The iconic space on East Burnside, once the vibrant home of Burnside Brewing, has transformed once again, this time taking shape as Dimo’s Italian Specialties.
After housing Fracture Brewing, the venue underwent significant renovations, leading to a new era for local food enthusiasts.
Owner Doug Miriello, who previously established Dimo’s Apizza next door, opened Dimo’s Italian Specialties on July 6, 2025.
Despite having a thriving pizza shop and family commitments, Miriello felt an irresistible pull to revive the former brewing space when Fracture shut down in 2024.
“I want this to be my home,” he stated.
“I don’t want to do anything else. I want this to be it.”
The restaurant boasts a variety of offerings, including a full bar, a bakery display brimming with baked goods, and a small market section selling dry and refrigerated goods like wines and salts.
While the establishment is designed to serve different purposes, from lunch counter to romantic dinner venue, Miriello aims to ensure that everything served connects back to his culinary background and traditions.
Rotating menu items will highlight a selection of pastas and Italian dishes, showcasing ingredients and flavors that resonate with his family heritage.
Dishes like gnocchi with lamb-tomato ragu, lasagna verde Bolognese, whole branzino, and pollo al mattone offer a rich experience for diners.
The introduction of a reservation-only supper club aims to enhance the dining experience, transforming the culinary format during scheduled evenings.
Along with an intimate dining atmosphere, the cocktail offerings will mirror the Italian theme.
For instance, the caprese martini incorporates burrata whey, tomato water, and micro-basil, delivering an innovative twist on traditional flavors.
However, the venture to turn the former brewery into a multifaceted dining experience was not without its hurdles.
Miriello candidly acknowledged that the road to this opening wasn’t smooth.
He shared, “It wasn’t easy to get where we are now, that’s for sure.”
Dimo’s Italian Specialties offers an array of dining options, transitioning from a sandwich counter to a cocktail bar, providing varied experiences throughout the day.
Miriello emphasized his desire for the restaurant to adapt to patrons’ needs.
“I want to be your… whatever you want us to be,” he said.
Each segment of the restaurant is designed to maintain a focus on culinary creativity and nostalgia, allowing for a cohesive dining experience.
The effectiveness of this venture also relies on the strength and experience of Miriello’s team.
General manager Herb Apon, who has a strong background in craft beverages, leads the charge in ensuring quality service, alongside assistant general manager Sarah Marshall, who Miriello credits as a “superstar” in customer service.
Zena Smith, a former staff member at both Fracture and Cache Cache, is responsible for curating the cocktail menu.
Her approach brings an intricate blend of traditional Italian flavors while incorporating her mixology skills, making cocktails a focal point.
Smith has been experimenting with various amaros, embracing their depth and elevating them within the cocktail framework.
She aims to shift the perception of the digestif as merely a background element, instead presenting it as the centerpiece of cocktail concoctions.
For example, the burrata whey ingredient is not only innovative but aligns with a philosophy of minimal waste.
Smith also creatively reinterprets classic cocktails, including her version of a Negroni, where sparkling wine replaces gin, showcasing her dedication to flavor balance.
As the restaurant strives for excellence in both food and cocktails, it remains committed to pleasing the local palate.
Miriello noted, “For all its ambition, refinement, nostalgia, the Dimo’s menu still makes room for what Portland is always after.”
This embrace of comfort food is epitomized by the fonduta burger, which features a porcini-rubbed patty doused in melted fontina, along with cacio e pepe fries as a delightful pairing option.
Ultimately, the soul of Dimo’s menu centers around simplicity, flavor, and elements of indulgence that resonate with guests.
With Dimo’s Italian Specialties now open at 701 East Burnside Street, the vibrant potential of this multi-use space seems to promise a dynamic culinary journey for the Portland community.
Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, the establishment is ready to welcome food enthusiasts looking for diverse dining experiences.
image source from：pdx
