Portland, OR.

Paleys Place

The Open View

Paley's Place in Portland is a three star French restaurant. Located in the Nob Hill area, this restaurant is mildly expensive. It's been awarded the 10 Best Portland Wine Bars and Fodors Choice awards. Know before you go: this place features outdoor dining. When you step inside the restaurant, you'll notice an elegant atmosphere. This place features private rooms, a full bar, and fine wines.

User Reviews of Paleys Place

Yelp.com Review - by Cheryl H.

5.0 of 5 stars. Glad we were finally able to check out this yummy Portland restaurant. We got the roasted beets and hand-cut fries for appetizers. Not a big fan of beets myself, but my boyfriend loved them. The fries...
yelp.com - user review - 05/08/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by c w.

5.0 of 5 stars. I was impressed! The service was relaxed but attentive, and the food was probably the best I've had in Portland. One thing in particular that stood out was that our steak actually came medium rare...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Nathan B.

4.0 of 5 stars. Paley's has been a favorite Drinks & Snacks place for me and my GF for a couple years. Saturday or Sunday early evening, sitting at the bar, steak tar-tar, razor clams, soups, and whever else was...
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Don B.

5.0 of 5 stars. Vtaly Paley, James Beard award winning chef, Prince of Porc (from Cochon 555), cookbook author, owner of Paley's Place, and generally nice guy, is one of my recent favorite chefs in Portland. And I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Evan R.

5.0 of 5 stars. Droool! Ok this is neck and neck with Beast for my favorite PDX spot to really dine out. This is alway top notch food, some of my favorite meals have been here and it is the closest thing Portland...
yelp.com - user review - 03/10/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by alan l.

5.0 of 5 stars. Yes 5 stars.Recently called ahead for 7 course tasting menu.The best meal I have had in Portland. I am not going to go into detail regarding each dish- Everything was exceptional. If you have special...
yelp.com - user review - 02/22/2009
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The Dining Standard in Portland and the NW!

Everything was remarkable. Kimberly Paley greeted us at the door and it was like meeting a long time family friend. The atmosphere was picturesque, the service was warm and attentive. The food is definitely...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/17/2009
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Terrible service.

For the hype and the prices, this place disappointed. The waitress was so unbelievably rude and snobby. Our food was tasty, but nothing outstanding and my fish was oversalted.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/14/2009
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Unfriendly, Unprofessional and Arrogant

My first visit to Paley's was nothing special. The food was good, although very small portions and our server was pretty unfriendly. The menu also states "all substitutions will be kindly denied". Pretty...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/12/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by dis C.

5.0 of 5 stars. Can't wait to go back. 3rd time there and thought maybe there might be a let down. Then again, I think it was better this last time than before. With our group, we pretty much had ordered almost...
yelp.com - user review - 02/04/2009
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Perfect Evening

Thanks Great Food, Great Service, Great night, Warm Hospitality, Great Decor Escargot & Crab Salad were excellent. Glad we came. Company Catering!
citysearch.com - user review - 01/30/2009
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Terrible service - So many wonderful restaurants in Portland - you can do better than Paley's Place

I went there last night with a group of 9 people. Our server was curt and unfriendly. Portions were small and I didn't care for the fact that I had to shell my own prawns. They just don't look that great heads...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/20/2009
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Amazing restaurant--believe the hype!

I'm shocked to see so many recent negative reviews--I love this place. I have lived in New York for years prior to living in Portland, and I've had plenty of so-called "foodie" experiences. When booking my...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/14/2009
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Paley's Place by Tracy S. at InsiderPages

is my favorite place to go when I feel like just having an relaxing romantic dinner with my husband. We are always excited to hear about what is on the menu. We have tried something different every time we...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/06/2009
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Chic and romantic by samantha g. at InsiderPages

Paley's Place is so chic and romantic, definitely a special place to have a memorable meal. The staff was friendly and warm, the menu is wonderful with the highest quality local ingredients.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/31/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by john h.

2.0 of 5 stars. With high expectation on our anniversary, what a disappointment. The service was slow and sub par for a Portland Restaurant with such good reviews and the food was overall just ok.First it took...
yelp.com - user review - 12/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Meghann M.

