Portland is a culinary city at heart, with a plethora of food carts, basement bars, and white-tablecloth restaurants.
It has a variety of dining options opening regularly, owing to its abundance of local ingredients and chefs with the talent and vision to create exceptional meals.
Whether you’re looking for Filipino, French, or African cuisine, plus a sprinkling of eclectic, one-of-a-kind food offerings all over the city, Portland’s restaurants offer it.
Check out the bustling new spots, old faves, gourmet dining, and budget-friendly options in this list of the best restaurants in Portland we carefully selected just for you.
1. Gracie’s Apizza
8737 N Lombard St
Portland, OR 97203
(971) 512-0007
Gracie’s Apizza is a pizzeria in Portland’s St. Johns area recognized for serving the greatest calzones, pizza, and ice cream in a casual-chic environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Taste some of the best pizza (and the award-winning calzone) only here at Gracie’s Apizza, which is a sleek pizzeria that’ll surprise you with its Instagram-worthy setting.
If you’re with your friends, order a whole pie and enjoy the casual ambiance on their outdoor patio complete with wooden benches and fairy lights dangling overhead.
What to Eat
Never leave without ordering the legendary calzones stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, house fennel sausage, radish top pesto, and pecorino, and served with a side sauce for dunking.
For your group, sample the “Ricotta” topped with lots of garlic, ricotta, pecorino, mozzarella, rosemary, green garlic, and a generous sprinkling of black pepper.
2. St. Jack
1610 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 360-1281
Established in 2011, St. Jack is a quaint French cafe with a rustic ambiance that serves hearty food and a large wine list.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have a deliciously fun dinner date or a casual lunch with friends in St. Jack’s, with its impressive French dishes such as caviar, escargot, and foie gras.
We recommend the airy outside seating, especially in the warmer months, or the bright, sophisticated indoor seating, which is ideal for fashionable diners.
What to Eat
For something that’s more commonly known for an easy decision, try their Steak Frites with shallot & red wine demi-glace, pommes frites, and béarnaise.
3. Ringside Steakhouse
2165 W Burnside St
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 223-1513
Ringside Steakhouse, with tuxedoed servers and a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, is an upmarket, old-school steakhouse and chophouse.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This premier steakhouse is considered to be one of the best restaurants downtown if you’re going for a memorable steak dinner.
Plan a special dinner date where you and your partner will be able to dress up in casual elegant attires, share a bottle of wine, and enjoy a romantic ambiance together.
What to Eat
Have a seafood-centric meal with their Chili-Lime Dungeness Crab Cakes with sweet chili sauce and roasted Marcona almond followed by the Maine Lobster Tail Duo.
However, for steaks, the 5-ounce A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Center Cut Striploin is the best choice.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel
4. Toki Restaurant
580 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 312-3037
Toki Restaurant has been providing bibimbap, fried chicken, bao burgers, and dumplings, as well as refreshing cocktails, since 2021.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For unrivaled Korean fares, Toki Restaurant is one of the local restaurants to visit.
This classy, up-and-coming eatery is slowly becoming one of the neighborhood favorites for its Korean-American fusion dishes and contemporary brunch menu.
The interior is impressive as well, with exposed ceilings, modern lanterns, and industrial-chic touches around the dining area.
What to Eat
The Steamed Bao Burger is a heavenly creation that you have to see and taste for yourself.
It’s made up of two all-beef dry-aged patties, special sauce, cheese, pickles, and onions all stuffed inside a sesame seed pan-fried steamed bun.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Duniway Portland, A Hilton Hotel
5. Mucca Osteria
1022 SW Morrison St
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 227-5521
Mucca Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that serves organic cuisine and handcrafted pasta in an elegant, gothic setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Mucca Osteria is a small Italian restaurant that is considered a hidden treasure and is ideal for a romantic supper.
The menu at this restaurant varies to highlight what’s in season and presented through superbly prepared pasta dishes.
Their service is especially unique, with servers in ties and vests refilling water glasses after a few sips, and shared plates being split and plated per person.
What to Eat
Tagliatelle Porcini e Tartufo, a homemade egg Tagliatelle pasta with Porcini mushrooms and burgundy truffles, or Risotto all’ Astice e Bisque Alla Franciacorta, risotto with lobster bisque, are two pasta dishes worth trying.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Lucia, a Provenance Hotel
6. Republica
422 NW 8th Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(541) 900-5836
Republica, in the Pearl Health Center, is a basic, popular spot with a 5-course Mexican tasting menu and a vegetarian option, as well as a terrace.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Republica is noted for its tasting menu, which incorporates both familiar and unique flavors, as well as inventive cuisine.
They make the best quesadillas in town, as well as other unknown meals that will undoubtedly be the first you’ve ever had.
Each server provides a more unique and personalized touch by explaining the dish’s origins, culinary heritage, and historical background.
For every foodie in Portland, this is a dream come true.
What to Eat
Their tasting menu includes some of the most creative plates, such as the ceviche-combined heirloom tomatoes, plums, stone fruit granita, and cucumber “caviar”, as well as a chanterelle adobo risotto with refried and nixtamalized beans.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Woodlark
7. Murata Restaurant
200 SW Market St
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 227-0080
Murata Restaurant, located inside the 200 Market Associates LP Building, is an expensive sushi and sashimi attraction with a traditional design.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Restaurant Murata is a modest, unassuming eatery where you can get all kinds of fresh, interesting sushi and Japanese meals right off the bat.
