A cozy and intimate atmosphere, an exquisite Italian food and wine affair, topped by an impeccable service, is what you can expect at a Cena Ristorante in Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. The restaurant offers a top-notch fine dining experience, where you can relish on expert Chef Gabe Gabreski's take on the Italian cuisine which are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The food served here is fresh, right from the daily-baked breads to hand-made pastas to the delectable sauces that complement the meal, without compromising on the original flavors. Paired with a selection of wine from its extensive wine list, you cannot ask for a better Italian meal. It's a must visit restaurant for every Italian food aficionados.

Torta-landia can be easily described in three words - Burritos, Tortas and Margaritas. Exceptional variety and great quality make this hole-in-the-wall the neighborhood's go-to spot. It has everything going for it - super-friendly staff, amazing food and fun atmosphere, equaling to a memorable dining experience. The menu lets you in on a Mexican street-food extravaganza with a lot to choose from - Traditional Street Tacos, Carnitas del Diablo Burrito, Pescado Torta, Chile Verde along with sides and saucy salsa dips. Order a pitcher of their fresh margarita or a pint of beer, and enjoy the good time with good company.

This small Swedish eatery packs a punch in the Scandinavian dining scene of Portland. Swedish Meatballs, Lamb Burger and Stockholm Hotdog find a place in the moderately dished out menu. Diners get to choose a side dish too from choices like Sauteed Greens and Country Ham. The decor is simple, and the ambiance, refreshing and welcoming. Do not miss this Broder Portland if you are into the 'European cafe feel'. Check website for open hours.

Los Gorditos, the restaurant, located in Southeast Portland, began as a food truck that gained so much popularity that they had to open a new location in order to adequately appease their loyal customers. Los Gorditos only accepts cash and patrons have to bus their own tables, but the service is fast, fantastic, friendly, and the food is amazing. Prices are low. Their goal is to get the people fed, full, and on to their next destination. Furthermore, vegans and vegetarians as well as meat eaters have equally as many options on the menu. Enchiladas can be made with vegan sour cream, and even vegan chicken curls that might make meat eaters consider converting. 

Nestled in the busy Hawthorne neighborhood, this spot is a favorite among locals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sit by the picture window where the view of pedestrian traffic nicely complements the menu. The daily specials range from banana whole-wheat pancakes to spinach pasta with pesto, fresh vegetables and chicken. Regulars love the sour cream coffeecake. The servers are attentive as they tend to the crowds of adoring fans. Beer and wine are available.

This Chinese restaurant was the talk of the Hawthorne when it first opened its doors in 1990. The savory tastes of Asia had not yet found their way into this area of coffeehouses and boutiques. Now, the restaurant is a landmark and continues serving Chinese fare. The copious menu selections, most of which are MSG-free, range from daily specials to vegetarian lo-mein noodles. The Crispy Eggplant is sour, spicy and somehow creamy. As the servers fly by with overflowing plates, sit back and enjoy a cold domestic or import beer.

Fun, wild and woolly describes this cafe, which serves up food in the true tradition of the Lone Star State (Texas). Get here early to try the chile rellenos. This dish is so popular and delicious that they frequently run out. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, try the ostrich enchiladas or fried cactus. This restaurant is very popular, and waiting in line is necessary to get a table. While you wait, elbow your way through the crowd, order a margarita at the bar and pass the time staring at the wild decor surrounding you.

Observe expert pizza makers hand roll and throw pizza dough here. Pizzas are prepared with tons of real cheese, fresh vegetables and meats. Order a Calzone, which consists of pizza dough wrapped around generous portions of meats, vegetables, and mozzarella, Romano and provolone cheeses. Soft drinks, lemonade, apple juice, beer and wine are all available. If you do not want to brave the nightly crowd, order your pizza to go. The family restaurant proudly displays trophies of the softball and baseball teams it sponsors each year. Visit the website to find out more.  

Many mornings, customers wait outside in chilly rain or mist for their tables here. Luckily, the awning area has heaters. And while breakfast here is worth the wait, it is made interesting by the offbeat clientele. Ordinary breakfast dishes are prepared in unexpected ways, pancakes with ginger or scrambled eggs and salmon. Try the Chorizo and Pepper Omelet with Brie and Tomato. There is a lunch menu, but breakfast is served all day and it is the specialty. The restaurant serves beer and wine and great Bloody Marys. To know more, visit the website.  

Located in historic East Portland on the east side of the Morrison Bridge, this spot is funky and hip with outdoor picnic benches and indoor tables with mismatched chairs. The small dining area is dwarfed by a Western-style mural of the United States. This little taco bar serves healthy Mexican meals. Those 12 and under can try the Ninos y Ninas menu.