Portland: A Culinary Tour

I have spent most of my life calling Oregon home so I'm proud to say that I have personally dined at each one of the restaurants on this list. These are all outstanding dining experiences that I personally recommend.

1) The Heathman Hotel Restaurant

1001 SW Broadway at Salmon
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 241-4100

The Heathman Hotel Restaurant is home to Chef Philippe Boulet. He was the 2001 James Beard Award Winner, Best Chef In The Pacific Northwest. The restaurant is phenomenal, the food superb, and it has an outstanding wine list. It is truly one of my personal favorites in Portland. Reservations are required. It is a fantastic place to have a holiday meal this season, too.

2) Salty's.

3839 NE Marine Dr
Portland, OR 97211-2129
(503) 288-4444

This used to be my fathers favorite Seafood restaurant when he was alive. We would always dine at Salty's when in the Portland area. They also serve a very good steak. This restaurant sits right on the Columbia River for a wonderful view. Reservations are strongly suggested.

3) Bluehour

250 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 226-3394

This wonderful restaurant has been in Portland for close to a decade now. It is a favorite of locals. It offers wonderful elegant dining with superb food. The pricing is moderately expensive but not too bad. Reservations are required. They serve many Mediterranean dishes.

4) Ten 01

1001 NW Couch St
Portland, OR
(503) 226-3463

This relatively new restaurant opened its doors in 2006. I ate there shortly after that but I have not been back since. During that time period the restaurant was excellent and I have heard many other locals complementing
it since. The food is created by Chef Jack Yoss and he leans heavily on American dishes. The wine list is acceptable.

5) Ciao Vito

2203 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211-5851
(503) 282-5522

This is an exceptional Italian restaurant. The wine list is acceptable and the prices are not bad. Reservations are strongly suggested.

6) Higgins Restaurant

1239 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 222-9070

I adore the atmosphere that you find at Higgins. The roof is actually pressed tin, the decor is fantastic, The kitchen is open so the chef can see out and you can see in. The food is absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant. It is one of my favorites in the Portland area.

7) Beast

5425 NE 30th Ave
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 841-6968

Chef Naomi Pomeroy creates the food at this unique communal dining place. I'm listing it because the food is outstanding. Guests are offered no choices and the dishes change very night with two seating's per night. It is always a six course meal that is exceptional.

8) 23 Hoyt

529 NW 23rd at Hoyt
Portland Oregon
503-445-7400

This restaurant is owned by the same gentleman that owns Bluehour. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. The food is superb. Each dish is modern and innovative. I highly recommend this chic hot spot for locals and travelers. Reservations are strongly suggested.