You’ll be treated to an old-school Japanese restaurant experience, complete with hot steaming washcloths and complimentary pre-dinner snacks.
What to Eat
If you see the Tsukimi – Rororo (small plate of raw quail egg with grated yam), snatch it up right away, along with their Sea Urchin, Salmon Roe, and Fatty Tuna Rice Bowl – these two are some of the best-sellers on the menu.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dossier
Also See:
Restaurants: Astoria, OR
8. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
4039 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 281-4060
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty serves wood-fired pies as well as salads and housemade ice cream in a lively atmosphere.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, a pizza shop that feels casual but personal, serves exquisite, innovative pizzas with toppings of edible flowers that you won’t find in many pizzerias.
The interior has a homey, family-friendly vibe with wooden banquettes and tables and bright-red metal chairs, making it ideal for casual business meetings and friendly get-togethers.
What to Eat
Sample their Spinach pizza topped with green garlic and bellwether ricotta for a healthier pick, or the House Made Meatballs with red onions, provolone, and oregano if you can’t eat pizza without some sort of protein.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard Marriott Portland City Center
9. Casa Zoraya
841 N Lombard St
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 384-2455
Casa Zoraya, which opened in 2018, is a laid-back hangout with a patio serving Peruvian cuisine, live music, and beverages.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Casa Zoraya, a Peruvian hole-in-the-wall in Piedmont, delivers inventive variations on traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
The atmosphere is more budget-friendly, with a tiny dining area and kitchen that serves dishes as they are prepared, with numerous tables receiving the same dish at once.
What to Eat
With fresh fish, lime sauce, onion, white corn, and toasted maize, the Ceviche de Pescado is a delicious way to start your lunch or dinner.
Try their signature meal, the Lomo Saltado Criollo, which is a soft, stir-fried sirloin in a thick, savory sauce that is both spicy and sweet.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crowne Plaza Hotel Portland-Downtown Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
10. Kabba’s Kitchen
4631 N Albina Ave
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 438-6770
Kabba’s Kitchen is a Portland food cart that serves traditional West African cuisine including thiebou yapp and chicken brochettes in a breezy outside setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
In Portland, food trucks abound, including one well-known Senegalese food cart that serves the best tasting fried spring rolls from a black-and-silver cart.
Senegalese cuisine isn’t exactly popular in Portland’s food scene, so explore the entire menu with a foodie buddy or, better yet, invite the whole family for a family feast.
What to Eat
Besides those famous spring rolls, also check out their Fataya, which is a fried meat pie with ground meat, potatoes, onion, herbs, and spices.
Another specialty worth trying is the Mafe Yapp which is beef in a creamy peanut and tomato-based sauce with chunks of potatoes and carrots served over white rice.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Porter Portland, Curio Collection By Hilton
11. Eem
3808 North Williams Avenue St 127
Portland, OR 97227
(971) 295-1645
Eem is a contemporary Thai restaurant that specializes in inventive BBQ and artisan cocktails, including tiki drinks, served in traditional mugs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Eem is a brightly colored corner restaurant on North Williams noted for its inventive cocktails and layers of intricacy in its curries and smoked meats.
This is a location where everyone treats customers with respect, and because of their helpful servers and outdoor dining with heated pods, it’s a warm, friendly area in a cold city.
What to Eat
For a meal without disappointments, have the Red Curry with roasted cauliflower, snow peas, and king trumpet mushroom.
The White Curry with Brisket Burnt Ends is a more interesting option, with Matt’s burnt ends, roasted cauliflower, scallion, and pickle.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Eastlund – Best Western Premier Collection
Also See:
Restaurants: Tillamook, OR
Places to Eat: Eugene, OR
Best Restaurants in Corvallis, OR
12. Erica’s Soul Food
120 NE Russell St
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 922-5519
Erica’s Soul Food, which began serving Southern comfort food in 2020, is a small food truck that specializes in sandwiches, wings, meatloaf, and cornbread.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Erica’s Soul Food, a bright yellow cart next to a minimart on SE 82nd Avenue near Stark, has the greatest chicken wings in Portland right now.
Whether you’re out and about with friends on a weekday or just passing through, you have to check this out for other soul foods such as crispy-fried catfish and mac & cheese.
What to Eat
The Atlanta-style hot lemon pepper wings are a must-try.
This crispy-yet-saucy wing has a tangy snap to it, as well as a subtle but noticeable heat that coats the mouth.
Also, try some of those fried catfish and cheesy grits especially if you’re on the go as they can be neatly packed into a to-go container.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown, Oregon
13. Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
5020 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 516-2078
Smoked brisket, fried catfish, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, and desserts are all served at Kee’s Loaded Kitchen, a black-owned soul food restaurant.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
As soon as owner Kiauna Nelson and her team load up huge containers of delicious soul food, the red food cart, and its massive “#Loaded” sign draw crowds.
It has become a gastronomic hotspot after winning awards for its products, with a long queue of hungry diners wanting to try some of those pot roasts and mac & cheese.
What to Eat
The menu is subject to change at the owner’s discretion, and her customers generally accept whatever she serves.
