At Ernesto’s Restaurant, every meal is an experience

At Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant, a meal is more than just food — it’s a chance to share an experience.

The Raleigh Hills staple has been serving up traditional Italian dishes since 1987, but its origins lie in Portland’s long-lost Little Italy.

“Our history goes back to the original family restaurant — Monte Carlo — which was founded in 1927 by Ernesto and Amelia Ceccanti,” owner Chris Wegner explained.

In the 1980s, the grandsons of the original owners ventured to the west side, each launching a restaurant. One established Ernesto's, drawing inspiration from family recipes that continue to feed Beaverton residents to this day.

The “old school” charm hasn’t faded: warm lighting, cozy tables and rustic decor transport customers to a bygone era of close-knit meals and community. Paired with the heaping portions, Ernesto’s creates an ambiance reminiscent of a family meal.

Simple, authentic flavors reign supreme throughout the restaurant’s extensive menu, which features everything from pasta to pizza to sandwiches.

Fried, covered in cheese and draped in a slow-roasted marinara, Ernesto’s parmigianas are a customer favorite. Others appreciate rich, succulent marsala dishes, and the fresh focaccia is always a crowd pleaser.

A tried-and-true classic, Wegner said the restaurant’s most popular dish is its meat lasagna, boasting sausage, beef, pepperoni, salami layered between thick cut noodles — all “baked to perfection.”

“We sell more lasagna than probably anything else. And we have probably the best lasagna in town, if not ever,” Wegner said.

To wash down the satiating portions, customers can sip on a beverage from Ernesto’s myriad of drinks, including rotating beers on tap and assorted wines.

“We try to stay with some local and national favorites, as well as some imported favorites,” Wegner said.

Above everything else, Wegner said the Ernesto’s is a place for the community to “celebrate life’s moments.” Equipped with a banquet space that can seat up to 180 people, the owner emphasized how the restaurant is a space to come together, whether that be for a family function or business get-together.

“So a big thing for us is getting involved in the community, whether it be school fundraisers or hosting sports teams’ banquets, which happen quite a bit in the area,” Wegner said. “We specialize in larger groups. So that's one of our fortes.”

“We still hope to be the neighborhood ‘cheers’ — the place where people come in for happy hour, as well as the dining room to just celebrate life’s moments,” he said.