east side so having a car or Uber would be good. Imperial (Doug Adams was final 3 on Top Chef) is another one to try in Downtown area. Owned by Vitaley Paley, his flagship restaurant Paley's Place, in an old Victorian in NW Alphabet District is another winner. Portland has so very many great, innovative restaurants and new ones opening all the time it is very hard to narrow down. If there is a certain type of food or experience you are seeking, let me know and I'll try to give you good option.
Bon Appetit!

and the Ava Gene's menu looks terrific.

Do you have an Italian rec for the downtown area?

Ava Gene's menu doesn't look exciting on paper, but trust me when I tell you that the food will blow you away!

There are so very many great places doing wonderful food in Portland. Since you are doing your homework, you can't go wrong. Enjoy!

Hmmm none to compare to AG and I don't really go downtown per se for dinner as the best dining is elsewhere. If I remember something I'll post but if you want to be in downtown Departure is amazing - futuristic decor, views, Asian fusion and Gregory Gourdet was in same top 3 with Doug Adams on Top Chef. Memorable.

If you go to the Pearl, which isn't far from downtown Blue Hour is good and has Italian inspiration. Going in that direction there are a plethora of good places to check out: Tasty & Alder (American), Gruner (German but the real reason to go there is the burger in the small bar during Happy Hour - The Best!, Andina (Peruvian - great Pisco sours and ceviche). There are 2 Italian restaurants that I've heard good things about Piazza Italia and Il Gallo Nero but haven't been to either. I'd rather walk to Ava Genes.

When are you going? Reservations will be needed at most of these places and they get booked out. If I decide to go on a whim, I usually go when they open and try to sit at the Chef's Counter. Hope this helps and that you have fun here in Portland!

thanks for these recs - I will look at the menus before leaving.

Really going to visit Willamette Valley wineries but will be in Portland for a couple of days before heading south. We usually go to California wine country every couple years but thought we would try Oregon this time.

Thanks! Really appreciate your time in this post. Sounds like a great place for foodies.

and got a rec for Jakes Famous Crawfish.

It was raining, and the décor was just right. Food was 4/5 star I thought - the fish just a tad overcooked.

But the service was great. The atmosphere great.

What a beautiful city. We both wish we had more time to explore, but headed south to Eugene and some wineries. Finished with a couple of days at Lincoln City.

Thanks for the recs. Am envious. Had a great 10 days in your state.

We were only in Portland 1 night and our hotel recommended Jake's. They've been around a long time. We thought it might be too fancy (we didn't bring nice clothes) but the hotel folks told us "Hey, it's Portland" and our t-shirts were okay there. The food was fabulous. Very fresh seafood.

So off we went. It was raining so their décor was perfect. My fish was a tad overdone, but overall 4/5 stars I think.

Great service also.