She serves her specialty dish on occasion, which is made up of smoked chicken, tender smoked brisket, jumbo prawns, Tillamook cheese, and organic broccoli, all piled high atop a large, buttery baked potato.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
14. Berlu
605 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214
Berlu, in Modera Belmont, is a window-service, weekend-only Vietnamese bakery where you may order ahead for unique sweet delicacies.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Not only is Berlu a bakery, but it’s also a restaurant offering innovative Vietnamese dishes you won’t see in your average Vietnamese place.
They present a contemporary take on Vietnamese food via a multi-course tasting menu that is both artful and thoughtful, and it is served in a bright, sleek, minimalist atmosphere.
What to Eat
Here’s an example of a creative dessert they’ve made in the past to give you an idea of what they serve:
A springy, almost savory bánh bò nướng roasted over charcoal which you enjoy by soaking the cake in a pandan-steeped, reduced, and smoked coconut milk, topped with a luxurious dollop of caviar and a swirl of fig leaf oil.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn And Suites By Hilton Portland-Pearl District
15. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
609 SE Ankeny Ste C
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 740-2907
Nong’s Khao Man Gai is a popular food cart known for its Khao Man Gai (Thai chicken and rice wrapped in butcher paper).
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior; this restaurant focuses entirely on one dish, resulting in a masterfully prepared meal that locals adore and return to.
With its soul-satisfying broth, rice, Nong’s ginger-heavy sauce, and the chicken itself, Chef Nong Poonsukwattana’s signature dish, a deceptively basic twist on Hainanese chicken, is unrivaled.
What to Eat
Of course, the meal that catapulted them to fame should be sampled.
A mild chicken soup and the famed dipping sauce of blended fermented soybeans, garlic, Thai chilies, vinegar, and soy sauce accompany the entrée.
Nong offers her chicken deboned, even though it is poached intact.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown
16. Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 546-8796
Le Pigeon offers a constantly changing menu of inventive French-inspired dishes served at communal tables or at the cozy bar.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Le Pigeon is a tasting menu-only restaurant that focuses on casual foods being upgraded into elegant dishes.
For the perfect date night with a special someone or an anniversary celebration, this is the venue to consider.
To get the finest view of the chefs in operation, take a counter seat as soon as one becomes available.
It’s only available for walk-ins, so keep that in mind.
What to Eat
A Strawberry Mezcal Gazpacho and Duck Confit accompanied by honey-drizzled green garlic baklava with rhubarb juice were formerly on the menu to give you an idea of what they serve.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Hoxton, Portland
17. Matta
807 NE Couch St
Portland, OR 97232
(971) 258-2849
Matta, a food truck founded in 2018, delivers Vietnamese-American meals prepared from family recipes in a comfortable, breezy outside setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’ve never had Vietnamese soul food, this is your sign to try some, and what could be better than getting it from this simplistic white food truck.
The food they serve is a homage, a return to one family’s South Vietnamese kitchen, carefully re-created by a new generation in a setting that would appeal to people of all ages.
What to Eat
The menu is small, with daily specials, although it includes certain staples.
A pork belly cooked in coconut, chile, and caramel with a soft-boiled egg topped with cilantro and scallion served over rice is a one-of-a-kind dish.
Don’t miss the fresh batches of green-hued, coconut-glazed pandan doughnuts on the menu.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
18. Scotch Lodge
215 SE 9th Ave Ste 102
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 208-2039
Since 2018, Scotch Lodge has been a whiskey-focused cocktail bar with upscale, French-inspired small meals and a vintage-chic vibe.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Plan ahead and make Scotch Lodge your next hangout spot with friends for dinner and drinks after, as it’s named one of the best bars in America.
This swanky gastropub is famed for its hard-to-find whiskies and clever cocktails, as well as a menu of really unique bar foods.
Aside from that, Scotch Lodge offers a decidedly polished yet unpretentious attitude that pairs well with a pleasant night out with coworkers.
What to Eat
The Soft Shell Crab Sandwich made up of red crab, white kimchi, crispy shallot, and milk bread is a great accompaniment to your alcoholic drink and one of the best sellers, too.
If you prefer a more finger food type of pub fare, the Fried Brie with verjus syrup, pumpernickel, and pistachio is a flavorful option.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Portland – Downtown
19. Normandie
1005 SE Ankeny St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 233-4129
Normandie is a coastal-inspired elegant cafe with playful French dishes and a full bar with a big wine selection, as well as two happy hours.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Normandie creates a beachy environment in an otherwise chilly city, with teal tables in an airy, breezy dining area surrounded by blue walls printed with seahorses.
Enjoy this seafood-heavy neighborhood bistro where the food is fresh and flavor-forward while highlighting the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, perfect for every seafood lover out there.
What to Eat
Apart from their seafood offerings, try some miso-glazed carrots that have been roasted and sprinkled with honey and sticky-sweet cashews.
For something more deliciously distinctive, try the fried croquettes packed with savory oxtail and topped with apricot marmalade.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Vance, Portland, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
20. Hat Yai
1605 NE Killingsworth St
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 764-9701
Hat Yai, which opened in 2016, provides Thai meals and draft beers at this cozy, rustic-chic counter-serve with outdoor seating.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This elegant modern Thai restaurant serves Southern Thai fried chicken, curry, roti, and other popular Southern Thai dishes.
