Best Italian Restaurants in Vancouver, WA (and a few just across the river)

Sometimes, you just need a bowl of pasta that doesn’t judge you for finishing it in five minutes flat. Whether you’re looking for that red-sauce comfort, wood-fired crust, or a creamy carbonara that hits just right—Vancouver’s got options. And if you’re down to hop across the river, the scene gets even better.

Here’s a roundup of Italian spots I’d actually recommend to friends. Real talk, some are date-night worthy. Others are where you go when you need carbs, immediately.

1. Nostra Tavola

8070 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664

Feels a bit like a secret unless you live nearby—but Nostra Tavola is quietly doing justice to the Italian classics. House-made pastas, a cozy upscale vibe, and a menu that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Perfect for a midweek dinner that still feels like a treat.

2. Grassa (Waterfront)

780 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660

Now we’re talking. Handmade pasta. Casual but elevated. And yes, it’s right by the river, so you can follow up your cacio e pepe with a stroll along the water. This is where you go when you want legit pasta without putting on a blazer. Go hungry.

3. Mama Mia Trattoria

439 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Vintage vibes, chandeliers, and plates that come out steaming and overloaded with sauce—in the best way. Mama Mia is downtown Portland Italian at its most nostalgic. Order the veal parm, sip a glass of red, and pretend you’re in a mob movie. Bonus points if it’s raining.

4. Gino’s

8051 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Tucked into the Sellwood neighborhood, Gino’s is romantic, low-key, and the kind of place where the server remembers your name if you go twice. Their seafood linguine is top-tier, and the house bread is dangerously addictive.

5. Caro Amico Italian Cafe

3606 SW Barbur Blvd, Portland, OR 97239

This one’s been around forever—and for good reason. Caro Amico is no-frills, just hearty Italian comfort food in a homey space. Feels like the kind of place your uncle used to take you after soccer practice. Bring your appetite.

6. DeNicola’s Italian Restaurant

3520 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

If you're into red-checkered tablecloths and "we've been coming here for 20 years" kind of loyalty, this is it. DeNicola’s has that Italian-American flair: big portions, rich sauces, and the kind of meatballs that remind you someone’s nonna is probably watching over the kitchen.

7. Nostrana

1401 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214

You’ve seen it on all the “best of” lists, and for once—believe the hype. Nostrana is polished but not pretentious. The pizza crusts are blistered to perfection, the pastas are house-made, and the wine list is dialed in. If you’re looking to impress, this is your move.

8. Little Italy’s Trattoria

901 Washington St, Vancouver, WA 98660

Family-owned and full of heart. If you're after old-school Italian with big portions and no fuss, this is your spot. The lasagna is a crowd favorite, and their garlic bread? You’ll want extra. Currently takeout-only, but the flavor still hits.

9. La Sorrentina

3000 SE 164th Ave #103, Vancouver, WA 98683

Wood-fired pizza done right. Their Neapolitan-style pies come out of a real Italian oven, and it shows. Everything here—from the dough to the mozzarella—is authentic without trying too hard. It's tucked away in East Vancouver, and absolutely worth the drive.

Whether you’re in the mood for something homey or haute, this list covers your pasta cravings, pizza needs, and everything saucy in between. Bookmark it, share it, or better yet—start eating your way through it.

Let me know what you try. Or don’t. But if you find a better carbonara than Grassa’s, I want to hear about it.

Big thanks to Michael Key from the Dining in the Couve Facebook group for curating this solid list of Italian spots.