Help Needed: Anniversary Dinner in Portland

[daithimac]

I'm looking for a reccomendation for a romantic dinner in Portland for our 7th wedding anniversary (this Wednesday night). The top criteria is atmosphere, but food/creative quality is a close second. I'd like to avoid the restaurants we've been to many times or recently: Paley's Place, Le Pigeon, The Heathman, Alberta Street Oyster Grill, Ciao Vita. Any help is appreciated!

[daithimac]

Thanks to all - we ate at Carlye and liked it a lot. I had a great monkfish dish and my wife had the anglioti.

[rockbroker]

Had our 1st anniversary dinner last year at Hurley's. Atmosphere, food and service were all wonderful.

[Leonardo]

I'd do Paley's!

[extramsg]

If atmosphere is tops, I'd suggest Fenouil, perhaps. I think the food is solid as well, but I really like the room.

Otherwise, Jill makes plenty of good suggestions. I wouldn't choose Clarklewis, though, if you want a quiet, comfortable meal.

Among the others, I'd say Hurley's is best for atmosphere. It has more of a cozy elegance, like Paley's.

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http://www.extramsg.com
http://www.portlandfood.org

[JillO]

I'd recommend Carlyle (http://www.carlylerestaurant.com/) first and foremost. It's my favorite place in town.

Also worthwhile are:

Alba Osteria: http://www.albaosteria.com/index.html
Castagna: http://www.castagnarestaurant.com
Wildwood: http://www.wildwoodrestaurant.com

Places I don't like as much, but still contenders:

Giorgio's: (can't find a website, sorry
)clarklewis: http://www.ripepdx.com/clarklewis.html
Hurley's: http://www.hurleys-restaurant.com

I've never been, but Carlyle's former chef is there now, so it is on my list (though it is a huge space and may not be the atmosphere you are looking for):

Olea: http://www.olearestaurant.com