My husband said the shrimp & pork cheeks over polenta was "one of the best meals I've ever had!" My lasagna was also excellent, if there was a bit too much cheese. The red one the waitress selected for us was also excellent, and we were treated to, an apres Prosecco! The tiramisu was good, more cake-y than I had anticipated. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Hood River. The food and service are wonderful and their prices are reasonable. It's beautiful and clean inside and located in the heart of downtown. The owners are very nice people. Highly recommend! read more

What a little gem this place is! Greeted at the door by the owner Lilly and quickly sat at a great table with a nice view . Great staff to guest ratio even on a busy Friday evening. Out server Dominic a superb server with a nice knowledge of wines along with a good grasp of the menu! We took his suggestions and split the parm crusted cod and risotto, didn't forget the eggplant appetizer so good! All were delicious and dessert was amazing. Dominic gave us a quick history on the local pears and made us want the pear pudding. But... they had huckleberry cheesecake and that won my . Great ambiance , food , staff . The bartender even stopped by to greet us . We will be read more

Romul's - Espresso and cheesecake, mmmmm - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

Food and service were both excellent again. We go here on Labor day weekend. This was our third year, and we will be back next year.

Used to be one of my favorite spots. The food is still good but the prices now require a billfold that will put your leg to sleep.

Probably the best Italian restaurant in the NW. The owner is from Italy, and they only serve wines from Italy. Food is made daily and the portions don't disappoint. Great atmosphere and the service is beyond compare. Dominic is a fantastic server, and pays attention to all of his customers. We go there every time we're in Hood River. As a family owned business, they almost make you feel like you're part of their family. The owner greets every customer, and will stop by the table a time or two, just to chat or to make sure you're 100% satisfied with the service, the food, and the wine. If you order a cocktail, it will come exactly as you order, and it will be a good size beverage. Their gin martini is brought to the table still in the shaker, and then poured into your glass, up to the rim! read more

Come on tourists this is way overpriced crap. The food here is horrible. Filled with tourists which I guess have blinders on. The prices are outrageous $28 for a simple pasta dish and $20 for a salad. Though most the restaurants in HR disappoint there are so many better places to dine. People waiting for a seat weren't allowed to get a drink because the owner said there's been reports of Covid. It's April 2023. I'm just blown away how many tourist were lining up to pay for this horrible food. Riverside has way better Italian. read more

We were in town on a weekday evening and Romul's was one of the only places that could seat us right away. Boy am I glad they could! We had the best experience there. The penne a la vodka was phenomenal and lasagna to die for. It was clear that many of the customers there went often as we heard people raving about various menu options. Can't wait to go back with family when we are in Hood River for our wedding in August! We were seated outside but the atmosphere inside looked so cute too! read more

Romul's - Penne a la vodka and lasagna - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

Folks - I have to tell you that the best Meatballs I have EVER HAD can be found at Romul's Restaurant. Hands down the best texture size and taste. The sauce is lovely with the taste of tomatoe paste and garlic just so heavenly. The sauce is so genuine and thick you can eat it with a fork. Give Romul a try and see ! read more

Romul's - Meatballs !!! - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

I'm sad to say this, but I was disappointed in the service. I came with my sister, we ordered a drink, and taking our time in looking at the menu. When the waiter came back, nice gentleman, I mentioned that we weren't going to eat after all. I eat at this restaurant when I'm treating myself, but I hadn't been feeling well and decided it's best we finish our drink and go home. The waiter then proceeds to inform me that this area isn't for drinking and the restaurant needs this seating for other customers (They just opened so it's only us and a couple there). I asked him if there's an area for just having a drink? He said no. He said the owner only wants people to eat here not only have a drink because of the need for tables for other customers since it gets busy. I said I will finish my drink and leave. After he left, the couple sitting next to us said they don't ever see this place busy and didn't understand why he would say that. Sadly to say, I don't think I'll be coming back unfortunately. read more

Great atmosphere, excellent food, attentive staff and owner. Vegetables were fresh, Mediterranean chicken was very good.

