The Pacific Northwest produce and proteins used in Ava Gene’s Roman-inspired dishes are a winning combo that attracts everyone from local notables to Gen Z to their stylish, relaxed dining room on Division. Picture a wide selection of housemade pastas like fettuccine topped with pork ragu and mint, and seafood-filled linguine spiced up with jalapeño and cilantro. Don’t skip the giardini, creative vegetarian-focused starters like snap peas and crispy rice, lime leaf, peanut, or burrata paired with unlikely partners, strawberry and tarragon. The vibe is a little more adult and polished than your typical Portland restaurant, so break out your good fleece and all-terrain sandals.