Seeking Guidance: Sunday Dinner Spot that Takes Reservations

[gibinski]

Hi

Having moved to the area from Seattle, I've heard about Portland's great restaurant scene, but am struggling to locate a Sunday dinner spot that takes reservations. My dad is 90, so he can't stand waiting for long. He does, however really appreciate great food leaning more toward Mediterranean-type cuisine. Pestina for Paella and Olympic Provisions are right up his alley, but are these spots good for dinner or are they super-casual? Important things: Meal before food $30-35; Something a big more daring that Italian, but Asian and Indian are too extreme for him; we've already enjoyed Ringside and El Gaucho. Is Andina still great?

Thank you so much! It's so great to find folks who love food as much as I do!

-Gibbs

[JillO]

I think you mean meal before tip?? ;o)

If you didn't say "no Italian," I would have said Nostrana.

Tabla is a fabulous choice, though: http://www.tmbistro.com/

[gibinski]

Haha thanks! I also have have confused my "P" restaurants--Petisco is the paella spot I wondered about. Nostrana is awesome--I took him there last year and he loved it. Will check out Tabla--I had overlooked that one. Thank you!

[JillO]

No problem.

Petisco is good, but it is very casual. I think they do a better job with their lunch offerings, but I have never gone on a paella night.

I wouldn't go outof my way for Petisco for dinner, but I would for Tabla. And the deal at Tabla (3 courses, $28) is fabulous...good wine list, cocktails, service...never had a bad meal there in years. Anthony Cafiero is an under-appreciated chef in this town, he's awesome.