborhood. Just dropped by Friday night without a reservation. We were seated in about 20 minutes. While we were waiting, we were offered a glass of complimentary prosecco. Wow, that was a good start. I've never seen any restaurant that does that. Then, a server with a thick Italian accent came by. He was very fast and professional. I tried pasta with shrimp. It was bit too creamy, but was pretty good. Fresh ingredients for sure. The salty bread with olives embedded in it was interesting. I would say this is a very friendly neighborhood restaurant. They said they don't have a fixed menu. It changes all the time which is cool. The price ranges from $20 to $34 per dish. Have a large selection of wines.
(4)Deanna N.
This place is a staple in Lake Oswego of good Italian food. It's been the staple of business lunches for me for 15+ years. The interior décor is boring blah 1980's, but on a summer day or eve if you can sit on the patio - you can pretend with the lion fountains in Florence. That being said, their Marche lasagna and ragu is as authentic as it gets. The lasagna is complete with beschamel. PS There aren't may choices in the burbs and this definitely is a staple.
(4)Marilyn J.
Ricardo's has been in Lake Oswego for years and while the food is still very delicious, the service is unbelievably slow. Our waiter was borderline rude to us as we ordered our wine . . almost intimidating by rolling his eyes and shaking his head as he walked away. Food arrived at least 30 minutes after we ordered simple pasta dishes and not once did he return to check on us. Our water glasses were totally empty until we left, which was also quite annoying. It's obvious there are a lot of regulars that eat at Ricardo's and attention was only given to them . . We felt pretty much unnoticed but still enjoyed our food.
(3)Jean S.
Riccardo's has been on my "list" to go to for quite a while. Since we had a nice stretch of weather here in the area, the husband and I as well as another couple went to dine al fresco. We made a reservation so no wait at 6:00 pm on a weekday. The patio was fairly empty when we got there, but packed by the time we left at 9:00 pm. Yes, 9 pm. To be fair, part of that was due to conversation but the food was very s-l-o-w coming out - about 45 minutes after ordered. The service was good - no complaints there, and the waitress did apologize for the slow food. This food is more authentic that what I'm probably use to and believe that's what makes this restaurant popular, apart from it's stellar wine list. What we all four couldn't get over was the amount of oil/grease in our food. I had the lasagna which tasted ok, but there was literally orange grease floating in the red sauce. When I received my leftovers, the oil seeped through the paper container within minutes. All four dishes were very oily. We all agreed the food was ok, didn't knock our socks off. The after effects were not ok. Each of us experienced moderate intestinal discomfort after and the next day (we texted each other the next day to inquire if it was "just us", don't judge!) Unfortunately, this will not be a repeat stop for us.
(2)Edward L.
I have been going to Ricardo's since the 70's and have always had great meals there. The best Italian food in the area. I think the lasagna is the best I have ever had anywhere
(4)Karen A.
Ah, dinner on the patio at Riccardo's! What a wonderful way to celebrate the end of summer! I have been enjoying Riccardo's for years. The servers are quite attentive, the dishes feature the best of the season; and, oh, my, what a wine list!
(4)Jill J.
Ricardo's is a disappointment. The spaghetti was dry and the meatballs were like super balls. But the bread and salad were good. This was a takeout order. So we had no recourse.
(1)Susan O.
Went with friends who love the place. I don't get it. It has zero ambience. The tables and chairs are like low end outdoor furniture. It felt a little like a hospital cafeteria. The wine list was good, and while our waiter was not personable, there was a young waiter who was very helpful with the wine selection The minestrone soup was blah but my husband liked his lasagna. The desserts were just ok as well. There are too many other options for Italian in Portland for me to return.
(3)Phil S.
