Chef Alexander Diestra — formerly of Andina and his pop-up, Chicha — puts his Peruvian Nikkei touch on the seafood-heavy menu at this hotel restaurant, whether that’s the ono ceviche on the seafood tower or the whisper of rocoto in the chef’s take on ossobuco. More traditional seafood restaurant standards are done well here, as well, from Kewpie-tossed lobster tucked in a brioche bun to oysters on the half-shell.

Sitting al fresco with a view of the boats, regulars of Il Terrazzo twirl tagliatelle in black truffle cream sauce or cut into ravioli in sage brown butter at this friendly trattoria. This is classic, comfort food Italian, served without pretense; however, the sauces here exhibit a nice depth of flavor, be it a six-hour Bolognese or a briny puttanesca.

The South Portland location of this Seattle-born chain is massive, just off the water and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The move here is in the name: The restaurant’s dough-centric dishes, like noodles, dumplings, and bao, are well executed and consistent, particularly the Berkshire-Duroc pork xiao long bao.

Al Hawr dishes up some of the best Lebanese food in the Pacific Northwest, offering a harmony of the cuisine’s essential components: creamy hummus, fluffy pita, piquant olive oil, tender beets, and delicate grape leaves, each supporting flavorful chicken, lamb, and veggie falafel entrees. The dessert menu might be the real stand-out, however, with the cheesy pistachio pastry knafeh and cotton candy-topped ice cream. Dine in the richly decorated dining room or order takeout.

Frank Wine Bar opened in 2013 and is already something of a foundational establishment in the South Waterfront. Even on sleepier nights, Frank has the warmth and organic energy of a long-time neighborhood gathering place. Enjoy complimentary popcorn and creative tasting flights while waiting for a table — the exceptionally curated glass pour list is worth the wait. The food menu refreshes seasonally, with a tasty range of salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or skip dining in and grab a bottle from the bottle shop — Oregon wines are supplemented by a thoughtful selection of smaller European labels, including wine from exciting regions in Croatia and Hungary.

This Corbett Thai restaurant specializes in royal Thai cuisine, with things like colorful chor muang, a flower-shaped dumpling filled with ground pork and peanuts, or la tiang, a ball of minced shrimp wrapped in an omelet lace. Meals must begin with a handful of appetizers (like the two mentioned); beyond that, the coconut water-braised pork belly stands out.

Walking past JoLa Cafe — a portmanteau of John’s Landing, the southernmost section of the South Waterfront — it might be easy to mistake it for another sleek, cozy Portland coffee shop, serving espresso drinks and a handful of pastries that are long gone by noon. Step inside and find a sprawling space, with tables spread across multiple sunny dining rooms, and espresso drinks complemented by an expansive breakfast, lunch, and alcoholic beverage menu. With such ample real estate — include picnic table seating outside — JoLa is a perfect spot for remote workers to camp out on a weekday and a spontaneous brunch destination on weekends.

New Taste of India’s lunchtime thali is one of the best deals in town: rice, naan, a soft drink or chai, and the choice of three entrees out of six, frequently rotating options. The full menu includes a deep array of vegan and vegetarian dishes like aloo saag, dal makhani, and vegan goa wraps, as well as familiar meat curries. Domestic and Indian bottled beer and limited wine options are available for lunch dining in. Dinner is takeout only.

In an ever-changing neighborhood, Cafe du Berry has been holding it down in the South Waterfront for nearly 40 years. Steps away from Willamette Park, this comfortable bistro has been a popular breakfast destination for Portlanders from all parts of town. Billing itself as a “French country restaurant,” a kitchen offering dishes like spaghetti and hamburgers isn’t particularly Gallic — escargot and French onion soup excepting — but why nit-pick when you can pause a leisurely stroll along the South Waterfront Greenway with a steak sandwich and fresh salad in Cafe du Berry’s verdant back patio? Check out its Instagram for semi-regular free wine tastings.

The Fulton Pub has anchored the southern end of the waterfront for nearly 100 years and has been in the steady hands of McMenamins since 1988. Featuring the expected elevated pub fare heavy on Northwest ingredients found throughout the franchise, the Fulton location sets itself apart through especially cozy charm. The small dining room, limited but lovely street-side seating, and less-than-ample street parking all but telegraph that this is a neighborhood joint and not necessarily a destination — all the better for locals enjoying a leisurely Terminator stout or seasonal cider. Yes, Keanu Reeves drank here once, and, yes, your bartender will tell you all about it.