Reader Survey 2013: The Best First Date Restaurant in Portland

Everybody has their own definition of what makes a great first date restaurant. Some go for romance, others for price… me, I’d want to know how adventurous my dates palate is, but wouldn’t want to pick somewhere that would scare them if it turned out their interests were more pedestrian. I suppose it all comes down to what is important to you, and what your end goal is.

In 2012, Toro Bravo won, followed by Andina, Biwa, Le Pigeon, Paley’s Place, Ned Ludd Grüner, Aviary, Departure, and Little Bird Bistro.

For 2010, three votes stood above the crowd, Paley’s Place, Toro Bravo and Le Pigeon

Notice a trend? Toro Bravo has always taken first place. I think it is a perfect choice: safe if it needs to be, more daring for many people, interesting, as many folks aren’t very familiar with Spanish food, small plates mean you get to try a lot of dishes, excellent service, vibrant atmosphere, and the prices are low enough so that if it turns out to be a single date, you don’t end up hating yourself later.

The 2013 choices are below. It will be noted that Toro Bravo once again had far more votes than anyone else, followed by St. Jack. The other choices rose above the fray and were within a few votes of each other, but made the list by a less overwhelming percentage:

1. Toro Bravo – 11% of the vote 120 Northeast Russell Street  Portland, OR 97212  Map  (503) 281-4464  My review
2. St. Jack – 8% – 2039 SE Clinton St., Portland 97202 Map (503) 360-1281. Roger’s Review
3. Departure – 525 Southwest Morrison Street  Portland, OR 97204  Map  (503) 802-5370
4. OX – 2225 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland 97212 Map (503) 284-3366. My review
5. Paley’s Place – 3.3% 1204 Northwest 21st Avenue  Portland, OR 97209  Map  (503) 243-2403  My review
6. Biwa – 4% 215 Southeast 9th Avenue  Portland, OR 97214  Map  (503) 239-8830  Lizzy’s review
7. Le Pigeon  – 3.8% 738 East Burnside Street  Portland, OR 97214  Map  (503) 546-8796  My review
8. Oven & Shaker – 1134 Northwest Everett St., Portland 97209 Map (503) 241-1600.
9. Wildwood Restaurant and Bar – 1221 Northwest 21st Ave., Portland 97210 Map (503) 248-9663
10. Ned Ludd – 3925 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR 97212  Map  (503) 288-6900

My choices: Toro Bravo, Aviary, Biwa