Dimly lit, with aquariums and red tablecloths, this downtown restaurant is like the one that Mom treated you to for special family dinners. For two decades, the restaurant has served traditional Chinese dishes with an American flavor. The entrance, which can be elusive, is actually up some stairs on Southwest Park Avenue. Enjoy a cocktail from the full bar before your meal arrives. Try the T'ung T'ing Shrimp; large, shelled prawns sauteed in wine sauce with broccoli, water chestnuts and mushrooms.

This refined and reputable culinary institute is also a fabulous restaurant offering affordable feasts befitting royalty. The downtown restaurant features track lighting, well-placed prints and comfortable seating. Homemade breakfasts start at really low prices. Come back later for gourmet appetizers such as the Sun-dried Tomato and Kalamata Tapenades. Order the Fettuccine with Walnut Garlic Sauce, followed by the scrumptious Oregon Marionberry Mousse. The menu changes from day to day, but the price is always fair. Check the web site for information regarding classes.

This comfy Hilton Bistro 921 is cleverly named after its address. The casual atmosphere provides an upscale feel with elegant wood and lighting. It is the perfect place to unwind. Catering to business travelers and families, children are always welcome. Meet friends after work to catch the game in the lounge area. A selection of Portland micro brews is available and you can enjoy daily happy hour from 4:30p-6p. The tasty American food, including such basics as burgers and pasta, is served in large portions. The steaks are juicy and cooked to perfection.

Located on a busy downtown corner, Mayas Tacqueria eatery offers a good view of the bustling city any time of day. The fresh Mexican food is served cafeteria-style. Tacos and burritos come with fresh and tasty veggie or meat fillings. People of all ages pack in here at mealtimes to savor the delectable dishes like Chicken Tortilla Soup, Fish Tacos and Brazilian Beef Burrito; making it hard to find a seat. Try the two-seat bar; it is a good place to meet someone if you are alone.

Pizzicato, a popular local chain is famous for flavorful pizzas with toppings like salmon, wild mushrooms and Parmesan sausage. There are good options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. For starters, you should not pass up the roasted garlic pie, which comes with Gorgonzola cheese and foccacia. There is a frequent-eater card for take-out orders and close to 20 locations in and around Portland to suit your needs. Try a half-baked pizza that you can finish baking at home for extra freshness. Beer and wine are available.

At Downtown Portland/City Center's India House is a treasure-trove of delicacies for diners. There is a lot offered inside the city storefront, which is only steps from MAX. Do not worry if you miss lunch, because the same goodies are offered up as affordable appetizers and entrees at dinner. Try the Chicken Saag, a tasty dish with spinach, as well as delightful tandoori delicacies. There is a full bar, as well as some rare Eastern beers. The pleasant interiors offer plenty of seating for group diners.

There is a great 12-course lunch buffet at Persian House Restaurant, but have patience, it can get crowded. Spain, Italy, France, Greece and the Middle East influence the blend of Mediterranean food. The sauteed mushrooms are a good warm-up. The entrees are made with beef, chicken, lamb and seafood. If you want a different dish, try the Paella, a Spanish blend of scallops, shrimp, mussels, mushrooms, rice, garlic and more. Drinks are served from a full bar. You will enjoy the warm setting. Walls display Persian paintings and other art.

Rolling into one of the fancier waterfront establishments on a pair of skates can make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, Little River Cafe-deli-style eatery has wide open doors and cement floors so you can always feel comfortable in ordering a BLT and more (with melted cheese) or a huge scoop of Umpqua ice cream. Choose from lots of deli sandwiches, bakery goods, coffees, soups and salads.

Elegant surroundings engulf diners in this fashionable Northwest restaurant where blown-glass lighting, rich velvet walls, fair prices and attentive service will put you at ease. Start with a cocktail or bottle of local wine from the full bar. Indulge in a heavenly starter such as the Comice Pear salad. Sauteed Silk Snapper will follow naturally. Mouth-watering desserts at Lucy's Table include Apple-Sage Sorbet and Baklava with Sun-dried Bing Cherry Sauce. You are sure to come away satiated.

A warm environment and superb Thai cuisine will keep you coming back to this acclaimed restaurant located in Hotel Lucia. For lunch, request the mouth-watering Typhoon Barbecue Chicken Salad. Dinner specialties at Typhoon! On Broadway include Grilled Beef with Grapes and Bangkok Noodles. Visit the cocktail lounge on weekends for spectacular jazz. Try the other Portland location at 2310 Northwest Everett Street.