Bistecca Will Close Its Doors This October
The Slabtown restaurant will serve its final meal on October 17, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Dining Out
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Diners in Slabtown will soon lose the restaurant Bistecca, as owner Gabriel Pascuzzi announced plans to close the N.W. Raleigh Street establishment on October 17, 2026. Pascuzzi opened the site in early 2025 following the conversion of his previous project, Mama Bird.
Why it matters
The closure highlights the ongoing financial pressures facing local restaurateurs, including rising costs associated with tariffs on imported Italian goods. The decision also follows a noticeable downturn in guest numbers traveling to the location from suburban areas.
The restaurant closes after less than two years in operation, a sharp contrast to the five-year duration of the previous concept at the site. While the owner reported savings of $1,000 on bulk Parmesan purchases, those figures could not offset broader cost increases.
The players
Gabriel Pascuzzi
The owner of Bistecca and a former Top Chef competitor.
The details
Owner Gabriel Pascuzzi confirmed the closure after negotiations to sell the business to another group were unsuccessful. Located at 2145 N.W. Raleigh St., the restaurant is currently operating on its regular schedule while encouraging regulars to visit during its final three weeks. Pascuzzi, known for his previous appearance on Top Chef, plans to shutter the operation entirely by mid-October.
Timeline
Early 2025: Gabriel Pascuzzi converted Mama Bird into Bistecca.
October 17, 2026: Bistecca serves its final meal and closes.
Beyond the Bridges
The closure of Bistecca follows the precedent set by the closure of Mama Bird, signaling a pivot for the Slabtown storefront. This transition reflects a broader trend among Portland restaurateurs navigating the volatility of specialized culinary concepts.
Patrons planning a final visit to the Slabtown location should coordinate their reservations before the October 17, 2026, closing date. With the restaurant closing in three weeks, guests are encouraged to monitor social media for any adjustments to the final service hours.
The takeaway
The closure serves as a reminder of the thin margins maintained by local independent restaurants in the current economy. Keep an eye on the 2145 N.W. Raleigh St. address to see how the neighborhood space is repurposed following the October 17 departure.
Further reading
For updates on local culinary shifts, visit Dining Out.
More information
For more information on the final weeks of service, visit the Bistecca restaurant website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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