If you are planning a romantic dinner for someone special on Valentine’s Day, now’s the time to get calling! The hot spots around town are almost booked, and it may be too late to book your favorite cozy booth for two.
Even though more than two weeks away, we made calls to find out where to go if making a reservation soon and to find restaurants that won’t be taking reservations at all.
Don’t know what to do at all? Maybe these suggestions can help.
If you are making the arrangements, don’t assume fancy is best. Ask your partner what they would like to do and then pick a place. Asking this far in advance won’t kill the surprise–it just helps you pick a place that can suit both of your needs.
On a budget? Look for a spot that serves small plates. Sharing a number of items can cut a chunk out of the bill, and you get to try lots of items. A big plate of one item gets old after a couple of bites, anyway.
Be creative. Don’t just make your special night all about eating. Plan an activity before the meal, and incorporate a food element into it. Chill a bottle of bubbly before leaving for dinner, and then have dessert waiting at home. Bakeries make small cakes, tarts and cupcakes that are always a better deal than restaurants. The restaurant mark-up on wine is about double. Keep that money in your pocket for something else.
If you’re looking for a place at the last minute, find one that isn’t taking reservations, but has an ample bar. Check in, anticipating the wait, and begin the evening with a snack and a cocktail.
Most importantly, do your homework! Leaving it to the last minute shaves your options down considerably. Then you might be forced to cook, and God knows how that might come out.
Upscale (for a splurge)
Genoa
2832 S.E. Belmont St.
Completely booked.
One of Portland’s most famous and fabulous icons of Italian cuisine, Genoa seems to be struggling a bit after the departure of its first chef. Perhaps it’s destined to be better known as a chef machine-churning out creative capable kitchen masters. Currently without a chef, the competent staff could go on without a maestro for quite some time. Three-, four- and seven-course meals at $45, $60 and $80, respectively.
Paley’s Place
1204 N.W. 21st Ave.
Some spaces available later in the evening.
Another legendary Portland dining room, Valentine’s falls on Wine Wednesday here, where the kitchen pairs “heartfelt reds” with a special menu.
Higgins
1239 S.W. Broadway
Reservations for V-day are almost gone.
A favorite among vegetarians, this place knows how to do fancy. Elegant, flawless service and some of the city’s most talked-about food comes with a pricey bill. Local fish and meats stand out on the menu, as do salads with seasonal ingredients. Don’t expect to get out for less than $125 if you’re drinking. Do expect to be satisfied.
Filbert’s
1937 N.W. 23rd Pl.
Reservations are being taken, about half full.
Fifty-five dollars per person includes bubbly and four courses–a pretty decent value. The salad course sounds divine with smoked duck or trout. Substantial entr퀌�e choices include a N.Y. strip or Petrale sole stuffed with crab.
Andina
1314 N.W. Glisan St.
About 25 percent booked.
Peruvian inspired dishes in a hip, spacious environment. Fixed-price dinners on Valentine’s Day include a bottle of champagne, your choice, starting at $75 per person. Two seatings, around 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., will include the bar, so don’t go looking to order off the bar menu.
Trendy (and a bit less expensive)
Noble Rot
2724 S.E. Ankeny
Plenty of reservations left.
Serving small plates that bite big, this may be the place to go if you’re on a tighter budget. Share a starter, entr퀌�e and dessert, throw in two glasses of wine and get out for around $50. Local ingredients are the star here and under Chef Leather Storr’s expert hand, they shine. Also serving a fixed-price menu with five to six courses upstairs in a private dining room, at $125 per couple. Includes a glass of champagne, but no gratuity.
Navarre
10 N.E. 28th Ave.
Taking reservations, lots of space left.
This one-man kitchen churns out a remarkable menu that changes daily, hand-written on its menu. Perfect for the couple with an adventurous palate, fantastically fresh flavors in smaller portions inspire sampling. Great wine list available by the glass, and a casually elegant atmosphere.
Taqueria Nueve
28 N.E. 28th Ave.
Taking reservations, totally open.
Great food here that’s easier on your budget, if you’re willing to eat with your hands on Valentine’s. Tacos are always a hit: try the wild boar, and the duck confit (leg), which is phenomenally tender and flavorful. Festive d퀌�cor and quick service, yet still upscale. Tables are close, so if you are imagining quiet intimacy, move on.
The Farm
10 S.E. 7th Ave.
Still taking reservations.
Dark, elegant dining room with local, seasonal food at less painful prices.
Wilf’s
Union Station, 800 N.W. 6th Ave.
Three seatings: 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Middle seating filling up.
Live jazz can be painfully romantic. Classic ambience in this over-sized train station lounge comes together with overpriced food. Come for the cocktails, sit in the small bar area, take in the music and a snack and make your own main course and dessert at home. John Gilmore plays on V-day.
Nuestra Cocina
2135 S.E. Division St.
A neighborhood gem that isn’t taking reservations. Great modern Latin food in a fast-paced environment. Come early or be prepared to wait.