Special Feature: Products Sally Recommends

Best Restaurants in Portland, OR

by Arlene Krasner

3 Doors Down Café
429 SE 37thStreet
(503) 236-6886
http://portland.citysearch.com
This American/Mediterranean restaurant is small and cozy. The kitchen pays close attention to details.

Alotto Gelato
931 NW 23rd Ave
(503) 231-7100
www.alottogelato.biz/index.html
Gelato made at this store is the best.  The flavors are natural, innovative and intense.  Try the yellow cake with frosting, cantaloupe, ginger, cinnamon,
espresso and about 20 others.  This is top of the line in texture and taste.

Andina
1314 NW Glisan St
(503) 228-9535
www.andinarestaurant.com
lunch daily except Sunday, dinner daily, happy hour 4-6 pm daily
Peruvian  food in a sleek colorful minimalist setting.  Bar with separate menu and music and a wine shop downstairs.   The style is "novoandina" a blend
of Peru's contemporary cooking and older, deep rooted Inca themes. It combines cuisine of Spain, Pacific seafood, China and Japan. The Oregonian
2005 Restaurant of the Year.


Assaggio
7742 SE 13th Avenue
(503) 232-6151
www.assaggiorestaurant.com
This refined neighborhood bistro offers food of the Tuscany region. The simplicity and elegance of the dishes are appreciated.


Bangkok Kitchen
2534 SE Belmont Street
(503) 236-7349
http://portland.citysearch.com
Thai-style home cooking offered by the Siripatrapa family in what used to be a gas station; not fancy but good food including phad Thai, whole fried fish,
prawn satay and chili noodles, fair prices. Don't be deterred by the crowds.


Bartini
2108 NW Glisan
(503) 222 7991
http://portland.citysearch.com
Anything but run-of-the-mill martinis--and over 100 different kinds.


Basta’s Trattoria 
410 NW 21st Ave.
(503) 274 1572
http://bastastrattoria.ypguides.net/
A reliable and romantic favorite.

Bijou, Cafe
132 S.W. Third Avenue 
(503) 222-3187
www.bijoucafe.com
Open for breakfast and lunch (M-F - 7a.m. - 2 p.m. and
Sat & Sun - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.), Bijou Cafe offers breakfast all day, for those of us who sometimes get up too late to have breakfast at a normal hour,
or who simply like breakfast any time of the day. Look for "Bijou Specialties" such as Oyster Hash($12.25), Roast Beef Hash ($10.95), and Tofu
scramble($7.25) and French Style Omelettes (the "Farmer's Style" is made with applewood-smoked Nueskes bacon, cheddar, onions, & potatoes
($11.95), while the "Oyster" is made with fresh oysters, bacon & onions ($12.25).  One can also get egg dishes, pancakes & french toast, cereal,
fruit & grains, and, for more of a brunch fare, salads and soups.  The limited lunch menu offered burgers, soups and homemade bread.


Bluehour     
250 NW 13th Ave.
(503) 226 3394
bluehouronline.com
Open for dinner nightly, lunch M-F, brunch Sunday. Luxe urban décor with modern Italian fare.

Brazil Grill
1201 SW 12th Ave.
(503) 222 0002
www.brazilgrillrestaurant.com
Portland’s first Churrascaria. Open dinner only; 7 nights a week from 5-10.

Caprial's Bistro
7015 SE Milwaukee Avenue
(503) 236-6457
http://www.caprialandjohnskitchen.com/index.html
Chef/owners Caprial (cookbook author/TV host) and John Pence's eclectic, small casual and non-pretentious bistro has a printed menu that changes
monthly. The food is eclectic using locally grown ingredients with multi ethnic influences. They have just finished an expansion and renovation which
includes a new exhibition kitchen (with counter seating), full bar with seating and a private dining room with kitchen so cooking classes can be held.
"Pick your own wine" wall remains, but prices now reflect a built-in corkage fee.

Clarklewis
1001 SE Water Ave
(503) 235-2294
www.clarklewispdx.com
dinner Tues-Sat
Seasonal Italian fare with local ingredients. Several plate sizes and "family style". Homemade pastas, hearth grilled meats, starters are a must. 
Atmosphere is industrial gloss.

