Lombardo’s Pizzeria is set to open its doors in the University Park area, located at 5210 N Lombard Street, confirmed by the owner Bob Verderame.
“My cooking style is Italian-American, and it’s very important to me to represent those flavors, being from New Jersey especially,” Verderame told What Now Portland, “I wish I had a more locked-in date for opening, but it will be soon! I’m just waiting on the final inspections and approvals.”
“Alongside pizzas, Lombardo’s will also serve up a selection of subs, pasta dishes, freshly baked bread, and desserts, as well as a range of dry goods and convenient grab-and-go items. All food and drink options will be provided specifically as take-out. Lombardo’s will also feature both indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their meals.”
A recent article from Bridgetown Bite’s explained that Lombardo’s will feature two popular types of pizzas commonly found in New Jersey: the tomato pie, known for its South Jersey influence, and the bar pie, which boasts an extra-thin crust. Notably, the pizzas will not be cut into party slices. The name “Lombardo’s” pays homage to Bob’s grandmother, Mary Lombardo.
Verderame had amassed a dedicated following for his pizza and Italian cuisine during his tenure at Il Rosso, a pizzeria and restaurant in Arizona. Reflecting on his journey, Bob shared in the Bridgetown article, “I owned Il Rosso for 8 years in Arizona. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought an end to that restaurant, and I decided to leave Arizona. Having lived in Oregon in the early 90s, I am familiar with the area. Portland, being a city known for its love of food, seemed like the perfect place to start anew.”
