In an area as heavily populated—and as frequently visited—as Portland, deciding the simple things can seem to take forever. With so many amazing options to grab a bite to eat in the middle of scenic downtown Portland, deciding where to go and what to do can take longer than actually going out and enjoying yourself!
You’re in luck, however, because we’ve decided to do the hard work for you. That’s right, we’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Portland! From a beer with a side of greasy burgers and fries to a traditional sit-down meal at Portland’s largest oyster bar, these restaurants have made the grade, and are waiting for you to stop by! Let’s get started!
1: Ovation Coffee & Tea
With options for breakfast, lunch, and gluten-free items, Ovation Coffee & Tea is the best place to go if you’re looking for a delicious meal early in the day! Breakfast sandwiches lead the way, which is served on biscuits, as well as delectable pastries like a toasted coconut scone, or a flaky apple croissant.
Additionally, there’s plenty of drinks to choose from! Hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, hot coffee, and traditional Moroccan beverages. With a variety of sandwiches and paninis for lunch, Ovation aims to bring you a unique dining experience, littered with Moroccan themes. With 5 stars on Yelp!, make sure you check in as soon as possible!
2: Bergerac Bistro
Bringing the taste of France to Portland, it’s easy to see why Bergerac Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Portland. Bergerac boasts authentic French food made using local, organic ingredients whenever possible and no artificial ingredients ever! Owner and head chef Joris Barbaray hails from Bergerac in La Dordogne, France, and enjoys the work he gets to do in bringing his cuisine to the people of Portland.
So, what can you expect from their menu? Traditional French classics, such as Poisson du jour—which includes the local catch of the day seafood—and Escargot Persillé! Added with a wonderful wine menu to compliment their food, make sure you stop in if you’re looking for a taste of Europe. Gisella Barbaray form Bergerac Bistro appeared as a guest on PDX Small Business Network Podcast with One-Click Lindsey. You can click here to listen to the episode.
3: Southpark Seafood
Southpark Seafood is a wonderful addition to this list of the best restaurants in Portland. With the largest oyster bar in the area, as well as use of sustainable seafood that does not hurt the environment, Southpark Seafood should be anyone’s first stop if you’re a fan of all things fish!
Open for lunch and dinner, Southpark Seafood offers a variety of options, from large plates to serve an entire table, and smaller plates that are portioned for you to enjoy as much of your meal as possible. And, as mentioned, Southpark Seafood has the largest oyster bar in the area, with 13 seats for you to get up close and personal with the way oysters are made! They fill up fast, so make sure you call ahead for a reservation!
4: Ecliptic Brewing
One of the best parts of the Portland area is the wonderful craft beer that people create and share with each other. Ecliptic Brewing is no exception to this rule, and with their tasteful menu that allows you to try their beer and enjoy something to eat, they’re a perfect one-stop shop for all your lunch needs!
With lunch and dinner classics, as well as a rotating seasonal menu and dessert options, Ecliptic Brewery does well to pair their beers with easy going food. And, of course, don’t forget to try their rotating draughts when you stop by. With award-winning brews and Portland favourites that sell out fast, make sure you get your taste before it’s gone!
5: Santa Fe Taqueria
Bringing authentic Mexican food to the Portland area, Santa Fe Taqueria is a must try for all things indulgent. With two separate dining areas—the dining room and the Cantina—Santa Fe Taqueria works to bring you delicious and freshly made food in a speedy and efficient manner.
With all types of traditional options—such as burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos—Santa Fe Taqueria boasts incredibly short wait times, meaning that you get your food quicker, and state your hunger with ease! A buffet style restaurant, the fast-paced environment is perfect for a night on the town.
6: Pips and Bounce
Pips and Bounce isn’t your traditional night on the town. The eclectic design and atmosphere serve up more than just good food, and that’s what makes it one of the best restaurants in Portland. Combining the nostalgia of playing ping pong in your friend’s basement with food and drink, Pips and Bounce makes for a unique experience that only Portland can offer!
