Very stylish and even glamorous, the Pearl District [1] wine bar Vino Paradiso (417 NW 10th Ave., 503/295-9536, www.vinoparadiso.com [2], 4–11 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 3–9 p.m. Sun., $6–19) will make you feel young and good-looking (or is that the wine talking?). Glowing orbs of orange and blue light, stone accents, and mid-century fixtures make this a showcase of posh design, but it’s all put together with a sense of humor so that it adds to, and doesn’t try to replace, the primary experience at hand: enjoying wine.
Vino Paradiso is all about choices—lots of choices. There are roughly 50 wines available by the glass or in flights and some 200 by the bottle. The choices are international, but Oregon pinot noir and Italian reds are impressively represented. Food choices are equally notable, ranging from lively salads, pasta, and pizza to entrées featuring lamb chops and roast duck, all prepared with style and finesse.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/portland/sights/northwest-portland/pearl-district
[2] http://www.vinoparadiso.com