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The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Portland That Delivers Memorable Meals
Ever found yourself staring at your calendar, realizing a special occasion is creeping up, and you’ve got no idea where to celebrate? Or maybe you’re just in dire need of a meal that isn’t rushed, reheated, or eaten in front of a screen?
I’ve been there. For my mom’s birthday last year, I was scrambling to find a restaurant that felt truly special. There are way too many restaurants, and yet those claiming to be fine dining don’t seem to be “fine” enough.
If you’ve ever felt the same way, don’t worry—I’ve done the hard work for you. This list features Portland’s best fine dining spots, the ones that actually deliver. Whether you’re planning a celebration or just want to treat yourself, these places are guaranteed to impress.
1. Portland City Grill
Media Credits: pcitygrill
Website: https://www.portlandcitygrill.com/
Address: 111 SW 5th Ave 30th Floor
Contact: (503) 450-0030
Operating hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Happy hour: Monday – Tuesday : 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM & Wednesday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Portland City Grill is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience.
The 3-course tasting menu offers a variety of options. It starts with comforting appetizers like Lobster Bisque or Clam Chowder, both featuring rich flavors and smooth presentations.
The highlight is the Seafood Trio: Dungeness crab cakes, fresh salmon, and juicy shrimp. They’re served with creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies, perfectly balanced with a buttery beurre blanc sauce.
Their service is top-notch, and the staff provides attentive care. Valet parking is just an extra touch of convenience to make the evening feel a bit more special.
Pro tip: If you’re celebrating something special, let the staff know—they might treat you to a complimentary dessert. They have really great hospitality and attention to detail.
2. Mucca Osteria
Media Credits: muccaosteria
Website: https://muccaosteria.com/
Address: 1022 SW Morrison St
Contact: (503) 227-5521
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Mucca Osteria brings a slice of Italy to the heart of Portland with its authentic flavors and thoughtfully crafted 5-course tasting menu.
The experience starts with standout antipasti—a velvety burrata or house-made charcuterie setting the tone for what’s to come. Each course leans into seasonal ingredients and time-honored Italian techniques.
But if you’re picking a showstopper, it’s got to be the Pappardelle al Cinghiale. This dish nails it with silky, hand-made pasta smothered in a slow-braised wild boar ragu that hits all the earthy and savory notes.
Their wine list is another star, featuring a wide range of Italian gems that elevate every bite.
Pro tip: The restaurant is quite small, so it’s best for intimate gatherings. If you’re hosting a huge event, you might want to look elsewhere.
3. El Gaucho
Media Credits: elgauchosteakhouse
Website: https://elgaucho.com/portland/
Address: 319 SW Broadway
Contact: (503) 227-8794
Operating hours:
- Monday & Thursday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 10:45 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday & Sunday: Closed
El Gaucho offers a classic fine dining experience with upscale ambiance, attentive service, and live music. Their menu includes a la carte options and multi-course meals, catering to a range of preferences.
One highlight is the 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch Prime Certified Angus Beef paired with seared foie gras and served with a pomegranate peppercorn sauce, making for a lavish entrée.
The service is polished and attentive, with tableside preparations that add a traditional touch to the experience. Valet parking is also available, which can be a convenient perk for guests.
Pro tip: The restaurant focuses on top-notch cuts of meat, so don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations to find the perfect dish for your taste.
4. Chart House
Media Credits: charthouserestaurants
Website: https://www.chart-house.com/location/chart-house-portland-or/
Address: 5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Contact: (503) 246-6963
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Chart House in Portland offers a fine dining experience. The 3-course menu changes daily and highlights seasonal ingredients.
The Miso Maple Glazed Salmon is a notable dish. It balances sweetness from the miso with a tang from the maple, making the salmon’s natural flavor stand out. The combination of textures and aromas adds an interesting layer to the meal.
The service is attentive without being overbearing. The waiters are also knowledgeable about food and wine pairings, which helps make decisions easier.
Complimentary valet parking is a convenient touch, and the waterfront views provide a nice backdrop to the dining experience.
Pro tip: Since it’s so popular, booking a reservation ahead of time can save you from long wait times.
5. Quaintrelle
Media Credits: quaintrellepdx
Website: https://www.quaintrelle.co/
Address: 2032 SE Clinton St
Contact: (503) 200-5787
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Quaintrelle in Portland sets the bar high with its carefully crafted 10-course tasting menu. It’s built around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced straight from local farms.
