Sorbu Paninoteca is an exemplar of why I love the Portland food scene so dearly. A tiny food truck that specializes in Tuscan cuisine with a menu that changes weekly reflecting seasonal bounty while also making their own bread in house (or, truck). Sandwiches, risottos, pastas, salads, vegetables. All of it delicious and unique. I have dined here many times since they opened and the only difficult decision was to pick which of the meals and photos to highlight in this review. I decided to go with two sandwiches, a risotto and a pasta. If you live in Portland, or are planning to visit in the near future, make a point to swing by Sorbu at 5011 NE 42nd, generally open Wednesday-Saturday (but make sure to check their Instagram). As always, I post daily on my IG about the Portland food scene, link in this blog bio.

First up is this risotto from January of this year. Simple, clean flavors that went so well together, and perfect consistency on the risotto (no small feat). Gorgonzola, spinach and sun dried tomatoes. This was such a comforting dish, like eating a hug from your nonna. They are a paninoteca, and they make wonderful bread. Their focaccia is some of the best I’ve ever had and was a must with this risotto. I could eat this dish weekly.

This sandwich was from the end of June. Prosciutto Cotto, Brie, pickled beet stem relish, dijon, farm greens on that delicious focaccia. The bread was so fresh and to die for. This was a perfect summer sandwich. I love the combination of prosciutto and brie, one of my favorite sandwiches. It makes me feel so European and cosmopolitan! Sorbu’s take was unique using seasonal ingredients which included the greens and a pickled beet stem relish, which I can’t say I’d ever had before. All the flavors worked well together and each component sang through without being dominated by another. I would have been happy just eating the bread for lunch!

Cavatelli al Ragu di Agnello from March of 2024. House made cavatelli pasta with saffron braised lamb ragu, ricotta and toasted rye bread crumbs. This was a delicious, rustic pasta. I rarely eat lamb, and didn’t expect it to be so prevalent in the ragu. It was a lot of lamb! Not complaining though, since it was delicious. This dish was on the heavy side, which is a bit different from a lot of the other items I’ve had here that air on the lighter side. Let’s just say it made for a sleepy afternoon. And of course a side of the bread, that is a must if you’re getting anything besides a sandwich there.

Last but not least is this beautiful salmon sandwich from May of this year. I made it open face so you can see how gorgeous the fish and veggies are. Coho salmon dusted with a roasted dandelion root rub, shaved fennel, copious amounts of dill and roasted parsnip spread. Sumptuous. Casually elegant. Elegantly rustic. Delicious. I love love love a well made salmon sandwich and this was perfect. Can you ask for better companions than fennel and dill? One of the best sandwiches of the year. One of the items not shown in the pics above is a side of pickled veggies which I always add to whatever order, and you should to. Happy eating, mangia!