We went to this restaurant for an early Friday evening dinner and it is a good thing because the place filled up fast. Much has been said about this restaurant in previous reviews and I have to agree, this is one of the premier Italian restaurants in Portland, OR. There are numerous Italian restaurant in Portland that try real hard but don't quite measure up. A Cena exceeds both in atmosphere, quality and service. If you are looking for a “true” Italian dinner place, you won't go wrong here.

This was a great dining experience. Service outstanding! The food was also very good. My only disappointment was in the portion sizes. We shared a salad and app then each ordered our own dinner portion of pasta. Each plate could have easily feed 2 or 3- very large and rich. I wish the server would have told us this and we would have been happy with the smaller size. The pastas come in 2 sizes. Anyway, that is something we will keep in mind when we go back. We will be back for sure! Some of the best service in Portland and excellent Italian food. Not a place to bring small children by the way.

The atmosphere was wonderful. The owner/host and his wife are friendly and welcoming. The chef is amazing. The food was all expertly matched with the wine. The sweet corn ravioli was my favorite dish. The service was outstanding. What more can I say, this place is fantastico!

We arrived to a busy place on a Saturday night but got in in no time. The staff was extremely courteous, friendly and intuitive. Bringing courses promptly and keeping wine and beverages filled. I had the lobster pasta dish they are noted for and it WAS more than notable. Extraordinary actually. Pastas are freshly made in house and the whole evening for two was under $100 tip and all. My husband had the wild boar tagliatelle, which was also amazing. Had to mark down one star for food ONLY because the calamari was a but salty. Otherwise, it was perfection. This is a Portland gem nestled nicely in Sellwood.