While savoring our pasta we were already discussing how soon we could return. Why did we wait so long to try Gumba? The interior screams personality with its vibrant wall paper and eclectic artwork. Thankfully you don’t have to scream to be heard; it’s a nice spot for conversation over a leisurely meal. There are two dining areas: the one you see immediately when you walk in, and a larger space toward the back where the bar is. The service is attentive and friendly.
We enjoyed the calamari because it wasn’t fried; instead it’s a bit charred. The fry bread was piping hot and delicious with big cool spoons of creamy burrata. The beet salad and Caesar salads hit the spot. We also had the squid ink pasta, the short rib pasta, and the tagliatelle with duck confit. Generous portions, too. There are some tasty mocktail options for those seeking NA options.
From the atmosphere to the service to the food and presentation, 5+ stars! Pasta is freshly made and it is chefs' kiss.
If you can eat seafood, highly recommend the spaghettini - the creaminess from the butter and chili oil is balanced perfectly with a hint of citrus leaving you satisfied without a heaviness afterwards.
The Tagliatelle carbonara style with burrata and olive oil does have a heavier afternote but a flavor you cannot miss out on.
For starters, we had the beet salad with fry bread. The salad was a good balance to the pasta (light thanks to the whipped tofu ricotta) and the air pockets in the bread was amazing (excellent seasoning with rosemary garlic oil). Cannot recommend enough this placeenough!!
It's always fantastic. Fall drink menu and part of the fall food menu are out. Bartenders, Yona with Matt, friendly and great conversation. John and Eric, great hosts. Food amazing. Another fantastic meal here!
The only complaint is that all three pastas that we ordered were too salty. The sauce, ingredients, vibe, service were all great.
The seafood was fresh, the meat was plenty and well cooked. But again, too salty.
Absolutely some if the best food I've ever had. I can't stop thinking about the salt and acid balance of the marinara sauce on the lasagna. Incredible.
I was a little disappointed considering the high rating. First off, I seemed to wait far longer than everyone else around me getting their food, and when I finally got mine it was barely warm, so think it was forgotten about in the window. Cold pasta isn't ideal, but I'll give them a little credit because everyone else seemed to get theirs quickly and piping hot, so I think I was a one off. But also, the overly rich flavors and saltines was too intense to finish the dish. The noodles themselves were fantastic, but they were drowned out by being covered in candied/salted infused shallots and a bucket of black pepper. Completely blew my taste buds out after a few bites. Which is disappointing to spend $20 on a pasta dish without protein and not be able to finish it. The cocktail was fantastic though and staff were fairly friendly.
Absolutely excellent restaurant. Cool vibe and atmosphere, super friendly staff. The food is just awesome. You are definitely paying more for it, but I wouldn’t say it’s expensive for what they serve. We started with the burrata, which honestly was like being transported to Italy - same quality I’ve had in Rome, which is to say, outstanding. Then we had a Caesar salad, which was not your regular salad, but you could certainly tell it was in the Caesar-vibe. Very interesting. We ended up sharing three pasta dishes - they were all really good, but the one prepared with squid ink was simply phenomenal, again, right up there with good Roman restaurants I’ve dined at. We could not try the desserts because we were stuffed, but I’m guessing they’re just as good. If you’re happy to pay a bit more for top quality food, definitely check out Gumba. You will not be disappointed.
The fact that I experienced this restaurant on THE perfect night for outdoor seating may influence my review.
The staff is as you would expect in Portland, quirky, fun, inviting, and not at all afraid to shame you for not ordering one of the wonderful desserts on the menu.
They serve authentic, so you should not be looking for Olive Garden-esque accoutrements. The atmosphere is laid back, but the service is still prompt and cordial.
The food is quite wonderful, you will not leave hungry.
Maybe the best meal we've ever had in Portland. Every single thing we ordered was vocally great. Burrata and fried bread, charred calamari to start. Squid ink spaghetti was split by our two kids, who loved it. Braised short rib and pappardelle was lovely. The lasagna was unique and so good. Peas and pistachios and bechamel. I'm so glad the waiter steered me towards that dish. Cannoli for sweet. Outdoor seating on a summer evening was perfect. A great dinner choice not so far from the airport.
First time. Excellent!! Atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the food -- wow. Not a pizza place for sure. I had pasta with seafood (forgot the name) and had leftovers to take home. Our server was charming and informative. Great dinner.
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