5.0 of 5 stars. Normally I am against anything that can be dubbed as an "experience." I used to do a lot of business in Minneapolis. Clients would frequently want to dine at the Rain forest Cafe in the Mall of...
yelp.com - user review - 12/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Brandi M.

4.0 of 5 stars. We've been here twice- The first time was magical-everything was perfect: food, service and ambiance.Second time: the service was sub-par for a place of this caliber (rushed and uninformed. The food...
yelp.com - user review - 11/12/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Nic Z.

3.0 of 5 stars. For our anniversary we opted to eat at one place and then head across town to Paley's Place for dessert. After looking at their menu and reading about all of the delicious sounding desserts we were so...
yelp.com - user review - 10/28/2008
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Subdued elegance.... by Cindy S. at InsiderPages

this is a very romantic restaurant and if you are looking for a special evening out this is the place. The atmosphere is sleek and subdued. The food is sublime. The menu changes so you never know what you are...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/22/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Patrick G.

2.0 of 5 stars. My wife and I went to Paley's Place with great expectations having reading the buzz on Yelp and other review websites. Even with a $75 gift certificate, we felt like we didn't get good value for our...
yelp.com - user review - 10/17/2008
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TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

I thought the customer service had little to be desired. The waitress was very rude and was very unwilling to explain the menu to me. I specifically told her that I wanted to possibly share a meal because I...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/04/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Claire T.

4.0 of 5 stars. For the first night of our Portland trip, I scoured Yelp and a couple of guide books for dinner ideas. We chose Paley's based on the reviews and the fact it was easily accessible by trolley. We...
yelp.com - user review - 09/21/2008
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Eat here if you don't mind gambling

Dining here is sort of a strange experience. The hostess is kind of a one woman fashion show - twirling about the dining room every 10 minutes asking if everything is okay. With the exception of her...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/17/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jane R.

3.0 of 5 stars. I would first off like to say that I am a total foodie and have visited some of the finest restaurants in America. I used to live in San Francisco, where I found the greatest food on earth to be...
yelp.com - user review - 09/14/2008
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Didn't live up to its acclaim

I ate there shortly before they closed for remodeling. The food was good, but nothing special. The service was the usual Portland substandard. The meal for two of us was more costly than it was worth. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/07/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jason L.

5.0 of 5 stars. Paley's place is absolutely wonderful. Their food is amazing and their menu changes often. They have local, seasonal, organic fresh food that is truly amazing. The atmosphere is nice and...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kitty P.

5.0 of 5 stars. I read somewhere that P.Place has a killer dessert chef, so we went and sat at the bar one night. The bartender was the best EVER. She totally paid attention but not too much attention, if you know...
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Patrick S.

4.0 of 5 stars. Our first time in Portland we didn't know what to expect. The food here rivaled some of our favorites in SF, and I recommend it highly.
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Damon K.

4.0 of 5 stars. Great food. Excellent wine list and will let you bring your own for a modest corkage fee. The staff was friendly and helpful. Black and white pictures of the farmers who supply the restaurant hang on...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Michael N.

1.0 of 5 stars. After hearing great things about Paley's, my girlfriend and I booked a table on Valentine's Day - a day where I would think the food would be top notch and the atmosphere would be prime.After perusing...
yelp.com - user review - 08/03/2008
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Did not live up to the hype - the service was terrible.

My wife and I moved to Portland several years ago from NYC and we are continually impressed with the quality of Portland restaurants. We went to Paleys last Sunday and were very excited to experience this...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/08/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Horace H.

2.0 of 5 stars. It's pretty repugnant. Once I found out why I disliked this place, Higgins and Wildwood and I learned it because they were all listed under Pacific Northwest cuisine! Pretentious, snooty service and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sasha R.

5.0 of 5 stars. I need to start this review by saying that I went here RIGHT after work, on a HOT day, when I was VERY hungry. 1 1 1= not really in the best of moods and possibly a bit less easy to please than...
yelp.com - user review - 06/29/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Matthew C.

5.0 of 5 stars. Very nice. Excellent service.Farro with marrow and mushrooms - like a crunchy risotto - excellent.Quail with bacon and mushrooms - very goodSweetbreads - a bit weak - had that off taste that...
yelp.com - user review - 06/14/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Lauren G.

