We Are Portland

Bar Sprezzatura Will Open in Heathman Hotel Friday

Chef Michael Mina brings his Venetian-style bar to the 99-year-old hotel this October 16.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cocktails

Bold vector editorial illustration of a cocktail glass on a dark wooden bar, evoking an inviting evening atmosphere in Portland.
Bar Sprezzatura officially opens at the historic Heathman Hotel this Friday, marking The Mina Group's debut in Portland's downtown dining scene. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe celebrity-chef restaurant expansions typically benefit the local dining culture in your community?

Portland diners can head to the Heathman Hotel this Friday for the public opening of Bar Sprezzatura. The new venue, an expansion of the San Francisco original, marks the beginning of The Mina Group taking over food and beverage operations at the historic property.

Why it matters

The arrival of an established name like The Mina Group signals a significant shift for the dining and bar program within one of the city's most storied buildings. The renovation of the space reflects an ongoing effort to revitalize legacy hotel assets in downtown Portland.

The Heathman Hotel marks 99 years of operation as the new bar joins the downtown landscape. Details regarding long-term service hours remain pending.

The players

Michael Mina

An executive chef behind the opening of the new Venetian-style bar.

Justin Ramirez

The executive chef of the new establishment.

The Mina Group

The hospitality entity now overseeing food and beverage operations at the hotel.

Heathman Hotel

A 99-year-old hotel in downtown Portland hosting the new bar.

The details

Bar Sprezzatura features a menu focused on Venetian-style offerings, including cicchetti, handcrafted pastas, seafood, and pizzettes, alongside spritzes, Negronis, and amaro. The establishment, overseen by executive chef Justin Ramirez, follows a comprehensive remodel of the hotel's bar and dining room. The Mina Group now manages all food and beverage services throughout the building.

Timeline

  1. October 16, 2026: Scheduled public opening of Bar Sprezzatura.

Beyond the Bridges

This opening follows a pattern set by recent downtown Portland recovery efforts to revitalize historic properties. It represents a shift toward bringing established external hospitality groups into legacy spaces.

Patrons can experience the newly remodeled dining room and bar space beginning this Friday. The menu focuses on Italian-inspired small plates and classic apéritifs suitable for downtown evening outings.

The takeaway

Portlanders interested in the updated hotel offerings should keep an eye on the transition as the space moves from renovation to regular service. Watch for initial reviews or social media updates to gauge reservation requirements for the new bar space.

Further reading

For more on the latest drink menus and venue launches across the city, visit our Cocktails section.

Live Poll

Do you believe celebrity-chef restaurant expansions typically benefit the local dining culture in your community?