Navarre

Portland is a hot-bed for culinary talent and Navarre is clearly one of the shining lights. Since opening, the restaurant has dazzled patrons with a mix of European fare and a healthy dose of Pacific Northwest grounding.  Located along bustling 28th Avenue in East Portland, Navarre is a rare treat for both visitors and city residents.

Named “Restaurant of the Year” in 2009 by the Oregonian, the restaurant is named after the Navarre region of Northern Spain. The food reflects this with a blend of French, Italian, and Spanish influences. These influences yield rustic, yet always scrumptious meals.

The first thing you will notice when walking into the restaurant is a bustling, unpretentious atmosphere. It has a homey feel with classic wood tables and walls adorned with dried peppers, canned goods and lovely artwork.

One of the best features about the restaurant is the ordering process. The server will hand you a pen and a menu on which you check off your orders, giving you the opportunity to dive into the expansive menu. The array of offerings is split between a “regular” menu and their ever-changing special menu, generally focusing on a particular European region.

Once you determine your entree, you can then choose between small or large portions. All food is served family-style -- it's best to order a greater number of smaller dishes versus A few large dishes in order to fully experience Navarre. The wine list is another delight, as it is filled with quality for each price point. Especially great for young couples, there are multiple bottles for under $40.

While known primarily as a dinner spot, Navarre also does an amazing weekend brunch. It is low key and less busy than the evening, but a perfect place for light, fluffy eggs and an eye-opening mimosa.

Navarre is a perfect restaurant if you are looking for amazingly cooked gourmet food without the feel or price of a white table cloth restaurant. Specialties such as the parchment-wrapped trout or the many wonderful preparations of carrots can be complemented by regional specialties. Each dish tastes of the love put into the preparation by the renowned cooking staff.

HelloPortland Tip: Don’t skimp on dessert. The pies and cakes are perhaps the best in town. Try a slice of the Red Velvet cake.

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.