KoreanChef Peter Cho$$$$$110east-burnside-kernsWed-Sat 17:00-22:00Book 3 weeks ahead
Peter Cho and Sun Young Park's prix-fixe Korean dinner in the Kerns neighbourhood of Portland, served at communal tables in a converted live/work space.
Tip: Dinner Thursday to Saturday is prix-fixe. Sunday brunch and Friday lunch open the door for a la carte and easier bookings.
ItalianChef Rebekah Owens$$$$$85-110division-clintonSun-Thu 17:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00Book 2 weeks ahead
Duane Sorenson's Italian dining room on SE Division in Portland, with Italian wine list, market-driven pastas and a vegetable-led tasting menu.
Tip: The bar takes walk-ins for the full menu. Order the vegetable antipasti as a starter even if the menu pushes pasta first.
Middle EasternChef Sam Smith alum kitchen$$$$$75-95east-burnside-kernsSun-Thu 17:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00Book 2 weeks ahead
The plant-led Middle Eastern dining room on East Burnside in Portland, with a chef's selection menu of mezze, lamb shoulder and seasonal vegetables.
Tip: Order the chef's selection menu for the table. The covered patio is the best seat in summer.
French fine diningChef Gabriel Rucker$$$$$95-150east-burnside-kernsMon-Sat 17:00-22:00, Sun 16:00-22:00Book 3 weeks ahead
James Beard winner Gabriel Rucker's communal-table French in Portland, with a chef's tasting available at the counter for spontaneous diners.
Tip: Three communal tables take reservations on Tock. The chef's counter is walk-in only and turns over from 17:00.
ThaiChef Akkapong Earl Ninsom and Rassamee Ruaysuntia$$$$$135-165northwest-nob-hillFri-Sun 00:00-00:00Book 4 weeks ahead
Earl Ninsom's regional Thai tasting counter in Portland, hidden behind sister restaurant Phuket Cafe with 33 seats and two seatings a night.
Tip: Reservations open monthly on Resy. The five-course menu rotates by Thai region and changes every six weeks.