Admittedly I have only been here twice. But in those two times, I have tried 8 dishes because I'm a glutton. I gave it 4/5 stars as the dishes were great 7/8 times and I rounded down because I'm harsh... and it's trendy. The Good 1. Wine selection 2. Pasta/lasagna/ravioli 3. Veal medallions/lamb/sausage The Okay 1. Soup 2. Salad 3. Service (one waitress doesn't have an opinion on food/wine... and she works there!) The (sorta) Bad 1. Egg plant (chewy enough to detract) 2. Bread (warm cozy Italian food accompanied by cold bread... and cold reviews on yelp) 3. Scallop appetizer (scallops about 3 to 4 out of 5 stars in freshness) The conclusion 1. Get a wine 2. Get a dish featuring a noodle or nice meat... or what the Italian waiter recommends 3. Don't expect a lot outside of the wine and the hit or miss entrees -The trendy harsh glutton
(4)Moar O.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the Portland-metro area! I've only ever sat outside, and it's a nice outdoor area, the employees are friendly, but not "cheesy-friendly." Most importantly, the food is amazing - from the bread to the dessert. Great wine list and recommendations as well.
(5)Laura H.
The focus is mostly on the wine, which you couldn't possibly expect anyone to help you with except riccardo himself. He's rarely available to come chat, so good luck looking through their 2 inch binder of wine selection. The food is typical- pasta. The specials are usually delicious, and the summertime offers a great selection of fish. The pasta is not homemade, however, so the prices are a little too steep considering they don't put as much care into their dishes as they lead on. Worth a try, but not worth it to he a regular.
(3)Bronwyn E.
I haven't had the opportunity to visit their restaurant yet, but I have visited their wine bar/coffee cafe in September and October for their Wine tasting weekend. Absolutely fabulous. Once a month (second Saturday usually) Riccardo's caters food and a complimentary wine tasting party to his loyal patrons. This is wonderful for the community. I have met new friends, became friends with the barista Eric, and met Riccardo while doing wine tasting. I have bought bottles of wine. Most of them are directly from Italy at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with beautiful glass-blown balls hanging from the ceiling. I absolutely adore this place now, and want to try his restaurant in the near future. I enjoy his food, and they do catering as well. The raviolis are delicious, and the seafood is amazing. I plan to go back. This is a hidden gem that I am so thankful that I discovered.
(5)Robert G.
I've probably racked up about 5 visits to this restaurant over the years, but each visit was satisfying. Each dish is different in its presentation, and is authentic and tasty. The service was also very good. Yes, it's a little pricey for dinner. However, it's sensibly priced for lunch. Making the "sweep" around 205 from the East Side and up through L.O.'s Lake Grove area to get here was always worth it. This is, without question, a good restaurant.
(4)Rajat B.
Gets busy in the evenings. As someone mentioned Chicken Limon is great.
(4)Donna G.
I've lived in Lake Oswego for 35 years and Riccardo has always provided a truly wonderful restaurant experience. We find that we may not go there for a few weeks/months and when we decide to go back, we always kick ourselves for choosing somewhere else. The lasagna is legendary, but everything else is inventive and the best of Italian food. Riccardo's wine list is amazing-small Italian winemakers that supply to him you won't find in other places. My husband is Italian, we eat out a lot and you can't go wrong with this warm, inviting eatery. Ciao from LO.
(5)Evan P.
I've been going to Riccardo's for years and it never disappoints. While summer is the best time to dine here alfresco in the courtyard next to the fountain, you'll get great fresh Italian food anytime. Oh, and Riccardo has an amazing wine list. Their lasagna (bolognese style) is great, and the eggplant parm is as good as it gets--thinly slices grilled eggplant layered lasagna style with just a hint of cheese. For starters the cheesy polenta is highly recommended.
(5)Kim W.
This place was AMAZING. The patio is so relaxing!! We let the waiter (who was italian btw, and hilarious) recommend our dishes and wine-both were awesome. I had the eggplant-not typical-was not your typical fried eggplant parm. and my husband had the lasagna-Truly the best EVER lasagna. We even had dessert-the peanut butter pie, YUM!! We have found our new happy spot!! Service was fantastic, quick, but not so quick that we felt rushed.
(5)Kenny H.
