Fodor's Expert Review Ristorante Italiano

The chef uses fresh local produce from the restaurant's own farm, but this bistro-style café across from the University of Oregon is best known for its authentic Italian cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on fresh local seafood. The menu changes according to the season, but staples include delicious salads and soups, ravioli, grilled chicken, pizza, and sandwiches plus a variety of specials. The dining room, shaded by blossoming cherry trees in the spring, has a quiet, understated European feel, and there's outdoor seating on the patio in good weather.