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Genoa

4.5

About this business

FINE ITALIAN COOKING FIRST DAZZLED PORTLANDERS IN 1971, when restaurateur Michael Vidor opened Genoa restaurant on Southeast Belmont Street. Genoa introduced Portland to the cuisine of northern Italy with a two-hour long, seven-course, prix fixe meal experience. Genoa quickly earned a reputation as one of Portland’s premiere fine dining establishments. Simply put, it was the place for special occasions. The menu maintained its elaborate seven-course format until November 2008. From the beginning, Genoa sought out the f... read more

Location details

2832 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR, 97214, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
MonClosed
Tue5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wed5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thu5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fri5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sat5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sun5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
4.5116 reviews
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jive444's profile image
20 years ago

Disappointed – Me and my wife were looking forward to a romantic dinner at Genoa after having read about it in Gourmet. The setting was nice and romantic but the food was just average. I expected more for a 7 course $70 price fix dinner. I had a steak which they recommended be served med./rare (which is how I normally like it) but was served cooked through and when I asked the server she said it was med./rare. The wine list was good, but the server seemed to have little knowledge about wine and there is no somelier to help e... read more

bmlto's profile image
20 years ago

My husband and I are totally disappointed by this restaurant. The only good thing was the server: he was very detailed in letting us know the ingredients and cooking methods. The food is mediocre, even if charged at an average price, let alone at this price tag. The pork chop was said to have marinated for a few days - and it was too salty. The restaurant is a big square shaped area, no China wall to block out views from customers who just walk in. My first reaction when I stepped in was: is that it? Decor disappointing. No ... read more

martin_the_great's profile image
martin_the_great 
21 years ago

Major Disappointment – Growing up in an Italian-based community on the east coast, I found this place lacking any authenticity to what I grew up loving Italian restaurants for. It's a very nouveau-riche environment, vain, self-conscious, stiff. The food is OK and a departure from traditional Italian, but as for $100/plate price tag...I've had countless better meals and experiences at other Italian restaurants costing 1/10th that of Genoa. Without price factor, I'd rate Genoa as middle of the pack. I left hungry also, as the ... read more

andrewdhowell's profile image
andrewdhowell 
21 years ago

You have to do it at least once – Eating at Genoa is an experience in itself. It's even more fun with a big group. Be sure to check out their menu in advance and call for reservations as it's sometimes hard to get one on the weekend. Plan on 3 hours for dinner! 

sticky29buns's profile image
sticky29buns 
21 years ago

Perfect Special Occasion Restaurant – What new can I say? My husband brought me here for my birthday and I was so impressed I almost cried at every course. I can't say much more that hasn't already been said. The place is not cheap but it was worth every penny. I'm in love with Genoa! 

rfj4453's profile image
22 years ago

Best food and atmosphere! – The Genoa is our favorite spot for special occasion dining. We were treated to a fine meal, as usual, last night on our anniversary. The food was excellent: the service friendly, knowledgeable, and flawless; and the overall experience was exceptional. Our waiter recommended a wonderful wine to go with our dinners. At the table behind us was a couple from MI in town for a convention and they thoroughly enjoyed their dining experience too. Hats off to a place that is ALWAYS firstrate! 

luvs2eatout's profile image
luvs2eatout 
22 years ago

Not 5 star for nothing! – Having lived in this area for many years, I have frequented Genoa many times. This is one of the few 5 star restaurants in Portland. This restaurant was started in 1971. To this date, the FORMER waiters/waitresses OWN this establishment. One of my very favorites, Cathy Whims is the current owner. You walk in and you realize it is VERY small. Not too much effort is in the decor, but believe me, it has upscaled 100% over 20 years! You sit down, and your waiter brings you the first of 7 courses, explai... read more

jeimz's profile image
22 years ago

Lovely but not Amazing – Genoa has excellent food in at least A FEW of the courses, but there are ALWAYS a few that are not so good. For the price paid, this should not happen. The ambience is, well, what ambience? The restaurant really should invest in some better decor. It looks more like a Brazilian dive in a strip mall than a fine Italian restaurant. The service is pleasant but not as polished as one would expect for the type of restaurant that Genoa portrays itself to be. Despite my complaints, I usually go about once a... read more

robinlab's profile image
robinlab 
22 years ago

Worth every penny! – Just had dinner at Genoa for the first time last night and my husband and I were both impressed (both former cooks, not easily bowled over). Every course was delicious and we left very satisfied. Service team was excellent. We did the full 7 courses and were there 2 hours. We will be back for sure. I'm just sorry we waited as long as we did to try it! 

Frequently asked questions about Genoa

How is Genoa rated?

Genoa has a 4.5 star rating with 116 reviews. 

When is Genoa open?

Genoa is closed now. It will open at 5:30 p.m. 

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