Sitting on the Columbia riverbank, Salty's on the Columbia definitely is not a fish out of water. The superb service and seafood equal the enchanting dining experience on the river. Besides their superb seasonal seafood fare, they are also known for their steaks and happy hours. Savor their sublime dishes in the romantic interiors or in their lovely deck. Live jazz music adds to the ambiance on weekend nights.
Grab the opportunity to visit Andina - it serves Peruvian food and isn't caught in that grey area which occupies fusion food. Using only the freshest ingredients, it guarantees authentic Peruvian cuisine. The first up on the order should be the Cebiches which has been labeled as 'Peru's Flagship Dish' comprising of raw foods cooked with a host of ingredients, such as key lime and hot pepper. For the main course, visitors have the option of choosing from traditional Peruvian dishes— Ceco a la Norteña which is lamb shank and garlic rice or the Conchas del Señor de Sipán that is a beautiful medley of scallops and crabmeat. For dessert, try the Chocolate Andino or indulge in Helado de Lucuma, a luscious frozen dessert. To add to the delicious menu, the restaurant has live music sessions too.
Without the air of a high-end restaurant, the mood in Le Pigeon is lively and interactive with communal tables and an open kitchen where you can see your food being prepared. The ingredients are fresh and directly sourced from farms. The staff is attentive and recommends good wines to go with your order and service is swift. Try the crème brulee or foie profiteroles, although the seven-course tasting menu is the best choice for a little taste of the chef's very best. The menu changes often, making the best of what is in season, so check before you stop by to see what they're serving on any given day.
Perched on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, Portland City Grill is renowned for its amazing city views, happy hours and scrumptious food since it opened in 2002. Its intimate settings make it an ideal romantic restaurant as well. You can also grab a light dinner at the bar itself after a few drinks if you make it for happy hour. Savor their succulent steaks or contemporary seafood fare. You will know why they are still at the top of their game.
Deeply influenced by the Asian cuisine, award-winning Chef Gregory Gourdet dishes out some of the finest Asian fusion delicacies from the kitchen of Departure. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, while the food, including the vegan dishes, are hand-made right from Kampachi Sashimi, Dim Sum to Kushiyaki and desserts. If you are spoiled for choice, go for the chef's recommended specialties like Crispy Pork Belly, Bibimbap or Dungeness Crab Fried Rice. For a romantic dinner, you can book a table on its balcony, which is set against the backdrop of splendid views of the downtown Portland.
This downtown restaurant is known for its local cuisine; all the ingredients are harvested here in Oregon. The small, split-level setup is cozy, but it can get bit noisy. Northwest seafood, local mushrooms and other veggies make up an array of uniquely Oregon dishes. Sustainability is at the core of the restaurant's food philosophy and it firmly believes in supporting and sourcing from local growers. The lamb sausage and Totten Inlet mussels are specialties not to be missed. The pastrami sandwich is a good choice for lunch. The freshness of the ingredients and the diversity it brings to the palate is an obvious advantage of this practice. This restaurant also claims to have the largest wine and beer list in the city; don't expect a Budweiser though. An excellent choice for a local culinary experience.
Perched on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, Portland City Grill is renowned for its amazing city views, happy hours and scrumptious food since it opened in 2002. Its intimate settings make it an ideal romantic restaurant as well. You can also grab a light dinner at the bar itself after a few drinks if you make it for happy hour. Savor their succulent steaks or contemporary seafood fare. You will know why they are still at the top of their game.
With the aim of addressing the stark absence of quality restaurants offering home-style food in the area, chef and owner Lisa Schroeder has taken the experience gained at the likes of Le Cirque to create wonderfully fresh, bistro-style cuisine in the light and airy ambiance of this old Irish bank building. Breakfast and lunch menus at Mother's Bistro & Bar offer an excellent array of Northwestern specialties prepared to the highest standards. There is more variation in the dinner menu, with everything from salads to pot roast and vegetable couscous. The excellent wine list offers choices by the bottle or glass. The restaurant interiors sport an excellent play of natural light with huge windows and soft white curtains creating an airy and cozy atmosphere. Ornate chandeliers add to the charm. The bar has a refined atmosphere with exposed-brick walls and vivid decor creating an elegant vibe. With the food consistently garnering critical acclaim, it's no wonder that Mother's has become one of the city's favorites.
Mama Mia Trattoria is an old-school Italian restaurant where everything is made from scratch, making the best of locally-sourced, fresh produce and seasonal ingredients. With a menu that is packed with classics like chicken parmigiana, veal scallopine, lasagna, spaghetti e polpette and fettucine Alfredo, Mama Mia Trattoria is everything an Italian-American eatery should be and more. From the mozzarella and pasta, to the decadent desserts, every dish is made from scratch using family recipes that have been passed down for generations. The prix fixe dinner and banquet style menus are the highlights of the restaurant's culinary offer, and a great way to celebrate special occasions with loved ones. Here, you will always be greeted with a smile and served as with the same warmth and kindness that is reserved for members of the family.
Next to Portland's landmark train station, Wilf's is a venerable dinner and jazz venue that has featured nightly performances for over 30 years along with high-end, sustainable dining. The dining room excels in creating memorable, special-occasion dinners. Jazz lovers will enjoy Tuesday nights with the Ron Steen Jazz Jam, starting at 7:30p. Professionals from near and far have been known to sit in Ron's world-class sessions. You'll find intimate seating and atmosphere in the jazz bar. Choose from a wide array of top shelf liquors and appetizers which come at great discounts during happy hour.
The menu at Olympia Provisions is a merger of contemporary American dining choices with Spanish and Mediterranean sensibilities. The atmosphere is quite inviting for an intimate meal with ambient dim-lighting and a refined presentation. Olympia Provisions use locally-sourced ingredients that are assured fresh. Try the Pan Roasted Halibut or the Braised Beef Short Rib from the large-plates menu if you're too hungry to care for a sophisticated choice.
Owner Kristen puts her Norwegian descent to full use at her pastry shop and restaurant known as Måurice. Situated on a charming street filled with old cars and bicycles, this eatery specializes in delightful pastries and luncheonettes that combine Scandinavian and French flavors. While-away an afternoon here and choose from an eclectic selection of desserts, teas, wines and vermouth. Let Kristen entertain you with stories of her childhood, her inspirations for making pastries from fruits, and the lasting impressions her grandmother's recipes left on her mind. The desserts such as Almond Anise Seed Meringue, Currant & Rosemary Créme Scone, Lemon Souffle Pudding Cake and Bird Seed Coconut Tea Cake have rich garnishes that make guests come back for more.