A taste of New Orleans in the Pacific Northwest. That's what you'll find at this intimate bistro located in the northeastern section of the city. From classic Cajun and Creole favorites like seafood gumbo jambalaya and shrimp Creole, the menu is sure to please. You'll find a mix of meat, pasta and vegetable dishes as well as down home desserts that seem to come right from a homey, Southern kitchen, including bread pudding, butter cake and Creole pecan pie. Visit on Monday's and enjoy special discounts from their Mardi Gras Mondays Cheap Eats Menu. There's no better place to dine mid-day on Sunday's than at Acadia; live jazz music sets an invigorating tone for expectant brunchers.

SOUTH WATERFRONT DISTRICT. Hidden away in a secluded, tree-lined setting with huge windows that look out over the picturesque Willamette River, this Italian hotspot ably delivers on both atmosphere and service. Aquariva's unique and extensive small plates menu ­ customers are encouraged to order three to four dishes at a time ­ and an impressive all-Italian wine list can be a little intimidating, especially for newcomers. But thanks to a patient, knowledgeable, and ultra-friendly waitstaff, your first experience surely won't be your last.

Perhaps Portland's most exclusive restaurant, the hip, sleek Bluehour caters to an upscale set with its scintillating cuisine and clean-lined, lush decor. The Northwestern fare takes cues from the Mediterranean, always using, of course, the best ingredients produced in the region. Starters include seared scallops, beef carpaccio, poached oysters and grilled quail. Main courses, from a menu that changes daily, could feature venison medallions, fresh pasta laced with herbs, horseradish-crusted salmon and a risotto flavored on the kitchen's whim. Desserts are executed by an in-house pastry chef and feature innovative takes on chocolate pudding, creme brulee and cake and ice cream. A well-received bar draws the nightlife crowd.

This neighborhood establishment is a favorite with the local crowd. The interior is somewhat nondescript, but great food takes your focus elsewhere. Breakfast, available daily, is a good way to start the morning. Fresh, hot coffee goes well with the brioche, but you'll also be tempted by the smoked chicken omelet, fluffy pancakes, and scrambled egg dishes. On Sundays, the three-course Yiddish brunch is an eastern European tradition that will leave you happily incapacitated for the rest of the day! Large windows allow you to people-watch while you dine, and the restaurant is comfortable if you're eating alone.

Hands On Cafe is a popular destination for creative university types, not least of all because it's located at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. The eclectic eatery gets high marks for its daily specials, including traditional Indian curries and polenta tamale pie. Soups, salads, and baked goods are made from scratch and are presented on locally-thrown stoneware plates, just to reiterate that handcrafted aesthetic. A craft shop and gallery can be found on-site.