With options for appetizers, burgers, and handmade pan pizzas, Pips and Bounce wants to make sure that you stay well energized during your time there. Additionally, they serve fun pong-themed cocktails for you to drink while you’re playing! Make sure you check their schedule to plan your trip.
7: Urdaneta
Combining traditional Spanish flavours with a more modern setting, Urdaneta aims to deliver Spanish tapas to the greater Portland area! With house-crafted cocktails, Spanish wines, and Chef driven specials, Urdaneta is one of a kind, and one of the best restaurants in Portland.
Open late for dinner, make sure you stop in to sample their tapas, as well as their traditional Spanish dessert options for something sweet after something bold. Additionally, make sure you plan time to indulge in their Pintxo Hour, where they really put an emphasis on the Basque side of tapas. Chef Javier Canteras form Urdaneta appeared as a guest on PDX Small Business Network Podcast with One-Click Lindsey. You can click here to listen to the episode.
8: Gumba
Food isn’t always served traditionally anymore—in fact, Portland is home to a variety of food trucks, and Gumba’s service of pasta on the go gives it a rightful place on our list of the best restaurants in Portland. Using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, owners Jesse Martinez and Robin Brassaw work their hardest to give you food that they’re immensely proud of.
With 2 carts located in 2 different areas—one at Alberta Arts and the other at Royale Brewery—their menus differ in taste, but not in style. At Cart 1, you can enjoy 2 different styles of pasta, as well as vegetarian options with salad and a pizza frittata. Catch them during the week from 5 – 8 PM and on the weekends all day long!
9. I Heart Gyro
Serving up the authenticity of the Mediterranean food, I Heart Gyro offers a wonderful selection of food that makes them unique, and one of the best restaurants in Portland. With 5 stars across the board from happy customers who boast amazing and friendly service, I Heart Gyro’s staff speaks for itself!
With a variety of gyros and sandwiches to sample, as well as tasty hummus plates for appetizers and a selection of baklava for dessert, the food served at I Heart Gyro is made with heart and careful attention to detail. Make sure you stop by to check it out soon!
10. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
With a passion for bringing back the original Mom and Pop Donut Shop, Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai makes their mark on the Portland food truck scene by bringing their sweets across the greater Portland area. With a smaller truck that’s described as “retro-hip”, owners Nate & Jamie Snell try their best to give back to their community.
Looking to stop in on a more permanent basis? Stop by their brick and mortar location at 4759 NE Fremont St, and make sure to sample their handcrafted treats, as well as indulge in a cup of coffee or a delectable sample of chai. They’re the only ones in Portland with this kind of business, so make sure you catch up with them soon for breakfast—or dessert—on the go!
11: Promise Land Cafe
Owner and head chef of the Promise Land Cafe Nazeeh H. welcomes everyone to his restaurant, where he works to bring the tastes and flavours of his homeland to the greater Portland area. By playing with flavour combinations, this Mediterranean restaurant aims to let you taste their traditional dishes in new and exciting ways!
In addition to giving you a taste of Mediterranean cuisine, most of their menu caters exclusively to vegetarians and vegans, and is also almost completely gluten-free! Make sure you leave room for dessert, though, including Turkish coffee and sophisticated cocktails!
12: Swiss Hibiscus
After the success of their salad dressing, Martin’s Swiss Dressing, family operated Swiss Hibiscus was born in 2010 and has been serving the Portland area ever since! With years of history and a rich understanding of Swiss cuisine, Jennie Wyss works with her family in order to give Portland their authentic take on Swiss food!
With options like schnitzel, stew, and bratwurst, Swiss Hibiscus works to make sure that you have a selection of their own recipes to choose from. And yes, that includes their salad dressing, which made their brand stick. Make sure you poke your head into one of the best restaurants in Portland!