5.0 of 5 stars. I offer you the tried and true G. family recipe for success for one Special Occasion Dinner:-All five G. kin meet at Paley's Place for 60th birthday, 24th birthday, anniversary, leaving town, visiting...
yelp.com - user review - 06/06/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kirsten H.

2.0 of 5 stars. I had heard so many wonderful things about this restaurant, I made reservations for a small group to have a nice dinner.While the service was very good and the ambiance was warm and inviting, I was...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2008
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gimme a break already

How long can this tired warhorse keep them coming in? Do the hordes really...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 06/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sheila J.

3.0 of 5 stars. I risk being unpopular by saying this-- but I didnt get it. I have a well developed palate and have tried numerous restaurants in town of all kinds. Based on the reviews here, yes, I would agree with...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jonathan M.

4.0 of 5 stars. (This would be 4.5 stars, if I could.)We were on vacation in Portland and needed to try some local spots that were all about local ingredients and seasonal foods.We started with mussels in some garlic...
yelp.com - user review - 05/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Natalie B.

3.0 of 5 stars. I've had much better food for fewer dollars and far less pretense. I guess maybe it was because we were a good 10 years younger than other diners in the room, but what my server didn't know is that...
yelp.com - user review - 05/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by heensay s.

4.0 of 5 stars. Stars a plenty. This place was a great entry into Portland. My husband were visiting Portland for my birthday and really enjoyed this restaurant. The hostess was so welcoming. She reminded me of one...
yelp.com - user review - 05/26/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by stephani k.

5.0 of 5 stars. One of my favorite restaurants in Portland because of the casual "home" atmosphere. I like the outdoor seating, particularly in the summer and the razor clams and cheese selection is fantastic....
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2008
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Poor Service, Will not go back

My wife and I went to Paleys Place on May 2nd. The appetizers were decent, nothing exceptional, the salads came about an Hour after we finished the appetizers, and the meal arrived about 45 minutes after we...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2008
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Slow Service-expensive so so food

Service was slow and place noisy. Menu written in Greek with no description. Ask the waiter and you would need to write down all those fancy words and find a dictionary. Main dish is high price and they don't even come with salad or soup. Bread is free...since it is not listed in the menu. Butter was served hard as rock and they are not even flavored. Garlic isn't that expensive. If you want to spend about $100 for 2, be sure to eat before you go or eat lots of Free bread.
openlist - user review - 05/15/2008

Great wine, and service but that's it

The wine and service were great, but other than that not worth the expencive price. My husband and I went there for our 14th anniversary. It was recommended out of National Geographic as the best restaurant in...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/04/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jay D.

5.0 of 5 stars. Spouse and I went out recently for the first nice din din in a while. Salads and dinner, delectable. Service, good, not great. Dessert, tasty, but way off in terms of accuracy and a loooong wait. Even...
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by shane e.

5.0 of 5 stars. After much deliberation, it was decided that Paley's was going to be the place for My Birthday Which Is Also Our Anniversary Dinner.The service was exceptional - in addition to warm and friendly...
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Cindy I.

4.0 of 5 stars. We had a wonderful special occasion dinner here. I took off one star just for the menu being a little limited and you felt like you needed to make sure there was something you were in the mood for...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Lainie L.

5.0 of 5 stars. Vitaly Paley won the James Beard Award for Best Chef-Northwest/ Hawaii in 2005. I suppose if I won a James Beard award I would have that shit tattooed on my forehead. . .if someone dissed my food, I...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Caroline L.

4.0 of 5 stars. Mmm..3.5 for food, I'm bumping it up for the good service and for seating us on a Saturday evening at 6pm without reservations. Woohoo! Was recommended this place by a friend. Such a cute place, old...
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Terry W.

5.0 of 5 stars. Have lived in Portland for over 20 years and never seemed to get over to Paley's. Finally did last month.One of the top 5 meals I have ever experienced in Portland. Kobe beef, escargot with bone...
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2008
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Nice Choice for more "not your everyday" dinner fare

I'm only a "budding foodie" as my username suggests so I'm just starting to make more adventrous culinary choices. And Paley's Place was a great place for me to expand my food horizons. Even my more reserved...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by marki v.

