As an expert in the food industry, I have seen a growing trend of vegetarianism in the United States. With about 3.3% of American adults following a vegetarian diet, it's no surprise that restaurants are starting to cater to this dietary preference. And Italian restaurants in Multnomah County, Oregon are no exception.
The Rise of Vegetarianism in the United States
Before we dive into the specific restaurants in Multnomah County, let's take a look at the growing trend of vegetarianism in the United States. According to a study by the Vegetarian Resource Group, about 3.3% of American adults follow a vegetarian diet, which is about 7.3 million people.This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with more and more people choosing to adopt a plant-based diet for various reasons such as health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare. With this rise in vegetarianism, it's no surprise that restaurants are starting to cater to this dietary preference. And Italian restaurants are no exception.
Vegetarian Options at Italian Restaurants in Multnomah County
Multnomah County is home to a diverse food scene, with many Italian restaurants offering a variety of vegetarian options. Let's take a look at some of the top spots where you can enjoy delicious Italian food without compromising your dietary choices.1.Ava Gene's
Ava Gene's is a popular Italian restaurant located in Portland that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create authentic and flavorful dishes. While their menu is primarily focused on meat and seafood dishes, they do offer a few vegetarian options that are worth trying. One of their standout vegetarian dishes is the Roasted Cauliflower, which is served with a flavorful romesco sauce, hazelnuts, and pickled raisins.They also have a Vegetable Lasagna made with seasonal vegetables and a rich tomato sauce.
2.Nostrana
Nostrana is another popular Italian restaurant in Portland that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere along with delicious food. While their menu is not entirely vegetarian, they do have a section dedicated to vegetarian and vegan options.Some of their standout dishes include the Mushroom Risotto, made with wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese, and the Eggplant Parmigiana, which is served with a flavorful tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.3.Piazza Italia
If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, Piazza Italia is the place to go. This family-owned restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. While their menu is primarily focused on meat dishes, they do offer a few vegetarian options. Their Gnocchi al Pesto is a must-try for any vegetarian.It's made with homemade potato gnocchi, tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese. They also have a Margherita Pizza that can be made without the traditional pepperoni topping.
The Importance of Vegetarian Options at Italian Restaurants
As mentioned earlier, the number of people following a vegetarian diet is on the rise. This means that restaurants, including Italian ones, need to adapt to cater to this growing demographic. By offering vegetarian options, restaurants not only attract more customers but also show that they are inclusive and accommodating to different dietary preferences. Moreover, incorporating more plant-based options into their menus can also have a positive impact on the environment.Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and by choosing vegetarian options, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help combat climate change.