Other traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist are available in a gorgeous setting with trademark light blue-checkered tablecloths and a lovely patio for breezy outdoor dining.
What to Eat
If you’re with someone special or your favorite people, go for their Hat Yai for 2 or 4, which is already a complete set of Hat Yai’s best-sellers.
It comprises half/whole Hat Yai signature fried chicken, sticky rice, curry, and roti for two/four.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Grand Stark
21. Nimblefish
1524 SE 20th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 719-4064
Nimblefish, located at 20 Hawthorne, is a warm, inviting Japanese restaurant that specializes in nigiri-focused sushi and omakase dishes, as well as sake, wine, beer, and whiskey.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This sushi counter in Southeast Hawthorne has become a national destination for Edomae-style sushi, which consists of thin, cured slivers of fish that are flavorful and pure in texture.
Experience omakase dining (a meal consisting of dishes chosen by the chef) in a tranquil and pleasant setting, where the seafood is fresh and beautifully presented.
What to Eat
To give you an insight into what Nimblefish has to offer during an omakase evening, here’s a sample menu from the past:
For starters, a spinach salad with cured mackerel, then one single nigiri piece presented one at a time, followed by soup and cool yuzu sorbet for dessert.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District
Related: Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
22. Quaintrelle
2032 SE Clinton St
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 200-5787
Quaintrelle is a bi-level modern eatery serving imaginative, fresh New American dishes, as well as drinks and wine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Quaintrelle is the kind of beautiful, high-ceilinged, candlelight bistro you’d want your first date to be in, with its straightforward, memorable cooking.
Enjoy delectable, artistically prepared dishes from their rotating menu inspired by the best of what’s in season, as well as the coolest, brightly colored, outrageously garnished cocktails.
What to Eat
The dish itself is not shown on their sample menu, simply the components.
For example, oysters, watermelon, jalapeno, nuoc cham, and finger lime as starters, a smoked duck, “8 spice,” chard, and radish for an entree, and a “peach pie” for dessert.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, an IHG Hotel
23. Jacqueline
2039 SE Clinton St
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 327-8637
Seasonal, seafood-centric New American meals are served at Jacqueline, which is located in an intimate environment with eccentric artwork.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This Pacific Northwest seafood restaurant is well-known for its dollar oyster happy hour, fresh albacore, and a Bill Murray portrait on the wall.
Enjoy classic bistro lunches from their menu, which changes daily depending on what they can get their hands on, at this seaside cove with a driftwood-clad bar.
What to Eat
Their menu changes daily, but be on the lookout for the Venison Tartare with smoked oyster aioli, spelt toast, pickled chanterelles, and mustards, and the Parisienne Gnocchi with Dungeness crab, and chanterelle & lobster mushrooms.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Riverplace Hotel, an IHG Hotel
24. Mirisata
2420 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 233-4675
Mirisata is a laid-back restaurant offering an all-vegan Sri Lankan menu and Sunday brunch.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Mirisata, which essentially translates from Sinhala to “spicy curry,” is what this Sri Lankan restaurant embodies with its flavorful cuisine.
As Portland’s only Sri Lankan restaurant, this is a must-see for any foodie looking to sample traditional spicy and non-spicy foods, many of which are gluten-free.
What to Eat
Have a quick yet flavorful meal with the spicy Impossible Beef Rolls which are two breaded and fried rolls filled with Impossible beef & potato curry, and served with hot green chili sauce.
The “Fish” Patties are also impressive, which are three fried patties or empanadas filled with spiced banana blossom, potato, and dulse.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Jupiter NEXT
25. Magna Kusina
2525 SE Clinton St
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 395-8542
Magna Kusina delivers farm-to-table Filipino staples with a Chicago twist, such as pulutan (bar snacks) and panghimagas (desserts).
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Magna Kusina is crucial for Filipino food cravings in Portland.
They provide a novel menu arrangement that includes both traditional and creatively festive options.
It also has a more romantic vibe, thanks to the vines and lights hanging from the ceiling and the art from friends displayed on the walls.
What to Eat
Never go to a Filipino restaurant without sampling their Adobong Baboy, which is made up of tender pork tomahawk chop, long beans, pearl onions, and adobo sauce.
The party staple Lumpia is also a must-try, which is a meaty egg roll filled with pork, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic, and served with sinamak (spiced vinegar).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staypineapple, Hotel Rose, Downtown Portland
Related: Things to Do in Portland with Kids
26. Ripe Cooperative
5425 NE 30th Ave
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 841-6968
Ripe Cooperative is a quaint eatery with communal tables and an attractive street-side patio where adventurous, meat-heavy fixed-price meals are served.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Naomi Pomeroy’s community market, Ripe Cooperative, features a wine selection, grab-and-go meal kits, house-made ice cream, and take-home treats.
Drop by Ripe Cooperative for a one-stop-shop for all of these things and more, and dine inside or outside, or just grab something to go or take home.
What to Eat
For something easier to consume on their outdoor seating, have the Dungeness Crab Roll with shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, house-made old bay, and toasted shokupan.
