The Observatory

The Observatory Restaurant Review:

Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood, east of Mt. Tabor, is gentrifying, and one of the most inviting restaurants to join the area is The Observatory. It’s a cavernous yet cozy space, eclectically decorated with secondhand sofas, lamps and other vintage décor. The menu is as eclectic as the environs, offering entrées such as fried chicken, trout piccata, pork tenderloin, coconut snapper, and andouille mac ‘n’ cheese. Salads include the unusual dahlia salad made with shaved dahlia tubers. Oysters are a specialty, with varieties raw, preserved and heavily fried. Crème brûlée makes a first-rate dessert. Lunchtime brings much of the same food, but with a slightly lighter touch; try the smoked trout salad, a variation on niçoise. This is an enjoyable place for happy hour, with fish tacos, chicken pâté and oregano fry bread along with generous pours of tasty house wine and a cocktail of the day. At the weekend brunch, indulge in chocolate and coconut waffles or biscuits and gravy, or go with a chipotle elk burger or mussels diablo. Waits are common at this popular spot, but you may relax on a comfortable couch until your table is ready. Service is friendly and efficient.