Trattoria Gallo Nero

Went for the first time tonight with my dad. We shared the bread and olives, and a simple salad, and I got a dish with spaghetti and seafood. I couldn’t finish it as the clams and mussels had sand in them (which is a texture I just can’t tolerate), the shrimp was severely overcooked and tough, the pasta itself was bland and lacking much flavor, and there was something hard (maybe shell?) that I couldn’t see but kept biting into. Paying $22 on such a mediocre dish is a shame in a city like Portland. Won’t be coming back. Our waiter was nice and attentive but while I was pouring parm on my pasta someone on the staff told me that was a sin in Italy and never to do it there. I say it’s a sin to serve shrimp that was firmer than the pasta it was served atop.

I've been going to Gallo Nero for years because my wife likes the food. It isn't to my taste, but it's not bad. Last weekend, we went with neighbors. My wife called ahead for a table for 4 in a quiet location. We arrived, and the table had a cold draft, and we were all chilled. We asked if the heat could be turned up a little and if the drape next to but not covering an unused door, where the draft was coming from, could be drawn part-way. The manager said we were lucky to have the table, and this was a restaurant. He walked away arrogantly. My wife and friends wanted to ignore him, and we continued our meal with sweaters. The server was very nice, and the food was okay. I will NEVER go back.

Really tasty food, great fresh pasta and enjoyable dining experience with great service.

Excellent service and a romantic atmosphere. A good variety of food to choose from, all of the ingredients being very fresh and well cooked.

Always good food, service and atmosphere. Buon Appetito!

Excellent true Italian food.