Every dish feels rooted in the region, with the octopus paired with shishito peppers and nduja. It’s a bold combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
The plating goes beyond simple aesthetics—each dish is assembled with precision and purpose, drawing your eye to the details before the first bite.
While valet service isn’t offered, the accessibility of nearby parking options ensures a hassle-free visit.
Pro tip: The tasting menu serves up bigger portions than your typical tasting experience, so get ready to leave feeling full and satisfied.
6. Bellpine
Media Credits: ritzcarltonportland
Website: https://www.bellpine-pdx.com/
Address: 900 SW Washington St
Contact: (971) 900-4442
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Bellpine offers a thoughtful 7-course tasting menu that highlights the flavors of the Pacific Northwest through a modern American lens.
One dish that stood out during our visit was a savory buñuelo filled with avocado mousse and topped with geoduck, serrano ham, and Fresno chiles. The combination of creamy textures and spicy, bright accents felt both creative and well-executed.
The service was polished and attentive, with the staff invested in creating a comfortable and seamless dining experience. The restaurant also offers valet parking, which is a practical touch for anyone planning a special evening out.
Pro tip: The menu is all about creativity, so don’t be afraid to try some of the chef’s specials that highlight the local flavors.
7. Clarklewis Restaurant
Media Credits: clarklewispdx
Website: https://www.clarklewispdx.com/
Address: 213 SW Clay St
Contact: (503) 248-2100
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Clarklewis Restaurant is one of those spots where the whole dining experience feels like an event. This place champions the farm-to-table vibe, pulling in fresh, local ingredients to create a menu that’s both creative and comforting.
You can opt for small bites or dive into a hearty main, with plenty of options to customize your meal. One standout is the House-Made Pasta with Anna’s Apples, a dish that compliments seasonal flavors in a way you won’t forget.
The atmosphere here strikes that perfect balance between lively and laid-back, and the servers aren’t just polite—they genuinely know their stuff and are excited to share their recommendations.
And for those worried about parking? No stress—there’s a dedicated lot, so you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than hunting for a spot.
Pro tip: Although recommended, you don’t need a reservation during off-peak hours due to ample seating availability.
8. Arden
Website: https://www.ardenpdx.com/
Address: 417 NW 10th Ave
Contact: (503) 206-6097
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Arden offers a fine dining experience that feels both refined and welcoming. Its prix fixe menu features four seasonal courses designed for sharing.
The Moroccan Lamb Shank is a standout, bringing a rich blend of spices and a modern twist on classic accompaniments.
They also serve innovative dishes such as charred carrots accompanied by garlic-herbed ricotta. The restaurant showcases thoughtful flavor pairings that highlight seasonal ingredients and deliver unique culinary experiences.
The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, offering suggestions without being pushy, and they provide helpful insights into each dish. The wine list is thoughtfully put together, making it easy to find a good match for your meal.
Pro tip: Ask about any special events or chef’s nights that might feature unique menu options or wine pairings.
9. a Cena Ristorante & Enoteca
Media Credits: acenapdx
Website: https://acenapdx.com/
Address: 7742 SE 13th Ave
Contact: (503) 206-3291
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A Cena Ristorante & Enoteca offers a pretty solid slice of Italy in Portland. Its menu leans toward the rustic, comforting side of traditional Italian cooking.
The focus here is on seasonal ingredients and locally inspired dishes, with standouts like the Garganelli Alla Norcia and Ravioli stealing the show.
The Garganelli comes with a rich, savory ragu that’s perfectly spiced. Meanwhile, the Ravioli is all about that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling paired with a sauce that hits every note just right.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They’re always ready with a solid menu and wine-pairing recommendations.
Pro tip: A light Italian red like Dolcetto can enhance dishes featuring creamy sauces, creating a delightful balance.
10. Ava Gene’s
Media Credits: avagenes
Website: https://avagenes.com/
Address: 3377 SE Division St
Contact: (971) 229-0571
Operating hours:
- Sunday – Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Inspired by Italian cuisine, Ava Gene’s delivers a distinctive fine dining experience with a Roman-inspired menu that showcases the core of Pacific Northwest ingredients.
The menu focuses on small plates. A top choice is their Squash Gnocchi, which strikes a balance between lightness and richness. It showcases the kitchen’s attention to fresh, seasonal flavors.
The wine pairings are well-thought-out, though we felt they could sometimes be more adventurous in their selections.
Pro tip: For a fun, shared experience, you can opt for the $55/person “family-style” menu. The kitchen staff will pick out dishes to share, giving you a tasty sampling of everything.
