Introduction of Restaurants in Portland
I’ve spent many evenings exploring the city of Portland, and let me tell you — there are some real gems when it comes to food. If you are craving something different for dinner, this city delivers. Some places are truly special — real standout spots with a cool twist that make them feel fresh every time.
I’m a big fan of trying new things, and my personal list of favorites keeps growing. There are trendy restaurants doing bold American dishes, cozy corners for Middle Eastern flavors, and even hip spots serving wild Asian fusion. That mix of global and local is what makes Portland’s scene so fun.
Here are a few that stood out the most during my food hunts.
Tusk – best for Middle Eastern
I’m a big fan of this chic, trendy, and now iconic spot. Located in the Buckman District, Tusk offers creative Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in a light, bright space filled with minimalist design, artistic touches, geometric patterns, and lush greenery.
I come here for the incredible mezze and falafel, but the other vegetable-focused plates are also a specialty. They use farm-fresh produce with a sustainable ethos to create tasty bites like Quinoa Tabouleh and Chanterelle Skewers with shishito peppers, green harissa, and honey. I’ve found there’s also a range of meat and fish options, including the popular albacore skewer.
The wine and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails are served with style and they often receive critical acclaim — even Bon Appétit named it one of the “50 Best New Restaurants in America” in 2017. The only thing I would say is that there’s limited seating, so it can feel crowded at busier times.
- Address: 2448 E Burnside St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Tusk Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, Instagrammers, vegans, health-conscious, trendy seekers
- Price: $$
My favorite highlights…
- Gorging on the incredible Barbari bread (Iranian leavened flatbread) and the exceptional Saffron Rice with pickled cherries and almonds.
- Trying the Baked Fig dessert — just wow! It was surprisingly healthy too!
Mucca Osteria – best for Italian
This romantic spot in Downtown is one of the places I often choose when I want a quiet night out. Mucca Osteria is a charming place with a cozy vibe and rustic-chic decor, featuring wooden beams, exposed brick walls, artistic touches, and soft lighting — it’s perfect for a date night.
It’s a chef-owned, operated restaurant that serves delicious, upscale Italian food with a modern twist. You’ll find hand-made pasta, freshly made antipasti, and flavorful main dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently, so every visit feels fresh. I liked the option of choosing either à la carte or a four-course prix fixe menu, where you can select one from each — Appetizer, Pasta, Main Course, and Dessert.
Their wine list is extensive, but parking can be a bit tricky nearby.
- Address: 1022 SW Morrison St, OR 97205
- Location Map
- Mucca Osteria Website
- Who would enjoy: couples, Instagrammers
- Price: $$$
My personal highlights…
- Going for a fabulous evening and dining on the rich Tortelli ai Funghi with asparagus, almonds, and white wine, then finishing with the Pistachio lemon Mousse Cake — it was truly divine.
- Booking a table by the large, floor-to-ceiling window during lunchtime was perfect for superb people-watching.
Departure Lounge – best for Pan Asian and sushi
I’m a total sucker for places with an ultra-modern vibe, and Departure Lounge is one iconic spot I truly love. Located on the 15th floor of The Nines Hotel in Downtown, this upscale place has a luxury style that mixes urban-contemporary energy with subtle Asian influences. The minimalist design with metal, glass, and a bit of a futuristic look makes it feel both sleek and exciting.
The Pan Asian cuisine here is creative with a wide variety of influences from Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand. They serve some of my favorite food like freshly made dim sum, noodles, and plenty of meat and fish dishes. The menu also includes tasty vegan options and standout cocktails.
One of the features I can’t skip is the popular rooftop bar. The lounge seating, lively crowd, and party vibe make it fun, especially during their incredible weekend brunch offerings. I highly recommend going, but do expect luxury restaurant prices. They also have a strong focus on sustainability, which I really admire.
- Address: 525 SW Morrison St, 15th Floor, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Departure Lounge Website
- Who would enjoy: luxury seekers, Instagrammers, trendy seekers
- Price: $$$
My highlights…
- Enjoying the superb rooftop with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Willamette River, and even Mount Hood.
- Dining on the delicious nuka carrot rolls, Thai glass noodles, and crispy tempeh steam buns — total flavor bombs!
Melting Pot – best for fondue
This is my go to place when I want cozy comfort food. The Melting Pot offers a modern, fun take on the traditional European restaurant style where small pieces of food are dipped into hot sauce right at the table. Inside, it has a cozy vibe with dark wood and black decor, located in the Lloyd District.