Food was terrible! I ordered the lasagna. There was only one layer of noodles and it was a tough as leather. There was what looked like a teaspoon of ricotta cheese along the underside of the noodle layer up against the bowl it was served in. And it was topped with an inch and a half of melted mozzarella cheese on top and made up 1/2 the meal. I couldn't eat it. All for $30! And it didn't even come with a salad for that cost! The people next to us sent their food back. My husband ordered the spaghetti with meat balls and they had very little flavor, also vet priced. Our server was pleasant but when we were ready to leave we couldn't find her. I would never go back. I would pick the online garden over this place in a hear beat! read more

Amazing food and staff! Everything was delicious including the dessert. Great for date night or family night out.

I just ordered through there web site and was able to pay this was the only good thing. I ordered a lobster ravioli and it was very small and had no flavor ravioli was cooked in water bath and they were soggy. I also got a a spaghetti it was ok with not much seasoning portion was ok, noodles were over cooked and meatballs were dry. The the desert I had was small. So over all the food was very overpriced for what I got. I even tipped for never bing to this place. I would not recommend this place nor will I go back. I paid almost $100.00 in food and service that was on a take out order, and on top of that I was never offered utensils and this was take out, nor did I get napkins. For a place trying to stay in business this surely is the wrong way to go about it. read more

Romul's - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

The food is fantastic and totally worth the price, but the short woman who seated me was really rude. When I asked to not be seated near the front door (because, y'know, November chill that would sweep in everytime the door opened) she said "I'm not wasting a table" when the only other people in the restaurant was a couple in the corner. I asked for the only other two seat table away from the door and she heaved a sigh like this was a major task. She then proceeded to be terse and short with me when it came to every other reaction, like asking if things were good or when I tried to pay for my meal. If it wasn't for this squat ball of hate with nappy hair, I might have enjoyed my meal at Romul's more. read more

Best place in the area ....service, food, staff...lucky to find it One of the best parts is its owner...His passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. He takes the time to visit each table, ensuring that every guest feels like part of the family. His recommendations are spot-on, and his stories about the origins of various dishes add a personal touch to the dining experience. read more

A nice little Italian place in downtown Hood River. The menu posted on their website is out of date so here are some updated pictures. The outdoor seating was very nice. Our waitress was very attentive and had good suggestions. The bread that they bring you is delicious! The manicotti was delightful fresh sheets of pasta rolled around lots of ricotta I loved the combo of a red sauce and a white sauce in the same dish. Only thing I would have changed was to add more red sauce. The chicken parm was a bit underwhelming the chicken was a very thin piece of meat with almost equal amount of breading and the Alfredo sauce was a little lacking in the flavor department especially compared to the manicotti. 4 out of 5 stars! read more

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A fun pick in Hood River with wonderfully made Italian classics, a strong wine list and good service.

Seating was awkward and not family friendly. We are a family of two plus a quiet baby and we were told we had to wait without giving an estimate. Then the person in charge sat a table for four and then a table of two. It was a bit awkward because both parties asked if we were in front of them. Wish we could have tried the food. read more

Romul's has exceptional customer service, quality of food, and authenticity that delivers. This gem is family owned with pride and warmth. Can't wait to bring friends and family to the Hood River staple. Dessert is a must! Thank you Romul for treating our Moses with a mouthwatering meatball after a long afternoon chasing waterfalls! read more

Tried to get a table with my friend, waited for 20 minutes (it was not crowded) then got yelled at and left

JUST EAT HERE! I lived in Italy for a month and came back and missed the food and this is the closest reminder I've gotten to it. It is so good and the portions are great. The price is worth the food quality and my dad loved how they made his drink. The ambiance was also so *chef's kiss* and the staff was so attentive and great. Aesthetic + taste = 10/10 read more