5.0 of 5 stars. I want this review to be interactive, so... O- { "Have you felt GOOD lately?"} [ me ] /W\ { "And why did you feel GOOD?"}...
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Neal P.

5.0 of 5 stars. We went here while on vacation in Portland, and LOVED it! We had amazing, huge, tasty mussels with fries to start. We were able to get half portions of the main courses (for actually half the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Melanie L.

4.0 of 5 stars. We just returned from Paley's Place and an overall lovely experience. Somehow I don't gush about this place but I think it is very good. Overall, a solid 4 stars. The service is good, although not...
yelp.com - user review - 03/24/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Denise R.

5.0 of 5 stars. Surprise surprise, another five stars.The food and drinks were off the charts. We ordered the hand-cut fries with spicy mustard aioli, grilled artichoke with breadcrumbs and anchovy butter, roasted...
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2008
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Look elsewhere for a fine dinner experience.

We just arrived home from our evening out a Paleys Place and we were so disappointed. This is our second time going to Paleys and we brought two other couples. Our first time we thought the service and food...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/22/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jennifer R.

5.0 of 5 stars. Very interesting combinations...raw scallop with figs and some kinda of sauce...it was a while ago, but it definitely left a mark. It was all good! Great place to get gift certificates for weddings,...
yelp.com - user review - 03/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jes P.

3.0 of 5 stars. 4 words- steamed chocolate pudding cake. That pretty much sums up the most pleasurable experience of my life. I mean the dinner and wine were amazing, but that pudding cake- good god! I nearly melted...
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2008
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Great Food- Horrible Service- Would still visit

I would first off like to say that I am a total foodie and have visited some of the finish restaurants in America. I reside in San Francisco, where I find the greatest food on earth to be located. With that...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/31/2008
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Fantastic

Four of us went to Paley's Place for a celebration dinner on a Sunday night. The whole experience was fantastic. The service, the food, everything was top notch. The American Kobe Beef Steak Tartare &...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Stephanie C.

5.0 of 5 stars. Any place that has a bowl of hard-boiled duck eggs sitting at the bar "for you to munch on" before you're seated earns points in my book. Go on a Wednesday so that you can guess the free mystery wine...
yelp.com - user review - 01/10/2008
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Excellent Restaurant

My boyfriend and I found Paleys Place on accident. The first time we went there we had a very romantic evening with exquisite food. The wait staff was so nice and gave great reccomendations. I highly suggest...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/30/2007
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Great food, great service, great experience

My wife suggested that we try this restaurant for our 7th wedding anniversary. We have recently moved to Portland, and don't know where the really 'great' spots are, but we saw this one in Portland Monthly and...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/07/2007
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I wish there was an option for 10 STARS!!!!

First, my fella flew in from California and I wanted to take him somewhere "special". A good friend suggested Paley's Place....thank you Lisa!! We were given a great table, and the ambiance was gorgeous. BTW,...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/28/2007
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Uneven, not worh the buzz

My wife and visited Portland in October. Wonderful city. We stumbled on Paley's place (right off the trolley) as a walk-in. We got seated in the bar in a nice table and we were happy to have it. We ordered a...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/28/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jules K.

1.0 of 5 stars. Sorry sorry sorry but maybe we just hit the night when this restaurant could not do anything right.We were seated 1/2 an hour late (with reservations) and comped some french fries as a thank you....
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Zack S.

3.0 of 5 stars. I had a very average experience here. I was disappointed given that people I bumped into on the way said it was "one of the best restaurants in the nation." Not quite, but worth a try.I've never...
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Russsssss S.

5.0 of 5 stars. If I could live at this restaurant, I would. Thank you for the amazing food, wine, and service.
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Yee Gan O.

5.0 of 5 stars. Discovered this little gem on my recent visit to Portland thanks to fellow Yelpers. It's a little off the beaten track in the NW area of town but is right next to one of the streetcar stops and the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/18/2007
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Don't believe the naysayers

My wife and I dined at Paley's last night for our 23rd anniversary and while I understand that any good restaurant can have an off night, our experience was nothing like the detractors would lead you to...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/03/2007
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Looking for some good escargots?

