Portland, Oregon, is undeniably a haven for food enthusiasts. Living here, I’ve embraced the city’s vibrant food scene wholeheartedly, perhaps a little too enthusiastically if my waistline is anything to go by! New restaurants are constantly emerging, making the simple question of “where to eat?” a daily delightful dilemma. If you’re wondering where to find the Best Food In Portland, you’ve come to the right place. Navigating the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming, but fear not, I’m here to guide you through some exceptional culinary experiences that this city has to offer.
Restaurants in Portland by Cuisine
Portland’s culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, reflecting a melting pot of global flavors and innovative local creations. Forget chain restaurants; in Portland, it’s all about unique, locally-owned establishments that offer unforgettable dining adventures. Here are some standout restaurants categorized by cuisine to help you navigate the best food in Portland.
Best All-American. The Eastburn, situated on East Burnside Street, is a neighborhood gem with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Imagine sinking into a swinging wicker chair as you dine, or opt for a cozy booth or a table on their covered patio. The Eastburn truly shines with its classic American fare, boasting some of the best burgers in Portland. Don’t miss their brunch on weekends, a local favorite for good reason.
Best Southern (New Orleans Style). Craving soul-comforting food? Look no further than Miss Delta on North Mississippi Avenue. This restaurant captures the heart of New Orleans cuisine with dishes like Shrimp ‘n Grits, flavorful Po’boys, and perfectly Southern fried chicken. In my opinion, Miss Delta is a highlight of the North Mississippi food scene. Enjoy the cozy interior with a full bar, or snag a spot on their limited covered outdoor seating when the Portland weather is kind.
Best Wings. For the ultimate hot wing experience, Fire on the Mountain is my unwavering choice. When that craving for wickedly delicious, perfectly indulgent wings hits, this is where I head. With three locations across Portland, Fire on the Mountain offers bite-sized pieces of heaven, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their dipping sauce menu is extensive, allowing you to customize your wing adventure. Even if wings aren’t your thing (though I can’t imagine why!), they have other tasty menu items to satisfy everyone in your group.
Best Chinese. Duck House is where culinary artistry meets bold flavors. Chef Ivan Liu, originally from San Diego, is a true master of aromatics and spice. His dishes are a symphony of flavors, expertly balanced to create a dining experience that can evoke both spice-induced and genuinely emotional tears of joy. Prepare for a Chinese food experience unlike any other in Portland.
Best Sushi. Nimblefish offers an intimate and unique sushi experience. This tiny restaurant features a single, long communal table, encouraging interaction with fellow diners. While Portland might not be the first city that comes to mind for sushi, Nimblefish is challenging that notion. If Portland were a sushi destination, Nimblefish would undoubtedly be leading the way, offering some of the best sushi in Portland.
Best BBQ. For barbecue aficionados, Portland boasts some serious contenders. In fact, choosing just one is impossible, so I’ll give you my top three: Miss Delta (yes, they excel in more than just Southern!), Matt’s BBQ food cart, and Botto’s BBQ. Each offers distinct and delicious barbecue, making them all worthy of the title of best BBQ in Portland. Try them all and decide your personal favorite!
Best Lebanese/Mediterranean. The moment you step into Nicholas Restaurant, the aroma of their freshly baked flatbread envelops you, setting the stage for a fantastic meal. Nicholas Restaurant is a Portland institution, serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine that is consistently delicious and comforting.
Best Food Cart. Naming the “best food cart” in a city renowned for its food cart culture is a near-impossible task. Portland’s food cart scene is legendary, offering an astounding array of cuisines and flavors. To get a taste of the vast offerings, this article is a great starting point. With hundreds of food carts scattered across numerous “pods” throughout the city, exploring Portland’s food carts is a culinary adventure in itself.
Best Brunch. Similar to food carts, declaring the “best brunch” in Portland is subjective and fiercely debated. However, my personal favorite is Gravy on North Mississippi. Known for its generous portions of seriously delicious comfort food, Gravy’s brunch is so satisfying that it will likely tide you over until dinner. Be prepared for a wait, but trust me, it’s worth it for one of the best brunches in Portland.
Best Italian. Nostrana is a true Italian institution in Portland, a culinary elder that newer Italian restaurants often aspire to emulate. Their commitment to fresh, handmade pasta and incredibly thin, Neapolitan-style pizza is unmatched. Complementing the food is an extensive wine list, making Nostrana a top choice for best Italian food in Portland.
Best Pizza. For pizza with a rock ‘n roll attitude, head to Sizzle Pie. With multiple locations around town, Sizzle Pie offers pizza by the slice, perfect for groups with diverse tastes. They are known for their creative and often quirky pizza combinations, taking classic ingredients like pepperoni and sausage to the next level. Try signature pies like “The Ol’ Dirty” or “Raising Arizona” for a unique pizza experience. Vegan and vegetarian options are also readily available, along with salads and desserts.