Tables are set up to cater both sociable large parties and intimate dining. There are long tables and booths, but make sure to book in advance to get a table of your choice. The food comes in many different types of fondue with customizable options like the four-course menu or à la carte. While the dishes are mostly meat and cheese heavy, there are some good vegan options too.
I’m personally a big fan of this unique spot. It’s great for those who want to celebrate special occasions with an interesting, interactive dining experience. I need to mention though, the pace is slower-paced than the usual and might not suit everyone.
- Address: 525 SW Morrison St, 15th Floor, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Departure Lounge Website
- Who would enjoy: groups of friends, families, couples, dates night
- Price: $$
My favorite highlights…
- Dipping tasty, homemade, gluten-free bread into the rich Spinach Artichoke sauce made with Spinach, Artichoke hearts, garlic, and tabasco.
- Opting for the incredible dessert, where I dipped strawberries, marshmallows, and pound cake into a warm chocolate fondue — it was a heavenly experience!
Lechon – best for South American Food
I love how this restaurant combines trendy decor with a rustic feel. Located in the historic waterfront area of the city, Lechon serves up innovative South American Food with bold flavors from across the region, especially Argentina.
I’m a big fan of the design — it’s colorful, eclectic, and totally hipster-friendly. Think exposed brick, lashings of wood, and striking South American inspired patterns. The open kitchen, outdoor patio, and warm lighting make the space feel inviting and comfortable.
The dishes are a mix of grilled, wood-fired meats, tapas, and traditional bites like empanadas and street food. They also offer plant-based and seafood options, including ceviche, which was absolutely incredible. Overall, it’s a decent spot, though a couple of downsides include parking being challenging nearby, and it tends to get crowded during peak times.
- Address: 113 SW Naito Pkwy, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Lechon Website
- Who would enjoy: groups of friends, couples, Instagrammers
- Price: $$
My personal highlights…
- Dining during happy hour with popular cocktails — I personally recommend the divine lechon margarita made with libelula tequila.
- Opting for the incredible foraged mushrooms, served on toasted brioche with caramelized onion puree for my main, and finishing with a chocolate dulce de leche tart for dessert!
Han Oak Restaurant – best for Korean
Han Oak is a funky little spot, located in the Kerns neighborhood of Northeast Portland. I found it to be cozy, homely, and very creative. The industrial chic setup has grey concrete, stainless steel, and light wood, plus a gorgeous open kitchen. It’s a family run, non-traditional restaurant that I especially enjoyed for its fun, welcoming vibe and interactive dining experience.
It’s a casual lunch spot, but it does get busy. They even offer take-out, which is a nice bonus. The focus is on Korean Gimbap — rice and various fillings rolled in seaweed — plus kimchi, Korean BBQ, and other tasty dishes like fried pancakes, pickled salads, and vegan-friendly items made with silken tofu. Everything is best washed down with cold Korean lagers or Japanese lagers.
I’d say the food was truly exceptional, though the menu felt a little limited.
- Address: 511 NE 24th Ave, OR 97232
- Location Map
- Han Oak Restaurant
- Who would enjoy: casual diners, small groups of friends, trend-seekers
- Price: $$
My highlights…
- Dining on the ridiculously tasty Bing Soo dessert that came topped with Mochi Marshmallows — it was unforgettable!
Punch Bowl Social – best for fun
Punch Bowl Social is a hip spot that combines games and food in one fun place. Located in the Central Eastside Industrial District near the Burnside Bridge, it has an open layout with a playful industrial-chic design, retro touches, and a casual, light-hearted vibe.
When I visit, the games are the big feature — even more than food. There’s a lot on offer like bowling lanes, arcade games, pool tables, darts, ping pong, and board games, but I especially loved the private karaoke rooms. This place is perfect to hang out with friends, family, or for a relaxed date.
I found the food to be hearty comfort food with a modern twist — classic burgers, fries, loaded nachos, tacos, with bowls and salads as healthy options. They serve up a wide range of beers, craft cocktails, and wine too. It’s a sociable place with some noise and crowds during peak times, so don’t expect quiet or sophistication.
- Address: 340 SW Morrison St Suite 4305, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Punch Bowl Social Website
- Who would enjoy: groups of friends, families, couples on a date night
- Price: $
My personal highlights…
- Playing old-school games from my childhoods like Pac-Man, skee-ball, and pinball.
