Mike Ceccanti, owner of Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant, grew up in the family restaurant business. His grandfather, Ernesto Ceccanti, emigrated to the U.S. in 1919 from the Tuscany region of Italy with his wife Emilia and opened the Monte Carlo restaurant in Portland in 1927. In 1955 Mikes parents, Elio and Lorie Ceccanti took the reins from Elio's parents.  In 1982 they opened a second Monte Carlo restaurant in Raleigh Hills, which was managed by their son, Mike.

By age 7 Mike was making raviolis in his grandfather’s kitchen, went on to learn more of the family secrets, and has been going strong ever since. It’s no surprise that Mike has continued the family traditions of providing moderately priced casual dining with a healthy dose of Old World charm added to the mix.

In 1987 Mike and his wife Jackie bought the Raleigh Hills Monte Carlo restaurant and renamed it Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant in honor of his grandfather. Building on his family’s traditional Italian recipes, Mike has added his own creations such as Seafood Fettucini and Pasta Classico. While the offerings have evolved a little over time to suit the tastes of each generation, you can count on finding generous portions of good homemade Italian food in a comfortable environment. Here you’ll find such classics as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Lasagna, Veal Parmigiana and Fettucini Alfredo, as well as legendary homemade Pizza and Calzones. And not to be missed are our specialty soups, created by our own Chef John Schroeder.

With a full bar, beautiful banquet rooms perfect for any occasion, delicious buffet lunch, a kid’s menu and complete catering, banquet and to go menus, you are sure to find something to please everyone here at Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant.