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[OVEN AND WHISKER] This homey Italianish restaurant in the Dekum Triangle is loved for two things, both of which start with P. The first is the pizza with puffy, delicate and gingerly charred crust that tears like tissue paper. It comes in footwide pies priced between $11 and $15, which will stuff one or sate two when paired with several Mediterranean small plates—fried olives, stuffed grape leaves, arancini and the like, which come for $5 each or three for $13. The second is Polar Bear, the neighborly cat who in warm months comes from the bustling patio, through the open glass garage door and into the wood-on-wood dining room as he pleases. On our visit, he hopped on the lap next to mine, suspiciously near the bruschetta with fromage blanc, before an apologetic waitress chased him away. The mains are fine—we had grilled albacore with a picnic-style salad of potatoes radicchio and green beans in a creamy sauce—but if you're here, you want the pizza, plus a chance to pet Polar Bear. MARTIN CIZMAR.
On a nice day, you want the patio, even though you'll have to wait. Luckily, Oregon Public House and Breakside Brewing are right across the street.
The Directory: Our 100 Favorite Restaurants in Portland
By Neighborhood: Southeast | North/Northeast | Westside | Suburbs
2014 Restaurant of the Year: Kachka
Top Five: Old Salt, Ataula, American Local, Expatriate
Counter Service Spots: Latin | Asian | Italian | Sandwiches | Burgers
Wine Bars | Beer Lists | Veg-Friendly | Gluten-free | Elsewhere in Oregon
WWeek 2015