If you’re searching for authentic Italian food, look no further—Riccardo’s is the real deal! This small and intimate restaurant in Lake Oswego has been owned and operated by Georgette and Riccardo Spaccarelli since 1980, and many of the recipes used today came from “Nonna Rica,” Riccardo’s grandmother. The couple still travels to Italy every year to taste wine and bring back only the best of the best.
In the warmer months, you have two great dining options at Riccardo’s, either inside the cozy ristorante or outside on the terra-cotta tiled patio (“La Terrazza”), adorned with hanging baskets of flowers and a central fountain. The patio is so nice, you won’t believe you’re sitting just a few steps away from a busy road. There’s simply no better place to be on a nice, warm day.
Riccardo’s offers both lunch and dinner and prides themselves on serving only the most authentic Italian cuisine. For appetizers, try the soup of the day or the crowd favorite, “Capesante ai Ferri” made with fresh sea scallops seared on the iron, and served with a savory celery root puree and salsa verde.
Two of the most popular dishes on the dinner menu are the “Lasagna Delle Marche” made with layers of fresh egg sheet pasta, Riccardo’s meat sauce, besciamella, and fresh parmigiano reggiano and pecorino romano cheeses, and the “Ravioli Della Casa,” a sacchetti al porcino pasta stuffed with porcini mushroom, ricotta, mozzarella, swiss, fontina and parmigiano cheeses, bread crumbs, vegetables, herbs and spices, and served in a sage butter sauce. Regulars also rave about the “Costatine di Agnello,” made with Oregon Anderson Ranch lamb rack, seasoned with rosemary and spices, caramelized onions and a demi-glace, then served with polenta and sautéed greens on the side.
For dessert, indulge in the “Torte di Amore,” a double chocolate frosted layer cake, or their mouth-watering tiramisu. They also have a lighter, but just as good lunch menu that includes soups, salads, paninis, and pastas. And if you’d rather stay in for the night, they also offer a bake-at-home menu where you can get full lasagna dinners for two or four people that come with soup or salad, bread, and a bottle of wine.
Riccardo’s also boasts an extensive wine list with a variety of Italian imports you can order by the glass or bottle, and your knowledgeable server can steer you in the right direction if you need help choosing. The wine list is so long, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better selection of Italian wines anywhere in the northwest! Plus, every second Saturday the restaurant hosts a wine-tasting from noon to 3:00pm that comes with an antipasti plate for just $20.
And as if the exceptional food and wine weren't enough, you’ll also be blown away by the professional staff that goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and like family. The drinks, appetizers, and main courses are perfectly timed so you never feel rushed and are able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while delicious food is magically presented at your table at just the right time.
Riccardo’s is a fine dining establishment so be prepared to spend some money, especially if everyone at the table is getting drinks and dessert. This makes it a great option for a date night, celebration, or just a nice family dinner. They take reservations for both lunch and dinner which are recommended, particularly if you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or coming in with a larger group. Parking can be limited, so carpooling is encouraged or allow yourself a few extra minutes to find street parking if the small lot is full.
Across the parking lot, Riccardo’s also runs Cafe Marzocca and Vin Italy, a coffeehouse and retail wine shop that’s open Monday through Saturday 6:30am to 5:00pm, and on Sunday from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
Hours:
- Lunch: Monday - Friday, 11:00am - 3:00pm
- Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Address: 16035 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego
Phone: (503) 636 4104
