Savor “quinotto” at Andina

Northwest Portland’s Peruvian stronghold makes a dolled-up vegetarian risotto out of quinoa for lunch and dinner. Get that warm, nutty, cheesy goodness without any of the risotto guilt: golden beets, local, mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and grana padano melted over the top. And, if you’re a truffle oil fan, it's resplendent. 

Chopstick into chirashi zushi at Nimblefish

SE Hawthorne’s new, minimalist sushi spot is a dream for purists: nigiri and hand rolls only, with a killer wine list from Davenport wine man Kurt Heilleman. But that means you won’t get the same stomach-stuffing rice quantities you might expect at, say, a conveyor belt sushi spot. 

Tackle a pupusa (or two) at Chepe’s

Heading to Gresham? This spacious Salvadoran pupuseria and taco shop is worth a stop for soft, fluffy masa pockets filled with stretchy cheese and flavorful meats, paired with electric yellow pickled curtido slaw, plantains, and tasty beans. 

Enjoy Grandma Jean’s sauce over penne at Gino’s

The Accuardis’ venerable Sellwood spot has been serving up this winter hug of a dish for more than 20 years: red sauce with pork ribs, stewed beef, and pepperoni served over penne. The recipe dates back to co-owner Marc’s great-grandparents. Now Marc’s son (and restaurant namesake) Gino is the one stewing it up in the kitchen. 

Nab a banh mi burger at Aviary

The pan-Asian spot’s first-ever burger is available for happy hour (5–7 p.m.) only. For $8 you get a whopper of Vietnamese flavors and American sensibility: a fatty, juicy beef burger seasoned with lemongrass, kaffir lime, fish sauce, and garlic, and topped with white cheddar, pickled carrots and jalapeños, cilantro, Kewpie mayo, hoisin sauce, and a six-minute egg, breaded and fried.