If you’re craving pasta, however, the Cappelletti with herbed ricotta, spring carrot purée, English peas, and Fiore Sardo cheese is both healthy and tasty.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Eastlund – Best Western Premier Collection
27. Urdaneta
3033 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-1990
Urdaneta is a welcoming, stylish spot for inventive Spanish tapas combined with specialty cocktails and wine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Urdaneta serves seasonal, tiny plates of regional Spanish tapas with a heavy influence of Basque flavors.
The inside is warmly lit, with an intimate dining room that runs parallel to the open-format kitchen, making it ideal for romantic nights.
Don’t miss out on their extensive Spanish wine list, as well as sherries, specialty cocktails, and Basque sidra.
What to Eat
The Ensalada Verde comprising little gem lettuce, dates, pistachios, pickled shallot, valdeon dressing, and spiced rice crispies is one of the best-selling small plates.
Pair it with some Croquettas de Jamon with jamon iberico, bechamel, hard-boiled egg, mahon, and smoked honey aioli for a fun meal to pair with your Spanish wine.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Society Hotel
28. Jojo Food Truck
3582 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(971) 331-4284
Jojo Food Truck is a pastel blue-colored food truck that specializes in fried chicken sandwiches, as well as burgers, sauces, and potato wedges.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Jojo is known for its fried chicken sandwiches, which are produced with famed crunchy chicken and a unique topping combo.
They also offer boozy milkshakes, a variety of melts and sandwiches, and their famous Jojos, which are double-fried potato wedges.
Bring a buddy and sample some of Portland’s best-prepared, most flavorful, unique, and to-die-for sandwiches.
What to Eat
The Spicy Chicken sandwich is a top-selling item made with pepper relish, crystal honey, Alabama white mustard sauce, pickles, and shredded lettuce, perfect for spicy lovers out there.
Don’t forget to sample the famous Jojo’s tossed in house spice blend and kosher salt!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
29. Gado Gado
1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 206-8778
Gado Gado is a lively hangout featuring pan-Asian and Dutch-Indonesian fare, as well as specialty cocktails served on colorful tablecloths.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Gado Gado’s menu is a mishmash of Indo-Chinese delights, as vibrant as the technicolor environment with a pleasant and welcoming patio.
It has evolved into a full celebration restaurant, complete with inventive and colorful cocktails that pay homage to the countries’ culture, thanks to its elaborate, prix fixe, family-style service.
What to Eat
Sample the Wok Fried Shishito Peppers if you’re craving a noodle-based dish, as this one is complete with aromatic Balinese sausage, rice noodles roll, cabbage, okra, chilis, peanuts, and dried shrimp.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Heathman Hotel
Related: Hotels in Portland, OR
30. Malka
4546 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97206
(503) 899-4245
Malka, established in 2020, is a welcoming, cozy restaurant that serves Asian and South American fusion meals as well as unique beverages.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Malka’s decor, which includes chairs, art, and a late-1700s water dispenser, makes it almost like an art collector’s destination.
Malka is anything but minimalist, including its rich and colorful meals, all of which are equally excellent and served in a surreal setting.
What to Eat
Their Quesadillas are to die for, with achiote-coconut braised chicken, mild green chilis, red bell peppers, tom yum mashed potatoes, and cheddar & mozzarella combo all in a flour tortilla, and served with salsa verde & crema on the side.
Try a cocktail that also serves as dessert, like the Coconut Cream Rum & Coke with real sugar Coca-Cola, coconut cream, Flor de Caña dark rum, vanilla, and lemon.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt House Portland / Downtown
31. Kayo’s Ramen Bar
3808 N Williams Ave #124
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 477-6016
Kayo’s Ramen Bar is an authentic Japanese ramen restaurant that serves vegan and meat-centric noodles as well as beer, wine, and sake in a small, informal setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Kayo’s Ramen Bar is the place to go for soul-soothing noodle soups cooked in the lighter asari style with delicate, subtle broths.
They specialize in all-natural, hand-made ramen, as well as potstickers, fried rice, and Japan tacos, with a full line-up of vegan options.
Warm your tummy up with delicious ramens on a chilly Portland afternoon, then wash it down with some local craft beers, wine, sake, or cocktails for a satisfying dinner.
What to Eat
TanTan Ramen is their most popular bowl, which is a Japanese version of Sichuan DanDan Mian (spicy) flavored with sesame paste, and topped with seasoned ground pork or tofu.
For something non-spicy, opt for their signature ramen Pineapple Ginger, with mild ginger undertones, balanced with fruity notes of pineapple, in a Shoyu soup.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Hotel Zags Portland
32. Sweedeedee
5202 N Albina Ave
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 201-7038
Sweedeedee, a friendly cafe in a bright, contemporary location, has been serving homestyle breakfast and lunch dishes since 2012.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Sweedeedee’s food is seasonal and farm-fresh, and while it’s not entirely vegetarian, it’s certainly vegetable-heavy, which is ideal for health-conscious diners.
Savor a nutritious brunch or dinner with colorful salads, sandwiches, and delightful desserts in a charming venue that can be used for both casual days and special occasions.
What to Eat
The Cheese Plate, which features creamy-sharp Sleeping Beauty cheese surrounded by soft honey-soaked walnuts and thick-yet-crisp crackers with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds, is notable.