Best Vegan. When plant-based cravings strike, Blossoming Lotus is your vegan sanctuary. This restaurant is celebrated not only for its innovative and incredibly flavorful vegan dishes but also for its welcoming and homey ambiance. Whether you’re seeking a hearty brunch or a cozy dinner, Blossoming Lotus’s menu is brimming with locally-sourced ingredients and creative culinary flair. For a truly memorable vegan meal, don’t miss the Live Nachos and the Barbecue Thai Wrap – they are absolute must-tries and showcase some of the best vegan food in Portland.
Best Indian. Bollywood Theatre might sound like a gimmicky name, but the food is anything but. This vibrant restaurant serves a fantastic mix of classic Indian curries, regional street food dishes, and satisfying thali meals. They also offer Indian-inspired cocktails and cultivate a laid-back, fun atmosphere, making it a great spot for experiencing best Indian food in Portland in a relaxed setting.
Cheap Eats in Portland
For delicious food that won’t break the bank, Portland has plenty of options. Pizza is always a reliable and filling choice for a cheap meal. While Portland might not rival Chicago or New York in classic slice style, the city excels at artisan pizza, often featuring gourmet ingredients. Sizzle Pie is a great option for affordable and creative pizza. However, for truly cheap eats, you can’t beat Portland’s ubiquitous food carts. They are scattered throughout the city and offer a vast array of cuisines at budget-friendly prices, making them the go-to for cheap eats in Portland.
Mid-Range Eats in Portland
Olympia Provisions offers a trendy and delicious mid-range dining experience. Beyond being a stylish place to eat, Olympia Provisions is notable as Oregon’s only USDA-certified meat-curing facility. They craft their own meats in-house, ensuring exceptional freshness and quality. You can also find their artisanal meats in many upscale grocery stores around Portland, a testament to their quality and reputation.
Swish! (High-End) Eats in Portland
For special occasions or when you’re looking to indulge in a truly exceptional dining experience, Portland’s “swish” restaurants offer unforgettable meals. Le Pigeon is the perfect spot for anniversaries, celebrations, or any event that calls for something special. This restaurant serves some of the best French food in Portland in a cozy, communal setting. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, offering exquisite food without any stuffiness. For a decadent treat, don’t miss the foie gras profiteroles with caramel for dessert.
Kann is currently the darling of Portland’s food scene. This incredible Haitian restaurant offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience. Chef/owner Gregory Gourdet beautifully blends his Haitian heritage with Pacific Northwest ingredients and culinary techniques. Securing a reservation at Kann can be challenging as they are highly sought after, but the experience is undeniably worth the effort. Dining at Kann is not just a meal; it’s an immersive culinary journey and easily one of the best food experiences in Portland.
Best Dessert in Portland Oregon
When it comes to dessert in Portland, there’s one place that stands out as truly iconic: Rimsky-Korsakoffee House. This unique dessert house operates late into the night, housed in a charmingly rickety house in Southeast Portland. They serve freshly prepared and delectable desserts paired with excellent coffee and teas, all at reasonable prices. Remember to bring cash, as that’s the only form of payment they accept at this Portland institution.
Best Neighborhoods in Portland for Restaurants
If you prefer to explore a concentrated area with a variety of dining options within walking distance, these Portland neighborhoods are excellent choices:
NW 23rd Street. This vibrant street offers a fantastic selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. You could easily spend an entire day exploring NW 23rd, enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening cocktails, with shopping interspersed throughout. For a casual and delicious pasta-focused lunch, Grassa is a top recommendation in this neighborhood.
North Mississippi/Williams Streets. Similar to NW 23rd, North Mississippi and Williams Streets offer a diverse range of restaurants and shops. While slightly less concentrated than NW 23rd, these streets are easily walkable and packed with culinary gems. Miss Delta is a standout choice in this area for barbecue and Southern cuisine.
The Pearl District. Known for its upscale art galleries, the Pearl District also boasts a sophisticated dining scene. Here, you’ll find a mix of discerning restaurants, trendy eateries, and even some down-to-earth and cheap eats options. Whatever your culinary preference, the Pearl District offers a diverse and exciting range of dining experiences.
Downtown. Downtown Portland is a sprawling area with an immense variety of restaurants. Navigating the downtown food scene can be an adventure in itself! This walkable dining guide is a helpful resource for planning your culinary exploration. Downtown Portland truly has something for everyone, from quick bites to fine dining.
Portland is a true food lover’s paradise. With its incredible diversity, innovative chefs, and passion for local and global flavors, discovering the best food in Portland is an ongoing and delicious adventure. So, get out there and explore – your taste buds will thank you!
