Looking for a spot in Portland for a romantic night out? Check out one of these top Portland date night restaurants.
As much as Alain and I love to cook, we also love going out to enjoy the talents of Portland’s culinary creatives. When it comes to date nights, dining out in Portland is a fun, attentive, delicious dining experience – if you know where to go.
Here is my list of Top Portland Date Night Restaurants in Portland.
These are places Alain and I have been to for date nights and loved; most restaurants we’ve been to multiple times. The places listed below were chosen because we loved the food, drinks, ambience, decor & space planning, and of course, service.
So whether you are looking for a casual happy hour or wine bar for a first date, or an intimate, upscale special occasion restaurant, these are our top romantic restaurants.
Hope you enjoy many delicious date nights in your future at one or more of these Portland, Oregon restaurants!
Table of Contents
A Cena
A Cena
7742 SE 13th St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 206-3291
[Italian | cozy]
A Cena is a warm, welcoming, and quite charming Italian restaurant in Southeast Portland.
Here you get what feels like elevated Italian home cooking in a true neighborhood restaurant. The service is also timed well: I never feel rushed or wanting.
While some menu items do change, there are many favorites that seem to always have a place on their menu. At the top of that list is their famous lobster agnolotti. The pan-seared scallops are tantalizing, and the grilled lamb chops are interestingly delicate yet satisfying.
A cena’s space is planned well: you are far enough from fellow diners to enjoy private conversations. And the decor is tasteful and not distracting.
The wine list here is a good balance of Italian varietals and Oregon wines. A hearty, bold Chianti pairs well with most dishes here.
Andina
Andina
1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209, (503) 228-9535
[Peruvian | upscale]
In a word: wow. We’ve dined here several times, and Andina always delivers the golden combo few restaurants in Portland can consistently bring: absolutely mind-blowing delicious food; friendly, helpful, knowledgeable service; and beautiful, well-designed, inviting and warm space.
While it’s a great place for lunch with clients or a group of girlfriends, it’s definitely a restaurant that helps make a special anniversary, birthday, or any date night extra special.
Don’t be intimidated by the menu: Andina does a great job of pairing classic Peruvian cuisine with local Northwest ingredients. We love the Chicharrones De Langostinos AKA quinoa-crusted prawns, Corderito De Los Andes AKA a double rack of grass-fed lamb (note that the menu changes so check their website for the latest).
For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a Malbec here. Malbec is Argentina’s star grape, and it pairs well with the flavors at Andina.
Arden
Arden
417 NW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
[wine bar | seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine]
Arden restaurant in Portland’s Pearl District is the perfect place for couples looking for an intimate date night. Alain and I enjoyed a recent date night here, and had the best time — with the best food and wine.
The restaurant’s minimalist decor, featuring clean lines and neutral colors, creates a serene and modern atmosphere. The lighting is moody and romantic, and tables are close but set far enough to still have intimate conversations.
The menu at Arden changes frequently and features a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts. You can enjoy a 4-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings, or order a la carte. And while the food is delicious, you really cannot skip the wine selection here.
Service is always friendly and warm here. The staff are passionate and super knowledgeable about the food and wine offerings, and they’re always happy to provide recommendations. Plus, they knew I was mostly dairy-free (milk protein sensitivity that’s challenging to explain), and had a menu ready for me with items I could order without issue. So thoughtful!
For the latest menu offerings and to make reservations, visit the Arden website.
Bible Club PDX
Bible Club PDX
6716 SE 16th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
[casual | speakeasy + patio bar]
Bible Club PDX in Portland, Oregon is a fun, vibrant spot for a date night. This is the place to go for a more relaxed date night experience.
The menu at Bible Club PDX features a variety of small plates and entrees that are designed to be shared. The wine list is curated to complement the food and features a selection of natural and biodynamic wines. The restaurant also offers a rotating selection of creative cocktails and craft beers.
I’ve only ever sat outside in the covered outdoor patio, and I love it.
Laurelhurst Market
Laurelhurst Market
3155 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214
[steakhouse]
This place is a meat lover’s dream come true — a declaration made by my husband, who is forever on the hunt for perfect steak frites. He found them at Laurelhurst Market.
With a mouth-watering on-site butcher shop, lunchtime sandwich counter, and dinner service, this Southeast Portland restaurant may not seem like your typical date night spot. But the dishes they put out here are inventive and simply stunning — and of course, delicious!
The dining room is comfortable, and I suggest grabbing a table outside if you can. A beautiful Portland summer night, some steak frites, a bottle of wine, and that special someone … you can’t go wrong with a date night here!
Le Pigeon
Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside Street
Portland, OR 97214
[upscale | tasting menu]
Le Pigeon has long been noted as one of the best restaurants in Portland, Oregon. With Chef Gabriel Rucker at the helm, Le Pigeon is renowned for its creative cuisine, excellent wine list, and intimate atmosphere. It’s so perfect for a romantic date night.
