N※N

Portland, Maine, Just Got a New Pasta Restaurant and Wine Bar You Can Try

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/04 .. w-pasta-restaurant-and-wine-bar-you-can-try.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 1:05 GMT by wjbq

Portland Welcomes a New Italian Gem: Abbicco Opens Its Doors

Portland’s culinary landscape just gained a fresh, sun‑kissed Italian kitchen, and the buzz is louder than a summer street festival. The newly christened Abbicco – a playful nod to the languid post‑lunch “abbiocco” of Italian culture – opened its doors last Friday on a block in the historic East End. The restaurant, which prides itself on “authentic, neighborhood‑friendly Italian,” has already drawn diners and critics alike to its thoughtfully crafted menu of pastas, small plates, and a wine list that makes even the most seasoned connoisseur smile.

The Concept: A Warm, Low‑Key Home

Owner and head chef Giovanni “Gio” Bianchi—who hails from Florence—told the WJBQ reporters that Abbicco is “the kind of place you’d sit down at your family’s kitchen and have a conversation over a bowl of spaghetti.” The interior reflects that vision: exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a fire‑pit that offers a subtle, rustic glow. The décor is deliberately understated, with muted hues and local art that celebrates Maine’s maritime heritage, creating an intimate space that feels both contemporary and classic.

“We want people to feel at home,” Bianchi said over a steaming plate of tagliatelle al limoncello. “Not just a meal, but a memory.”

Menu Highlights: From Hand‑Made Pasta to Artisanal Wine

Abbicco opens with a menu that showcases the chef’s craft. All the pastas are made in‑house, using a blend of semolina and local Maine wheat. Signature dishes include:

• Tagliatelle al Limoncello – Fresh noodles tossed in a bright lemon cream sauce, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil.
• Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini – Wide ribbons of pasta smothered in a slow‑simmered porcini mushroom ragù, finished with a drizzle of truffle oil.
• Pasta Alla Norma – A Sicilian classic with ricotta, eggplant, and a tangy tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil and a dusting of pecorino.

The small‑plates selection—perfect for sharing—features marinated olives, a charcuterie board of locally sourced meats, and the ever‑popular Crostini al Pomodoro.

The wine list, curated by Sophia Ramirez (the resident sommelier), reflects the Mediterranean palate while highlighting Maine’s burgeoning wine scene. Highlights include a 2018 Chianti Classico, a crisp Pinot Grigio from the Sonoma Valley, and a selection of craft wines from the nearby Penobscot River Valley.

“Portland’s people are adventurous when it comes to food and drink,” Ramirez said. “We’re excited to offer wines that pair beautifully with our pastas and that locals can feel proud of.”

A Community‑First Approach

The restaurant’s opening was announced earlier this year on WJBQ’s “Food & Wine” segment, and the response has been enthusiastic. In addition to the dine‑in experience, Abbicco will host weekly wine tastings, cooking classes for kids, and seasonal pop‑up events. The owners are also partnering with the Portland Arts & Cultural Council to sponsor a monthly “Wine & Paint” night, encouraging locals to mix a bottle with a brushstroke.

“We’re not just feeding the city; we’re creating a gathering place,” Bianchi explained. “Our goal is to bring a slice of Italy into Maine and to make it accessible to everyone.”

The People Behind the Plate

Giovanni Bianchi brings more than 12 years of experience working under renowned chefs in Florence and Rome. Prior to Abbicco, he ran a successful catering business in Boston and has always dreamed of establishing an Italian eatery in a New England city with a growing foodie culture. His sister, Elena Bianchi, who runs a boutique bakery in Portland, supplies the restaurant’s pastries and focaccia.

“I’ve seen the evolution of Portland’s food scene, and I know there’s a place for authentic, family‑style Italian,” Giovanni says. “We’re excited to contribute to the community.”

Sophia Ramirez, a former wine critic for The Atlantic, joined Abbicco after relocating to Portland to pursue a quieter life. Her knowledge of the local wine industry has helped the restaurant build a wine list that feels both international and deeply regional.

First Impressions

The first week has already seen reservations sold out by mid‑afternoon. Diners praised the quality of the pastas, describing them as “perfectly al dente” and “bursting with flavor.” The cozy interior and attentive service have earned the restaurant a spot on Portland Monthly’s “Best New Restaurants” list.

Local food blogger Megan K. called Abbicco “a taste of Italy made in Portland,” noting that the restaurant’s emphasis on community events sets it apart from other upscale Italian spots in the city.

Where to Find It

Abbicco is located at 1227 Franklin Street, just two blocks from the bustling Portland Farmers’ Market. Reservations can be made online at www.abbiccoportland.com or via the restaurant’s Instagram handle, @AbbiccoPortland.

The restaurant will remain open Monday–Saturday, 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., with dinner service beginning at 6:00 p.m. For those craving a taste of Italy in the heart of Maine, Abbicco promises a comforting, authentic dining experience that feels both local and globally inspired.

With a menu that celebrates the simplicity and depth of Italian cooking, a wine list that bridges continents, and a mission to bring people together, Abbicco has positioned itself as a standout addition to Portland’s dynamic culinary scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a memorable night out, this new haven in the East End is sure to leave a lasting impression.