Portland Travel Guide

Prepare for a "dining adventure" at this "festive yet classy" Pearl District "hot spot", because the modern Peruvian fare is "unusual and spectacular", plus you can "experiment freely" thanks to "tasty" tapas that come in "three different sizes"; some opine the "fruity, spicy" "cocktails are the main attraction" (try the one whose name "sounds like 'sexy woman'"), while "great" live music adds to the overall appeal.

Restaurateur Bruce Carey's "chic, minimalist", "billowy"-curtain-bedecked Pearl District "institution" remains the place for "beautiful, important people" "to be seen" while indulging in "scrumptious, decadent" Med–New American cuisine; if the pricing makes it a "once-in-a-blue-moon" treat for folks without "hedge funds", there's a "can't-be-beat" three-course prix fixe, plus "great deals" during the "hot" happy hour; P.S. check out the cheese cart, laden with "unconventional, sophisticated choices not often found in Portland."

"Delectable Italian fare" featuring "amazing specials and only the freshest ingredients" attracts the masses to this "intimate", "relaxed" ristorante on Nob Hill, where the "professional staff" can suggest pairings from an "excellent wine menu" that's "chock-full of great values"; get there "early to snag a key seat" facing the open kitchen or on the sidewalk, but no rezzies for small parties mean "you have to be willing to wait" wherever you sit (cool your heels at the "hoppin' Bar Mingo next door").

A "classic steakhouse in a classic Downtown hotel", this outpost of a small regional chain retains "cream-of-the-crop" staffers to deliver its "huge", "decadent" chops, "divine Caesar salads" and bananas Foster "made tableside", "brilliant cocktails" and "first-rate wines" to "celebs" and "executives", not to mention "your attorney, banker and doctor"; indeed, it's "crazy expensive" (the less-impressed call it "El Gouge-o"), but for a "special treat", it usually goes "above and beyond expectations."

The clientele is almost as "beautiful" as the "sparkling", "fresh interior" of this Pearl District brasserie where a "smart staff" conveys "solid, well-executed" French fare, which though "expensive", most feel is "worth the price"; there are two floors of seating plus a "fine patio" with "most of the tables" boasting a "nice view of Jameson Square."

"Take someone special" to this "elegant" "getaway" in the Pearl District, where "innovative" platings of Northern Italian fare with French "nuances" (and "memorable" homemade pastas) are ferried by "highly competent, courteous" servers; the "old-fashioned" setting with black-and-white tiled floors is "on the small side", but it's "serene", making it a smart choice if you "want to talk with your guests."

"All class, all the time" is evident at this Downtown "sophisticate" in the "lovely" Heathman Hotel, where "creative" "Gallic inspiration" and "fresh", "seasonal produce" are the hallmarks of the Pacific NW fare; "gracious", "old-school service", "elegant" yet "subtle" surroundings and "wonderful wines" complete the "high-end" experience, which includes a "pleasurable breakfast" ("try the salmon hash"), "memorable" high tea and "excellent happy hour."

"One of the originals" to make a "commitment to local, sustainable agriculture", chef Greg Higgins still delivers an "endlessly interesting", "incredibly prepared" Pacific NW menu that's "pricey" but "well worth the money" at his Downtown "benchmark"; "exceptional" Oregon wines and an "awesome beer list" also impress, as does the "professional service"; P.S. "reservations are important" in the "homey" main room, while it's "easier" to get into the less-expensive bar/bistro area.

Voted Portland's Most Popular restaurant, this Downtown "icon" with a "convivial" "old-school boy's-club feel" has been proffering a "comprehensive menu" of "always fresh", "well-prepared", "fair-priced" seafood since the late 19th century; it's "sometimes considered a tourist joint, but in reality" "locals can't keep away either", especially during the "lively" happy hour when "outstanding bargains" abound.

Though "famous" for "fantastic breakfasts and brunches", this Downtown "mecca" makes "equally interesting and tasty American comfort food" for lunch and dinner too, and all of the "reasonably priced" offerings come in "ample portions"; the "cute, homey" space "with chandeliers aplenty" draws a "large crowd", so don't be surprised by a "line out the door" at peak times; P.S. each month, a real mother is chosen, and her "special recipes are highlighted" – what a "fun idea!"

"If you're in Portland, make time to play" this "solid" RTJ Jr. municipal that's "well maintained", with "thick rough and many water hazards" to make it "very challenging"; it's "lacking in clubhouse facilities", but the tradeoff is a "beautiful setting" that's "close to the Downtown area", with "views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens" adding to its "great value."