13: Caspian Kabob
In the vein of amazing food on the go in the Portland area, Caspian Kabob aims to bring the flavorful style of kabobs to everyone, wherever they go. After moving to Portland in 2013, owner and chef Victor started his successful business with the encouragement of his family and his wife.
Stirring up tasty and flavorful meats is just the beginning! Caspian Kabob also offers vegetarian options with grilled veggies, as well as their special Doner Kabob, which is only served on certain days on locally made MIddle-eastern bread. Make sure you check their schedule to see when they’re coming near you!
14: PDX Sliders
Starting as a food cart that moved into a brick and mortar location, PDX Sliders is proud to offer the Portland area a place for casual burgers and drinks, making their laid-back environment one of the best restaurants in Portland.
Each sandwich comes in sizes, a slider or a full sized burger. Additionally, each burger can be made into a salad, with mixed greens or romaine! Food for the kids is available as well, in addition to a drink menu for adults to properly kick back in a casual atmosphere. Give them a visit for a low key night out with friends.
15: Willow
Willow is a small restaurant that offers people a full 6-course meal for a total cover price of $60. Located in downtown Portland, Willow aims to bring a unique dinner experience to the area by preparing a full meal for small groups of people in a fun and interactive setting. They do dinner differently, and that’s what makes them one of the best restaurants in Portland.
With only 2 seatings a night at their 11-seat table, Willow will set you up with a meal paid for in advance. You can take a look at a sample menu on their website, and call ahead for more details about what you can expect when you sit down. Make sure to check them out!
16: Brewed Cafe & Pub
A place that serves up deliciously brewed coffee as well as tasty sandwiches, Brewed Cafe & Pub is a staple of what classic Portland culture is all about. The Portland area is famously known for our uniquely brewed coffee, and Brewed Cafe & Pub gives you a warm place to indulge your caffeine needs, as well as try some natural flavours as well.
In the mood for something to eat? Never fear! Their menu is full of delicious options, like traditional sandwiches and soups from scratch. Additionally, there are breakfast options available, so you can enjoy their drinks with something that’ll wake you up in the morning. Drop by for a taste of what they offer, and what makes them one of the best restaurants in Portland.
17: MF Tasty
What started as a pop-up food truck in secret locations has now made a permanent fixture in the Portland area! MF Tasty is a food truck that offers authentic and delicious Southwestern food by using locally sourced fresh ingredients. It takes parts of what the team behind MF Tasty—NIcole and Eric Gitenstein—misses from their home in Arizona, and brings it to their new home in Oregon.
What do you expect when you drop by MF Tasty? Authentic Mexican food, from fresh beans, quesadillas, and 3$ Taco Tuesdays! Additionally, they have a rotating P.O.W or Paella of the Week. Make sure you check their schedule to see when you can catch up with them!
18: Spin Laundry Lounge
Now, we know what you’re thinking—it sounds too good to be true! For people who often have to visit a laundromat to get their laundry done, the task itself is daunting and boring. However, Spin Laundry Lounge is here to change the way you do laundry by offering you food, drink, and comfortable atmosphere as you wait!
That’s right, Spin Laundry Lounge provides you with snacks and drinks while you wait for your rotation to finish up! With things like small snacks—cookies and chips—and offering of coffee and tea, the laundromat experience will never be the same! In fact, they even serve alcohol for those above 21 who want to relax! Make sure you check out one of the best restaurants in Portland.
19. Missionary Chocolates
Missionary Chocolates has been in business for the past 10 years, and just recently, celebrated their anniversary! By making their chocolates available to as many people as possible by making sure that they’re dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and now soy free, Missionary Chocolates is bringing the joy of sweets to the Portland area with ease.
Allergy free truffles seem long overdue if you ask me, and Dr. Melissa Berry works her hardest to make sure that their full of flavour, as well as safe for as many people to enjoy as possible. Give their seasonal boxes a try, or maybe grab a chocolate bar if you’re in the mood for something particularly sweet!
