Restaurants in Sherwood

DeNicola's Italian Restaurant sprung up more than 30 years ago and leverages culinary experience to piece together appetizing Neapolitan- and Little Italy–inspired platters engineered from authentic Italian recipes. Instead of using their expertise to help children cheat on quizzes about the international wheat market, DeNicola’s chefs revolutionize humdrum pastas such as linguine by inventing a Linguine by the Sea tossed with seven sautéed prawns and seasoned with garlic, romano cheese, and lemon pepper. On the dessert menu, chocolate seduction cakes lure tongues into a sultry tango with its three layers of malleable sweetness.

Much has remained the same at The Leaky Roof Gastro Pub throughout the eatery’s 60-year history. Luckily, the old roof, which once generously admitted the elements, has been replaced, but the sounds of revelry still rattle ranks of bottles on the original bar. Patrons perch there, sipping Oregonian brews from Deschutes and Widmer Brothers Brewing and an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys while warmth and light cascade into the room from a three-sided fireplace.

The aroma of Guinness-battered fish 'n' chips drifts from the kitchen, where chefs use local ingredients when possible and focus on sustainability. Their constantly rotating menu has featured inventive appetizers such as garlic truffle fries, which is infused with the restaurant's own truffle oil made with locally sourced black truffles, and country-fried chicken with mirepoix peppered gravy. In addition to buying local produce, the owners support the community by working with local businesses whenever possible, taking part in Portland's composting program, and not jumping motorcycles over town hall even if it would look awesome.

At Brix Tavern, executive chef Kevin Kennedy stamps his unique fingerprint on American comfort food favorites, including brick-oven-fired artisanal pizzas and house-smoked rotisserie-style prime rib, chicken, and turkey. Like his cuisine, his cocktails are made with locally sourced ingredients, such as seasonal Oregon berries mixed with fresh lime and tequila. According to Portland Monthly, the tavern stocks more than 30 canned beers in addition to a healthy selection on tap.

Patrons can imbibe in the expansive exposed brick dining area or build a nest in the elevated living room loft, replete with comfy couches and leather chairs. Brix delivers on entertainment with flat-screen TVs, live musicians Thursdays, DJ sets on weekends, and retro arcade games that remind us of a time when space invaders heading for Earth were a mere fantasy.

It’s fitting that Pho Thien’s eponymous dish is also known as “The Super-Bowl.” The extra-meaty version of the traditional Vietnamese soup brings together steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, and shrimp in a savory broth. In addition to the Pho Thien, the eatery serves up 18 other varieties of the rice-stick noodle soup, as well as pad thai and traditional entrees served alongside rice or vermicelli noodles. Vegetarian options include bun cha gio chay, a plate of fried tofu spring rolls over vermicelli and veggies. And like many Vietnamese restaurants, the cooks also mix up a diverse selection of traditional beverages such as Thai style tea and coffee, avocado shakes, and young coconut juice.