Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Portland / Oregon

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Portland / Oregon? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Don's Favorite Foods

5.0

5 (125)

$50 and over

Contemporary Italian

Beaverton

About the restaurant

Don’s Favorite Foods is a prix-fixe restaurant created by husband and wife team Chef Don Salamone and Kate Laurents in partnership with Sommelier Adam Galbraith.
Cocktails courtesy of Jeffrey Morgenthaler & "Banjo" Amberg.

Our menu changes monthly and highlights dishes Don grew up with as well as those he mastered though working at Michelin-starred restaurants across the country.

From Don: You may find gnocchi like my Ma used to make or Italian sausage modeled after my Godfather’s, Oreste “Ernie” Capone. You might find scallops still in their shells, Oregon pork in the style of Braciole, & popovers I learned to make from my mother-in-law, Terry, because she makes those every Christmas morning... beef tartare, sea urchin, caviar, etc too. These things are all my favorites.

We hope you’ll find your new favorites here too.

*Note- if you are using a gift certificate to book you must email reservations@donsfavoritefoods.com - do not book through OpenTable. Thank you!*

Top review

Russell

Dined on 2 May 2025

The hospitality and friendliness of the staff was wonderful from the moment we opened the door. The food was delicious. We enjoyed each course—from the popovers, peas, pastas, to the granitas and dessert. The strawberry cake was the best cake my wife has ever had 😀! We enjoyed the 70s decor and music as it transported us back to fond memories of more peaceful times. We don’t dine out often, but what makes Don’s standout is culinary skill and attention to detail combined with passion to make each customer feel special. We are grateful to Don’s for making our wedding anniversary an Ichi-go ichi-e experience! 😀❤️🙏

Libre

4.9

4.9 (23)

$50 and over

Dessert

Southeast Portland

About the restaurant

Where Freedom Meets Flavor

Libre is a dessert bar and cocktail lounge in Portland, Oregon, where freedom bleeds from mezcal cocktails to mole desserts. Walk in and leave your troubles at the door, and experience a world of dreams coming true.

Our pastry chef, Gabriella Martinez, creates fantastical desserts with components ranging from corn husk meringue to bone marrow caramel. Meanwhile, our bar director, "Nan" Chaison, crafts innovative cocktails, including a mezcal-based mole milk punch.

The moodily lit, flower-adorned space with purple velvet banquettes provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.

Come to Libre and experience a taste of freedom.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 4 days ago

Gorgeous setting, impeccable yet incredibly warm service, exquisite and original food and drinks. We loved everything about and the care and pride of the proprietors was evident.

Kobe Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (13)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Ashland

About the restaurant

Kobe: A Culinary Oasis in Ashland

Kobe offers a unique dining experience that blends the best of Japanese tradition with the freshest local ingredients. Step inside and be transported to a world of culinary artistry, where every dish is a masterpiece.

Kobe's menu is a symphony of flavors, featuring exquisitely crafted sushi, delectable small plates, and mouthwatering entrees. The ambiance at Kobe is as inviting as the food. The warm, intimate setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends. The gentle murmur of the creek and the soft glow of the lanterns create a sense of tranquility that allows you to truly savor the moment.

Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a new and exciting dining experience, Kobe is the perfect destination. Come and discover a world of culinary delights, where every bite is a journey to the heart of Japanese cuisine.

Top review

Evan

Dined on 2 May 2025

We ordered a total of 6 dishes and all were outstanding. We sat outside, so the noise level was quiet.

Sushi Kuni

4.7

4.7 (58)

$31 to $50

Sushi

West Linn

About the restaurant

Discover the authentic taste of Japan at Sushi Kuni Restaurant. Our expert chefs have scoured the seas of Japan to bring you the freshest and rarest fish available. From succulent tuna and buttery salmon to the elusive and rare akamutsu, we only import the highest quality fish to ensure an unparalleled dining experience.

Each roll is carefully crafted with the utmost attention to detail, combining traditional techniques with modern flavors to create a unique and delicious taste sensation. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or new to the world of Japanese cuisine, our menu has something for every palate. So come and visit us at Sushi Kuni Restaurant and discover why we're the best source for the freshest fish from Japan.

For intimate occasions: A private dining room seats up to ten, ideal for smaller gatherings with family, friends, or colleagues. Special celebratory feasts can be arranged to suit the occasion. For larger events, the entire restaurant may be booked.

Top review

Adrianne

Dined on 25 Apr 2025

Everything was absolutely AMAZING. The quality of the food is outstanding and the service was impeccable. We will definitely return!

