One of the friendliest pizza joints in town, this restaurant is ready for you to eat in, take out or have your pie delivered. Located where there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from, this shop does pizza right. Whether thin or thick, the crust is always cooked perfectly, slathered with a delicious sauce, and topped with a lot of cheese. The hot sandwiches include meatball, a fabulous Reuben, and vegetarian options. All are divine. Beer is available.

Offering sushi, tempura and box meals at discount prices, this is the place to go for Japanese cuisine. It is less crowded than the more popular Southeast restaurants closer to downtown, but it is hard to understand why. With its plain exterior and inexpensive prices, some aficionados may predict a lack of quality, but one glance at the sushi bar will change that. The fish is fresh and expertly prepared. The atmosphere is casual yet traditional. Try the house favorite sushi rolls - Unagi (barbecued eel), Saba (mackerel) and Tobiko (flying fish roe). Beer and sake are available. Visit the website for more information.  

A fun place to hang out with friends, Oasis Cafe is literally an oasis in the midst of the busy Portland streets. It is counter service only at this casual cafe. Choose from such specialty pizzas as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a popular vegetarian pizza, or the Tuscany Crusher - feta, artichoke hearts, onions and tomatoes, with olive oil and garlic replacing tomato sauce. Among the non-vegetarian options, the Bandido and Magic Capet are worth writing home about. If you do not want pizza, the calzones and salads are hearty. Save some room, because this pizza joint has exceptionally good cakes and cheesecakes.

Gorge on traditional Indian recipes at India Grill Restaurant. A treat for the famished, the curries here are definitely what this Indian restaurant is all about. Medium-hot is just spicy enough to give you the flavor of India without scorching your taste buds. If you like your curry with a bit more flash, be sure to order it hot. Fish Almond mahi mahi in a copper-colored curry is a favorite. If curries do not please your palate, order the India Grill Combo Platter with Meat Samosa, Chicken Pakora and Leeko. Beer and wines are also supplied to beat the spiciness. Dine in this easy-going venue for a pleasant time. Do not forget sampling the Mango Lassi- a traditional classic. Visit the website for more information.  

Simplistic elegance abounds at this Hawthorne Boulevard restaurant. Cork floors complement the bare walls by adding just the right touch of ingenuity and style. Named for the chestnut, the dining experience is earthy and natural, drawing on fresh flavors and healthy alternatives. The shoestring potatoes are delightfully grease-less and the use of figs throughout the menu is intriguing. A new favorite, this French-Italian restaurant is sure to stand the test of time. Opens Wednesday to Saturday 5:30p.

This area draws all types. The people who crowd this street, long for eclectic flavors-the stores that call Hawthorne District home fulfill those desires. The ever-popular fusion theme is adeptly expressed at this exotic restaurant. Choose from Indian and Mediterranean/North African menus while you enjoy cricket matches on the bar's television. Saucy and spicy, both menus provide true taste bud entertainment. The Chicken Tikka Kabob, Chicken Makhani, Prawns Coconut Curry and Lamb Shahi stand out for their fine flavor and aroma. The sweet and succulent meat is cooked in a tandoori oven. The Fatoush is a healthy appetizer. Full bar service is available.

For the best New York slice on the Eastside, this spot delivers. The large 20-inch combo pizza has been feeding Hawthorne District locals for years. Other, more exciting toppings include the Ranch Chicken or Gourmet with artichoke hearts, garlic and broccoli. Hot and cold subs, calzones and salads are available as well. Enjoy your slice with a beer while doing some serious people watching. You can also get your pie delivered, or get it to go.

This Hawthorne District restaurant is more like an upscale diner. The brick building features half-window curtains, which line the storefront on the bustling boulevard. Breakfast is available all day and you can even order a beer or glass of wine to go with it. The dinner menu includes lots of meat and pasta, and the breakfast and lunch dishes are just as heavy. A casual place, it is an ideal location for a pleasant meal. Make use of the prompt service to beat the mid-day hunger pangs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

After perusing the antique shops in the lovely historic neighborhood of Sellwood, make sure to stop by this spot for a meal you will not forget. Start with an order of buttery, garlicky sauteed shrimp. Grandma Jean's pasta combines pork ribs, beef and pepperoni in a red sauce and is served onsite. The searfood options are expansive to tantalize the palate. There is a wonderful and extensive selection of wines and a full bar. The knowledgeable staff will affably list the nightly specials. For larger groups, the family style menu is a good option to eat like a king at an affordable price. Gino's Restaurant & Bar is the ideal venue for a peaceful time with close ones.

The Adobe Rose Cafe serves spicy American dishes inspired by our neighbors south of the border. Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait or do not come during peak mealtimes. You can order take-out so you do not have to fight for a table, but you will not be able to grab a cold drink from the full bar. People regularly come to indulge in the Blue Corn Enchiladas. Located in the Sellwood District, it is the perfect stop after a long day of antiquing.