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

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

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

Don's Favorite Foods

5.0

5 (121)

$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

Song

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was great. All of the courses were so delicious. The rigatoni was perfection and the pistachio swmifreddo was magical. My husband and I had a wonderful date night.

República

4.9

4.9 (938)

$50 and over

Mexican

Pearl District

About the restaurant

James Beard-nominated, Chef's Prix Fixe Tasting Experience by Executive Chef Jose Camarena, recontextualizes Mexican cuisine and culture through Storytelling.

We exclusively offer a prix fixe tasting menu experience, with a longer and shorter option. Both experiences are meant to honor the complex history that created each dish, as well as leave a lasting impact on all those who taste this beautiful food and listen to our stories.

República is a tasting menu-only restaurant.
We offer a full tasting menu experience for $150 per person, or a briefer experience for $128 per person.

We kindly require all guests to disclose all dietary restrictions and allergies prior to their reservation. We are unable to accommodate allergies to nightshades, chile, allium, rice . Additionally we are not a gluten free kitchen and are unable to provide nut and seed free diners.

Please note our menu offerings change daily.
What you see below, is NOT our current menu.

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

The food, setting, and service was everything you’d want in a tasting dinner. The staff was so knowledgeable, friendly, and fun! 10/10 recommend and would absolutely go again. Great experience. Thank you ✨

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Experience

Salt & Straw Ice Cream Dinner

Sinju Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Tigard

About the restaurant

Sinju Sushi at Bridgeport Village in Tigard, Oregon, a family-owned and operated establishment, is celebrated for its artfully crafted sushi, with a menu that showcases a blend of traditional and innovative Japanese cuisine. Diners can enjoy a variety of fresh nigiri and sashimi, prepared with top-quality fish flown in regularly, as well as signature rolls that combine bold flavors with exquisite presentation. In addition to sushi, the menu offers an array of classic Japanese dishes, including tender tempura, savory udon and ramen bowls, and a variety of flavorful, perfectly grilled kitchen specialties. Sinju also features carefully selected Japanese beverages, including sake, Japanese whiskey, and imported beers, making it an ideal spot for a full and flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, Sinju Sushi promises an authentic taste journey in an elegant yet welcoming setting.

Top review

Natalie

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

The most perfect way to spend our Valentine's Day!! Loved having our sweet server from New Year's Eve again!!💘💘💌

Urban Decanter

4.7

4.7 (79)

$30 and under

Bistro

Forest Grove

About the restaurant

In the heart of downtown Forest Grove, Urban Decanter is warm and inviting with its wood fired oven, open kitchen and unique wine selection all in the historic Anderson Building. Chef Jeremy is inspired by seasonal produce from our local farmers, and our wines are all hand selected with care and attention to small producers from around the globe. Fresh fish, delicious pastas and our signature short ribs and housemade desserts make Urban Decanter a terrific atmosphere for any event. Special occasions, after a day of wine tasting in the Valley or just a quick, casual bite, Urban Decanter delivers excellent service and food to your table.

Top review

Dave

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

I think I just had the best Tenderloin and Mashed Potatoes that I've ever eaten.

The Restaurant at the Jacksonville Inn

4.7

4.7 (297)

$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

Patricia

Dined 1 day ago

Our experience was excellent from start to finish. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff (including the owner who helped with the service). We both had the risotto, which was heavenly. And the creme brulee is the best we've ever had. The restaurant is downstairs and the setting warm and intimate. We will certainly be back!

Margarita Factory - Happy Valley

4.7

4.7 (63)

$30 and under

Mexican

Happy Valley

About the restaurant

Margarita Factory Happy Valley is locally owned and operated by dedicated restauranteurs who are equally passionate about the guest experience, and creating an enjoyable and rewarding environment for team members. We are especially proud to serve the Best Happy Hour in Town! You can savor festive and delicious margaritas while receiving friendly and genuine service in our covered patio, at our large central bar, or in a comfy booth. Best of all, we offer a great dining experience for all ages in a celebratory atmosphere. Cheers and hope to see you soon!

Top review

Doug & Cristy

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

We always love coming to this location. Everything from the Staff, food, and atmosphere are excellent. Always a good time with friends, family and special occasions.

Grand Amari

4.6

4.6 (173)

$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 agnolotti or squid ink bucatini, then indulge in grass fed bistecca alla fiorentina or salt crusted branzino. 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

Mia

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

I had a lovely birthday dinner at Grand Amari. The highlight of all was our server. Sadly, I didn't ask his name, but he was just perfect in is attentiveness and friendly manner: just right, and not too much. Please thank him again for us. Good recommendations from the menu, patience with our indecision, and great wine suggestion. The restaurant is lovely, and I can never understand why it isn't busier. But that does make it quiet, which is fine with me! We had delicious salt cod raviolis, a light and bright salad, delicious Babette steak and delicious focaccia. If I could change one thing, I beg you to bring back the tablecloth!

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4.5

4.5 (2066)

$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

Sheila

Dined 4 days ago

A delightful dining experience. Excellent fondues, quality cheeses, meats, vegetables and more. Wonderful service and a good value. Will definitely come back.

Top Burmese

4.4

4.4 (23)

$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

AnuragVIP

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Great selection of food and drinks. Tea leaf salad is a must!

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Experience

Happy Hour Specials! $5 wine/beer/beverage

Mayrose

4.3

4.3 (125)

$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

ScottVIP

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

The salmon skillet was awesome! Ambience was excellent. Only issue was that one of our dishes did not arrive, and they poured a glass of wine instead of Port. Not sure how they got that wrong. But otherwise it was a nice experience.

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