The delight is the pastas, some house made and all with hand crafted sauces, prepared perfectly al dente, skillfully dressed with the sauces and beautifully presented. All four of us at the table for dinner wanted to devour every bite of our respective dishes. So we did. The bottle of San Giovese we ordered was such a good buy (only $30) and so luscious that we wanted to sip every drop. So we did. The dilemma was the dessert menu of about eight house made items sounded so tempting we wanted to try some even after polishing off our pastas. So we did. We ordered two to share four ways and ate every crumb. The bargain was this wonderful meal for four people clocked in at about $116.00 before tip. Less than $30 / person. A great value. We all said we would come eat here again when we're in Hood River. If you are in Hood River you should do that too. Because the puzzle is while other restaurants around town looked to have sizeable crowds, Romul's did not on a mid week summer evening. We have eaten in some of those other restaurants during other Hood River visits. Romul's easily wins our vote as the one we've most enjoyed. This family run, Italian themed restaurant is unique from the small plate restaurants with bars or brew pubs with food places prevalent in Hood River that tilt to a focus on libations. Romul's has a bar but the focus is on good meals and warm hospitality. Romul's was in nearby The Dalles for a dozen years before moving to Hood River two years ago. We wish we could get them to move to our home town. In the meantime, we wish them lots of business to be able to stay in Hood River for many years to come. FAMILY RUN Romul, a nice man with a delicious accent, is in the house; mostly the kitchen but front of house too. So is his charming wife who both does a good amount of the cooking she tells us and waits tables too, as does her delightful daughter. Service was warm, gracious and efficient. FAMILY FRIENDLY A family with small children was just departing an inside table as we arrived, another arrived soon afterwards and another family with toddlers was outside on the front sidewalk patio. Romul;s is welcoming for children and their parents. AMBIANCE Romul's is equally welcoming for all others with old world Italian style murals on walls and Italian (elevator pop) music on the sound system. Metal topped tables and wood chairs. Lit votive candles and a stem of fresh flowers add to the 'aaahhhtmosphere'. That said, this is still a 'come as you are' place. . MENU & PRICE POINT The menu seems ninety percent Italian and the remainder Greek, Appetizers plus soups and salads range in price from about $8 to about $15. Pastas, risotto and entrees (chicken, veal, eggplant, shellfish and fish dishes) range from $13 - $24. Desserts $7 to $8. LIBATIONS Full bar. Modestly sized, thoughtfully crafted and fairly priced wine list. THIS N THAT: 1) LOCATION NOTE: In the former Annz Panz space on Oak Street in downtown Hood River.. 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in and all on one floor. Standard height seating at tables. 3) BEST TABLE: For a party of two, the two top at the window in the bar looks pretty special. 4) LUNCH & DINNER SERVED: Doubles your opportunity to go and enjoy! 5) STAR 5: My Brooklyn born and raised Italian American hubby seeing my 4 star rating said "Four? Wassamatta you? Five!" So, there you have it. read more

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Family run, nice little place! Very pleased that they had Gluten Free noodles! Their bolognese was good! My husband got ceasar salad. It was a bit wilted and for the money wasn't really with it! read more

Had a wonderful, romantic dinner here with my sweetie. Love the decor, candlelight and flowers on the table. Intimate setting. Delicious Italian food with fresh ingredients. Gluten free pasta primavera was so flavorful. Delicious pear salad! Dessert was a scrumptious panna cota and the others looked amazing too. Fantastic service and the owner took great care of us. She was awesome! We will definitely come back when we are in HR again. This place reminded me of some of the more epic traditional Italian ristorantes in North Beach San Francisco. Fine dining experience! read more

Such amazing food. Great wine. Awesome service, even outside. I so badly wanted to give this 5 stars as it was almost a 5 star experience, except for the table behind me was really overserved and got very loud and rude. I could barely hear my partner talking for over half of the meal tonight. One man at the table was definitely either an employee or close friend of the restaurant based on the treatment they received and how they were talking to the employees, but that status doesn't give you the right to ruin everyone else's dinner vibes. read more