I love French (food)! This restaurant satisfied all of my cravings. The price was definitely worth it; I love that you can order pomme frites as an appetizer and still feel like you are eating high class...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/27/2007
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How do you say, CRAPPY!

As my title suggests this place has crappy food, crappy atmosphere, crappy service, crappy parking, and crappy prices! Paley's was rated as one of the best 10 in Portland. Hmmm... Against the advice of 3...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by john b.

5.0 of 5 stars. I don't normally hand out five stars; but Paley's Place is a remarkable and worthy exception. Housed on the first floor of a remodeled Victorian in NW Portland [across the street from Wildwood] this...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2007
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Outrageous!!!

The restaurant would not make a 7:00 PM reservation. They said they open at 5:30 PM, will make a 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM or a 7:30 PM dinner reservation but not a 7:00 PM even though they were not booked. Further,...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nelle E.

5.0 of 5 stars. We literally stumbled upon Paley's while right staying next door at The Inn at Northrup Station during a recent visit to Portland. It was so good that we canceled our reservation to eat at another...
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2007
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All hype and no sizzle, disappointing at best

There are some excellent restaurants in Portland, but this is not one of them in my opinion. Our server was pretentious and inattentive. We waited thirty minutes to order, thirty minutes for bread, thirty...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Andie J.

5.0 of 5 stars. I had a fabulous dinner here. We ordered oysters on the half-shell and they were literally the HUGEST oysters I have ever seen in my entire life. It was unbelievable. The decor is lovely and the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Mary Sue F.

4.0 of 5 stars. I have only been here once, but really enjoyed my experience. The staff was exceptionally knowledgeable and created an up-scale dining feel. The food was delicious - especially the creme brulee. My...
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Bathing In L.

5.0 of 5 stars. This place is so good, I've gone multiple days in a row while travelling through Portland. I discovered this place while reading a travel/tourist-y blurb in some travel guide. Thank goodness fro cell...
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2007
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Quite literally, world class.

Had a meal here with friends. Cute building. Exceptional service. And food that compares - favorably - with the French Laundry and Trois gros in Roanne. Not as elaborate a presentation - although I'm sure they...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/24/2007
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What a perfect evening.

Wow. We called Paley's Place tonight on our way there. We had no reservations, and we were wearing jeans, but when we spoke to Kimberly on the phone she told us to come right over and she would have a cozy...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/13/2007
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Portland's Finest

Having heard rave reviews for years, my expectations for Paley's were probably unreasonably high..... however, they managed to be exceeded. I savored a delightful meal last night at Paley's Place. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/21/2007
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What a huge let down

Went for a big birthday celebration with husband. We'd heard so many good thigns about Paley's. But alas. The food was nearly inedible--seriously. A bizarre smoked mussels-in-citrus dish which was among the...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ben R.

1.0 of 5 stars. Did I eat at this restaurant's evil twin? Judging by the other reviews, maybe. We went to Paley's for a blow-out special dinner. It was special, all right--the worst "high end" restaurant I've...
yelp.com - user review - 02/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by MiRIAM w.

5.0 of 5 stars. If you've time for just one dinner in Portland, make it Paley's Place.The exceptionally creative and tasty cuisine does not disappoint. The salad composed of grilled winter squash, salami, spicy...
yelp.com - user review - 12/28/2006
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Simply, and without doubt, the best Portland has to offer.

I have tasted the best Los Angeles, Paris, New York, London and Hong Kong have to offer and Paley's is of the same caliber as Gordon Ramsey, The French Laundry, Spaggo and Le Bernadin. How refreshing to go to...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/21/2006
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what a nice evening...

Walking into the door of Paley's we were greeted by a seated hostess who welcomed my boyfriend and I like she would welcome friends into her home. Our table wasn't quite ready, so she found us a place to wait...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/17/2006
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NOT a good place to dine!

