Fratelli Italian restaurant in the Pearl District has closed permanently. In a confirmation this evening they said, “The building’s landlord is in negotiations to sell the building and with this knowledge, Paul determined that it was time to end his Portland restaurant’s legacy. Additionally, with the launch of his new restaurant in downtown Vancouver, Willem’ on Main, Paul will place his full attention, concentration and commitment to this new venture. “Closing Fratelli is truly an end of an era,” said Chef Paul Klitsie. “And, I am deeply grateful to all of my staff, customers, neighbors, family and friends who have supported the restaurant for almost two decades. Thank you to each and every one of you. But, as one door closes, a new door has opened with Willem’s on Main and I’m honored to have the opportunity to launch a new restaurant in Vancouver as I did with Fratelli in Portland 15 years ago.”
grapedog says
With the growing number of “Italian” restaurants in Portland, I’m not surprised to hear this news even if I’m saddened by the closing. Fratelli was cutting-edge, creative, interesting food many years ago.