"The first thing you notice here is the wallpaper: lush, rich blue with a pattern of mussels and hearts. The space is dimly lit—not too dark, but just enough to be romantic. The smell of French herbs, bubbling butter, and shellfish fills the air. Then, you'll see that the space is divided into two sections: One part is a busy restaurant where diners share bowls of mussels and platters of oysters while sipping wine and Belgian beer; the other is a moody bar with tufted leathers booths and a long copper bartop, where regulars and date-nighters linger over one of La Moule's thoughtful, dark-spirited drinks. Even if you're not on a date—though it's certainly a good place for that—just sitting at the copper bar with a rum-and-sherry drink and a plate of oysters can be an undeniably sexy Portland experience." - Alexander Frane