It's lucky that Riccardo's Ristorante has such a good name, and it is very deserved, except for, perhaps, on sunny days. A lot of this is attributable to outside causes (i.e., the odd fair-weather day), so the TL;DR version of this review (meaning, if you think my reviews are long-winded, you need only finish this paragraph) is to do do the following: Simply go when it's raining outside for an amazing experience with equally amazing food. I have been going to Riccardo's for almost 20 years with my family. To say my extended family is fanatically loyal is an understatement; we've celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and every other important family event under the sun at this establishment, which is why it is almost painful to have to give it a non-stellar review, in light of my last few visits there. On a good night, Riccardo's can be spectacular: Their wine list is always impressive, and when the chef is on, well, they're ON. The food is good. The issue is that it's a high variable in terms of what service and food you'll actually get -- personally, I'd rather go for places that are routinely slightly-better-than-average than for somewhere that can be exceptionally good only 15% of the time. This percentage skyrockets if if the weather is terrible. Let's start at a place without faults: The wine list (as mentioned above). They have any- and everything that one could possibly want to drink, and when it comes to the wine, the service is fast. I don't drink white when, ever, but am assured by friends that what they stock is good. The quality/delivery of the good is largely contingent on the weather; there have been times when the food was mind-blowing, and that I couldn't believe that this place exists right here in LO. I have tried every menu item over the years, multiple times, and been impressed most-of-the-time. Recently though, and as noted, your chances to be impressed drop dramatically if you go on a sunny Friday or Saturday. I also feel that unpredictably-good weather is a bane for this establishment. On evenings when it's rainy (most of the time, here in Oregon), the food will be excellent, served quick-and-hot, and everything is in order. I get the feeling that on those shockingly sunny days that everyone in Lake Oswego tends to come here, leaving the establishment short-staffed, and taking hours for your order to come (and coming cold, at that), as well as virtually impossible to get any service (you can tell their resources are being stretched). I'd be willing to review this establishment again, but can only offer what is simply a layperson's advice -- have another 5 people on-call for those Sunny Days. Riccardo's IS Italian food in Lake Oswego (and some would say Portland) --plain-and-simple. I can't give contingency grades, but it gets four stars -- three if you go on an unexpectedly-sunny day, and five if you go on a typically gloomy, rainy Oregon day.
(4)Deb W.
We are new to Lake Oswego and were looking forward to dining here. My son-in-law invited us to join he and his wife for her birthday dinner. Starting with parking, it was very convenient. There was a bit of chaos in seating us when we arrived which was odd. They led us to 2 tables, which were taken and then to a third table. When we arrived I brought in a cake and gave it to the manager and asked that they serve it after our meal at which time I was informed that there will be a service charge, but not how much it cost. I explained that the birthday girl has special diet restrictions and that is why I made it. We ordered I food which was very good (and pricey). The server was not very attentive....was that because the kitchen was holding my cake for us?? At the end of the meal our check was brought to the table. Yes there was a fee for the cake...$15.00 for 3 plates, forks and my cake. I asked my step son to speak to the manager to see if she would consider waving the charge, due to his wife's dietary restrictions and the manager declined. Needless, to say, after paying $150.00 plus the service fee for dinner we will not be returning. It is a shame because we did enjoy the good. Good will goes a long way and in this case it failed.
(3)Marie N.
I really want to like this place because it is close to home and they have a lovely outdoor patio that's twice as big as the restaurant. The food and service though have been completely average to disappointing on my last couple of visits. I was just there a few nights ago with a party of 7, the waiter, who is Italian and speaks English with a very heavy accent (and therefore hard to understand at times) was rude and aggressive. He talked over people when they asked questions about the menu and wasn't helpful with any answers, someone asked about the clam pasta entree and he said "it's clams and spaghetti"... it was awkward. He didn't suggest or ask if anyone wanted wine or drinks so we had to ask for them, he didn't ask if anyone wanted coffee or dessert so we had to ask for both. The service was slow, we were there over 3 hours. Two people at the table ordered the clam pasta and both thought it was completely bland, the other entrees were fine but not fantastic.
(3)Manuela R.
Allegrini winemaker dinner tonight
(5)Andrew A.
Considering the area and clientele, I suppose it's okay. Had the Lasagna topped with a cream sauce that was very light and good. The heralded Bruchetta is much overrated. Nice wine selection. However, if you're not from the area they'll definitely make you feel it.