The tasting menu at Le Pigeon features a variety of innovative and playful dishes that showcase locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. And each dish is prepared with a modern and artistic approach.
In addition to the exceptional food, you’ll also find an excellent wine list that features a selection of natural and biodynamic wines. You can also order a variety of craft beers and creative cocktails.
If you’re looking to impress someone special, Le Pigeon is the place to go for a special and memorable date night in Portland.
Mucca Osteria
Mucca Osteria
1022 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97205
[Italian]
Mucca Osteria is always a win when you’re looking for a romantic date night spot in downtown Portland. The restaurant’s minimal yet elegant decor, including white tablecloths and classic Italian artwork, creates an intimate ambiance that’s perfect for a romantic evening.
Everything I’ve eaten at Mucca Osteria has been delicious. The menu features traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, such as homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood.
The wine list features a selection of Italian wines and other European varietals. And the service has always been wonderful when we’ve dined at Mucca. The attentive staff adds to the overall experience, providing excellent service and making you feel welcome.
For more information, read our full Mucca Osteria restaurant review. To make reservations, visit the Mucca Osteria website.
Noble Rot
Noble Rot
1111 East Burnside Street, Fourth Floor
Portland, Oregon 97214
[wine bar]
Noble Rot has one of the most romantic views of downtown Portland at night, and one of the best wine lists. Perched on the top of a 4-story building, you get stunning views of the city skyline and the West Hills.
Arrive just before sunset, and while you’re feasting on a luscious wine flight and savory meal, enjoy the show through the wall of windows as the sky falls from day to night. When the city lights sparkle against that night sky, it’s pure Portland love.
Speaking of: I love the high back booths, the patio, the wine wall, the dark wood tables. But more than that, I love how their food and wine is simple sophistication at its best.
The menu at Noble Rot is seasonally inspired, with a focus on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts, all prepared with a creative and modern approach to classic dishes.
One of the things Alain and I love so much about Noble Rot is its impressive wine list. It includes over 300 selections from around the world. For more information or to make reservations, visit the Noble Rot website.
Normandie
Normandie
1005 SE Ankeny Street
Portland, OR 97214
[coastal-inspired | French]
Normandie restaurant offers diners a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a touch of elegance. The restaurant’s beautiful decor and plush seating creates a warm and inviting ambiance, although I find seating at the bar just as romantic.
The menu at Normandie focuses on classic French dishes with a modern twist. You’ll enjoy dishes like steak frites, coq au vin, and escargot.
I love the wine list here. It’s fairly extensive with a range of selections from around the world.
For more information or to make your reservations, visit the Normandie website.
Phuket Cafe
Phuket Cafe
1818 NW 23rd Place
Portland, OR 97210
[Thai]
Phuket Cafe is consistently one of our personal favorite cute date night spot in Portland. It’s a fun and lively yet romantic date night spot that offers a unique dining experience.
The restaurant’s cozy and intimate atmosphere, featuring dim lighting and Thai-inspired decor, creates a warm and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for a romantic evening out. The outdoor train car seating is super fun and a great place for a fun date night.
The menu at Phuket Cafe features a variety of authentic Thai dishes, prepared with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The food is both delicious and affordable. Honestly: whatever you order here, you can’t go wrong. Every single dish my family has had here, we’ve all enjoyed fully.
For more information or to make reservation, visit the Phuket Cafe website.
RingSide Steak House
2165 W Burnside Street
Portland, OR 97210
[upscale | steakhouse]
RingSide Steak House is a classic. I’ve dined here countless times over the past three decades and it’s always an excellent dining experience.
Established in 1944, RingSide is one of the oldest restaurants in Portland, and has rightfully gained the reputation as one of the finest. This family-owned steak house has maintained the highest level of service, impeccable food, and one of the best wine cellars in town.
While you can dine in jeans, RingSide is a great place to get dressed up and enjoy a romantic date night.
St Jack
St. Jack
1610 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210
[French]
Dining at St Jack restaurant is like being transported to a French bistro. I love the mussels, and the steak frite is always on point. This is the perfect destination for couples looking for a cozy and intimate dining experience with a touch of French flair.
The restaurant’s chic decor, including a beautiful tiled bar and white linen tablecloths, creates an elegant atmosphere.
The menu at St Jack features classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse, coq au vin, and steak tartare, as well as a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
The wine list here has a focus on French and Pacific Northwest wines. And the staff are knowledgeable and happy to provide recommendations for food and wine pairings to make your date night all the more specal.
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
Marlynn’s Tip
Editor’s Note
Please note that we do try to update our restaurant guides as often as possible. Because restaurant hours, menus, and other details change constantly, it’s best to use the links in our guides to visit the restaurant websites for the latest information and to make your reservations.
