Oregano’s Grill & Wine Bar, located at 830 Olive St., advertises that it is one of Eugene’s newest Italian restaurants, but owner Spencer Whitted is no stranger to business in the downtown area. In the past, the entrepreneur has served as general manager of the Eugene Hilton and owner of the Rock ‘N Rodeo bar. With Oregano’s, his latest venture in the restaurant industry, Whitted combines fine and family-style Italian dining in a versatile atmosphere where diners feel just as comfortable in chic attire as they would in jeans.
The decor of Oregano’s, while cozy throughout, is different depending on where patrons sit. In the front, where the lighting is brighter and red brick and crimson-painted walls are adorned with gold leaf mirrors and paintings of the Mona Lisa (a nod to the restaurant’s old moniker, Mona Lizza), the mood is slightly more elegant. Whereas the middle of the restaurant, where the bar is located, begins to feel more like a jazz club. The intimacy level increases with the close proximity of the tables and the dim lighting thrown by the tiny chandeliers that hang over them. On some nights a pianist mixed right in with the diners can help set the mood.
In fact, the restaurant advertises a number of entertainment options and theme nights. “Date night,” on Wednesdays, features bruschetta, Caesar salad, one pasta and two dishes for up to $12.95, amaretto crÃ