Small plates are the current trend in the Portland culinary scene. Recognizing small plates' Spanish roots, the following restaurants are the leaders in tantalizing paella.
Even early on a Monday night, Toro Boro is brimming with chatty customers in low lighting, sampling the Paella Toro with chicken, clams, chorizo, shrimp, and mussels while the small kitchen clanks and bustles. Take someone you would like to impress--think a future mother-in-law, or a promising prospect from OKCupid.
Now a tapas bar, Lolo's offers one fine happy hour. Sip on the Sangria while munching on the Esclavida.
In the summertime Petisco spills out into the cobblestone patio, celebrating paella nights in the open air with ivy and subtle lights overhead. Any other time of the year head inside for a French feel, with cafe tables and carafes of Bordeaux.