Portland, Oregon

If you want a spot to splurge a bit, whether it’s for an anniversary dinner or to celebrate finally throwing a proper vase in pottery class, go to Le Pigeon. — The Infatuation

The five- and seven-course prix fixe menus spotlight simple, local ingredients and plates are planned around the seasons. The vast wine selection complements the ingredient-driven cuisine. — Forbes Travel Guide

This Division Street Italian restaurant, which is owned by the same team as Tusk, mills their own flour on-site for their five daily pastas, each of which are great and worth trying. — The Infatuation

Salumist Elias Cairo made a name for himself throughout the country with his artisanal charcuterie. — Fodor's

Painted in bright purples, pinks, and greens, this hot spot offers traditional Cuban fare: slow-roasted meats, tropical root vegetables, hearty stews, rice, and beans. — Fodor's

A light-filled, multi-level space inspired by classic Parisian bistros, chef Greg Higgins’ landmark restaurant is a shrine to seasonal, sustainable cuisine. — DK Eyewitness

Menus are set in advance; they consist of five or six courses (though some of the courses are amuse-bouche size), beginning with soup and ending with dessert, and wine pairings. — Where

Irving Street's cuisine is consistently interesting, often better than that, and it's drawing diners to its cavernous inside dining room and its loading-dock outside tables. — Oregonian

"Brilliant" chef Justin Woodward tinkers with one of the city's most "intriguing menus", an "amazing modernist take on Northwest ingredients and flavors". — Zagat

The cheese selection, on display under a glass case just inside the front door, is extensive and exquisite. — Fodor's

There are considerable things to like about Jory and the Allison, opened in 2009 when the Willamette Valley liked to imagine itself the "next Napa". — Oregonian

The custom-made, wood-fired grill stars at this pricey Boise-Eliot Argentinean that pulls in crowds for its sizzling mash-up of South American and Pacific NW cuisines. — Zagat

Salvage-style décor and pre-industrial (wood-fired) dining. — Not For Tourists

What was once a former convenience store is now an airy brasserie and a popular butcher shop. — Travel + Leisure

A tapas-style restaurant and wine bar, with inventive Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine. — DK Eyewitness

A European gastro pub-inspired menu features bright and simple ingredient-driven dishes. — Concierge

While they're open for dinner during the week, they're best known for brunch. — Travel + Leisure

"All sorts of amazing" izakaya fare – including a "nice assortment of fusion dishes", ramen that competes for the "best in town" and a late-night burger fans "rave about". — Zagat