End your dinner with the wonderful Peach-Carrot cake, which consists of four layers of impossibly moist carrot cake topped with bits of peach and just the proper amount of buttercream.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel DeLuxe, a Provenance Hotel
33. Expatriate
5424 NE 30th Ave
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 867-5309
Expatriate, which opened in 2013, is a stylish lounge with a black walnut bar and Asian elements that serves worldwide bar nibbles and sophisticated cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Expatriate is known for its wonton chips nachos, as well as its cool and inventive drinks and impressive pub fares.
Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as well as the cheerful and upbeat music selections that will have you moving on the weekends.
What to Eat
The Shrimp Toast is well-loved by customers, which comprises herbs. daikon salad, and ginger-sweet soy-sesame sauce.
If you’re craving something traditional, they also have the American Standard (two burger plates consisting of quarter-pound all-beef patties cooked medium rare, American cheese, Heinz ketchup, mustard, and raw onion, all on a soft bun).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
Related: Family Resorts Near Portland, Oregon
34. Güero
200 NE 28th Ave
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 887-9258
Güero, which started in 2017, serves Mexican sandwiches and veggie bowls made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as drinks.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This elegant Mexican neighborhood hangout with a well-curated list of mezcals and tequilas isn’t your typical Mexican hangout.
They pride themselves on infusing rich flavor into classic Mexican meals, and they are frequently featured on shows and recognized in articles as one of the top restaurants in the city.
What to Eat
The Carnitas Tortas is your best choice, which is basically a pork burger made out of Carlton Farms pork, avocado, fresh onion, cilantro, lime, cabbage, and pickled onion with chile-lime mayonesa on toasted telera.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Mark Spencer Hotel
35. Navarre
10 NE 28th Ave
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 232-3555
Navarre is a cozy, romantic restaurant that serves farm-to-table European small meals and has a carefully curated wine list.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For Portland couples looking for breakfast dishes served in a modern environment with outdoor seating, brunch in Navarre with its French butter and homemade jam is always a smart idea.
Aside from that, Navarre is noted for its more than 50 wines by the glass, as well as small and large plates with Italian, French, and Spanish influences.
What to Eat
For an interesting take on your eggs, try the Cauliflower, Paprika, and Cilantro Scramble, which is a flavorsome and somewhat spicy yet nutritious egg dish, or a classic Crab Cake Benedict for an easier pick you’re guaranteed to love.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Portland
36. Ox
2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 284-3366
Ox, a modern cafe with a bar that serves Argentinian-inspired food cooked on a wood-fired grill, first opened its doors in early 2012.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For a setting that’s out of the ordinary, Ox is one of the most popular restaurants to try.
As soon as you enter, you’ll see Ox’s centerpiece: a hand-cranked wood-burning grill, which serves delectable chops, ribeyes, and chorizo glazed with its garlicky Black Gold juice drippings.
Aside from that, this Argentine restaurant has a fantastic wine list with South American reds and creative cocktails to go with your steak.
What to Eat
For a delectable dish straight from the garden, try the Nettle & Ricotta Gnudi comprising nettle & ricotta dumplings, gorgonzola dolce cream sauce, steamed snap peas, butter-roasted almonds, and chile flakes.
The Beef Empanada is perfect for a lighter meal, which is made up of spiced beef, green olive, and raisin in fried pastry.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Park Lane Suites & Inn
37. Thơm
3039 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
(971) 255-1947
Thơm is a 10-seater Vietnamese eatery that opened in 2021 and specializes in pho served in a nice blonde wood setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Thơm is noted for ushering in a new age of Vietnamese cuisine in the Oregon area, with its Vietnamese cuisine based on three decades of family history.
The design is a clean, minimalistic room that highlights the colorful Portland eats offered, with shelves of Vietnamese goods arranged around the dining area.
What to Eat
If this is your first visit, start with the Phở Bò, which features delightfully slippery noodles and sliced beef still boiling in a glistening broth seasoned with clove spice and herbs.
Try the Cơm Gà, or chicken with rice, with a five-spiced rub and a gorgeously black braise for a rice-based dish.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Pearl District
Related: Things to Do Near Portland, Oregon
38. G-Love
1615 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(971) 229-1043
G-Love, located in The Carson Apartments, is Portland’s first reverse steakhouse, serving vibrant drinks and vegetable-focused cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Looking for restaurants near you with a unique concept worth checking out?
If you’re not familiar with the concept of a reverse steakhouse, it’s a restaurant that focuses on vegetables with fewer portions of protein.
G-Love offers just that, plus inventive desserts, a world-class wine list, and fun cocktails, all served in a relaxed, modern, and romantic setting.
What to Eat
Vegetable dishes dominate the menu such as oxheart carrots balanced with fresh mozzarella and macadamia nut pesto.
However, for meat lovers, there’s a charred hanger steak with new potatoes and yogurt-caper whip or the favorite fried chicken with avocado-ranch.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Silver Cloud Hotel – Portland
39. Langbaan
6 SE 28th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
(971) 344-2564
Langbaan, a little Thai restaurant with a rustic feel inside Sunrose Building Condominiums, serves family-style dinners and daytime cooking workshops.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For creatively done Thai fare, Langbaan is one of the best restaurants Portland has to offer.