I do not say this lightly--we had one of the best meals of our lives here last night. We just walked past while wandering downtown after viewing a wedding venue and my fiancé and I stopped in for dinner because the patio looked so charming and pasta sounded good to us. I believe Lillie was our server (though we were welcomed and helped by several lovely ladies throughout) and she took amazing care of us. The fresh local heirloom tomato caprese with burrata was truly the freshest and most delightful starter I've had. I got to nerd out about local produce with our super knowledgeable server. Then the carbonara which was to die for and a beautiful tiramisu to finish it off. The wine I got was also lovely and a generous pour, my fiancé had a lemon drop at Lillie's suggestion which was perfect because he couldn't make a decision on a cocktail lol. From the atmosphere to the service to the taste and quality of ingredients, this was just a stellar experience. Thank you for being so wonderful to us, we can't wait to come back! read more

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The pinnacle of European cuisine tucked away on the banks of Hood River, OR. The owner, a gregarious and well known icon of the community, prides himself in delivering delicious food for the sophisticated pallet, and graciously maturing the novice one, through his bold and engaging conversations. In short the food is spectacular, but the owner, and the unique experience he delivers, makes it world class! Ask about May 6th. read more

Romul's - Fabulous food\conversation followed by this work of art. It embodies what Romul's delivers: sustenance for your body and soul. - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

Exceptionally friendly staff. Our group of four had good reviews for the food. The wild mushroom ravioli was amazing with an excellent portobello sauce reduction that had a hint of sherry. The risotto with pork cheeks had a mixed review, the pork was dry & lacked flavor. The spaghetti carbonara and gnocchi were good but not great. They have a great wine selection. Overall a nice evening. 3 1/2 stars! read more

Amazing food,drinks,and service I've never been disappointed. The pear salad and chicken parmesan is my to go! Lemon drops are amazing.

The customer service here went above and beyond. I was planning a Friday through Tuesday trip to Hood River. I placed an order online and paid in advance for my dinner on Monday. On Saturday I got a call asking me if I had placed an order because it was ready for pick up. I told the lady on the other end of the phone that I placed the order for Monday. She said oh we had it for tonight, okay we will make it on Monday. I cannot stress enough that they were right I selected the wrong day, they made what I wanted on the day I selected and were still willing to remake it for me on a different day on their dime. I picked it up that night, it was not their fault and I did not want to take advantage of their kindness. Unfortunately I had just gotten done with dinner so I wasn't hungry but I tried a bite of it all and it tasted amazing. Now I have dinner all ready for tomorrow without needing to leave my hotel. Thank you so much for the extra effort you placed in getting me my food, I could have shown up 2 days later none the wiser wondering why my food wasn't ready. read more

The Parmesan Cod was the best I've ever had. Amazing. Served with fantastic locally grown spinach and a cheesy risotto. First time trying the lasagna too - and we've been here a lot. It was pretty special - laced with olives. Yum! If you make it down here - always ask 'Romul' for a wine recommendation! read more

Romul's - Parmesan cod - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

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We were disappointed in our meal last week. While the service was good, the food was mediocre at best. Because there were so many good reviews we were expecting a pleasant and tasty meal but none of the four of us had a great meal due to bland sauces and one dish served cold. Maybe it was just an off night; I have eaten there in the past and thought it was good. read more

Chicken piccata was super lemony and acidic, rather than balanced, potatoes had ZERO seasoning. after having one of the best chicken piccatas in my life at Huber's in downtown Portland this was definitely lacking. then one of my favorite desserts was on the dessert menu, tiramisu. Ordered that and it had just about zero espresso flavor just cream and ladyfingers, and when I mentioned to the waiter that I did not care for it, and it had next to no espresso flavor, instead of apologizing and asking if he could get me something else, he stated, they put espresso in it and it's been very popular for 20 years and everybody loves it. Well, I've had a lot of tiramisu and let me tell you this was not good at all. they definitely need some better help the kitchen. read more

Such a cute place for a date. Wonderful service by wonderful people. So friendly and the food was amazing. Great experience.