(2)Don S.
Expensive, mediocre, and nondescript. Close, but I'd never return if I had a choice. We only go when friends insist. It must be proximity.
(2)Black F.
It's *extremely* rare that I take my whole family out to dinner, and we all love our meals - Riccardo's has scored 4 out of 4 twice now, pretty much a family record. Excellent meat, pasta, good selection of inexpensive Italian wines - I can't find the Camp Du Rouss anywhere else.
(5)David S.
We took some guests to Riccardo's last weekend and after gushing about the lovely outdoor seating & great wines were very disappointed. I dropped everyone off & had to find a parking spot down the road (normal) around 7PM, but was surprised to see them cooling their heels with nothing more than water & basket of bread when I finally made back ten minutes later. It got worse as apparently we were covered with horrible bugs or some other hideous affliction that made every server avoid eye contact with us for another 10-12 min. Even Riccardo himself managed to avert his head several times as he scurried about serving wine! I suggested to the party since we hadn't ordered anything yet we should simply head elsewhere & pulled out my phone to check for alternatives just as some poor bus person stopped to refill our long-drained water glasses. Unfortunately she received the brunt of our dissatisfaction and promised to "find our waiter" (but not before failing to hide her rolling-eyes display as she turned away). Finally, a waiter came by & tripped all over himself apologizing for the delay, how he was afraid that was the case, someone must have made a mistake, etc. I'll admit after that point he provided excellent service & our meals flew out of the kitchen. The food was also very good & the suggested wine was excellent. But the damage was done by that point & we were quite embarrassed about the experience. I could forgive the waiter for what obviously was a front-desk error, but for the owner of the restaurant to hide his head in the sand was inexcusable. We're done with Riccardo's.
(1)Kit W.
My husband and I have gone here twice now, both for the lunch time menus. The first time was about a month ago and our meal was awesome. My husband had the fish of the day and I had the spaghetti and sausage. The meal was wonderful in taste and the portions were just right for my husband and I had enough to take some home. On our 2nd visit, for my birthday, my husband had the fish of the day (different then the last time we were there) and I tried the lasagna. Yummy!! We again were both VERY happy with our meal. We decided to have wine, which our server recommended and it was delicious. I'm not the biggest wine fan but I loved it. The head chef, Charlie, is very friendly and came out on both visits to see how our meal was. Our waiter, I wish I could remember his name, on both visits was very knowledgeable and helpful in recommending tasty things. He was attentive and friendly with us as well. My only negative was that who ever answers the phone, and it wasn't our waiter, could do better with their customer service skills i.e. being patient and willing to answer questions and not make the caller feel like they are bothering them. We will go back and take as many friends & family we can!! I highly recommend their lunch menu (haven't tried them for dinner yet).
(5)Valerie S.
Riccardo's is a step into Italy ... fantastic wine list for all budgets. Unadvertised cocktails if one does not care for wine or has allergies. My favourite dish is the lamb chops - cooked to perfection and the polenta is wonderful. i enjoy the pastas during mushroom season and the mushroom soup is a "must have." nice atmosphere, good service and always excellent food. feels like home but better prepared and all the dishes are done for you! try the digestivos and ports! try the meatball sandwich at lunch - it is fabulous!
(5)Emily E.
Consistent and delicious. That's all this girl really needs. Every time I come here, the food is excellent, the service is amazing and I have great experience. Our Italian server swears it's the best lasagna he has ever had, and I'll admit, it's the best I've ever had, as well. I usually don't do scallops - not because I don't like them - its just that are too rich for me. However, the scallop appetizer we had with a celery root puree was divine. The wine list is amazing. The owner goes to Italy every year on a wine purchasing spree (tough job!). It's the best place in town to get your Italian wine on. In the summer, they have a delightful patio in the back. I highly recommend!
(4)Kat C.