- Bowling and gorging on a Beyond Burger with kale slaw, hot sauce mayo, and a brioche bun, washed down with a cold West Coast Mule cocktail.
G – Love New American Kitchen – best for very unique
G – Love New American Kitchen is a very unique, new place that’s quickly become one of the best-rated restaurants in the city. It offers a fresh dining style with a unique concept — the focus isn’t on meat like most meals, but on vegetables, with meat as an addition.
Located in the Slabtown neighborhood, it’s known as a reverse steakhouse. The vegetables are seasonal, locally sourced, and follow a strong farm-to-table ethos. Some typical dishes include Grilled Broccolini with hazelnut tahini, sometimes accompanied by chicken on honey dijon skewers if you wish.
I love the design of the place — it has tall ceilings, a contemporary, industrial-chic layout with concrete, a lot of plants, and stylish furniture. It’s trendy but not intimidatingly so — it still feels welcoming. I particularly liked the open kitchen and cozy outdoor patio. Just keep in mind, there’s limited seating, and the space is not best choice for large parties.
- Address: 1615 NW 21st Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- G-Love New American Kitchen Website
- Who would enjoy: health-conscious, vegans, vegetarians, foodies, trend-seekers
- Price: $$$
My personal highlights…
- Dining on a delicious wedge salad topped with pickled strawberries and crispy beets during a sunny lunch date with my friend.
- I loved their sustainability policy — it shows in both the food and the feel of the place.
Mediterranean Exploration Company – best for trendy decor
This is my go to trendy spot when I’m near the Pearl District. Mediterranean Exploration Company is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that brings flavors from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe. It’s a modern, chef-driven place with a funky, industrial-chic decor.
Inside, you’ll see communal tables along with intimate seating options, an open kitchen, and a stylish bar that adds to the sociable vibe. They served up both Mediterranean wine and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, and the food was full of energy and taste.
The mezze, small plates, falafels, and bigger dishes with meat and seafood were all great. I noticed loads of options for vegetarians, vegans, and people on gluten-free diets. It’s very popular, so be sure to book ahead during peak times.
- Address: 333 NW 13th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Mediterranean Exploration Company Website
- Who would enjoy: health-conscious, vegans, vegetarians, trend-seekers
- Price: $$
My favorite highlights…
- Trying the Greek Potatoes with oregano, lemon, and garlic — they were absolutely delicious!
Noble Rot – best for views
Noble Rot is a fine restaurant that’s all about the views. It’s a gorgeous farm-to-table place and wine bar with a rooftop bar and even a rooftop garden where they grow seasonal ingredients used in the dishes they served up. I loved that unique feature — it makes the experience feel extra fresh.
Located on the 4th floor of the sustainably designed Rocket Building in the Central Eastside neighborhood, the space follows an eco-friendly, sustainable ethos. Inside, I really liked the decor — it’s modern, cozy, and filled with earthy tones. I also liked the sociable vibe with communal tables and large, floor-to-ceiling windows offering fine views of Downtown.
The food was equally special, with small plates and a strong focus on seasonal vegetables, salads, and creative twists on traditional meat, fish, and pasta dishes. It’s a popular spot, so I’d highly recommend booking ahead to ensure getting a table.
- Address: 1111 E Burnside St, Fourth Floor, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, health-conscious, vegans, couples on a date night, eco-friendly diners
- Price: $$$
My highlights…
- Checking out the cute rooftop garden and dining on a freshly made onion tart, followed by a tasty banana daiquiri up on the rooftop — I loved the views of Mount Hood in the distance.
- That Peanut Butter and Jelly dessert was just awesome!
Norah Restaurant – best for 100% vegan
Norah Restaurant is a 100% vegan eatery, and one of the best new spots I’ve added to my list. It’s super cute and a bit quirky, located in the Sunnyside neighborhood in the Southeast district. This vegan restaurant serves pan-Asian food that’s seriously delicious — it totally made my day.
Inside, it’s a cozy sit-down spot with colorful, eclectic Thai-style decor and fun retro touches. The vibe is casual, fun, and super friendly. I loved how the super smiley staff couldn’t do enough to help us.
The food is just as pretty as the space — equally colorful, with full, vibrant plates of Thai and South-East Asian fusion dishes. On my recent visit, the menu included coconut mushroom linguine, cauliflower curry, and soy-curl-and-mushroom sliders, but that may change.
I need to mention, during peak times there’s a time limit for parties under six people, so be warned.