Paley's Place was a real disappointment. I took my wife here recently for a special occasion and I deeply regret it. The night began negatively with service people making fun of some customers by calling them...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/27/2006
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Experience that left a lingering bad taste

When friends who were highly selective about restaurants raved on about Paley's, I thought it would be a great place to bring a friend and her French business partner who were visiting Portland. We arrived...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/15/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Shannon N.

4.0 of 5 stars. We had a wonderful meal here - the service was spot on and the food was all delicious. I can't remember everything we had, but I do remember some fabulous crab and corn risotto. Look what happens...
yelp.com - user review - 11/04/2006
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While Good, Does Not Specialize in Vegetarian Food

Don't get me wrong; the food here is good and the wine list is superb. But a 9.4 on Vegetarian Food, according to CitySearch? Specializes in Vegetarian? While the chef was happy to turn a non-veg entree into a...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/29/2006
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Great for Special Occasions

My boyfriend took me here as a surprise for our first anniversary. He made reservations and pre-ordered Argyle. Our waitress was nice, but a bit over-friendly at times, like she was digging for a tip. She...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/24/2006
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Excellent

Had two meals in Portland recently, here and across the street at Wildwood. This one was best and very good. Excellent entrees, that were well prepared. The service was fine - not too pushy and not to absent....
citysearch.com - user review - 10/22/2006
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Not worth the $$$$

Finally ate at Paley's last night. The food was excellent however the service was not. The dining room is small - some may think intimate - others may think cramped. (This depends upon your preferences.) I did...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/14/2006
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Wonderful food and service

My husband and I went to Paley's for our anniversary and it was beyond our expectations. The service was excellent and the food to die for. We haven't stopped talking about it and can't wait to go again.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/06/2006
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disappointed four times

The only time I enjoyed Paley's is when I had too much champagne and my taste buds were dulled. People can say all they want about "local" and "organic". I'd prefer foreign and inorganic if it tasted good. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/29/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by rebecca z.

5.0 of 5 stars. Read a rave review in the NYtimes not too long ago by wine critic, Eric Asimov (sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov's nephew) about this place. I had a chance to pass through Portland recently and made a...
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2006
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Wonderful northwest cuisine

This is the place we take guests from out of state and country. We have never had a bad meal here. During a recent celebration the staff was very accomodating to a large group and even served an extra plate of...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/09/2006
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Excellent food and service, esp starters

I don't understand the negative reviews here. . . the place is far from cramped: unless of course, you usually eat at the Olive Garden, which has McMansion-sized booths. We were a group of four, seated against...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/07/2006
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One of my favorite restaurants of all time

I'm not going to get overly technical here -- I was there with a big group for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. We could NOT have picked a better place. WOW the food was outstanding and we just had a...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/29/2006
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Excellent dining experience!

Enjoyed an outstanding group dinner here during a recent trip to Portland. Food was amazing - fresh ingredients, ripe produce, great sides, a rockfish special that was to die for (the 3 of us who ordered it...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/15/2006
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THE BEST OVERALL FINE DINING RESTAURANT!!

My wife and I are regulars at Paley's Place and we have always had such a great experince there!! The kitchen staff is obviously well versed in the execution of French techniques and fusion with local Oregon...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/21/2006
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Not worth the hype

We tried this restaraunt because of a recommendation from a friend and were very dissappointed. First of all, there was zero privacy. We were at a tiny table right in the middle of the large room with tables...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/12/2006
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Great food - mediocre service

The food at Paley's is among the best in Portland, but it can be overshadowed by the slow service. The ambiance is lovely, especially for a romantic diner, but one has to not be in a hurry. If goin alone, eat...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/07/2006
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When in Portland...

Do as the Portlanders (Or is it Portlandians?) do. I never miss a trip to Paley's Place when I am in the Rose City. The setting is great, good but not hovering service and food that is simply pure, fresh and...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/31/2006
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What's the big deal?