My husband and I are new to L.O. and we love Italian food, so we were excited to try Ricardo's. We did not know you needed reservations on weekend nights (our bad) but were seated anyway, which we apprecitated. The wine list was extensive, almost overwhelming, but our server, Cassandra, was extremely helpful. She even did a little taste test for us and we were able to select a perfect wine for our taste. The food was delicious and Cassandra made our dining experience a delight. My only complaint was the price. I'm fine with pricey dinner, but I don't think this particular dining experience warranted to cost.
(4)Brooke M.
This is the best dining experience I've had in years. It began when we were seated on the gorgeous walled-in patio that made me feel like I was in Italy for the evening. Our waiter was Italian, which added to the ambience. We were seated with our menus and "The Bible," which was a wine list literally as big as the Bible. They had an extensive wine list, although light on the whites. They had numerous bottles at a decent price, and I'd say most bottles were in the $30 range. We asked our waiter to recommend a white based on two descriptors, and he brought out 2 bottles for us to taste, and both were spot-on for what we were looking for. We were offered either soup or salad before the entree. I ordered a green gazpacho (wrong country, I know, but I'll forgive them because it was so delicious). It was the best gazpacho I've had, with halved grapes as garnish and bursting with flavor. For my entree, I ordered ravioli stuffed with some kind of mushroom mixture and in a sage-butter sauce. It was absolutely delicious. The only problem with my dish, as is so often the case with ravioli, was that I was still hungry after I had finished my plate. My husband had the Penne all'Arrabbiatta, which was very good, though not the best dish on the table. My sister-in-law had a lasagna that she described as "the best" she'd ever had, The prize of the night, however, was the Veal Saltimbocca, prepared rare. I don't eat veal, but judging from the reactions of everyone else at the table, it was delicious. For dessert, I had tiramisu, which was drenched in entirely too much espresso for my taste. Now for the service: hands down the best service I've ever had. Our Italian waiter was attentive without being overbearing. He anticipated our needs and was very thoughtful and friendly. He brought toys out and took our 4-year old over to the fountain to show him how you can throw corks in one side and watch them pop out the other side (which is an ingenious trick, because it kept all the children in the outdoor dining area quiet and utterly occupied for the duration of the evening). I've never left such a large tip before in my life, and he deserved every penny of it. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, with fabulous food. I will definitely be back.
(5)Tim S.
At Riccardos. Just had the polenta tartufata with a great Sicilian red. Cinghiale stew next. Second home!!!!!
(5)Daniel P.
My wife and I drove into the parking lot this last Friday night and there was plenty of parking, maybe that should have been a clue to me. We we're promptly greeted and seated at a nice-looking table with granite top and window view. A waiter with the thickest Italian accent that I've ever heard took our drink order, pour water and delivered bread. We both ordered a Penne dish, mine with sausage and her's with meatballs. We waited 35 minutes for the food to arrive, which felt like 20 minutes too long. My wife's plate had a single meatball, and we just both looked at each other in amazement. One meatball? The bill totaled over $50 with tip and we felt that was simply too pricey for the food quality and service.
(2)Jay P.
Very few restaurants get every aspect of the experience just right. When you find a place that gets even a few facets perfect, it should be a place you treasure. Riccardo's gets so many things right, it makes me sad to give it a poor review. but when one aspect is truly awful, that's what you've got to do. The food is excellent. I've been here for both lunch and dinner with clients, and both the primi (typically pasta) and secondi (typically meat or fish) are excellent. If you like mushrooms, then the penne strozzapreti is outstanding. The chef treats hearty fish like halibut and sturgeon especially well. The wine list is amazing. The restaurant has a sister business across the parking lot that imports specialty Italian wine, and the wine list shows it. It is encyclopedic. To give it it's due, you'd take an hour to read it. Be prepared to spend quite a bit if you go for one of the many fine barolos, but there are also reasonably priced barberas and barbarescos. Prosecco can also be a great choice for a light and airy outdoor lunch. While the dining room is OK, the real star of Riccardo's location is the patio. The walled outdoor space is like a rectangle of Europe in Lake Oswego. Terra cotta and stucco abound, wrought iron furniture and fixtures, and a fountain completes the atmosphere. On a sunny day, the patio is a haven to escape and enjoy the whole experience, not just the food. It is the whole experience where Riccardo's falls short, unfortunately. More often than not, the service is a nightmare. I've had so many bad experiences, I can't list them all. Ever had to wait 45 minutes for your check AFTER requesting it? How about when you take a client out to lunch, and the waiter asks, in all seriousness, for a bribe to bring his soup out without creme fraiche? If I'm going to take family, friends, or clients out to have a great experience, I now choose somewhere else. I just can't rationalize playing Russian Roulette with the service, even though the food, wine, and ambience are all outstanding.
