Since launching their Pearl District perch in May, Riffle NW's Ken and Jennifer Norris have cemented their position as Portland's top eveningtime purveyors of fresh and comforting seafood nosh.

Never ones to merely tell tall tales of their successes, the dynamic Norris duo has cast off another winning venture: lunch. With mile-high entree salads, layered and colorful sandwiches, and non-alcoholic mocktails with a mid-day kick from new bar manager Brandon Josie, Riffle NW's affordable weekday lunch is now a must-try on the westside.

The daytime kitchen is managed by Chef de Cuisine Joseph Cefalu, a recent New York transplant with quite the resume. After stints at Le Bernardin, Barbuto, and Minetta Tavern, Cefalu fell for PDX and the opportunity to turn the freshest seafood into comforting dishes with playful flavors.

Menu highlights: The albacore tuna salad showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest's seasonal catch, a skirt steak salad combines tender grilled beef with bright, fresh local greens, and Riffle's fish and chips is a solid take on the classic. Another favorite, the Fish Swaddles, showcases the catch of the day (recently halibut cheeks) as fish tacos on housemade white corn tortillas, and the roasted King Salmon sandwich with bacon on fresh foccacia is the staff pick for menu MVP. Bigger appetites should go for the RNW burger, a beefy wonder on housemade brioche that may require a post-lunch siesta (you've been warned). 

The sophisticated and quiet atmosphere during the day make this spot ideal for business lunches, no waders necessary. 

Riffle NW 333 NW 13th Ave; rifflenw.com
Lunch available 11 to 2:30, Tuesday through Friday
Reservations accepted