It's taken four visits to convince me that Paley's Place is the culinary version of the Emporor's New Clothes. The service was spotty--at first the waitress was attentive, then it took a long time to get our...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/31/2005
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My favorite restaurant in Portland

Paley's is fantastic. The food is consistently wonderful, local, seasonal and fresh. The drinks are fabulous (try the Pear Brandy Sidecar) and the service is perfect and friendly.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/01/2005
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Yes Yes Yes

Even with a packed house we received attentive and timely service. The fish dishes are top notch - even on a Sunday night! The wine and spirit selection is first class, crisp and subdued ambience put the...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/21/2005
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the food is AMAZING

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and the food was absolutely amazing. I found the service to be a little too forced... almost like butt-kissing, which I didn't really enjoy, but the food is the best I...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/22/2005
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Simply the best

This is the best dining experience in town. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable. I have grown tired of restaurants receiving high marks as the "best" while service is noted as "questionable" or...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/15/2005
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Top Knotch

This is at the top of the heap for Portland. Great fresh takes on old favorites, Obvious high quality of ingredients and some of the best service I've experienced anywhere, which is real surprising based on...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/20/2005
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Wonderful food and service

If you can call ahead and order the tasting menu. It is fantastic sampling of items and a lot of fun. While it expensive it is worth it for a great dining experience. The items were all great tasting and not...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/06/2005
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Part 2

We came here twice and it was just OK each time. Believe me, I eat at the most expensive/best restaurants all over. The first time was so so. We took a out of town friend and it was still OK. The owner's...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/05/2005
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My new favorite place

I went to Paley's Place for the first time and was extremely impressed. The ambiance was great, the staff was friendly and accommodating, the waiter was attentive and the food was outstanding. I would highly...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/01/2005
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Browns from Ventura, CA

Wow! This place rocks. We had the most delicious oysters, smoked and citrus cured.....way big! Great service, great food, really romantic for that special time (I proposed that night...and she said YES). Go...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/24/2004
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Not that Great....

We went to Paley's Place for my birthday this year. While the food was really good, for the price I think there are much better places in the city. The selection is pretty limited as well.
citysearch.com - user review - 07/08/2004
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Expensive and not what it seems...

When you consider that most entrees here are in the $20-30 range, it just doesn't stack up against the other Portland offerings at similar price points. Higgins absolutely trumps Paleys Place in terms of value...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/01/2004
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Nice, quiet and enjoyable.

The first thing I noticed at Paley's was the service. The waitress was quiet, polite, and incredibly attentive. The wife and I went to Paley's to slow our day down and enjoy another birthday, and there was no...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/02/2003
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Paley's Pales....

Sat at the bar, GREAT service. Beautiful restuarant. Orderd the lamb. The technique was nice, the lamb was tender, the potatoes done just right....but they lacked flavor. I don't think anyone in the kitchen is...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/16/2003
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Good foo foo

Members of this category of resturant are all starting seem the same: good, but too expensive for what you get. And for those prices, it should be great. Nevertheless, the lamb was good, but too gamey. Halibut...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/18/2003
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For the price, I expected more

Paley's Place is quite a nice and cozy place. We ordered appetizer, entree, and dessert. The appetizer was a salad, which was quite appetizing. The entree (halibut) was decent, but I expected more out of this...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/22/2003
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Don't go to Paley's

Just don't bother going. The service, while polite, was very slow and unattentive. the food was reasonably prepared and nicely presented. The apprenticeships for waiters was annoying. The food took so long in...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/31/2003
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a bit tight

Love the food and the service, but not romantic. Tables for two are right on top of each other
citysearch.com - user review - 02/14/2003
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Decorum

This restaurant just oozes out elegance and style. When you pay this kind of money to dine out, it's not just the food you're paying for. But rather, it's the mise-en-scene and the indulgence, IMHO. They pay...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/03/2003
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Wonderful!

Based on my experience, I would have to say that Paley's is one of the best restaurants in Portland. Everything was cooked perfectly, and all special requests were honored without question. If you love simple,...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/27/2002
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Overrated food. Disappointing overall.

Very cute, small, romantic restaurant. We each ordered an appetizer and main, and shared a side. Sure it was good, but it wasn't great. My wife's lamb dish was tasteless. The creamed spinach was boring. My...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/07/2002
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my favorite "special treat" restauraunt

Every time I go to Paley's place I like the restaraunt more and more! For dinner I started with clam fritters that were done quite well. Then onto duck ala'orange whitch was done wonderfully-and I have had it...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/15/2002
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Side Dishes Anyone?

