Ava Genes

Good
Apr 14th, 2025

Ava Genes was absolutely fabulous. Such a cozy, relaxed vibe and exceptional food. We got the calamari, Brussels sprouts, lamb ragu, crab garganelli, and tiramisu for dessert and could not have been happier with the evening!
Apr 14th, 2025

Ive had the pleasure of enjoying multiple dinners at Ava Genes, including one of their outstanding wine dinnersand every experience has been exceptional. The service is consistently top-notch, professional, and welcoming. Without question, its some of the best food and service youll find in Portland.The cocktail menu is creative and well-executed, and their wine selection is impressive, with something for every palate. Ava Genes continues to be a standout in the Portland dining scene. Highly recommend!
Apr 7th, 2025

Alright guys I've been on a mission to try "portlands best Italian" and this was high on the list. The decor did not disappoint but the attitude and atmosphere was quite arrogant, ruined it for me really, The people and some staff. You might as well eat from your neighbors plate you are seated soo close lol It was the "oh you've never been here before (weird eye roll)....." when we were seated that left a weird taste in my mouth. The staff seems like they kind of worship the place which is good for the establishment but they also include a 20% on the bill. Service was fine The wine list is not large which I like, I hate having a million options, gives me anxiety sometimes. I was excited to try the wagyu tartare and ohhhh boy was it disappointing. I hate hate hate when you order tartare or similar and it doesn't come with bread, a cracker, something! If I would have known I would have ordered the $14 bread. It did have thin pieces of cheese garnish on the top and some small rice crackers? not sure if this was meant to be the cracker? Maybe just put them on the side and add more? The beef was cut into tiny cubes, gave me more of a tuna vibe. I definitely did not like the giant blob of mayonnaise in the middle. I would not order it again. Oh and I dont know what the point or why half of the dish was covered in a dark powderWe shared the ORECCHIETTE with Fennel sausage, kale, fennel pollen. It was good but not great, there was a pool of oil on the plate when we were done and I think we both ended up with heartburn later. Not bad, I would say better than ok. But for $29..The PAPPARDELLE with Venison Rag Bianco, rosemary, was um a mouth full of rosemary. I love rosemary but damn! $29, I would pass next timeI think the best thing was the ice cream I got for free as a surprise at the end. I appreciated that.Unfortunately we were still hungry and headed another place.Would I come back? Sure. Is it one of the best? I would say it's a good try but I tried another Italian spot the next day that was 10000000% better.
Apr 5th, 2025

Wow wow wow. Can't recommend this place more! The food was some of the most delicious, well-made, high-quality food I've had in years. The mocktail was superb. Everything was beautiful (food, drinks, and the restaurant itself). The wait staff was charming and kind. And all seasonal and local!? How I wish more restaurants could be! Even the bathrooms were gorgeous!
Apr 3rd, 2025