(2)Joanna R.
We loved Riccardos! We shared a lasagna that featured tons of light little layers of pasta, cheese, and short ribs. It was delicious! We also split a sausage and pasta dish with squash. Normally squash would be the bits I'd push over to the side to allow for more pasta and sausage, but the squash was the highlight of the entire dish. It was amazing. Fine service, a huge wine list (or wine book?), and a cute little restaurant. We loved it.
(4)Jeff V.
Heading back from the Rogue Valley to Seattle and time for dinner. The sun was thinking of setting on a beautiful early October day. A quick search in the area on Google Maps pulled up Riccardo's with good reviews. We weren't to be disappointed. The hostess suggested the patio in the back, "We have lots of heaters to keep the chill down." It was very pleasant. The old Italian water feature took on a sparkling personality when the sun waned and an underwater light came on to light the wall through the undulating water. There is an abundant wine list and many by the glass. We left it to our server to pick a rich red and it was fabulous. After starting with the house salad two of us had a seasonal pasta with chanterelles in a cream sauce. I had their "famous" lasagna. When it got busier, we had way too long of a wait for a dessert request and skipped it. Other than that I would give it 5 stars.
(4)Kel L.
It hurts to give this place 3 stars, but after nearly 8 years of dining, I must tell the truth as it stands today. I'll start with the positive: 1. When the chef(s) is on his game, food is fantastic! I miss the old daze of consistency, but I must move on to present day. 2. Wine list: impressive (!!!) multi-regional. I believe it to be the best representation of Italy in the STATE of Oregon. Unmatched! 3. Patio dining (warmer months) is wonderful. Now on to what needs serious improvement to get me back in the door SERVICE, SERVICE, FOOD: 1. Service: very inconsistent! Attitude needs to be left in your car or @ home, you are in the SERVICE industry, people. 2. Smile and if the customer sends 2 consecutive bottles of CORKED wine back, believe them when they say they "know wine". (In the end, the owner completely agreed and apologized for the servers' ineptness and rudeness.) 3. When dining alone and one orders a bottle of wine, don't ignore him/her! He/She is NOT a leper (sorry, not to offend anyone with leprosy or their family-what so ever, just making a point). 4. Food, what is the deal? On my last 3 visits, it was a disaster. Fish was cooked fully on one-half and raw on the other. Love sushi, but I didn't order it. Pasta was undercooked and I love aldente'-this was 4 minutes in par-boil, it was NOT tested by the chef. Lack of oversight in the kitchen is evident. Ok, That's more than anyone needed to know. I've clearly made my point and provided specific examples. I could walk to Riccardo's and have on several occasions, but my husband refuses to go back and I'm not really impressed any longer. c'est la vie
(3)Peter G.
really bomb italian lunch is def a bit cheaper then dinner but either way really really good
(4)Madras M.
Another great Italian place in Lake O. I love the wine selection here! Even for vegetarian like me, you have plenty of choices. Great place for both family and business dinners.
(4)Michelle H.
Now that I work in Lake Oswego, I've eaten at Riccardo's for lunch about three times. I have tried the penne strozapretti twice and the lasagna del marche once. My meals were good and tasty each time. Service however, was slow-slow-slow...for everybody in the restaurant. Folks next to our table were complaining too. When you have a limited time for lunch, slow service can be especially bothersome. The nice thing about Riccardo's is that you can dine outside on the patio in warm weather.
(3)Cortney R.
