The truth is, I love food – it’s the reason I’m a few pounds over (ahem). But I just happen to live in one of the world’s premier foodie destinations, so I have zero regrets. There is always, ALWAYS another restaurant opening up in this town. It’s a big decision…deciding where to eat in Portland. I grapple with this decision every day.
Best Food in Portland
When I first sat down to write this post, it was difficult to know where to start. When it comes to a great meal, Portland is truly multi-national, multi-cultural and all-encompassing. The food carts here alone reflect this. You will literally find cuisine from most any country in the world in this town.
And so, I am forced to be terribly selective on the food choices I make. I have my clear favorites, to be sure. And like every other creature of habit, I go back to my favorites more than I branch out to try new places. Shame on me!
You will not find ANY chain restaurants in this post. Honestly, I’m not sure why national chain franchises even exist in Portland, because there are SO MANY locally-run, world-class restaurants with unique culinary adventures you will never find in an Olive Garden or TGI-Fridays. But for some reason, people still go to these boring mainstays. Whatever, I’ll never understand why.
Restaurants in Portland by Cuisine
Best All-American. The Eastburn is located on, as you might imagine, East Burnside Street. I love this neighborhood joint because they have a cozy yet tastefully-decorated inside that includes a few tables with swinging wicker chairs. Or, if you prefer not to have movement as you dine, booths, and tables are available, as well as covered patio seating in the back. They have the best burgers in town, and do a might fine brunch on the weekends.
Best Southern (New Orleans Style). Miss Delta. Shrimp ‘n Grits. Po boys. Southern fried chicken. All of it, delightfully soul comforting. This, in my humble opinion, is the best restaurant on North Mississippi Ave. They have a full bar with cozy seating on the inside and a handful of covered outdoor seating for those rare warm Portland days.
Best Wings. Fire on the Mountain. I come back here time and again for that wickedly indulgent, just-need-a-food-hug obsession – the almighty hot wing. You will not find a better bite-size leg of heaven than at this cozy joint, with three locations in Portland. They have a dipping menu of sauces to try out before you buy. The wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – and you can even bring a hot-wing-hater along, as they have other great menu items, as well.
Best Chinese. Duck House. San Diego chef Ivan Liu is a master at playing with aromatics and heat, creating a blend of flavors that will bring tears – both emotional and spice-inspired – to your eyes.
Best Sushi. Nimblefish is a tiny, intimate space, with one long communal table. So be prepared to rub elbows with your neighbors and wax philosophical about how Portland isn’t known for being a sushi destination. But if it was, this establishment would be at the forefront.
Best BBQ. If you know your barbeque, I don’t need to say much other than three (count ‘em, THREE) are my top pics. Flip a coin, if you can find a 3-sided one, and choose from: Miss Delta, Matt’s BBQ food cart and Southland Whiskey Kitchen on NW 23rd.
Best Lebanese/Mediterranean. Nicholas Restaurant. The minute you enter, the smell of their incredible flatbread acts as the perfect aperitif for a golden meal.
Best Food Cart. Oooohhh them’s fightin’ words! It is literally impossible to say what the best food cart in the city is, but go HERE. There are literally hundreds of food carts, and dozens of food cart pods scattered throughout the metro area.
Best Brunch. Again, very much an impossibility to say definitively. But my pick is Gravy on North Mississippi. Large portions with comfort food so seriously good and filling that you will only need a snack later that evening.
Best Italian. Nostrana is an Italian institution in Portland, and a wise elder in which newer Italian joints seek to emulate. Their uber-fresh pasta and razor-thin Neapolitan pizza are paired with an extensive wine list.
Best Pizza. Sizzle Pie. With several locations around town, With a rock ‘n roll vibe, they serve pizza by the slice so everyone in your party is happy. And they get creative with their pies, too. Think classic pizza ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage, and chicken, and turn it up several notches with creations like The Ol’ Dirty (Salami, Ricotta, Olive Oil, Pepperocinis) and Raising Arizona (Chicken, Bacon, fresh Tomatoes, Paraasan sauce). Vegan and vegetarian options are available, as well. Oh, and salad and dessert!
Best Vegan. When you’re craving some plant-based delicacies, then Blossoming Lotus is your sanctuary. Not only is this eatery celebrated for its innovative and mouth-watering vegan dishes, but the ambiance here will also have you feeling at home the moment you step in. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch or a cozy dinner, their menu, brimming with locally-sourced ingredients and creative flair, promises a culinary adventure that’s both delightful and satisfying. Trust me, the Live Nachos and Barbecue Thai Wrap are must-try dishes!
Best Indian. Bollywood Theatre – I know, the name sounds gimmicky. But the food is anything but. It serves a mix of classic curries, regional street dishes, and thali meals. They also serve up Indian-influenced cocktail and a laid-back vibe.
Cheap Eats in Portland
For a good cheap, filling meal, I almost always opt for pizza. While Portland in no way can compete with a Chicago or New York slice, we do try REALLY hard at artisan pizza. Y’know the ones with fancy ingredients such as artichoke hearts and arugula. Sizzle Pie fits the bill.
Mid-Range Eats in Portland
Olympia Provisions. Not only is this a trendy space to fill your face, but they are also Oregon’s only USDA-certified meat-during facility. Yep, they do their own meat – so you know it’s fresh. You will also find their hand-crafted meats in many of the more upscale grocery stores about town.
As the Brits Say – SWISH!
Le Pigeon is where you will want to make it an occasion – whether it is an anniversary, a proposal, or a celebration of your multi-million-dollar book deal. (“Ha!” She says ruefully on the last one!) It serves some of the best French food in the city in a cozy, brick wall, communal-style atmosphere. Exquisite food without the stuffiness. Want a hint? Foie gras profiteroles with caramel for dessert.
Kann is Portland’s current foodie darling. This amazing Haitian eatery has given me the best foodie experience in Portland to date. Chef/owner Gregory. Gourdet has taken his Haitian roots and presented them PNW style, with great aplomb. Good luck finding a reservation, though. You have to be Johnny-on-the-sport when reservations open up for the following month. But it is oh so worth it.
Best Dessert in Portland Oregon
There really is only one choice here. And that is Rimsky-Korsakoffee House. This iconic Portland dessert house opens late and stays open VERY late. Located in a rickety house in Southeast, they serve freshly prepared and delectable desserts paired with great coffee and teas, and at reasonable prices. Bring your cash, as that is all they will accept!
Best Neighborhoods in Portland for Restaurants
If you don’t want to drive all around town looking for a place to eat, here are some great neighborhoods that have a nice mix of restaurants to choose from, within walking distance.
NW 23rd Street. A great selection of restaurants, bars, and shopping. You need an entire day to thoroughly cover the area. Make a day of it and have breakfast, lunch, dinner AND an evening cocktail, with shopping in between. Grassa is a great place for an inexpensive, pasta-based lunch, and my top pick for this neighborhood.
North Mississippi/Williams Streets. Same as above, only this time you have two streets to cover! While not as concentrated as NW 23rd, the same strategy applies, with a few blocks’ walking distance in between. Miss Delta is a great place for BBQ here, and my top pick in the area.
The Pearl District. This is where all the exclusive art galleries are. Consequently, you will also find some pretty discerning eating establishments. And also some down-home tasty fare and cheap eats. Whatever your poison, you will find it in the Pearl.
Downtown. What can I say? You’re going to need a map for this. Here’s a great one. Downtown Portland covers a generous area, so it’s best to plan strategically.
