Historically, BeWon was a secret garden deep within Korean King Tae Jong's palace where the royal family escaped for feasts and solace. Fittingly named, Portland's BeWon Korean Restaurant is a below-street-level retreat from bustling 23rd Avenue. Once inside, white linen-topped tables are surrounded by sunny walls featuring framed photographs of Korean artifacts. You'll find plenty of couples enjoying the recommended seven-course, prix fixe seasonal menu. Per Korean dining tradition, portions arrive in small dishes. For example, the presentation may begin with rice porridge made with a variety of pumpkins and move on to three vegetables flavored with a Korean mustard-vinegar dressing. The third course may be eight different morsels wrapped in bite-sized crêpes. Then, glassy, stir-fried sweet potato noodles are served with a variety of vegetables. You choose your entrée for the fifth course – anything from marinated short ribs to stir-fried octopus in a red pepper sauce with vegetables. You're then served a cinnamon- and ginger-flavored drink topped with pine nuts and traditional Korean tea with a rice cake. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and you'll have no problem requesting vegan substitutions. Reservations suggested. Beer and wine available, including a number of Korean wines. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly. Closed between meals.