I've been to Ricardo's several times and love it, especially when the weather is gorgeous. I just love the outdoor seating. On a recent visit, my guests and I chose seating in the sun, as we wanted to soak up a little life giving sunny goodness. We only had two issues. Another diner, asked us if we minded pulling out the sun shade a little...well, ok, but why the heck didn't they ask to be seated in the shade? 85% of the patio was in shade. Suddenly the awning comes rolling out, bugs, dust and who knows what else rain down on us, in our water, wine, bread... When I make a face about the crap suddenly all over us, and mention the spiders and bugs all over the table, the waitress snarks..."it is the out doors". That was the other issue. The waitress. We had an appointment, and were there to meet with the owner about an event, and she proceeds to treat us like crap. Now we are irritated and a little cold, so we ask if the awning can retract again, and she tells us...if the other diners don't mind. What!!!!! Food was great as always, but waitress needs to check the attitude, and possibly say "Oh, how awful, I'm sorry there is crap all over you and in your glass of wine. Let me bring you another glass."
(4)Thomas F.
The first thing you notice once seated is the big binder you are given that serves as the wine list. It is very through and they do stock a vast array of wines for even the most demanding wine connoisseur. The menu is very short and only specialize entrees that are freshly made. There are not a lot of choices but sometimes that isn't a bad thing. We started out with a salad and vegetarian minestrone soup. Both were fresh and the soup was interesting. Not sure if vegetarian minestrone worked. It was lacking flavor. Entrees were excellent and presented well. We had pork fillets and chicken. I noted that the pork fillets were well cooked very well and were glazed with a great sauce.
(4)Stephanie S.
Enjoyed lunch on the back patio this week. Tomatoes in season are so juicy you don't even need cheese on your panini! Try the Azini Panini a seasonal favorite. Basically its pollo panini minus red onion, eggplant, arugula & cheese sub with crispy pancetta, spinach, & a drizzle of olive oil. Every lunch item comes with a salad or soup which is a rarity these days. The staff is exceptionally friendly and detail oriented each item we ordered came out perfectly!
(5)Sherry J.
I have had several friends tell me they could not believe I had not tried Ricardos. It's right down the street from my office. Now I know why. I finally made a reservation on Friday evening. My husband and our favorite dining companions made it out evening out. From the moment I walked in the door I was disappointed. We were greeted by the owner who didn't have time to welcome us. When we finally did get out table (10 minutes later) he barely gave us a glance. I suppose that would have been enough but my eggplant was tough and the bread was still cold (and thawing). our server was nice but she was so overworked (even though the room wasn't full) we had to wait for her each time we needed something. The only thing that I can brag on is the wine. That was great. Won't go back.
(2)Rich A.
Great place for Italian food. A little on the upscale side but worth it. Good wine selection and great food.
(5)Debra B.
This was our first time at Ricardo's and what a wonderful choice it was! Our waiter was helpful, attentive but not annoying. He reminded me of Father Guido Sarducci on SNL. We started with grilled scallops on a celery root mash with and a fabulous polenta with shaves truffles, Parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil. Next course I had a hearty minestrone, which was more of a vegetable soup; it needed a little salt but was hearty and very good. My hubby's cream of mushroom was delicious. Our guests went with the salads. Our entrees included the lasagna which I thought was delicious with a shredded beef meat sauce and a little creamy béchamel on top. Very tasty! My hubby had the rack of lamb, perfectly cooked and accompanied by a really flavorful wine reduction. Our guests had the chicken cacciatore and pan roasted sea bass. Our server suggested a very good Super Tuscan red wine that paired wonderfully with our entrees. Desserts were shared: a fresh apple cake with caramel sauce and a dollop of cream was moist and not too sweet. The peanut butter pie with chocolate cookie crust and topped with a rich ganache was sublime - the flavors melded beautifully and the peanut butter filling wasn't overly sweet. We peaked out back where they have a beautiful outdoor dining area with lovely water features and garden walls that made it look like a Tuscan courtyard. I can't wait to go back in the spring when we can dine outside. I definitely recommend Ricardo's with their cozy ambience, attentive staff and excellent food. Priced moderately with several entree choices priced under $20, including soup or salad and a nice bread basket. We will be back.
