Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in North Portland

We returned to our favorite with the benefit of a generous gift certificate from my sisters. There was a notable difference in the usual menu and our wonderful waitress Robin told us The Stockpot was celebrating their 50th anniversary and had brought back some of their former favorite dishes to celebrate the monumental occasion. We’ve been coming here since the early 80’s after our goof friends introduced us to the best restaurant anywhere. As usual, the food was scrumptious. We both enjoyed the salmon which was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. I recently leaned that you could substitute the sides to your liking so no matter what you choose, you can get the sides you prefer. Because we were there celebrating our birthdays, we were given complementary champagne and ice cream sundaes. We ordered desserts to take home for another day, the Lemoncello cake and the chocolate mousse cake. They were both delicious. Besides the excellent food, the wait staff is the best we’ve ever had. They recognize us from going there every year so it’s like coming back to see a good friend.

Quiet, private, early evening perfect dining experience. Excellent food and attentive and friendly enough/not too much service.

Piattino is one of the best restaurants in the Pearl district. We had the lamb shank and the risotto al nero (squid ink risotto) and both were excellent, the risotto is one of the best squid ink dishes I have had in this country. The restaurant was fairly busy when we were there for lunch, but food arrived fairly fast and the waiter (sorryI didn't get his name) did an excellent job. Finally, the restaurant is very nicely decorated and has a super cozy feel, it was especially nice today because it was drizzling outside.

Hands down the best meal my husband and I have ever had. We chose the 10 course tasting menu. We loved every dish. Especially great were the pear salad, the creme of mushroom soup, the white fish, and the beef bourguignon. The lemon crepe and the pots de creme were also amazing. We had very attentive waiters, they explained each dish, they recommended drinks to pair with dishes. We will definitely be back.

Loved both the ambiance and the food, which is a rare combination for me to find! Best wings I’ve ever tasted as appetizers and the salmon as a main plate was incredible. It was my son’s birthday and the lovely hostess had thoughtfully sprinkled confetti on the table before we arrived. May this restaurant live long and prosper!