Langbaan, which means “back of the house” in Thai, is a small 24-seat restaurant within Paadee, a casual Thai restaurant that specializes in regional Issan cuisine.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food from the tasting menus is homey and delicate while still including complex recipes that a genuine gourmet would appreciate.
What to Eat
Be on the lookout for the Kanom Krok with Hokkaido scallop, coconut cream, lemongrass, lime leaf, and crispy rice cup as the menu is seasonal.
Also, try the Gaeng Som which is a sour curry with King salmon and salmon roe, ripe papaya, taro stem, and snap peas.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lolo Pass
40. Mama Bird
2145 NW Raleigh St
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 384-2064
Mama Bird serves wood-fired chicken and veggie dishes, as well as an 11-tap beer menu and an excellent wine list, in a sleek wooden setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Choosing where to eat in Portland is overwhelming, so stop by Mama Bird in the morning for one of the best breakfasts in the neighborhood.
Brunch at Mama Bird is a memorable experience, whether in the wood-centric dining room or on the elegant, airy patio with a fire pit.
This newcomer is gluten-free and allergy-friendly while still serving some of the best breakfast and lunch dishes in town, including biscuits & gravy and salad.
What to Eat
The MB Salad comprising greens, chicories, radish, cucumber, seasonal fruit, herbs, seeds, and charred scallion vinaigrette is an outstanding choice for starters or even a light lunch.
If you’re still hungry, another best-seller you shouldn’t miss is the MB Cornbread which is made of Camas Country red flint cornmeal with whipped honey chili butter and sea salt.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn at Northrup Station
41. Mediterranean Exploration Company
333 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 222-0906
In an industrial-chic atmosphere, Mediterranean Exploration Company delivers sophisticated Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine and beverages.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This chic Mediterranean spot is one of the top Portland restaurants especially if you’re a huge fan of lamb chops and bacon-wrapped dates.
Drop by and be amazed by well-plated flavorful Mediterranean staples served by knowledgeable staff who know which wine to pair with what.
What to Eat
Try those wonderful Chicken Meatballs with cured lemon aioli, spring pea salad, and almond.
The MEC Radicchio Salad with torn radicchio, cherries, pecorino romano, red onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, and yogurt dressing served on the side is a healthier pick.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Portland-Northwest Downtown, an IHG Hotel
42. Q Restaurant & Bar
828 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 850-8915
Q Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated and romantic space that serves Pacific Northwest cuisine that is inspired by local ingredients.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
With Q Restaurant & Bar, fine dining in Portland has never been more beautiful.
This restaurant has a nice bar with panoramic windows, an open kitchen with seating and views from the chef’s counter, and an airy dining area.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, a family meal, or a romantic date night, you’ll find that dining here is a rewarding experience.
What to Eat
If you’re in for dinner, sample those incredible Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with chèvre and Marcona almonds with a marsala sauce topped with microgreens.
Follow it with the popular Osso Bucco entree, which is rich, and flavorful, and the meat is fork-tender.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: McMenamins Crystal Hotel
43. Blossoming Lotus Portland
1713 NE 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 228-0048
Blossoming Lotus Portland is a casual, trendy restaurant with a bar that serves organic vegan fusion meals, including some raw foods.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Blossoming Lotus Portland is noted as one of the best rated restaurants in Portland for delivering sophisticated international vegan cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re a vegan or not, you’ll adore the original, clean, and fresh cuisine because each dish is so delectable and unique that even meat-eaters will want to order more.
What to Eat
If you’re just in time for lunch, order their Chickpea & Kale Salad which is made up of massaged kale, marinated chickpeas, toasted pepitas, avocado, chevre, dried apricots, and drizzled with lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
The Adobo Potato Tacos is fantastic if you need some protein with its green adobo roasted potatoes, pecan chorizo, guacamole, and cilantro, and served with pinto beans and pickled red onions.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard Portland Downtown / Convention Center
44. Andina Restaurant
1314 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-9535
In a friendly, lively environment, Andina Restaurant serves upmarket Peruvian tapas and meals, as well as regional cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Andina Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Portland if you want to sample Peruvian contemporary cuisine.
The elegant yet modern decor, which includes immaculate white tablecloths, modern chandelier-lantern hybrids hanging overhead, and multicolored napkins, would also impress.
What to Eat
For Peruvian food first-timers, pick the Humita, which is the Peruvian version of “tamales” filled with queso fresco and served with uchucuta de rocoto (hot sauce) and salsa criolla.
Follow it with a Peruvian pasta like the Gnocchi Escabechado with foraged mushrooms, ají escabechado, and burnt scallion uchucuta.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Portland NW
45. Cabezon Restaurant
5200 NE Sacramento St
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 284-6617
Cabezon Restaurant is a wooden-raftered cafe with a tiny fish counter that serves local seafood dishes and has a large wine list.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cabezon is a busy NE Portland neighborhood bistro with a cuisine centered on locally sourced seafood from well-managed fisheries and wood-fired meats.
This warmly illuminated wood-centric environment, complete with jellyfish-shaped lanterns, is one of the best birthday restaurants in Portland if you want an experience to remember.
What to Eat
Begin with some mouthwatering seafood like the Totten Inlet Mussels with borlotti beans, Spanish chorizo, fries, and saffron rouille.
