Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Southwest Portland

MEC has become my wife's and my favorite dinner spot when we're in Portland. Everything tastes fresh, freshly made and full of flavor. Last night we had eggplant dip, Moroccan chicken, Greek potatoes and grilled lamb chops, all done perfectly. The dip had just the right amount of smokiness. The potatoes were amazing--potatoes! The lamb larger than expected and cooked just as requested. We had to wait a few minutes for our table, but wine was served meantime. The wait line remained constant until 9:30, giving a hint to the energetic vibe that continued all evening. The ambience is as lively as the flavors.

Have been trying to get to Screen Door for dinner for a long time and finally made it this past Saturday. It was VERY crowded when we arrived for our 7 pm reservation, but the guy working the front desk was great, communicated clearly and managed the crush very well. It is not a huge restaurant, and is obviously very popular, so we had about a 15-minute wait for two tables together to clear so they could accommodate our group of 5. The food was very "down home" but was extraordinary. Very well prepared and very flavorful. The waitress was friendly and professional and managed everything so that we felt well cared for despite the crowd. Highly recommended. I plan to return for brunch or lunch sometime soon.

Jason was a fabulous server and all staff were friendly and helpful

Absolutely Amazing Italian Cuisine! I and my significant wife had the most incredible dining experience! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a cozy yet elegant vibe. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely phenomenal! Every dish was bursting with authentic Italian flavors, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Overnight Braised Rieben Fram Pork Shoulder was perfectly cooked, and the homemade pasta was to die for. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian meal with top-notch service, look no further. I can’t wait to come back and try more dishes. Highly recommend!

Wonderful food and fantastic service. This was our first time here and it won't be our last! The restaurant is located in a buzzy and vibrant neighborhood. Parking can be hard to find, but otherwise, no big deal