Romantic Restaurants in Portland (2025)

A petite, brick-walled room where Gabriel Rucker’s tasting menus turn date night into theater. Frequently cited by Eater Portland for special occasions and included in The New York Times’ Portland list, it’s intimate, inventive, and distinctly Portland.

High craft meets neighborhood warmth atop Mt. Tabor, with a thoughtful wine program and seasonal menus from James Beard–recognized chef Katy Millard. Featured in Condé Nast Traveler and regularly praised by local critics for graceful, lingering dinners.

A transportive Thai tasting menu hidden inside Phuket Cafe, now one of the city’s toughest reservations after winning the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Quietly dramatic pacing makes it ideal for an unforgettable night.

Lyon-inspired fare, deep wines, and softly lit charm on NW 23rd. Recognized by The New York Times’ Portland list, it balances bistro classics and modern touches—perfect for splitting gougères and a bottle.

Cathy Whims’s landmark for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a stellar Italian wine list. Voted Best Italian Restaurant in Willamette Week’s 2025 Readers’ Poll, it remains a timeless pick for candlelit Italian dinners.

An intimate, bi-level downtown osteria with house‑made pasta, white‑tablecloth service, and a serious Italian cellar. Open nightly and beloved on OpenTable for romantic occasions—an elegant haven without pretense.

Pearl District date-night standby with seasonal four‑course options and an adventurous wine program from owner‑somms. Portland Monthly highlights its conversation-friendly vibe and thoughtful pairings—ideal for lingering over courses.

Low-lit Basque tapas, sherry and vermouth flights, and a hum of conversation on Alberta Street. Called out by Portland Monthly among the city’s most romantic date spots, it’s tailor-made for sharing pintxos.

A charming seafood-and-oyster spot that moved into a fresh Clinton Street space, still serving its beloved Dungeness crab toast and happy-hour oysters. Included on Eater Portland’s romantic date-night map for its playful, seafood-forward menus.

Ryan Roadhouse’s haiku-like kaiseki returned downtown in 2025 to a jewel‑toned room inside the historic Morgan Building. A James Beard finalist with OpenTable‑bookable seatings, it’s an intimate, transportive splurge.

A family-run icon since 1944, newly reopened after a 2025 kitchen fire. With dim lighting, prime steaks, and a storied wine list, it’s classic romance—also recognized in The New York Times’ Portland roundup.

Patagonia‑meets‑Pacific Northwest by the river, with wood‑fire cooking, empanadas, and an energetic bar. Eater Portland’s Old Town guide steers diners here for a sultry finale to a downtown evening.