Overall, this is a very enjoyable dining experience, that I would recommend. But a word of caution, both times I have been to Paley's they have forgotten to bring our vegetable side dishes. Which is a real...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/28/2002
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What a great place!

We are from San Francisco where there are a lot of great restaurants. Paley's ranks up there. We started out with the mussels which were great. My husband had the salmon and it was the BEST I've ever tried. It...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2002
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What's not to love?

It's always so warm and inviting, the service friendly and attentive. The wonderful flavors of gourmet comfort food with excellent wines - what could be better? Must tries: Pommes frites, halibut cheeks (when...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/16/2002
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must go!

Great place to enjoy a lovely dinner. Patio is small, but lovely especially during spring/sommer months.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/28/2002
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Worth it

Going to Paley's is like being invited to the Governor's for dinner: You're going to have a fabulous meal in a homey environment. I have to admit that Paley's surprised me-- I was expecting another overhyped...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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Bravo

Had dinner there Saturday night...was one of the best meals I ever had...in a league with the best in town. The duck confit was absolutely perfect with a potato side that had an eclectic mix of spices that...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/12/2002
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The best restaurant in Portland

I love this place - whether it be the friendly service, the incredible food, or the relaxing atmosphere, Paleys is tops on my list for dining out in Portland. And don't miss the mussels!
citysearch.com - user review - 08/01/2002
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Remarkable

Equaling its reputation in my opinion. Great ambience, attentive service and the food was delicous. Save room for dessert.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/26/2002
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Paley's is a winner!

Our recent dining experience was extraordinary. From the begining phone call to the desert, no detail was amiss. We'll be back often.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/09/2002
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000

BAD EXPERIENCE! Lost my voice due to a medical conditon and was trying to plan a surprise night out for my husband's birthday. (also live 80 miles away). Emailed both Paley's Place and hotel to make...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/05/2002
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Hey Chef, try the kitchen!!

My wife and I took our niece and nephew for a night out to paleys place a few nights back. after feeling like an inconvienience at the door, and finally being sat, we waited another twenty minutes to get any...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/30/2002
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perfect night out!

I truly believe that this is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The food is magnificant, (try the mussels and french fries) and the wines are delectable. But, the real treat is listening to the...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/21/2002
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Excellent Food!

Want a great meal that won't break the bank? You must get the fried oysters anyway they fix them. They're out of this world!
citysearch.com - user review - 05/21/2002
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Amazing

Every time we've gone, serice has been superb and the meal splendid. The mussels and frites are fantastic. The wine list offers so much. Definitely a special occasion place. Warm, romantic and cozy. An...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/17/2002
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Frommer's

Located in a Victorian-era house, Paley's is a favorite of Portland foodies. Chef Vitaly Paley continues to receive accolades year after year, and in 2005 won a James Beard Foundation Award. The menu relies...
frommers.com - user review
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USRG

aley's place bistro & bar...
usrg.com - user review
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Fodor's

have eaten here twice and food was excellent both times, service better one time than the other--but both times very professional. excellent wine list, reasonable prices (at least by nyc standards). the room...
fodors.com - user review
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10Best

artistic ability doesn't always transcend disciplines, but - lucky for portland diners - it did with husband-wife team vitaly and kimberly paley. he, a pianist, and she, a dancer, pooled their lives, their...
10best.com - user review
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Wcities

this welcoming northwest bistro immediately charms. the subtle floral decor and clean lines are casually elegant. a limited number of tables assure attentive service while enjoying a meal...
wcities.com - user review
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AOL CityGuide

phenomenal french cuisine with northwest twist...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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Gayot

this intimate dining spot enfolds excellent service and fine food in a comfortable ambience. kimberly paley, a former dancer, manages the front of the house with nureyevis grace, while in the kitchen, chef...
gayot.com - user review
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TripAdvisor

have eaten here at leat 10 times. it used to be one of my top picks, which is why i took out of towners.....
tripadvisor.com - user review
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New York Times

this charming bistro serves french cuisine pacific northwest-style. among the entrees are dishes featuring duck, new york steak, chicken, pork tenderloin, and halibut. a vegetarian selection is also...
nytimes.com - user review
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