5 Best Portland Food Tours

Going on a food tour is one of the best ways to really get the essence of a city. Portland, in particular, is considered one of the top restaurant destinations in the world. So, it’s only follows there is wonderful variety of Portland foodie tours that cover every aspect of what makes Portland such a culinary destination.

Every city usually has their standard cuisine. But not Portland. The Rose City is literally a cornucopia of worldwide flavors. Sure, many of the best restaurants and food carts religiously use local ingredients to make the freshest dishes. But there really is no one type of cuisine or dish that Portland is famous for. We do it all!

Having lived in Portland for over twenty years, I have seen a lot. I’ve witnessed the astronomical rise of Portland as a foodie destination. I have seen beloved restaurants come and go. But the mainstays all have one thing in common: they consistently serve top-notch cuisine, and are visited again and again by residents and visitors alike.

Come along as I show you the best Portland, Oregon food tours! Each of these food tours are run by local guides whose passion shines through for not only the food you’ll sample, but for Portland culture and history.

All of these tours are happy to accommodate for dietary restrictions, as well. Portland is renowned for its wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and glute-free options.

Book any of these food tours and get ready to explore Portland – one bite at a time.

**This post contains affiliate links. When you click through to any of these reputable food tours, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Portland Food Tours

Side Dish Mafia

The Side Dish Mafia food tour in Portland, Oregon, offers a unique and immersive culinary exploration that takes participants on a flavor-packed journey through part of the city’s vibrant food scene. David crafts a meticulously curated tour, taking you on a gastronomic journey with his humor, quick wit, and intimate details of the city of Portland.

Not only did we sample some amazing food on this tour, I got an education about the city I lived in for so long. He was chock full of facts about this town I never even knew – I was amazing and entertained the entire 3.5 hours he took us around downtown Portland.

This tour offered a lot of variety, beginning with probably the best breakfast sandwich in all of Portland. Along the way, we stopped and samples bites from a chocolate shop, a downtown food cart pod, a delicious Thai hangout, and an authentic Hawaiian shave ice spot. Then, the pièce de resistance, the most mouth-watering, fresh-from-the-oven, chocolate chip cookie I had ever had.

The tour concluded at a wine bar housed in an old converted London double-decker bus! All told, going on a Side Dish Mafia food tour provides an unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about food and eager to explore the flavors that make Portland uniquely enticing.

Book David’s epic food tour here!  Prices start at USD 119/person

Lost Plate Food Tours

Lost Plate Food Tours provide a distinctive gastronomic adventure that caters to those eager to immerse themselves in the local Portland food culture from a unique, off-the-beaten-path perspective. Michelle Bergery is a Portland resident and when she’s not keeping her finger on the pulse of Portland’s food scene, she is in some other part of the world feeding her foodie passion. She has personally curated a handful of amazing food tours in Portland, and the one I went to was no exception.

Specializing in small-group tours, Michelle offers experiences such as the popular Food Carts, Pods, and Patio Tour, showcasing the rich street food scene that has helped put Portland on the foodie map. They also offer a Downtown Coffee & Donut Tour!

The tours are designed to introduce participants to not only the flavors but also the stories behind the dishes and the people who make them. Visitors can expect knowledgeable and passionate guides, locals themselves, who are eager to share insider tips, fun facts, and personal anecdotes, making each tour feel like an intimate outing with friends rather than a generic sightseeing experience.

My guide on this particular tour was Herb. A friendly, talkative chap who did not hesitate to answer everyone’s questions with a crazy amount of knowledge and a dash of humor. Not only did we get to savor the best of two popular food cart pods, we got an insider’s look into Portland secret food hall (one even neighborhood residents didn’t even know about.) We ended the tour with a nice brewery tasting. Food carts AND beer? The best of both worlds.

Book Your Tour with Lost Plate Food Tours here.

Prices start at USD 94/person

Food Tours by Daniel

A food tour from Daniel is your ticket to a culinary adventure unlike any other! Participants are invited to taste their way through Portland’s vibrant food scene. From exploring historic neighborhoods to sampling innovative dishes that put Portland on the foodie map, each tour is hosted by a personable and passionate tour guide, giving you a delicious deep-dive into the local culture and cuisine.

One standout experience he offers is the Mississippi Avenue Food Tour. This culinary gem brings the neighborhood’s diverse culinary scene to life, promising guests an unforgettable exploration of flavors. Walking down Mississippi Avenue, one of my favorite streets in the city for its artsy culture, you’ll encounter everything from mouthwatering BBQ to artisanal treats that tickle the taste buds. It’s not just about savoring the food; it’s the stories behind these eateries, the passionate chefs, and the community itself that truly enrich the experience.

Expect to indulge in a variety of tastes that capture the essence of Portland’s food scene, from food carts to restaurants to dessert makers. Whether you’re a fan of savory delights or have a sweet tooth, there’s something here for everyone. And the best part? You’ll leave not only with a satisfied palate but also with insider knowledge about Portland’s bustling culinary landscape.

Book the Mississippi Ave Food Tour Here!

Prices start at USD 110

Portland by Mouth

Portland by Mouth Food Tours is your all-access pass to the city’s most delectable, must-try culinary spots! Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Portland with an expert guide leading the way to an unforgettable tasting adventure. These tours are a food lover’s dream, offering a range of experiences that cater to every palate. With currently three tours to choose from, one explores the vibrant Kerns neighborhood, another the bustling Buckman neighborhood, and the other a fantastic journey through the brunch scene on Mississippi Ave.

On my tour through the Buckman neighborhood, we sampled everything from delectable Thai chicken wings to authentic Russian dumplings to a mouth-watering banh mi sandwich. At the end we celebrated with a delicious cocktail flight at a celebrated cocktail bar. This tour was a wonderful mix of both restaurant and food cart options.

What truly sets Portland by Mouth Food Tours apart is the emphasis on the story behind the plate. It’s not just about tasting incredible food (which, trust me, you will), but also a nice history about the neighborhoods that are home to these incredible eateries. You’ll meet passionate chefs, learn about the city’s sustainable eating practices, and maybe even pick up a few culinary secrets along the way.

Want breakfast instead? Book their ever-popular Brunch on Mississippi here! Prices start 95 USD

Portland’s Brunch Tour

The Portland Brunch Tour, guided by local food enthusiast Ian, offers an early morning excursion into the city’s vibrant breakfast scene, known for revolutionizing the most important meal of the day. Rather than walking, participants in this tour get the comfort and convenience of private transportation through quaint neighborhoods, stopping at landmarks such as Cheryls on 12th, and Tanaka, serving Japanese comfort food.  

Ian’s in-depth knowledge of the city’s food lineage means guests will not only indulge in the best of Portland’s brunch offerings, such as seasonal hashes and artisanal coffees but also learn about the origins and inspirations behind each dish. This tour promises a blend of hearty, innovative, and locally-sourced fare, encapsulating the essence of Portland’s eclectic taste and penchant for reinvention.

Book Ian’s brunch tour here!

Prices start at USD 120/person

With small group sizes for a more personalized experience, and a knowledgeable, friendly guide leading the way, all of these Portland Oregon food tours go beyond the average food crawl. They invite you to engage with the city’s food culture on a deeper level.

portland food tours

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