Oregon’s latest restaurant losses come shortly after four other Portland favorites closed in June. The new list includes one of the state’s most historically important restaurants and two acclaimed Portland concepts.
Nick’s Italian Café in McMinnville
Nick’s Italian Café permanently closed in July, ending the latest chapter of an Oregon dining institution that began in 1977.
Founder Nick Peirano opened the restaurant when the Willamette Valley wine industry was still developing. Nick’s became closely connected with the region’s winemakers and helped turn McMinnville into a serious culinary destination.
That influence eventually earned the restaurant a James Beard America’s Classics Award…