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Experience

8-Course Japanese Wine Pairing Dinner

The Restaurant at the Jacksonville Inn

4.7

4.7 (303)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Jacksonville

About the restaurant

Located underneath the historical Jacksonville Inn in Jacksonville, Oregon, the restaurant serves modern wine country cuisine, fine wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Being Family Owned and Operated and the matriarch originating from Florence, Italy, we strongly believe in the magic of food and the power it has to being families together. We relish in the opportunity to bring our passion for food and wine to the Jacksonville Inn and witness the memories made by all that dine at our table. Our philosophy is that you walk in as our guest but leave as a friend. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY.

Top review

Dave and LoniVIP

Dined on 6 May 2025

It was our anniversary and everyone we met helped us to celebrate, from the Sommelier/Owner, the chef, the waitress and even the manager. We were seated at a noisy table at first, and they very graciously moved us to a quieter spot. We shared stories about Rombauer winery, Calistoga and the Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley. The food was delicious and beautifully served. It was a perfect place to go for our special occasion. Thank you to all!

Grand Amari

4.7

4.7 (178)

$31 to $50

Italian

Southeast Portland

About the restaurant

Grand Amari is a traditional Italian dining destination inspired by the food traditions of Italy, fine Italian wine, and amaro. We are working with pasture raised proteins, seasonal local organic produce, and highlighting the quality of handmade products. Simplicity and care in our approach is key. Start your evening off by perusing our extensive wine list while enjoying a platter of scallop crudo with a glass of grower Champagne. Follow that with our delicate handmade pastas, then indulge in a thoughtfully crafted main course. Don't forget to get a bottle of Barolo with your bistecca! Wrap up your dinner with an array of Italian desserts and our indulgent amaro cart and menu.

Top review

EdVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Focaccia with anchove butter was amazing. Charcuterie plate was equally great. Duck Ragu was impressive as was the duck entree.

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4.6

4.6 (2069)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Downtown

About the restaurant

Urban Fondue offers a unique perspective to fondue dining. From the indulgent cuisine, and boldly delicious and extensive martini selections, to the chic and smoldering décor and expert and personable service, Urban Fondue is a feast for the senses. Enjoy house made cheese fondue, succulent meat entrees cooked "fondue" style and delectable dessert fondues accompanied with side dishes such as fingerling potatoes and garlic sausage.

Top review

Tiffany

Dined 3 days ago

Perfect from beginning to end! By far the best drinks and food I've had in Portland to date. I highly recommend and will definitely be coming back. The Brie fondue with lavender and lemon juice swirled in was AMAZING. Our waiter was highly attentive and personable. Great ambiance. New favorite restaurant!!!

Top Burmese

4.6

4.6 (24)

$30 and under

Burmese

Northwest Portland

About the restaurant

Our Portland original destination on NW 21st Avenue "Top Burmese" serves classic Burmese dishes such as Moh Hinga following our family homestyle cooking. Our Beaverton destination "Top Burmese Bistro Royale" is a tropical oasis, a little mini-vacation for our guests, our passion for nature on full display, an attempt to recreate the beauty of Burma as how we remember it.

Top review

marissa

Dined 1 day ago

So yummy and great service! Thank you for accommodating our group! 😊

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Experience

Happy Hour Specials! $5 wine/beer/beverage

Bistecca Wood Fire Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (70)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Northwest Portland

About the restaurant

Bistecca is Portland's newest culinary gem, offering an unforgettable experience for steak lovers and food enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the city, Bistecca combines the art of steak with the warmth of Italian hospitality.

As you enter, the inviting ambiance and the aroma of wood-fired cooking will captivate your senses. The restaurant's elegant interior, featuring rich textures and natural elements, creates a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.

The highlight at Bistecca is the steak, sourced from the finest purveyors for exceptional quality and flavor. Our skilled chefs use wood-fired grilling to enhance each cut, delivering a delightful array of textures and tastes.

Bistecca is more than just a steakhouse; our menu includes Italian-inspired dishes that perfectly complement the main event. From fresh seafood to local seasonal vegetables, each dish reflects our commitment to using the finest ingredients. Join us for a remarkable dining experience.

Top review

tenzing

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience with the family, good service and good.

Mayrose

4.3

4.3 (126)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Downtown

About the restaurant

A popular downtown gathering spot for hotel guests and Portland locals alike, Mayrose celebrates the earthy, provocative progressive nature of this city within a hotel labelled for the strength and individualism of its namesake. Immerse yourself in its stunning décor and discover cuisine that expands your culinary horizons. Stop by the cozy Mayrose Coffee Bar every morning for a perfectly prepared cup of local coffee and a scrumptious pastry. When the sun sets, come to our Mayrose Bar to enjoy modern interpretations of classic cocktails, finely curated wines, or sink into a local brew. A lounge menu is available with selections from our Mayrose Restaurant. Live music on select nights. The restaurant is also equipped with a private dining room for meetings and social events.

Top review

Tony

Dined 4 days ago

The atmosphere was great, our food order was very quick, and drinks were on point. The Chicken and Waffles for lunch was a hit!

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