Unlike our pizza, Hillsboro doesn’t have its own style of Italian cuisine. (Though plates of fresh pasta with local truffles are inescapable.) We’ve got trattorias, modern ristorantes, and cozy family-run spots. There’s also a growing scene of pop-up dinners and chef collaborations. To bring you this list, we tasted our way through Hillsboro on an Italian marathon—sometimes even creating makeshift doggie bags in our car to keep leftovers perfect until we got home.
FG Amore
$ | (503) 268-3994 | WEBSITE
At FG Amore, generous slices of pizza command attention. Here, the classic pie is queen, with a soft yet toasted crust that’s pillowy on the inside and lightly crisp on the edges. There are pies with perfectly seasoned sauce and fresh herbs that sing, while others have the “triple p” porchetta sandwich piled high with savory meat. All the dishes are good, but be sure to try the chicken Alfredo.
Draped in creamy sauce and dotted with tender chicken, you’ll remember it long after you’ve settled the bill. You can grab your food to go, but it’s best if you enjoy it at one of the picnic tables in the food truck pod or the stools along the counter.
Nonna Emilia Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (503) 649-2232 | WEBSITE
We’re surprised Nonna Emilia can even serve such massive portions in their cozy hole-in-the-wall space. But we’d cram into a corner booth if it meant scoring another plate of their cheese ravioli. The pasta is like a richer cousin to store-bought, and there’s a perfect amount of filling that blends seamlessly with the sauce. Then there’s the lasagna that looks straightforward with layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, but hits you hard with deep, homemade flavor.
Leonardi’s Pizza
$ | (503) 648-6458 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro can’t claim a fancy brick-oven spot, but it sure feels like ours when Leonardi’s is slinging dough inside its unassuming storefront. Anything you order will complement the great food quality, but we like to fawn over the grinder sandwich. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal, especially considering the reasonable price point.
In addition to all the tasty pizzas with their satisfying crusts, you’ve got Leonardi’s respectful young staff, who provide excellent customer service even on busy nights—perfect for a quick meal or reliable take-out.
Degarios Italian Ristorante
$$ | (971) 317-0652 | WEBSITE
When the server takes their time explaining how they ‘romanticize classic Italian cooking,’ you know you’re in for a truly authentic meal. That’s exactly what happens at Degarios Italian Ristorante, a spacious spot with nice decor creating that cozy, clean, and quiet atmosphere everyone keeps talking about. It’s worth planning your entire evening around the prosciutto, arugula, parmesan, and red tomato pizza alone.
We challenge any other pizza in Hillsboro to match this delightful combination of flavors with such well-presented ingredients. Beyond that, they do a fantastically rich Fettuccine Alfredo that pairs perfectly with the splendid, kind, and fast service everyone enjoys.
Teninty’s Pizza and Subs
$ | (503) 647-5761 | WEBSITE
Teninty’s Pizza and Subs is a gem doing two styles of pizza: Brooklyn Bridge and Taco. So, whether you prefer a super crispy crust or a crunchy Doritos situation, they have a slice for you. Toppings here are pretty standard, but the spicy Italian sandwich has an addition of steak frys poking through the meat and cheese. Benches inside are a bit basic, but they do the trick for a quick lunch.
When the weather cooperates, their spacious parking lot right in front is the spot for popping pepperonis and bringing the kids or leftovers along.
Spaghett-About it
$ | (971) 235-7616 | WEBSITE
This food truck in Hillsboro takes their Italian operation seriously, with a surprisingly polished setup and a dedicated owner running things with great professionalism. The spaghetti plates are enormous, but between you, a friend, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll make quick work of one.
Our favorite here is the Chicken Carbonara—it’s completely made with fresh ingredients and full of flavor, the portion sizes are generous, and the overall value, though not original for a food truck, manages to feel like it is. Spaghetti lovers should mix it up with the cannolis. Enjoy the provided indoor area liberally with your family and nab a side of their friendly staff for food delivery help.
Godfather’s Pizza
$ | (503) 848-0100 | WEBSITE
For too long, the only way you could experience truly exceptional pizza service in Hillsboro would be to search high and low. But now there’s Godfather’s Pizza, delivering that classic pizzeria atmosphere right to your door. The stuffed crust pizza is the greatest version ever to grace this neighborhood—they’ve perfected the art of cheesy goodness with their signature crust, premium toppings, and that unmistakable family-friendly vibe.
It arrives promptly every time, with staff who genuinely care about making your meal special.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
$$ | (503) 617-7614 | WEBSITE
The Old Spaghetti Factory serves classic Italian-American fare, and though they’re part of a national chain, they feel right at home here in Hillsboro. The best thing on the menu is the spaghetti and meatballs, a generous plate piled high with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, seasoned sauce that’s been simmered for hours. The savory depth of the sauce is perfect alongside a simple house salad with their tangy Italian dressing.
For those seeking something heartier, head straight for the massive portions that guarantee leftovers and a feeling of getting your money’s worth—most entrees hover around $15-$20, making it a fantastic value. It’s totally worth the cozy, slightly cramped feeling that’s inevitable when settling into one of their wooden booths in the dimly lit, family-friendly dining room.
Relax in the warm, little Italy-inspired atmosphere or let the kids marvel at the vintage décor and enjoy the attentive service from the wonderful staff.
Pizza Schmizza
$ | (503) 359-5320 | WEBSITE
This friendly neighborhood spot focuses squarely on pizza, and the pies are the undeniable star of the show. Each pizza comes with a crust that’s perfectly cooked—slightly crunchy on the outside and soft inside—topped with zesty, fresh sauce and high-quality ingredients. The real highlight here is the XL cheese and pepperoni special on Tuesdays: a classic pie that feels like a warm hug from your favorite nonna.
It’s straightforward, satisfying, and priced just right, making it an affordable treat without any compromise on flavor. Grab one for dinner tonight, then start planning your next visit before the box is empty.
Forest Grove Sandwich Shop
$ | (503) 985-6662 | WEBSITE
You come to this simple drive-thru spot in Hillsboro for the convenience and perhaps the greatest version of the jalapeño popper sandwich known to man. The chicken-to-jalapeño ratio is on point, and the added chicken is a perfect, pro-move flavor boost. The sandwich selection is varied, the Italiano is always worth a try, and the bread is perhaps the freshest and most delicately toasted of any on this list.
Pasta Pronto
$ | (503) 690-8888 | WEBSITE
Pasta Pronto, the cute, small restaurant in Hillsboro, has a lot of what we’re calling pasta passion. They do classic and comforting combinations, and they do them really well. That takes shape in dishes like salmon now tie pasta or chicken parmegiana. Even a simple bowl of pasta gets a boost with generous portions like the Cajun chicken with asparagus.
No matter what you choose, the Italian-inspired artwork and quaint atmosphere won’t disappoint, and you can enjoy it all in a clean, welcoming place that’s worth a visit.
Guidetti’s Marketplace
Guidetti’s Marketplace is more than just a charming Italian-inspired shop in the heart of Forest Grove. The gelato and espresso selection is a new kind of daily delight that results in a perfect, creamy treat. The monthly pasta club is a must for its authenticity—the array of sauces and pastas is ample and the whole thing proves that you don’t need any bells or whistles when the ingredients are this good.
Sip your espresso down to the last drop, then scoop what’s left of your gelato with a spoonful of the specialty coffee blend folded throughout.