Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day in Portland

Portlanders and visitors, you're a lucky bunch, as you well know - this town offers some of the best and most unique food you'll find anywhere.

I'm going to highlight some inexpensive restaurants in inner Portland, where you can't walk down the tree-lined streets without tripping over a genius chef, and vegans and carnivores alike are well-fed. These spots are generally under $20, many are lesser-known, and they all have great atmosphere for the price. Each listing will be followed by a summary of what the restaurant does best.

Navarre

Address & Phone: 10 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR, 503-232-3555

With an intimate, old-world atmosphere and the best wine selection in Portland, this is a classically romantic restaurant, and yet many things about it, such as the simple decor, transcend tradition. They serve some solid entrees, but the real highlight here is the menu of unique, ever-changing small plates, drawing from Spanish, French and Italian cuisines. When you enter this restaurant on a summer afternoon, you might see boxes of locally farmed produce being prepared for pickling or candying or whatever else they might have in store: magic on the long and happy path to your plate. Their blog, linked above, has pictures. Reserve early, and try a Spanish red.

Best red wines& options for every food need.

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Kesone Thai Lao Bistro

Address & Phone: 2600 NE Sandy, Portland, OR, 503-228-5775

Thai and Lao fare here are impeccably grand. They offer the standard curries, sometimes cleverly named (we've ordered the "Queen of Evil" just because) and specialties besides. Namm Kao Vientiane, a delicious dish of spiced crispy rice and meat or tofu, is one of our favorites. This restaurant hasn't put itself on the map yet, which is just as well: you can have a good table without much trouble. The deco and service, and the food - which is perhaps the highest-quality Thai food I've had in Portland - leaves you with the feeling of being somewhere nice. Calling to reserve same-day or the day before should do it.

Best Thai food in Portland, hands down.

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Wine Down on 28th

Address & Phone: 126 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR , 503-236-9463

A close second to Navarre for wines - and the entrees here are finely crafted, drawing from the traditional European/French style of cooking, using local ingredients. A little pricy - still with some plates under $20, some over. Scant on the vegan options, but meat fiends will eat well here, as will most vegetarians. Cushy seating in the lounge section and live music Thursdays through Saturdays (Valentine's Day 2009 is a Saturday) give this place a great atmosphere; the low lighting and friendly service make the evening romantic. Reserve early.

Best posh and cuddly layout for lovers.

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Pambiche

Address & Phone: 2811 NE Glisan, Portland, OR, 503-233-0511

This Cuban restaurant offers a pleasant range of food, mostly under $20.00, but that's not the great secret. The great secret is that if you arrive early, before 6:00, you'll be able to order from the Happy Hour menu - $3 empanadas, fried plantains and other delicious small plates that allow a classy meal to be assembled for a surprisingly small number of dollars. And their patio has heat, and great atmosphere. They don't take reservations, though, so try to score a spot quickly!

Best last-minute bet for a fun meal.

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Mama Mia Trattoria

Address & Phone: 439 SW 2nd, Portland, OR, 503-295-6464

I'm venturing out of East Portland for a moment to offer you classic, down-home Southern Italian fare. Unlike the others on my list, there's nothing original about it, but if you're looking for the classics, this is your best bet. Most entrees are $12-20, and they're well-made comfort food. Good, solid fettucini alfredo and other old standards, a dining room that's fancy without being intimidating, and impeccable service. Make reservations as far ahead as possible - this is Italian, after all - with a phone call. When it's not Valentine's Day, you'll only need a day or so for lead time.

Best yummy pile of cheese and cream and fried stuff. Pretty good drinks, too.

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