Our Story
A Legacy Built on Love, Food, and Family
Every great restaurant has an origin story. Ours begins with a grandmother, a wooden spoon, and a kitchen filled with laughter.
1998
Founded
Where It Began
From Nonna's Kitchen to Yours
Maria Rossi grew up in a small village in Tuscany, where meals were the center of everything. Her grandmother, Nonna Lucia, taught her that cooking was not about perfection—it was about love. Every Sunday, the whole family gathered around a long wooden table, sharing stories and plates piled high with handmade pasta.
When Maria moved to Portland in 1995, she carried those recipes in a leather-bound notebook and a dream of recreating that warmth thousands of miles from home. Three years later, with nothing more than savings, determination, and a 20-seat space on Main Street, The Hearth was born.
The name came easily. In Italian homes, the hearth is where everyone gathers—the heart of the house. Maria wanted her restaurant to be that for her new community: a place where strangers become friends and every meal is a celebration.
Our Philosophy
What We Believe
Three principles guide everything we do, from how we source our ingredients to how we welcome our guests.
Seasonal & Local
We partner with over 15 local farms and purveyors, letting the seasons guide our menu. What grows together goes together.
Craft & Care
Every pasta is hand-rolled. Every stock is slow-simmered. We believe shortcuts have no place in a kitchen that serves with heart.
Community First
We host neighborhood dinners, mentor young chefs, and donate to local food banks. A restaurant should nourish more than just appetites.
Our Journey
Milestones Along the Way
A Humble Beginning
Chef Maria Rossi opened a tiny 20-seat trattoria in downtown with nothing but her grandmother's recipes and a dream of bringing people together around great food.
The First Recognition
After years of dedication, The Hearth earned its first regional culinary award, drawing attention from food critics and loyal patrons who believed in Maria's vision.
Expanding the Family
A second location opened in the waterfront district, bringing The Hearth's signature warmth and flavor to a new neighborhood hungry for authentic dining.
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We partnered with over 15 local farms, formalizing our farm-to-table philosophy and ensuring every ingredient tells the story of our region.
A Third Chapter
The Hearth Garden opened in the arts district, featuring an open kitchen concept and a rooftop herb garden that supplies fresh ingredients daily.
Come Be Part of Our Story
The next chapter is written every night at our tables. We would love for you to be there.