(5)Brian M.
A truly excellent Italian restaurant. Definitely save for a special occasion in my book as its a little more expensive than your daily Italian restaurant places. The wine list is extensive and I know the family travels to Italy often to buy wine. They not only own the coffee shop across the street but the wine shop as well. Nice place run by an ultra nice family.
(5)Kim D.
Went here for the first time late on a Saturday night. Sat outside, beautiful patio that practically doubles the amount of seating for the place. Service was great, even though our server was new. Food was amazing and the menu was so interesting I had a hard time choosing what to get! Wine list was also impressive and affordable, but I didn't like the presentation of the list. It's simply a book with wine labels and tasting notes. It's in no particular order (not grape, or even red/white) and there is no "summary". You have to flip through each page (easily 100) to see their entire selection, and frankly, it's a bit daunting. Let me browse a sheet that lists the entire selection and if I want more info on something, I can go to the page with the detail.
(4)Richard G.
Riccardo's is easily the best Italian restaurant in Lake O. and one of the best irrespective of cuisine. They have the best Italian wine list in the Portland metro area. Ricardo makes a few trips to Italy each year and sources his wine from wineries there. He also has a wine shop across the parking lot from the restaurant. His Lasagne delle Marche is incredible and folks travel substantial distance for it. It is not like any Lasagne you have ever had -- the pasta melts in your mouth. Service can be slow on weekends so be patient. Best dining outside when the weather is nice. It's easy to imagine you're in a Tuscan garden. Highly recommended.
(4)Chris A.
Riccardo's is OK for lunch (when the prices are palatable) on a beautiful day, or a summer evening, sitting outside, but I have to say for dinner it is extremely overpriced. I've had some decent lunches there (most notably the lasagna), but the quality of the food simply doesn't warrant the dinner prices, especially considering all the great choices in Portland. I do eat out a lot and those who know me consider me to be a pretty good judge of food -- I know the Portland food scene pretty well and introduce many to new experiences. I think Riccardo's relies wholly on the Lake Oswego demographic. If it was in Portland, it wouldn't survive with its menu. I had a chicken dish there recently for $29 that had the consistency of boiled chicken and was drowned in a tasteless sauce. The polenta was overdone. Four of us tried it and the consensus was that it was pretty bad--extremely ordinary at best. CHICKEN for $29? And that's the cheapest non-pasta entree on the menu. It may be Lake Oswego, but it surely isn't New York. That's really pushing it for this echelon of dining. I wholeheartedly suggest that anyone who is reading reviews on this site deciding whether or not to visit Riccardo's for dinner click through to the restaurant's website and check out the dinner menu and the prices. Otherwise you may find yourself sitting there deciding it's too late and too much of a nuisance to go somewhere else and settling for an overpriced meal and regretting it, as I've done. Even with my Passport card, I still don't find it a great value. Only for lunch.
(2)Melissa P.
Real good Italian in LO. But make a res. When/why to come here: to impress out of towners with the quaint charm of a small authentic ristorante, after you've educated them on the triteness of Lake Oswego. They have smallish inside and largish heated outside seating. And a tinkly fountain in the front and back. The menu changes daily/weekly, so I really don't know whats on it right now. So what's always tasty there? Well, they continuously have a *toothsome* beef dish with some succulent sauce. I've tasted the seasonal lamb, so juicy and well herbed. Always a variety of pasta dishes, generous portions and good wine to choose from. Always think seriously about the specials and seafood, because they are all well planned using local ingredients. I should go back to get give this review more detail.. but not being loaded makes it somewhat difficile. Local business note: The sons of the owners are the local distributors of illy coffee.. and they have a coffee shop right next door.
(5)Tom S.
Every time I eat here, the meal exceeds my expectations. They do a really great job, every time. They seem to always have some new thing as a special and it is always fabulous. The wait staff is very good, although I agree with the person who mentioned the person (owner?) up front as you walk in isn't the friendliest, that is a little odd, always busy with accounting or some such thing. But other than that I can't find anything to complain about. The patio dining is also great on a nice day.
(4)