Daily Cafe in the Pearl
902 NW 13th Ave
(503) 242-1916
A neighborhood cafe offering breakfast, lunch M-Sat. and dinner Wed-Sat; brunch on Sun.  Always fresh with touches of Asia and the
Mediterranean using NW foods. A great place for salads, soups and sandwiches at lunch.  Food is interesting and current.


Doug Fir
830 E. Burnside
(503) 231 9663
dougfirlounge.com
Live tunes, late night noshes.


Eleni's Philoxenia
112 NW 9th, Portland
(503) 227-2158
Located in the heart of the Pearl District, the food is from the island of Crete which may lead one to believe it is like Greek food -which it is -
but with a difference.  It is much lighter and the preparations, though not strictly "nouvelle", definitely show the hand of an artistic chef. There
are two full pages of appetizers. Try the marinated, grilled calamari, roasted eggplant stuffed with ground beef, shared pasta course with a mix
of seafoods, a rack of lamb or the phyllo dough wrapped lamb dish. Reservations are highly recommended.  The restaurant is only open for
dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, at 5 p.m., and there is a small bar if you just want appetizers and some drinks.


Equinox
830 N Shaver St.
(503) 460-3333
dinner Tues-Sat 5PM, breakfast/lunch Sat-Sun 9-2
Warm and welcoming restaurant and wait staff.   NE Portland  restaurant.  Sound level is low enough to converse with table partners. Outside
courtyard with twinkle lights is delightful. Local ingredients only.  Seasonal ingredients are paired in ingenious ways that delight and surprise the palate.


Genoa
2832 SE Belmont Street
(503) 238-1464
http://www.genoarestaurant.com
$80.00 fixed-price seven-course dinner showcasing Northern Italian food and Oregon's farmland produce; $65.00 four-course a la carte menu;
menu changes every two weeks. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday.


Heathman Restaurant
1001 SW Broadway at Salmon Street
(503) 790-7752
www.heathmanhotel.com
Elegant hotel dining by French chef Philippe Boulot offering Pacific Northwest cuisine; also breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea; signature dishes
include classic French pates, smoked salmon Robuchon, roast lamb in a red currant jus and Napoleons filled with boysenberries. This is a truly
classy hotel dining room.


Higgins
1239 SW Broadway
(503) 222-9070
http://higgins.ypguides.net/
Chef Greg Higgins, previously with the Heathman Hotel, showcases his inspired Oregon/French/Ethnic cuisine and pleasing ambiance at this
downtown eatery; fresh ingredients, colorful presentations, attention to vegetarian dishes and a menu that changes every two weeks makes
Higgins special.


Jake's Famous Crawfish
401 SW 12th Avenue
(503) 226-1419
mccormickandschmicks.com
This local institution restaurant/bar has been operating at its downtown location for 104 years; seafood lovers can't go wrong with the enormous
menu that changes daily including crawfish, bouillabaisse, sturgeon and local fresh fish; three berry cobbler is impressive.


Le Bouchon
517 NW 14th Avenue
(503) 248-2193
le-bouchon.net
A small French bistro in the Pearl District serving authentic French food. Look for classic dishes such as escargots, pate, onion soup, breast of chicken
with raspberry sauce, duck breast with 2 peppers, brandy and cream sauce, roast pork with garlic mashed potatoes and house made desserts.


Legin Restaurant
8001 SE Division
(503) 777-2828
Go to this Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant with multiple dining rooms for dim sum and you won't be sorry. A large variety of dim sum on trolleys is
offered as well as a full menu. This bustling spot caters to Chinese families and Chinese weddings.


Lemongrass Thai Restaurant
1705 NE Couch St.
(503) 231-5780
Thai quality is evident! The mix of flavors creates dishes that tantalize the senses. Menu has about 2 dozen items.


Le Pigeon
738 E. Burniside St.
Chef/Owner Gabriel Rucker, named by the Oregonian as “the Rising Star of 2007” is rocking Portland with his creative, edgy take on French food.

Lucy's Table
704 NW 21st Avenue
(503) 226-6126
lucystable.com
Upscale contemporary Mediterranean food served in a vibrant atmosphere. The menu rotates with desserts being a highlight.


