New on Resy: The Woodsman Tavern, Decarli, Voysey, and More

Southeast Portland mourned the closure of this rustic-chic local favorite in 2018, but it came roaring back to life in 2021 with a sea-fresh raw bar, charcoal-grilled steaks and burgers, a bubbly cocktail scene, and a knockout list of Oregon wines.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you step into this lively Beaverton spot, with its red brick walls, wood-beam ceilings, and open kitchen, where Jana and Paul Decarli have been serving their rustic-refined Italian cuisine (think short ribs braised with espresso and dried prunes) since 2007.

Cocktail lovers won’t want to miss this opulent, English-inspired hideaway bar downstairs from the popular Loyal Legion beer hall. Count on perfect cocktails both classic and original — and watch for special events, including guest bartender pop-ups.

Two things set the nine-restaurant, four-state Bamboo Sushi concept apart: It’s the world’s first certified sustainable sushi chain and it serves Snake River Wagyu burgers in two variations. Enjoy them, and a full range of small plates, nigiri, sashimi, and signature rolls in the warm, woody, ryokan-like dining room at this Northeast Portland location.

Why shouldn’t an indie rock song inspire a restaurant? The song is “Pink Rabbits.” The band is The National. The food is vivid and varied, with Thai, Korean, and Japanese influences. And, yes, that’s a painting of a pink rabbit on the wall, by National singer-songwriter Matt Berninger.

Here’s something you won’t find every day: A craft distillery (bourbon and gin are the specialties) with a bring-the-kids restaurant attached. Mocktails join cocktails (plus beer and wine) on the menu, and there are small plates ranging from oysters to pork hand pies to enjoy while you’re watching the spirits being made on the far side of the glass.

The Peruvian food at this low-key Piedmont restaurant is the real deal — ceviche, empanadas, marinated fried chicken, and, yes, beef heart skewers — and the tiny lights on the pretty little covered patio twinkle at night like a million stars above the Andes.

You’ll want to bring your friends to this gleefully decorated offshoot of Ava Gene’s, where the 14-inch pizzas are cut into shareable squares and the salads can be had party-size. Pro tip: To finish a communal feast, an immense chocolate chip and M&Ms “cookie pizza” is available with 48 hours’ notice.

Almost since the day it opened in 2012, this easy-going Richmond establishment has been redefining Mexican food for Portlanders, drawing on Pacific Northwest ingredients for dishes like wild Oregon rockfish ceviche, multi-colored beets in mole rosa, and smoked rotisserie chicken, a local favorite.

Weathered brick, blond wood, gold-framed mirrors, and globe-shaped chandeliers set the scene in this romantic hideaway, where Roman-born owner-chef-sommelier Simone Savaiano turns ingredients like sea scallops, squid-ink pasta, and Muscovy duck breast into Italian masterpieces.