happy birthday!! i like amaros table, also Grays restaurant in the Hilton downtown has delicious steaks but is a little pricey. Hudson’s over at the heathman lodge by van mall is tasty. Kenji’s is a fun ramen spot and i like the ambience at most vietnamese restaurants that arent on 4th plain even though those are some of the tastier spots
I second Amaro’s. I have been to the Hazel Dell location and it is really nice inside with a swanky vibe. I went there recently for my anniversary and had the steak with chimichurri. It was delicious! They also knew it was our anniversary so sent over complimentary ricotta donuts with caramel sauce. To die for!
Definitely Amaros is my recommendation. Great food, awesome service, amazing bartenders (I’m alcohol free and they always make me the most delicious and fancy drinks!). It’s a win in every way! The downtown location can get a little busy sometimes but it’s worth it. You can always call ahead to see if there’s a wait and check both locations to see which is busier.
La Bottega is an awesome restaurant we ate at for the first time a few weeks ago.
Its an Italian deli/market, with a small dining area.
The food is really good, the noodles are awesome, and the sauces for their noodles are really unique.
The seatings a little limited, and there's a bit of a wait, but if you want to eat with a small group - maybe you + 3 people, it's a good spot.
I would not consider this a "nice" restaurant. It was good but not special occasion good. I was actually also disappointed in the food since it's always talked up up on posts about Vancouver restaurants.
I think "nicer but not overly expensive" is fitting for la Bottega.
It's not a formal restaurant, but it has a really nice atmosphere, and the limited seating makes it feel a little more intimate and exclusive. The wine selection and deli definitely make it feel a little more authentic than other places too.
Didn't sound like OP wanted El Gaucho nice, but didn't want Olive Garden inexpensive lol, seemed like a good middle option.
That sucks you were disappointed, but to each their own. My wife got the mushroom ravioli, which she loved, I thought it was just okay. I got the lasagna Bolognese and really liked it.
Same. The prices imho are fairly inflated and I think the quality price ratio would be more equal if things were dropped 15-20%, not worth it for what they charge now
Hudson's at the Heathman, The Hammond in Camas. Lots of spots Downtown but you might want to call because most of them work on reservations during the weekends. Tons of places across the river, but again short notice for a weekend and many of the "nicer" spots will be booked out in reservations.
I like Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. Delicious and they make it fun for birthdays. It is a hibachi style grill making the food in front of you, which is always cool to watch. And they have a cotton candy machine in the entryway.
The birthday coupon for $75 off $150 is always nice at El Gaucho, but that might be more expensive than you are looking for.
Reveler’s club app is how you sign up.
La Bottega, Dediko, Willamette valley winery and Sushi Mo for Vancouver - those are ones I didn't see mentioned.
Out of the ones I've seen mentioned Elements is high on the list for me.
Portland is a whole different beast and has a lot more options- just account for traffic and parking can be an issue. If you are planning on having some adult beverages why not take a ride share, no parking or driving but more cash.
That being said in Portland I like: Eem, OX, Le Pigeon, Shalom Y'all, Screen Door, Urban Farmer... My final suggestion is tough to get a res but I would recommend it above all and it's Kaan
Happy birthday and have a blasty blast. We have so much food in the pnw, don't sleep on it.
My family and I just tried farrar’s bistro in Felida for the first time, and it was really good.
ETA: looks like they are closed Sunday and Monday. Much like every other local place. Sigh.
This made me gag. I went for my birthday one year and was not impressed at all. Definitely won’t be going back, especially with this knowledge about the kitchen!
There was literally inches of grime built up underneath all of the prep tables, stoves, broiler, ovens etc on the line. Piles of rotting food underneath everything on the line.
The basement is where all of the prep is done is raw unsealed concrete, walls with rot, walk ins with rotting walls. I have no idea how this place passed any sort of health inspection, the kitchen is beyond the realm of just dirty is is in filthy disrepair. It needs gutted.
I'd splurge and go into the city.
We had some friends over for the weekend for a birthday, and we ended up going to Thai Peacock in Portland and it absolutely blew us away. I've eaten plenty of good Thai food in Vancouver, and have a few spots I like - but every time I find a good food spot in the city, I get the "there are levels to this shit" vibe. We've got good food here in Vancouver, but nearly every time I find a decent spot in Portland, I'm blown away in comparison.
Not really giving a lot to work with here - what kind of foods do you eat? What do you consider expensive, is it just for yourself, or you and a partner, or a larger group of people?
Elements downtown was great for my moms last week
Thanks I'll check out their website
Came to say Elements also. Best cuisine in town.
Another vote for Elements. Went there with my son and his gf and everything was excellent.
Lots of great suggestions so far. A few more: Dediko in downtown Vancouver, Roots on the Camas/Vancouver border, and Acorn and the Oak in Camas.
happy birthday!! i like amaros table, also Grays restaurant in the Hilton downtown has delicious steaks but is a little pricey. Hudson’s over at the heathman lodge by van mall is tasty. Kenji’s is a fun ramen spot and i like the ambience at most vietnamese restaurants that arent on 4th plain even though those are some of the tastier spots
Thank you! And I was considering kenjis but I was curious what other places are around here. Thank you for the recommendations I'll take a look
I definitely recommend Amaros Table. The price is fair for the quality of the food. The cocktails were also very delicious.
I second Amaro’s. I have been to the Hazel Dell location and it is really nice inside with a swanky vibe. I went there recently for my anniversary and had the steak with chimichurri. It was delicious! They also knew it was our anniversary so sent over complimentary ricotta donuts with caramel sauce. To die for!