- Address: 3801 SE Belmont St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Website
- Who would enjoy: vegans, vegetarians, health-conscious, groups of friends, casual diners, diners looking for an interesting lunch
- Price: $
My favorite highlights…
- Special mention for the extraordinary Pad Thai nachos — I honestly didn’t think it would work, but wow, it sure did!
Broder Soder – best for Scandinavian food
Broder Soder is one of those places that offers something very different, and I’d totally recommend this awesome, little joint. It’s got top ratings for a reason. The cozy, Scandinavian-style cafe is located in the Southwest part of the city, right within Nordia House, a lovely Nordic cultural center.
Inside, I’m a big fan of the Scandi-style design — it’s light, bright, and open, with floor-to-ceiling windows and lashings of light wood, mixed with trendy design features. The food is what I came for though — proper hearty, Nordic comfort meals like Fisk Smorgasbord, Danish Pancake Rolls, and yes, good old meatballs.
The drinks menu really stood out to me — you don’t usually find stuff like lavender, oat milk cold brew, mushroom mana mocha, or even Ligonberry cocktails in the city, that’s for sure.
There are a few downsides though: it’s about a 20 minute drive from the city center, and they have very few vegan options. Also, it’s closed during special events, so check ahead.
- Address: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, OR 97223
- Location Map
- Broder Soder Website
- Who would enjoy: Nordic food fans, casual diners, groups of friends
- Price: $$
My personal highlights…
- Dining on the Savory Lefse Breakfast with Norwegian potato crepes — one of the best brunches I’ve ever had in the city.
Tope – Best For Hipsters
If you’re looking for a hip spot with a rooftop bar, Tope is one of the best picks in town. It’s located in the heart of Downtown, inside the trendy, European owned Hoxton Hotel. The interior design is a mix of minimalist, fashionable vibes, with Scandi and Industrial-chic design styles throughout. I loved the ultra-contemporary furniture and those exceptional design features, especially the cozy seating around a raised fire pit — my personal favorite feature.
The rooftop bar is a popular spot with incredible city views, and the whole vibe is super trendy but not intimidatingly so. The food is Mexican street food inspired, offering bold bites like tacos, ceviche, tortillas, and tostadas with varying degrees of spiciness. They also serve craft cocktails, all Mexican inspired.
I need to mention, it’s a popular spot, so do expect long wait times at peak times, even if you’ve got reservations.
- Address: 15 NW 4th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Tope Website
- Who would enjoy: Instagrammers, trend-seekers, groups of friends
- Price: $$$
My favorite highlights…
- Gazing out at the superb Downtown views from the rooftop bar — I could even see the West Hills in the distance.
- The divine churros served with dulce de leche… I don’t need to say anymore.
Oma’s Hideaway – Best For Quirky Design
Oma’s Hideaway is the kind of casual spot that always wows me. It’s located in the Southeast part of the city, and the whole place has this funky, vibrant energy. They serve hawker-style food with bold inspiration from ethnic cuisines all over the world, but mostly Malaysia and Singapore.
Inside, I loved the decor — it’s equally eclectic, colorful, and full of deliciously quirky touches like vibrant wallpaper and retro-style furniture. The vibe is playful and friendly, and the menu is packed with hearty, very tasty dishes like spicy chilled noodles, grilled summer corn, coconut rice, and salted egg yolk curry fries. It’s a sit down spot, but they also offer very decent take out, which is a great bonus.
It can get crowded at peak times, and the fun, lively atmosphere wouldn’t suit everyone, but if you enjoy cool places with personality, it’s worth it.
- Address: 3131 SE Division St, OR 97202
- Location Map
- Oma’s Hideaway Website
- Who would enjoy: casual diners, Instagrammers, groups of friends
- Price: $
My favorite highlights…
- The spicy noodles and roti canai — a handmade, flaky Malaysian flatbread — were the ultimate comfort food on a chilly, fall evening.
Arden Restaurant – best for upscale
Arden Restaurant is a truly beautiful place. It’s an upscale restaurant and wine bar that quickly became one of my favorite places I’ve visited in the city. Located in the heart of the Pearl District, the space is strongly influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic aesthetics with a clean minimalist design.
The style is deliciously rustic-chic with lashings of wood, glass, and neutral tones that create a trendy space, yet still feel cozy and inviting. I found the whole layout peaceful and thoughtful, and the attention to detail really shows.