There’s also the Pan Roasted Ling Cod with chive mashers, kale rabe, English peas, grilled asparagus, cipollinis, and green garlic jus to complete a seafood lover’s dream.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Clarion Hotel Portland International Airport
46. Screen Door Eastside
2337 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 542-0880
In a spacious setting, Screen Door Eastside delivers polished Southern favorites like buttermilk-fried chicken and Sunday brunch.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Screen Door Eastside is one of the best dinner places in Portland to celebrate something special amidst the intimate and rustic ambiance it provides.
From South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine to Southern soul food to polished Creole and French dishes, this restaurant celebrates the rebirth of regional American cuisine.
What to Eat
The most popular item on the menu is the Fried Chicken and Waffles, which are often raved about and chosen by customers for brunch.
Choose from one, two, or three pieces of Screen Door’s signature buttermilk-battered fried chicken breast(s) atop a sweet potato waffle sprinkled with syrup.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Inn at the Meadows
47. Lechon
113 SW Naito Pkwy
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 219-9000
In downtown Portland, Lechon is a colorful, rustic-chic hangout with unique South American cuisine, happy hours, and a tapas menu.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy the best lunch in Portland with your closest friends and family in a rustic environment with dishes served family-style to promote sharing and experimenting with new flavors.
You can marvel at the 1,300-gallon live jellyfish and coral reef aquariums, the huge 4-story atrium, or watch the cooks grill on the parrilla in the open kitchen while you wait for your food.
What to Eat
Try a handheld lunch like the Brisket Empanadas with golden raisins, fontina cheese, and ancho aioli for something easier to consume if you’re in a hurry.
For a slow-paced sit-down meal, have the Lan Roc Pork Chop with pistachios, dijon mustard, artichoke relish, piquillo pepper romesco, and fine herbs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Portland Airport
48. Tin Shed Garden Cafe
1438 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-6966
Established in 2002, Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a dog-friendly, family-friendly restaurant specializing in American cuisine, with a covered patio and a dog menu.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Tin Shed Garden Cafe has something for everyone, serving some of the best food in Portland for adults, kids, and dogs.
They specialize in creatively twisting basic American cuisine to keep things fresh and set themselves apart from other breakfast and lunch establishments.
What to Eat
Trust the name of “You Gotta Have It” which is an omelet made up of two eggs any style with your choice of apple-wood smoked bacon, pork, chicken, veggie or vegan sausage, and served with a house-buttermilk biscuit for a satisfying breakfast.
As if that’s not filling enough, it also comes with your choice of potato cakes topped with sour cream and green onion or sharp cheddar grits.
For your furry friend, order the Doggie Dessert (blended banana, peanut butter, and yogurt).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: McMenamins Kennedy School
49. Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-5255
Bamboo Sushi delivers sushi made from certified sustainably sourced seafood as well as a variety of sakes in a contemporary setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Visit this Portland-based Japanese spot that offers sharing platters, rolls, nigiri, and a fantastic wagyu burger, as well as cocktails and sake, whenever you’re in town.
Bamboo Sushi is one of the good restaurants in Portland for wonderful Japanese cuisine for any occasion, from casual birthdays to special dinner dates.
What to Eat
Opt for their signature rolls like the Chasing The Dragon comprising shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, seasoned crab, cucumber, avocado, and tempura crunchies.
The second best seller is the Green Machine Roll made out of tempura-fried green beans, green onion, avocado, and cilantro sweet chili aioli.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Paramount Hotel Portland
50. Mother’s Bistro & Bar
121 SW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 464-1122
Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a cozy cafe and bar with country-chic decor and chandeliers that serves substantial comfort-food favorites.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a restaurant inspired by home-cooked meals from moms all over the world, prepared using traditional cooking skills and a lot of love.
Enjoy slow-cooked comfort dishes handcrafted from scratch and served with a smile in one of the best restaurants in Portland for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What to Eat
They offer incredible breakfast food but the dinner menu is also marvelous.
For example, the Five-Hour Braised Pot Roast with Painted Hills grass-fed beef short rib, red wine gravy, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetable melts in your mouth with every bite.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Washington Plaza – Portland
Map of Restaurants in Portland
50 Best Portland Restaurants for 2023
- Gracie’s Apizza
- St. Jack
- Ringside Steakhouse
- Toki Restaurant
- Mucca Osteria
- Republica
- Murata Restaurant
- Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
- Casa Zoraya
- Kabba’s Kitchen
- Eem
- Erica’s Soul Food
- Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
- Berlu
- Nong’s Khao Man Gai
- Le Pigeon
- Matta
- Scotch Lodge
- Normandie
- Hat Yai
- Nimblefish
- Quaintrelle
- Jacqueline
- Mirisata
- Magna Kusina
- Ripe Cooperative
- Urdaneta
- Jojo Food Truck
- Gado Gado
- Malka
- Kayo’s Ramen Bar
- Sweedeedee
- Expatriate
- Güero
- Navarre
- Ox
- Thơm
- G-Love
- Langbaan
- Mama Bird
- Mediterranean Exploration Company
- Q Restaurant & Bar
- Blossoming Lotus Portland
- Andina Restaurant
- Cabezon Restaurant
- Screen Door Eastside
- Lechon
- Tin Shed Garden Cafe
- Bamboo Sushi
- Mother’s Bistro & Bar
