Acadia
Cajun food is on the menu at Acadia, which offers authentic dishes from Louisiana. Rave reviews have been given to Acadia's cuisine, including its barbecued shrimp, steaks and Morbier cheese-infused potatoes. This small bistro is ideal for diners seeking a romantic experience, or a lively night on the town.
Acadia
1303 NE Fremont St.
Portland, Oregon 97212
(503) 249-5001
www.creolapdx.com
Andina
Featuring both a dining room and a tapas bar, Andina offers cutting edge Peruvian fare. Traditional dishes are served alongside lighter fare, such as seviche and stuffed yucca. In addition, a wine shop is located on the lower level of the restaurant, where you can sample any bottle of wine prior to purchase. Live music is played on some nights.
Andina
1314 NW Glisan St.
Portland, Oregon 97209
(503) 228-9535
www.andinarestaurant.com
clarklewis
Slow-cooked entrees are the stars of this rustic Italian spot. Braised meats and fresh, handmade pasta keep locals coming back for more. Visitors can get a great value by selecting the chef's menu--a three-or-four course menu chosen for you by the kitchen for only $35 (in 2009). The crowd is often younger, hip and occasionally quite loud.
clarklewis
1001 SE Water Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 493-9500
www.clarklewispdx.com
The Heathman Restaurant & Bar
Heathman's offers French classics with a twist. Each dish incorporates the finest local ingredients, such as salmon, berries and other seasonal produce. The breakfast menu is legendary, lunches are sumptuous and favored by local CEOs, and the dinner menu includes dishes like wild sturgeon with potato risotto, braised pork belly and roasted quail.
The Heathman Restaurant & Bar
The Heathman Hotel
1001 SW Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 241-4100
www.portland.heathmanhotel.com
Le Pigeon
This small cafe offers French bistro-style dishes like beef cheek bourguignon, kale gnocchi and, of course, pigeon (squab). Burgers and salads are also available. The wine list is varied, and it is worth noting that Le Pigeon has a strict policy of refusing to alter or substitute dishes.
Le Pigeon
738 E. Burnside St.
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 546-8796
www.lepigeon.com
Nostrana
After a long day on the golf course, you can completely relax at Nostrana, having been nourished by rustic Italian fare that changes with the seasons. The dining room is casual and family-friendly. Most entrees are cooked over hardwood fires.
Nostrana
1401 SE Morrison St.
Portland, Oregon 97214-2777
(503) 234-2427
www.nostrana.com
Park Kitchen
Park Kitchen is home to chef/owner Scott Dolitch, who offers seasonal menus that change every day. Desserts by chef Ellen Jackson are not to be missed. While you wait for a table, you can play a few rounds of bocce. Some favorite dishes offered in the past have included salmon filets with lobster mushrooms and a flank steak salad.
Park Kitchen
422 NW 8th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97209
(503) 223-7275
www.parkkitchen.com
Salty's
If you are craving seafood, your best bet is Salty's, a restaurant that has won multiple awards. Every table faces walls of windows to help you take in the view. Dungeness crab, Maine lobster, Alaskan salmon and halibut round out a menu that also includes pasta and steaks. Salty's was voted Nation's Best Brunch by MSN-Citysearch.com.
Salty's on the Columbia
3839 NE Marine Dr
Portland, Oregon 97211-2129
(503) 288-4444
www.saltys.com
Sinju Sushi
Sinju Sushi prepares delicious, buttery sushi and sashimi that has developed a loyal following. Other Japanese food is also available.
Sinju Sushi
1022 NW Johnson St.
Portland Oregon 97209
(503) 223-6535
www.sinjurestaurant.com
Wildwood
Widely considered Portland's best restaurant, Wildwood is a culinary mecca for devotees of Pacific Northwest cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, with only a few dishes offered year round. The service is excellent, and dishes include goat cheese lacinato kale gratin, with pine nuts and black currants.
Wildwood
1221 NW 21st Ave.
503-248-9663
Portland, Oregon 97209
www.wildwoodrestaurant.com
About The Author
Tucker Cummings is a freelance writer based in New England. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of New Hampshire, and is a member of the Association of Professional Business Writers.
