Portland is a city known for the food and farm-to-table scene, and for a city of its size, it’s really impressive. Whether you’re looking for a great date spot or just want to treat yo’self, here is our list of places to eat that we’re currently working through.

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO FINE DINING IN PORTLAND

SOUTHEAST PORTLAND

Castagna $$$$ New American

This has been our favorite dining experience in Portland so far. Castagna has two options for dinner. You can do the 13-course chef’s tasting menu or the 7-course dinner menu. The presentation is beautiful and the food is well prepared and delicious. They weren’t kidding when they said it’s Michelin star quality. You can also get gluten free versions of each menu.

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Farm Spirit $$$$ New American/Vegan

Farm Spirit does two servings each evening of their locally sourced plant based tasting menu. Jacob is the type of person who asks to get vegetables taken out of his meals, but as non-vegetarians, we were both surprised how much we loved all the food. We did the 12-course early dinner. Everyone is seated at the bar where you watch them plate your food. We loved the intimate atmosphere and being able to interact with chef Aaron Adams as he talks you through your meal.

The menu changes based on what’s available and it’s a no gratuity establishment. You can book your reservations here.

Favorites: Esther’s favorite was the Fermented Broth, while Jacob’s was the Abalone Mushroom.

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• Ava Gene’s $$$ New American/Italian – James Beard nominee. Going this week!
• Coquine $$$ New American – James Beard nominee
• Nodoguro $$$$ Japanese – James Beard nominee
• Renata $$$ Italian
• Roe (temp closed) $$$$ Seafood

PEARL DISTRICT

Park Kitchen $$$ New American

This restaurant has a prix fixe option or you can order a la carte. Although the menu changes throughout the year, some of the favorites stay on the menu year round like the cod fritters, chickpea/green bean fries, and flank steak salad. They have a happy hour from 5-6 PM, have a ton of gluten free options, and it is a no gratuity establishment. Tip: They serve a great Old Fashioned.

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NORTHEAST PORTLAND

Aviary $$$ Asian Fusion/New American

Aviary has a great casual atmosphere and the food is Asian inspired. Chef Sarah Pliner is a James Beard nominee, and items on their menu change every couple of weeks. During our visit, we ordered Japanese Eggplant (Jacob’s favorite), Hamachi Tartare, Silken Tofu (My favorite), Charred Octopus, and Lamb Two Ways.

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• Beast $$$$ French / New American – This place had so much hype around it that we booked a reservation for our anniversary dinner. The dishes were beautifully plated and very photogenic, but we thought there was always something missing when it came to the flavors. The experience itself was also underwhelming for the price tag. Nothing to really complain about, but most fine dining establishments we’ve been to had exceptional service. Our favorite part was the foie gras bonbon at the end, which was an additional treat. Others at our table seemed to rave about their food, so I’d say it’s worth checking it to try it for yourself.
• Davenport $$$ Seafood
• DOC Restaurant $$$ Italian
• Han Oak $$$ Korean / New American – We’ve only been for dumpling night and have to go back to try their prefixed dinners. James Beard best new restaurant nomination.
• Laurelhurst Market $$$ Steakhouses
• Mae $$$ Southern – James Beard rising star chef nomination
• Ned Ludd $$$ New American
• Nomad PDX $$$$ New American
• Ox $$$ Steakhouse – James Beard’s Best Chef NW 2017

CENTRAL EASTSIDE

• Holdfast Dining $$$$ New American/Seafood
• Langbaan $$$$ Thai
• Le Pigeon $$$ French / New American – James Beard outstanding chef nomination

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND

• Departure $$$ Asian Fusion
• Higgins Restaurant $$$ French / New American

ALPHABET DISTRICT

• Paley’s Place $$$ French
• St. Jack $$$ French / Seafood

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Have you eaten at any of these restaurants? What has been your favorite Portland dining experience?