McCormick & Schmick's
235 SW First Avenue and various locations
(503) 224-7522
mccormickandschmicks.com
Dark woods and leather greet you at this downtown seafood house where Pacific Rim and American classics combine to offer grilled smoked salmon,
seafood chowder and a myriad of fish choices; stick with the basics and enjoy a lively bar scene, piano playing and dozens of single-malt Scotch whiskeys.


Mint
816 N. Russell Street
(503) 284 5518
www.mintrestaurant.com
High temple of urban chic  - DRINKS!


Morton's, The Steakhouse
213 SW Clay Street
(503) 248-2100
www.mortons.com
Upscale national steak chain comes to Portland! Quality ingredients and large portions compliment the elaborate but warm atmosphere. All items are a la
carte so be forewarned, the bill might scare you.


Oba!
555 NW 12th Avenue
(503) 228-6161
www.obarestaurant.com
New, cool and fashionable, this Portuguese named hot spot serves flavors of the Americas and equator. Warm, hi-tech warehouse setting offers a cuisine
with coconut, macadamias, lime, chilies, mango and mesquite. Whimsical cocktails, interesting wine list and a creative kitchen all add to the excitement.


The Original Pancake House
8601 SW 24th Avenue
(503) 246-9007
originalpancakehouse.com
Begun in 1953 this pancake house offers made from scratch pancakes, waffles and crepes with such offerings as Dutch Baby (lemon/sugar sauce), a large
serving of apple pancakes with granny smith apples and cinnamon glaze, sourdough flap jacks, blueberry, coconut, banana, bacon and Georgia pecan
pancakes, 3 little pigs in a blanket as well as other breakfast items.


Paley's Place
1204 NW 21st Ave.
(503) 243-2403
www.paleysplace.net
Former Russian pianist turned exceptionally artistic chef, Vitaly Paley's bistro in a restored home bears sophistication, energy and uncompromising cuisine.
The menu reflects European inspiration applied to Northwest fresh bounty using wild mushrooms, new beans, Peruvian spinach and chocolate in desserts.


Papa Haydn
5829 SE Milwaukie Avenue
(503) 232-9440
701 NW 23rd Avenue
(503) 228-7317
www.papahaydn.com
Well known for their luscious desserts including tortes, tarts, pies, cakes, gelato and sorbets, Papa Haydn also offers an eclectic menu of chevre pate, bruschetta,
Tuscan chicken salad, smoked duck salad, grilled veal chop and other sandwiches, soups and salads. Their new restaurant, Jo Bar, is located adjacent to the NW
23rd Avenue location and features a full bar.


Paragon    
1309 NW Hoyt
(503) 833 5060
Where edible art is devoured.


Park Kitchen
422 NW Eighth Ave
(503) 223-7275
www.parkkitchen.com
lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon- Sat
Scott Dolich, owner/ chef has one of the most creative menus in Portland.  The constantly changing offerings are exciting.  Diners can expect a  delicious experience.  
Casual dining that is always a surprise.


Pazzo Ristorante
Hotel Vintage Plaza, 627 SW Washington
(503) 228-1515
www.pazzoristorante.com
This cheery eatery offers Italian specialties including Tuscan bread salad, pizzas, seafood risotto, smoked salmon ravioli, rustic fruit tarts; casual and upscale;
popular downtown "bar" hangout.


Pho Van
1012 NW Glisan Street
(503) 248-2172

1919 SE 82nd Ave, Portland 97216
( 503) 788.5244

11651 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale, Beaverton 97005;
(503) 627.0822
The food is moderately priced; wine and beer is served; specials are available every day. Try the fresh Vietnamese salad rolls with smoked salmon inside.
Expect some of the usual, but also the unexpected. The Glisan restaurant is now known as Silk. Same great food and a newly remodeled interior.

Pok Pok

3226 S.E. Division St.,
(503)232-1387
www.pokpokpdx.com
Named the 2007 restaurant of the year by the Oregonian, Andy Ricker moved his year old Thai food cart indoors and created a restaurant that features
the best of Thai street food.