The food is contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine, and it was honestly exceptional. I’m a big fan of their seasonal, farm-to-table ethos, which you can taste in every bite. During my visit, I tried a few sample dishes from the menu — the Alaskan halibut with curried vichyssoise, dashi-poached mussels, and the eggplant cappelletti with fermented plums were all beautifully plated. There’s also a strong focus on their diverse collection of Pacific Northwest wines.
I wasn’t keen on the decision to serve Foie Gras dishes, as that felt a bit controversial, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience.
- Address: 417 NW 10th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Arden Restaurant Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, trend-seekers, wine lovers, couples on a romantic date, new American food fans
- Price: $$$$
My personal highlights…
- I absolutely adored the chef’s counter where I sat and got to watch the chefs skilfully prepare the dishes.
- The intimate, personalized service stood out — I loved how our waiter offered insights on the food and wine and even made personalized suggestions just for us.
Palomar – best for Cuban food
Palomar is a funky spot that has always charmed me every time I visit. It’s a light, bright, and colorful Cuban-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one, located in the Division-Clinton neighborhood. The decor is absolutely fabulous, filled with striking Cuban-inspired patterns, trendy retro-style furniture, and a few glowing neon lights.
The vibe is lively and super friendly, with a strong focus on tropical cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris. But I also found the food to be just as enticing and tasty. The menu is fully Cuban-inspired with a focus on small plates and classic Cuban dishes like ceviche, tostones (fried green plantains), freshly made salsa, and black beans. I opted for the vegan option, which came as a tasty jackfruit tortilla with pickled onions and spicy peanuts.
- Address: 959 SE Division St #100, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Palomar Website
- Who would enjoy: Instagrammers, groups of friends, date-night diners
- Price: $$
My personal highlights…
- Dining on the rooftop patio — while there were no dramatic skyline views, the views of the Division-Clinton neighborhood and the fun, sociable vibe made it a great spot.
- Sipping a banana daiquiri, made by award-winning bartender Ricky Gomez, the city’s first national cocktail champion — an awesome experience!
Pine Street Market – Best For Food Hall
Pine Street Market is a little different from other places — it brings lots of eateries, including many ethnic kitchens, all rolled into one, and I absolutely love this place. It’s located in the heart of Downtown, and it’s a bustling spot with a fine array of gourmet vendors to choose from.
The decor is stylish, industrial-chic, with lots of wood, stainless steel, and exposed light bulbs. The layout is designed to be sociable, with long communal tables in the middle. The concept really works, even though it gets really busy at peak time — but don’t let that put you off, it’s still an awesome experience.
Vendors do change time-to-time, but on my recent visit, I saw a mix that included a craft beer taproom, handmade dumplings, hand crafted mini-donuts, Ramen dishes, fried chicken, Costa Rican street food, Thai comfort food, and a juice bar. I would just say, the social, lively atmosphere won’t suit all types of diners, but I had a great time.
- Address: 126 SW 2nd Ave, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Pine Street Market Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, groups of friends, families, sociable types
- Price: $
My favorite highlights…
- I loved how they’ve turned a historic building that dates back to 1886 into a stylish, buzzy haven.
- Making new friends with fellow foodies at the long communal tables made it feel special and warm.
Bonus – The Food Carts!
The Food Carts in Portland are something special. I took a photo of one pod and realized just how awesome the collection really is. They’re legendary for a reason — during my visit, I sampled an incredible array of flavors, from Korean-Mexican fusion to authentic Thai, rich Ethiopian, and even vegan bento boxes. And the best part? Most dishes were well under $15.
I’d definitely recommend hanging out at the pods — which are groups of food carts — because the fun, laid-back vibe, communal seating, and local beer give the whole space a welcoming, community feel.
- Location: Some of the best spots include Cart Blocks in downtown, Hawthorne Asylum in SE, Prost Marketplace in North Portland, and Portland Mercado in the southeast — all offering diverse global eats in vibrant, community-focused settings.
- Who would enjoy: foodies, budget travelers, solo explorers, groups of friends, anyone trying diverse, creative street food
- Price: $
My favorite highlights…
- Sampling a mix of Korean-Mexican fusion, authentic Thai, and vegan bento boxes — all packed with flavors and priced under $15.
- Hanging out at the pods with communal seating, a cold local beer, and soaking in the laid-back vibe — it felt like a true community feel.
- Visiting Cart Blocks and Hawthorne Asylum, where I saw the most diverse global eats in one place — the energy was super fun and vibrant.
