USA Today recently did a write up on the “Classic” places to eat around Portland. We are so fortunate as Portlander’s to have such an amazing culinary selection. Picking a place to go becomes almost a chore because of how much good stuff we have. If you haven’t been to any of these Portland staples, then plan your trip tonight!
Andina
Nuevo Andino (“New Andean”) cuisine reaches a pinnacle at this high-end favorite in the Pearl District. That means a modern, Pacific Northwest-style take on Peruvian dishes like ceviches, stuffed piquillo peppers and quinoa-based risottos. For a quicker bite and a Latin-inspired drink, follow the strains of live guitar music to the bar area. andinarestaurant.com
Ringside Steakhouse
Head to the West Hills for the best bone-in New York sirloin in Portland, served in an old-school atmosphere of dark wood paneling and generous cocktails. With a wine list of over 700 labels and onion rings that James Beard himself called the best he’d ever had, it’s hard to beat the Ringside — especially during their justifiably popular happy hours. ringsidesteakhouse.com
Beast
Let the name be a warning: local chef supreme Naomi Pomeroy’s prix-fixe restaurant is all about meat. But what meat it is, with everything from candied bacon and foie gras bonbons served as six-course dinners and a four-course brunch cooked in the middle of the room. Come ready to trust your dining choices in Pomeroy’s very capable hands, and you won’t leave disappointed. beastpdx.com
Castagna
The ever-changing tasting menu is the draw at this “New Northwest” eatery, where you never know what to expect — just that it will be unusual and delicious. Think rib eye steak with caramelized mussels jus and oyster emulsions, or ice tea sipped through a straw made of candied peaches. The extensive tasting menu is worth the splurge, and a full evening to revel in it. castagnarestaurant.com
Ox
Portland’s version of an Argentine grill is one of the hottest tables in town, and that’s not just because of the hand-cranked grill behind the bar. It’s a meat-lover’s paradise, with everything from skirt steak to wild halibut on the menu, and the smoky clam chowder is one of Stumptown’s favorite dishes. Sit at the tiny bar for the full, fiery experience. oxpdx.com
Le Pigeon
This was one of the first places to put Portland on the national culinary map, and for good reason. A small place centered on an open kitchen, Le Pigeon swings well above its weight class thanks to its James Beard Award-winning founder, chef Gabriel Rucker. The setting and wine list evoke France, but the cooking is all original: foie gras, pork, and sometimes, yes, squab. lepigeon.com
Nostrana
Head to the east side of town for Italian home cooking at Nostrana, where families and hardcore foodies feel equally at home. Neapolitan pizza, fresh crushed olive oil and pure-and-simple homemade pastas are all reasonably priced and locally sourced. Come for happy hour, and don’t forget to leave room for dessert. nostrana.com
Paley’s Place
Kimberly and Vitaly Paley were among the first to capitalize on the Northwest’s culinary bounty, and a meal at Paley’s Place, in a Victorian house on NW 21st Avenue, is now a must-do among local and visiting gourmands. This intimate fine dining spot demands advanced reservations, but the Manila clams, grilled quail, goat cheese ravioli are well worth it. paleysplace.net
Ava Gene’s
This Italian-inspired brasserie combines the seasonal bounty of Northwest meats and vegetables, the creativity of Stumptown Coffee founder Duane Sorenson and chef Josha McFadden, and the clever informality of Portland itself into one of the city’s top dining destinations. The dishes are designed to share, but you won’t want to.avagenes.com
Toro Bravo
Exceptional Spanish tapas fill the menu at the “Brave Bull,” from chicken-liver mousse to salt-cod fritters. Settle in and dig into small plates of seared scallops, paella, bacon-wrapped dates and braised lamb, perhaps with a glass of sherry or tinto to wash it down. (Get there early or expect a long wait, since they don’t take reservations.) torobravopdx.com
Picture Credit: USAToday.com