Red Star Tavern and Roast House
adjacent to the Fifth Avenue Suites Hotel, 503 SW Alder
(503) 222-0005
www.redstartavern.com
Classic American food and drink is offered daily at breakfast, lunch, and dinner by ChefThomas Dunklin. Based on the bounty of the American Northwest,
Dunklinuses a wood-fired brick oven, a rotisserie, a smoker and a grill to satisfy his customers. Roasted game birds with wild rice and glazed chestnuts, roast
rotisserie sirloin steak with Oregon sharp cheddar gratin, cedar planked salmon and puddings, cobblers and crisps are just some of the menu items.


Rocket
111E.Burnside Street
(503)236-1110
www.rocketpdx.com
Named for the arugula flower, this hip, East Burnside restaurant, owned by Chef Leather Storrs, features great food, an outstanding view of downtown Portland
from the large deck, and an edible rooftop garden.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
309 SW Third Avenue
(503) 221-4518
http://www.ruthschris.com/
Ruth's Chris Steak House is a fine dining restaurant serving corn fed aged U.S. Prime beef broiled at 1800 degrees to lock in the flavorful juices and served sizzling.
The a la carte menu also features mouth-watering seafood, lamb and veal. Award winning wine list and service that creates raving fans.

Saburo’s
1667 SE Bybee Blvd.
(503) 236-4237
Sushi to die for.


Saucebox
214 SW Broadway
(503) 241-3393
www.saucebox.com
Eclectic hole-in-a-corridor dining spot with minimalist Asian decor and cuisine anything but small and simple. "Vibrant" describes the fusion of Java, Thailand,
Tahiti, Korea, East Asia and Northwest foods and flavors. House infused vodkas and Asian quenches made from green tea or lemongrass.


Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar
919 SW Salmon
(503) 326-1300
http://portland.citysearch.com
Experience the flavor of wood fired Mediterranean seafood at Southpark. Situated in the heart of the city's Cultural District on the South Park Blocks, the seafood
grill and wine bar combines the fresh, premium produce of the Pacific Northwest with dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Italy, Portugal, Spain, France,
Greece and even Turkey and Morocco. Southpark is open for lunch and dinner.


The Ringside
2165 W. Burnside Street
(503) 223-1513
14021 NE Glisan Street
(503) 255-0750
www.ringsidesteakhouse.com
Old-fashioned steakhouses that after 50 years added lamb chops to the menu; go for steaks, prime rib, hamburgers and onion rings; warm, cozy ambiance with
wooden rafters and sports photos of boxers on the walls.

Toro Bravo
120 NE Russell Street
503 281-4464
www.torobravopdx.com
This is chef/owner John Gorham’s moderately priced take on Spanish tapas.

Typhoon!
400 SW Broadway
(503) 224-8285

2310 NW Everett Street
(503) 243-7557
And other locations in the Portland and Seattle area.
www.typhoonrestaurants.com
Typhoon! owner Bo Kline practices the art of Thai cuisine. Recommended nibbles include miang kum, a classic Thai peasant dish rarely seen in America.
A pinch of toasted coconut, shallot, ginger, lime, peanut, tiny dried shrimp and Thai chili are wrapped in fresh spinach leaves and accompanied by Bo's
signature sauce. Oodles of noodles offers the most famous dish, Phad Thai and 7 other noodle choices. A variety of curries, Thai barbecue chicken, fish
and rice dishes complete the choices. This is also the place for many exotic teas.


The Vault
226 NE 12th Ave.
(503) 224 4909
www.vault-martini.com
Shakes and remakes of the classic martini.


Wildwood
1221 NW 21st Avenue
(503) 248-9663
www.wildwoodrestaurant.com
New chef, Dustin Clark, mentored by founding chef Cory Schreiber, offers a fast-paced California scene with seasonal, regional food to match; composed
salads, wood-roasted seafood, clay-oven meats and pizzas; bar menu appetizers are great to share, save room for the midnight chocolate cake with vanilla
bean ice cream. This bistro's lovely decor boasts an exciting menu. Mark this as the place for rustic American fare.

 

 

Arlene Krasner is a former high-tech engineering manager. For 18 months, she lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon.



Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.

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