I live in White Salmon. Because I'm a local we need to be careful what we write on Yelp. It's a small community and we look out for each other. No one wants to hurt a small business, me especially. I've debated writing this for over 6 months, but I just watched a Kitchen Nightmare episode where the customer got sick from rancid food. It brought back so many memories that I know I'll never set foot in this restaurant again. There was something wrong, and even if my head didn't accept it, my body knew it. The first thing you'll notice when you walk in is that there is no one there. It's always empty. I think for good reason. Locals don't go here. It's always strangely quiet. Last time I was there I had the seafood lasagna. I was the sickest I've ever been for a full 24 hours. My husband, who had the spaghetti, was also sick- but not as bad. I was so sick I felt too sick to go to the ER. I've never hurt that bad...ever. It was the single worst food poisoning I've ever had. It was worse than any flu I've ever had. I was SICK. I've never returned. I never will now that I've seen behind the curtain for some restaurants. There's something really crooked here. Be forwarded. If you are sensitive to any foods be careful. What you order on the menu is very likely not fresh and may not be even what you ordered. Read the real reviews. My concern for some strange things happening here isn't the only one- read the one star reviews...I think they are the real ones. If you have any sort of food sensitivity, do not eat here. I don't think you get served what is on the menu- because of the lack of customers. I think you are getting whatever fish (?) is most likely to spoil - or seafood that already has gone bad and can be covered with a sauce. Please beware! read more

Absolutely fabulous!!! Amazing food, delicious wine and wonderful service. Romul took time to greet every table and is lovely! He takes pride in his food and did everything possible to ensure our expectations were exceeded. Thanks Romul!!! We have found our "go-to" spot in HR!!! read more

In downtown Hood River you'll find the best Italian restaurant! Romul , the owner greets you with open arms, like we've been waiting for you! The Italian music and the colorful walls add to this wonderful restaurant. The food is presented well with farm fresh ingredients, the flavors are delicious. From local and in season pear salad, which they split for two(big portions) to the pasta dishes (I've had the lobster ravioli and the mushroom ravioli on separate occasions) to the homemade desserts by Romul's wife, Lily, the restaurant is perfect for date night. They also welcome children and have just the right portions for them to enjoy as well. The wine list is extensive. We shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (Italian style, of course) and it went well with our seafood dishes. If you don't know what to order for wine, Romul will suggest a glass or bottle to compliment your meal. The service is just as great as the food and both the owners make sure you're happy with your order. With our bread pudding pear dessert, we each received a glass of bubbly Prosecco. A very nice touch. There's seating outside too, to people watch or more intimate tables inside, depending on what you're looking for. I cannot wait to go back. Seems like I'm going once a week now to share with family and friends! read more

Romul's - House made mushroom ravioli - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

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This pasta tastes so sour that my tongue turned sore from the sourness. This dish is specially recommended by the waiter. I told the waiter that the dish tasted v sour and they took it back to the kitchen. The same pasta returned to me, at its original condition that is sour. The kitchen never bothered to make the dish better. I again told the waiter that the pasta is the same as before. I don't bother with getting it changed anymore, and forced myself to eat it. Seems like the chef went too heavy on lemon. The mushroom ravioli is good nevertheless. I m disappointed with my first visit and Yelp highly recommended it. I will never return to this restaurant due to its lack of sincerity to fix unpalatable dish. read more

Romul's - Worst dish ever - Italian Near Me - Hood River, Oregon

We stumbled in this restaurant after a long hike (so tired and hungry) and this place was wonderful! Husband/wife team who have been running this place for over 20 years- it's like having dinner with your family! Food is fabulous and Dominic, our waiter, was so much fun- excited about his job! Just a great experience! read more