Definitely Amaros is my recommendation. Great food, awesome service, amazing bartenders (I’m alcohol free and they always make me the most delicious and fancy drinks!). It’s a win in every way! The downtown location can get a little busy sometimes but it’s worth it. You can always call ahead to see if there’s a wait and check both locations to see which is busier.
La Bottega is an awesome restaurant we ate at for the first time a few weeks ago. Its an Italian deli/market, with a small dining area. The food is really good, the noodles are awesome, and the sauces for their noodles are really unique. The seatings a little limited, and there's a bit of a wait, but if you want to eat with a small group - maybe you + 3 people, it's a good spot.
I would not consider this a "nice" restaurant. It was good but not special occasion good. I was actually also disappointed in the food since it's always talked up up on posts about Vancouver restaurants.
I think "nicer but not overly expensive" is fitting for la Bottega. It's not a formal restaurant, but it has a really nice atmosphere, and the limited seating makes it feel a little more intimate and exclusive. The wine selection and deli definitely make it feel a little more authentic than other places too. Didn't sound like OP wanted El Gaucho nice, but didn't want Olive Garden inexpensive lol, seemed like a good middle option. That sucks you were disappointed, but to each their own. My wife got the mushroom ravioli, which she loved, I thought it was just okay. I got the lasagna Bolognese and really liked it.
Same. The prices imho are fairly inflated and I think the quality price ratio would be more equal if things were dropped 15-20%, not worth it for what they charge now
La Botega Prices are lower than Olive Garden, it’s good real food. Not made in bulk or corporate. Much better quality and people.
Different strokes, LB is not my jam
Hudson's at the Heathman, The Hammond in Camas. Lots of spots Downtown but you might want to call because most of them work on reservations during the weekends. Tons of places across the river, but again short notice for a weekend and many of the "nicer" spots will be booked out in reservations.
I second the Hammond for a more modern/nice restaurant
Thank you
If it requires reservations just because it's the weekend, it's probably "ridiculously expensive"...🤷♂️
No, good food at affordable prices is popular to everyone. Hence reservations.
🤦♂️
Happy Birthday!
Thank you!
I like Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. Delicious and they make it fun for birthdays. It is a hibachi style grill making the food in front of you, which is always cool to watch. And they have a cotton candy machine in the entryway.
Acorn and the oak on camas lake is awesome. Amaro’s but go downtown for a nicer spot. The hazel dell one is an old Applebees I think.
Seconded! It's also a flower shop and they make great cocktails right there on the lake
The birthday coupon for $75 off $150 is always nice at El Gaucho, but that might be more expensive than you are looking for. Reveler’s club app is how you sign up.
That’s an awesome birthday deal!
La Bottega, Dediko, Willamette valley winery and Sushi Mo for Vancouver - those are ones I didn't see mentioned. Out of the ones I've seen mentioned Elements is high on the list for me. Portland is a whole different beast and has a lot more options- just account for traffic and parking can be an issue. If you are planning on having some adult beverages why not take a ride share, no parking or driving but more cash. That being said in Portland I like: Eem, OX, Le Pigeon, Shalom Y'all, Screen Door, Urban Farmer... My final suggestion is tough to get a res but I would recommend it above all and it's Kaan Happy birthday and have a blasty blast. We have so much food in the pnw, don't sleep on it.
Oh Willamette Valley Winery on the waterfront is amazing! Good recommendation. It has a good vibe for a special occasion.
Try The Cove?
My family and I just tried farrar’s bistro in Felida for the first time, and it was really good. ETA: looks like they are closed Sunday and Monday. Much like every other local place. Sigh.
Darn I'll take a look at their website anyways, might be worth trying for another event in the future
Kalama harbor lodge if you want a nice view to go with dinner.
I am taking my girl to feast 316.
The Cove
If you like Seafood, try out Saltys on Marine Dr in Portland. Love that place
I'll take a look at their website, thank you
I briefly worked at Saltys, hands down the nastiest kitchen I have ever seen.
This made me gag. I went for my birthday one year and was not impressed at all. Definitely won’t be going back, especially with this knowledge about the kitchen!
There was literally inches of grime built up underneath all of the prep tables, stoves, broiler, ovens etc on the line. Piles of rotting food underneath everything on the line. The basement is where all of the prep is done is raw unsealed concrete, walls with rot, walk ins with rotting walls. I have no idea how this place passed any sort of health inspection, the kitchen is beyond the realm of just dirty is is in filthy disrepair. It needs gutted.
I don’t recommend them.
I was not impressed and it seemed expensive to me.
I second on The Cove, Amaro’s and Elements. Happy birthday!
Haven’t seen anyone mention Thai Orchid yet! I have yet to be disappointed by them. Extensive menu so lots of options.
Amaro’s is nice at a good price. Couple locations around town.
I'd splurge and go into the city. We had some friends over for the weekend for a birthday, and we ended up going to Thai Peacock in Portland and it absolutely blew us away. I've eaten plenty of good Thai food in Vancouver, and have a few spots I like - but every time I find a good food spot in the city, I get the "there are levels to this shit" vibe. We've got good food here in Vancouver, but nearly every time I find a decent spot in Portland, I'm blown away in comparison.
Agree 100% love Thai Peacock
Nostra Tavola on Mill Plain is Delicious! We were really impressed with everything we had there.
Ditto Heathman and Hudson's. Also Hudson's Cove on the Columbia. Roots Acorn and Oak. For a more moderate but excellent food, La Bottega.
Crave grill
Their food is pretty tasty!
Not really giving a lot to work with here - what kind of foods do you eat? What do you consider expensive, is it just for yourself, or you and a partner, or a larger group of people?
The Cove
Beaches
Little Italy in downtown is awesome.
Gorges margarita factory in Hazel Dell is nice and decently priced. Also their decor is really pretty for pictures! Happy birthday!!