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The Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven where finding something delicious to snack on is always an appetizing adventure.

Credit: Aubrie LeGault

Portland for Foodies: Three Days of Dining

Our three-day tour de fork offers an ample taste of the best food city in America.

Updated June 4, 2024 4 min read

Mixing fresh, local ingredients with a colorful community of inventive chefs, Portland’s food and drink scene is a recipe that can’t be recreated anyplace else — the City of Roses has been called the “foodie (and drinkie) capital of America” by The Telegraph, the “Best Food City” in America by The Washington Post and the nation’s best beer city by Thrillist. But don’t take their word for it — taste for yourself at these can’t-miss culinary stops serving up some of the best sips and nibbles in Portland.

Day 1

There’s no getting around the calories on this trip, so burn them early by walking to Mother’s Bistro, located in Portland’s easy-to-traverse downtown. Reservations are recommended, but it’s worth waiting in line for their Pacific Northwest take on traditional dishes, like the wild salmon hash or the portabella scramble.

After breakfast, explore downtown by foot. From the Portland Saturday Market to Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s “living room”) and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, you’ll find plenty of places to see the sights, shop for souvenirs or just sit and admire the city. Consider Teardrop Lounge in the nearby Pearl District for elevated small plates and some truly tempting cocktails (it’s been called one of the best bars in the country).

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Credit: Justin Katigbak

Your light lunch, and a stroll through the Pearl District to Northwest Portland, should leave you hungry for dinner at G-Love. This “reverse steakhouse” flips the script on an American restaurant institution, with vegetables harvested at their peak taking center stage, while proteins play a supporting role as side dishes. Order “The Works” for a special family-style tasting menu.

Try to save a little room for one of Portland’s favorite late-night treats at Voodoo Doughnut. From their bacon maple bar to their purple-licious “grape ape” doughnut, these sweet treats aren’t just for breakfast. And that’s a good thing, since this raucous flagship location is open nearly all day (there’s a brief closure 3–5 a.m.).

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Day 2

You’ll spend your second day on the east side, so say goodbye to downtown for now. Start your morning with a freshly brewed pot of artisanal tea at Steven Smith Teamaker (or sample from a flight of any three teas of your choosing) at their tasting room, located inside a century-old former blacksmith shop. You may have heard of popular Central Eastside spot Kachka, whose elevated Russian fare has won rave reviews. Kachka Lavka, their upstairs market and deli counter, is a treat for those in the know. Pay them a visit for a delicious breakfast or brunch — on your way out, peruse frozen dumplings, Russian pantry staples and picnic-ready deli items like charcuterie, fish and fresh-baked bread.

Your next stop? Outer Southeast Portland, where you’ll find the Portland Mercado, the city’s first Latine public market and an awesome spot for lunch. They offer numerous rainbow-hued food carts and several indoor shops, all of which are owned by Latin-American entrepreneurs. Travel through South and Central American cuisine from cart to cart (then hop inside to stock up on hard-to-find imports from Guatemala, Colombia and beyond).

For dinner, take your pick of two nearby Chinese spots offering top-notch dumplings, noodles and more: at Master Kong you’ll find delicious food, house-made sauces and friendly service in a no-frills diner setting. HK Café is a beloved, sprawling spot with an expansive menu in the heart of the Jade District. If you’ve got time to kill after dinner, spend a little while exploring the vibrant Jade District further — wander the bustling Fubonn Shopping Center, or stop into Bliss Lounge for karaoke and a stiff drink.

Day 3

Start your last day with a local legend, The Original Pancake House. Located in Southwest Portland, and beloved by Portland native James Beard, this is the historic 1953 home of the national chain. Their Dutch baby is a massive, air-filled apple pancake that’s more than big enough to share (though you won’t want to). After you’ve had your fill, spend the rest of the morning exploring nearby Multnomah Village, home to quaint boutiques and toy and book shops.

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Head back to the east side for lunch, where Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard’s Por Qué No serves up street tacos and bowls that are big on ingredients but reasonable on the wallet. Beat the lines by timing your trip before or after peak meal times. If you need a drink before dinner, small-batch urban winery Teutonic Wine Company specializes in German-style wines, offering daily, wallet-friendly tasting flights while bartender-chosen vinyl pipes through the stereo (reservations are required). Tastings feature six wines and include a complimentary cheese plate.

For your last big meal, head to minimalist-chic Tusk for Israeli- and Moroccan-inspired cuisine with fresh twists. The menu boasts salads bursting with colors (including those of edible flowers), house-made pita, innovative cocktails and indulgent desserts — a sweet final touch to a long day of dining.

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