Here's a sampler in different cuisines. See what strikes your palate and pocketbook. All are excellent. btw, call first. Several of these do not accept reservations and are small and get very busy. Wildwood: The best of the local/organic/Northwest restaurants, imo. Very consistent, very tasty. Split a pizza for an appetizer. They're almost always great. Entrees $20-30. Other good options in this category are Paley's, Heathman, Lucere, and Bluehour. People seem to like Higgins, which is also in this category, but I find it quite inconsistent and underwhelming. Caprial's: One of the more interesting menus usually, often fusing Latin and Asian ingredients and techniques with very flavorful results. Chic interior (for Portland). Entrees $20-30. Buckman Bistro: Smallish plates mostly under $10 but with a lot of flavor. Relatively casual place. Entrees $7-10. Tuscany Grill: Probably the most interesting menu of the several Italian restaurants in NW portland (others are Cafe Mingo, Serrato, Basta's, and Il Fornaio, this last one an upper level California chain). Cafe Azul: Truly authentic Mexican comfort foods like moles and tamales focusing on Oaxacan and Yucatan preparations. Uses high quality ingredients and executes the dishes impeccably. Entrees $18-$25. Esparza's Tex Mex: Tex-Mex better and more interesting than you'll probably get in Texas. Smoked meats, huge portions, funky interior, and lots of tequila if that's your thing. Entrees $8-12. Pambiche: Cuban comfort food with a huge dessert case. Entrees $8-12. Pho Van: Quality Vietnamese in two locations. The preparations are always executed well. Entrees $8-12. Sungari: Quality Szechuan in two locations. Like Pho Van, they use quality ingredients and cook meats and such properly. Entrees $10-15. Lemongrass: Quality Thai food in a beautiful Victorian with a nice deck out back. Some say it's not authentic enough. Fine. It's still quite good. Entrees $8-14.