A Notable Portland Restaurant Is Opening

There’s a notable restaurant opening this week, and one of Portland’s favorite coffee shops is back.

Spella Caffè Returns ☕

Spella Caffè, a beloved downtown spot, reopened Oct. 12 and is already crowded with former regulars. The coffee shop first opened as a cart in 2006, but its last brick-and-mortar was a casualty of the pandemic. Its current spot was formerly Moonstruck Chocolate. Maybe it’s another hopeful sign for Downtown. [Portland Monthly]

Reserve the Ritz 💰

The Ritz-Carlton’s flagship restaurant, Bellpine, opens Oct 31 — the same day as the hotel — and is now accepting reservations. It will be led by Michelin-star-winning chef Pedro Almeida, who is from Portugal. Also in the kitchen is Lauro Romero, a local legend known for his pop-up, Clandestino, as well as his stints at República and King Tide Fish & Shell. There’s no menu yet, but Eater Portland reports past press releases have featured sample dishes such as “purple Oregon uni with potatoes and egg, alder plank-roasted sockeye salmon with rosewater, farm rabbit with truffles, and candied mushrooms with chocolate-mushroom ice cream.” [Eater Portland]

Speaking of Reservations 🎟️

If you haven’t been to Portland’s highly acclaimed Haitian restaurant (or maybe even if you have), set a reminder now for the next round of Kann reservations. They’ll be released at noon on Wed. Nov. 1 for December dates. Maybe it’s a good holiday gift for yourself and a loved one?