My List Of 8 Places Worth Saving Up For

Eight Places for Seriously Special Nights Out in Portland

Portland punches well above its weight for fine dining. These eight restaurants sit at the top of the city's food scene — the kind of places worth saving up for, dressing up for, and savoring slowly.

The Eight

• Nodoguro — An intimate omakase experience built around playful, theme-driven menus. Sushi service runs on Sundays; reserve well in advance.
• Ava Gene's — One of Portland's most beautiful dining rooms, with an Italian-leaning menu. The pasta is the move.
• Natural Selection — Upscale vegetarian from chef Aaron Woo. The apple-parsnip soup and cara cara orange salad are the kind of dishes that convert skeptics.
• Laurelhurst Market — A Portland butcher-meets-steakhouse institution. Start with the charcuterie — pâtés, rillettes — then don't skip the potato chip–crusted mac and cheese on the side.
• Holdfast Dining — A tasting menu defined by striking presentations and unexpected flavor combinations. Every dish earns its place on the plate.
• Kachka — Russian soul food, done right. The pelmeni — hexagonal dumplings packed with pork and veal, served with cool smetana — are outstanding. The vodka program is equally serious.
• Xico — Proof that Mexican cuisine belongs in the fine-dining conversation. Order the queso fundido: gooey Muenster, chorizo, tomatillo salsa.
• Nostrana — The salt-crusted lamb is a showpiece. Round it out with the Insalata Nostrana — a Caesar riff with radicchio swapped in for romaine, adding welcome bitterness and heat.