Bonnie Morales's Russian and Georgian room in southeast Portland, with infused vodkas, pelmeni dumplings and the city's most authoritative zakuski spread.
Signature dishes: Pelmeni, Khachapuri
Must order: The Siberian pelmeni with brown butter and vinegar
Tip: Lunch is counter service and walk-in only. Dinner takes reservations and the vodka flights are mandatory.
Address: 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Portland's first salumeria, now a refined European bistro in the Central Eastside with house-cured charcuterie and a long pastry bar at the front.
Signature: Charcuterie board, Choucroute royale
Order: The chef's charcuterie board with house-baked rye
Tip: Choucroute royale is on the menu year-round but tastes right in winter. Brunch on weekends from 10:00.
Mariah and Thomas Pisha-Duffly's Indonesian and Malaysian room on SE Division in Portland, all disco balls, sea-creature wallpaper and bold sambal.
Signature: Mie goreng, Beef rendang
Order: The beef rendang with coconut rice
Tip: The bar runs a strong cocktail programme worth arriving early for. Plates are sized to share.
The bright, plant-forward Middle Eastern room on East Burnside in Portland, open since 2016 with Pacific Northwest produce on every plate.
Signature: Lamb shoulder, Mezze platter
Order: The slow-roasted lamb shoulder with sumac and pomegranate
Tip: Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The covered patio is the best seat in summer.
Peter Platt and Doris Rodriguez de Platt's Peruvian dining room in the Pearl District of Portland, open since 2003 with PNW produce and ceviche.
Signature: Ceviche mixto, Lomo saltado
Order: The classic ceviche mixto
Tip: Live Latin music in the bar every night. Happy hour from 16:00 to 17:00 is the best value in the Pearl.
The 15th-floor pan-Asian rooftop at The Nines in downtown Portland, with two outdoor decks and the city's largest sake list. Modern Asian cooking.
Signature: Kushiyaki, Kobe meatballs
Order: The kushiyaki tasting flight from the grill
Tip: Two outdoor decks with views of Mount Hood. Sunset is the seat to book.
Portland's first salumeria, now a refined European bistro in the Central Eastside with house-cured charcuterie and a long pastry bar at the front.
Signature: Charcuterie board, Choucroute royale
Order: The chef's charcuterie board with house-baked rye
Tip: Choucroute royale is on the menu year-round but tastes right in winter. Brunch on weekends from 10:00.
Troy MacLarty's spice-loud Indian street-food canteen on NE Alberta in Portland, modelled on the chaat stalls of Mumbai and Hyderabad since 2012.
Signature: Vada pav, Kati roll
Order: The vada pav with green chutney
Tip: Counter order, table service. The Division Street outpost has closed; Alberta is the original room.
