Gyotaku

Honolulu $$$ *****
My family and I went here because we had just watched a Pan-Pacific parade in Waikiki, so of course we were craving some Japanese food. Since we were already on our way home when we discovered our craving, we went the only direction we could go: onward east. East of Kahala is Niu Valley, and in Niu Valley there is a Japanese restaurant called Gyotaku.
It's a typical Japanese restaurant: sleek décor, adorable dishes, and not cheap. However, it's a good deal. We went at 8:00 (eating at 8- like in New York!), so it was pretty empty. I had the miso butterfish, something that I cannot get in Portland for some reason. Large portions and very tasty. I also love their green tea.

My brother got something from the kids' menu, and it came with a drink, ice cream, and a toy. I miss those days. Yep, this place definitely satisfied our post-parade cravings.
Gyotaku (Niu Valley)
5730 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI
Sun-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Eleni's Philoxenia

Portland $$ ****

Nice Greek place in the Pearl District. Dark, loft-like space, with lots of mirrors and candles. You can also see into the kitchen, which is a nice touch. I accidentally ordered an appetizer instead of an entrée, but my three meatballs were surprisingly filling, which explains why I didn't realize my mistake until I got my check - $9 instead of $12. Not a bad deal. There is also another Eleni's in Sellwood with a much different atmosphere.
Eleni's Philoxenia (Pearl District)
112 NW 9th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
Tue - Thurs 5:00 - 10:00 pm
Fri - Sat 5:00 - 11:00 pm
~$12 for pasta

Higgins Restaurant & Bar

Portland $$$$ *****
This is the best restaurant I have been to in Portland.

That being said, I've only been there once, and I could only afford to go there once because my friend's parents were visiting and paid for my meal. (Don't you just love parents?)
Cozy, elegant French restaurant located on the edge of downtown. I forgot our waiter's name, but he was fantastic. All I remember is that he's Scottish and obviously loved his job.

Another great thing about not having to pay for your own meal is that, for the first time in months, I could actually have a multi-course meal. My friend and I shared the oyster appetizer, while her parents shared the charcuterie plate. For my entrée, I ordered the special, which was the cod laid on top of a cloud of mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, drizzled with an apple vinagrette. De-licious! Dessert was amazing as well, but that was to be expected since I always love dessert.
Hopefully another friend's parents will come because I am dying to return to Higgins!

Higgins Restaurant and Bar (downtown)
1239 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
Mon-Fri 11:30am-12:00am
Sat 4:00pm- 12:00am
Sun 4:00pm-12:00am

Tom Yum Thai Cuisine

Portland $$ *****


This place is so convenient for me, it's ridiculous. About two blocks away from my school, great Thai food, cheap prices, large portions, and friendly atmosphere. What's not to love? I usually get the beef noodles and always have leftovers for the next day.
Tom Yum Thai Cuisine (Eastmoreland)
4309 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97206

23Hoyt

Portland $$$$ ****I came here once with my friends to celebrate the end of fall break. Located in adorable Nob Hill, this is a dimly-lit restaurant in which, as usual, I felt like the youngest one there. The tables are pretty close to each other, but luckily we were by a couple of nicely-dressed elderly women. I had a tasty scallop dish and finished it off with a chocolate tart. Entrées range from $20-28, and they offer a 3-course meal for a mere $25. 23Hoyt was a nice place to celebrate something special without completely breaking the bank.

23Hoyt (Nob Hill)
529 NW Twenty-third at Hoyt
Portland, Oregon 97210
Tuesday - Saturday, 5 pm