20: Gastro Mania
Mixing the tradition of 5-star tablecloth dining with the mobility of food trucks, Gastro Mania earns its title as one of the best restaurants in Portland with its expansive menu, and dedicated service to giving Portland a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.
With options for gyros, sandwiches, salads, and even side dishes, Gastro Mania gives people a chance to experience high-end Mediterranean food from a trained chef, Alex Nenchev. His gastronomy uses fresh and locally sourced gourmet ingredients in order to give the greater Portland area the best of the best!
21: Cider Bite
For those who prefer cider over beer, Cider Bite is definitely something worth checking out. WIth 32 different ciders rotating on draught, Cider Bite offers you a place to indulge, taste, and enjoy a bite to eat while you’re out on the town.
In addition to things like cider fused meat, you can try any of the typical pub style food that Cider Bite has to offer. A sandwich, maybe, or a hummus plate to split among the table. Additionally, almost all of the menu is gluten-free, or offers a gluten-free substitute! Make sure you check out one of the best restaurants in Portland as soon as possible!
22: Sa Bai Thai Cuisine
Bringing highly rated Thai cuisine to the greater Portland area, Sai Bai Thai focuses on how the flavour and textures of premium and high-quality ingredients interact with each other in relation to the recipes they’ve been using for a very long time.
Enjoy some traditional Thai cuisine options like fried rice, a variety of noodles, and deliciously made in house soup. Additionally, you can enjoy easier things like salad and stir-fry. And, if you’re feeling up to the task, there’s a whole section of Chef Specialties that are waiting for you to stop by and dig in! The 5-star reviews across the board truly make Sai Bai Thai one of the best restaurants in Portland.
23: Kazumi
After hard work in the New York City area for years, Kazumi’s talents were brought to Portland! With experience from the most prestigious chefs, as well as a passion for what she does, Kazumi brought her expertise to the road in the form of her amazing sushi food truck, named after herself!
Kazumi offers the Portland area sushi that’s made correctly—the true, traditional Japanese way. After growing up in Hiroshima, Japan, Kazumi sought to bring her talents to the world, and with her amazing food truck, she’s succeeding! Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine from the menu, where you can get fresh sushi, as well as soup and salad options.
24: Jurassic Cart
With two people who want to make sure that everyone gets to eat something tasty when they leave the house, Jurrasic Cart brings the Portland area locally sourced food with a menu that’s entirely Paleo-friendly! All items on the menu are made from scratch, and in the house, and their kitchen is 100% grain, gluten, tree nut, legume, soy, cow-dairy, MSG, preservative, and, in their words, “other weird food additive” free!
Looking for something healthy and safe to eat? Make sure you check out their menu for all the veggie goodness they can offer! Additionally, feel free to indulge in their organic meats, like chicken and steak options! When people strive to better their environment, we think it makes them deserving as one of the best restaurants in Portland.
25: Rip City Grill
A brewhouse with tasty and exuberant pub-style food, Rip City Grill aims to give you a selection of tri-tip sandwiches that remain to be a step above the rest. What started off as a food cart has now turned into a brick and mortar location with laid-back prices, and flexible hours for Blazer fans to enjoy the game in a fun atmosphere!
With plenty of burgers and sandwiches to choose from—as well as tri-tip salads and tacos—Rip City Grill is here to make sure that you enjoy freshly grilled food the way it was meant to be served. Combo any sandwich plate with a beer (or something non-alcoholic for those who seek a different taste) and see what the big deal is all about!
The Best Restaurants In Portland: See What They Have To Offer
And… that’s all she wrote! Don’t worry, we know there’s still endless options out there for you in terms of your dining experience in the Portland area, but we truly believe that these 25 represent the best of the best. With nothing but high praise from the people who live here, as well as a different take on food from each location, these 25 locations deserve to be called one of the best restaurants in Portland, and we hope that this encourages you to poke your head in and stop by sooner rather than later!
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