Chef Bonnie Morales prepares the cuisine of the former Soviet Union at Central Eastside eatery Kachka — the menu features savory meats, dumplings, cured fish and bright pickled vegetables, plus a selection of more than 50 vodkas.

Credit: Aaron Lee, Travel Portland

Portland Restaurants

Portland is a renowned culinary destination, and Portland restaurants run the gamut — no matter your budget, your location or the cuisine you crave, your next great meal awaits you in Portland.

Credit: Aaron Lee, Travel Portland

Whether you’re craving a tried-and-true favorite or looking to experience a new cuisine for the first time, there’s no better place for a meal out than a city as eclectic as Portland. Whatever your mood, you can always find just the right restaurant in the City of Roses’ vibrant food scene: from indoor dining to patio dining, brunch to barbecue, fried chicken to food carts to fine dining.

What’s more, Portland’s size hits the sweet spot. Enjoy all the perks of dining in a major American city: the variety of restaurants, the high standards for quality, the availability of nearly any fare you can fathom. And at the same time, take advantage of the great parts of searching out a restaurant in a city that’s not too big: the easygoing vibe, the abundance of cozy neighborhood spots and the ability to find some excellent values (in Portland, a delicious meal doesn’t have to be an expensive one). Get started on the hunt for your new favorite restaurants today.

Learn More About Portland Restaurants

Where should I eat in Portland this week?

Portland has excellent options for nearly every cuisine, so in part it depends on what you’re craving. You can seek out spots ranging from Portland’s literal oldest restaurant — Huber’s — to hot newer eateries. Eater Portland’s Hot List is a great resource for finding exciting new restaurants (and food carts).

What food is Portland famous for?

Portland doesn’t necessarily have a single iconic food, but it has a number of must-taste specialties. The Maple Bacon Bar at Voodoo Doughnut, the white curry (with brisket burnt ends) at Eem and khao man gai at Nong’s are a few you won’t want to miss.

Speaking more broadly, Portland specializes in fresh, locally sourced Pacific Northwest fare. You’re sure to find excellent farm-to-table food, and it’s the perfect city for anyone with a specific diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and more). Portland has long been known as a top-notch brunch destination; recently, it’s becoming known as one of the great pizza cities.

How many Michelin star restaurants are in Portland, Oregon?

The Michelin Guides focus on only a few American cities — in other words, Michelin inspectors haven’t enjoyed the bounty of the Pacific Northwest just yet.

What restaurants in Portland have outdoor seating?

From brewpubs (Migration) to weekend brunch spots (Screen Door) to upscale retreats with rooftop views (Departure), the city is packed with restaurants offering outdoor seating. Portland is also internationally known for its abundance of top-notch food carts.

Where is a good place to get vegetarian food in Portland, Oregon?

Portland is a haven for vegetarian diners. Try Harlow for smoothies, wraps and salads. Blossoming Lotus and Kati Portland are excellent options for vegetarian Thai cuisine. (Portland has vegan diners covered too.)

Where is a good place to get keto food in Portland, Oregon?

Verde Cocina specializes in fresh, locally sourced ingredients — their menu features a variety of enticing keto options. Or stop by one of Laughing Planet’s many locations for simple, healthful food. (Considering gluten-free restaurants might also be a good starting point.)

Baon Kainan

Baon Kainan specializes in “traditional Filipino food made in not-so-traditional ways.” Try their tasty twists on favorites like chicken adobo or tosilog (pork belly breakfast bowl). Don’t miss the ube bibingka (rice cake) for dessert.
Broder

Broder is known for its Scandinavian brunch offerings. Brave the lines for a plate of authentic Swedish meatballs or their famous æbleskivers (Danish pancakes). They also have the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast.
Mother’s Bistro & Bar

Mother’s Bistro & Bar serves comfort food classics made from scratch. Enjoy biscuits, pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and a daily decadent macaroni and cheese special.
Screen Door – East Burnside

Screen Door celebrates Southern cuisine, from decadent hearty fare to lighter meals gathered fresh from the garden. They create delicious meals from natural, local and organic produce and meats seven days a week.
Tin Shed Garden Cafe

Tin Shed Garden Cafe offers fresh, wholesome food featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, even providing menu options for your furry companion.

Portland’s Best Bakeries

Nibble a Danish or slice of rustic bread with our expert guide to Portland’s best bakeries, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, plus award-winners galore.

A biscuit sandwich with egg, sausage and melted cheese on a plate

Comfort Food Favorites in Portland

Get your comfort food fix — whether you’re hankering for mac and cheese, fries topped with gravy or a steaming bowl of pho, these local dishes don’t disappoint.

Six donuts in a box with toppings such as marshmallows, raspberries, and flower petals.

Asian Bakeries in Portland

Find your next favorite Asian bakery in Portland, with options like bulgogi croissants and mochi doughnuts; you’ll want to try them all.

Best Restaurants in Portland

Portland has famously trailblazed many culinary truths: That great food can be prepared in a truck. That the humble doughnut can become an elevated delicacy. That, yes, you really can organize a whole Sunday around brunch. But Portland was also integral to the birth and spread of an even more foundational truth: Restaurants should serve fresh food, prepared with local ingredients.

Today, this trend infuses much of the Portland restaurant scene, but it all started with restaurants like Higgins, which opened in 1994 and continues to serve up great food today. Chef and co-owner Greg Higgins’ focus on seasonal, sustainable food made it a hugely popular dining destination (and helped earn Higgins himself a James Beard award in 2002).

James Beard Award-Winning Chefs

With such a highly praised and delicious food scene, it comes as no surprise that Portland chefs have racked up a few James Beard Awards over the years.

As Portland has grown, the restaurant scene has exploded, with a daunting number of excellent, award-winning spots to choose from. Try Eem for delicious Thai-style barbecue and curries bolstered by a first-rate cocktail program. At Magna Kusina, chef Carlo Lamagna presents elevated, elegant Filipino food, showcasing dishes from across the Philippines. Opened in 2022, Gabbiano’s serves up playful riffs on Italian comfort food favorites in a friendly neighborhood setting (the cocktail program is a bright spot as well). Akadi specializes in traditional West African dishes that are packed with flavor, drawing the attention of some of the country’s most celebrated chefs — in 2020, Akadi was featured on “Top Chef: Portland.” Speaking of top chefs, celebrated Portland restaurateur (and “Top Chef” star) Gregory Gourdet won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific. Gourdet opened Portland’s Kann to universal acclaim in 2022 — it shot to the top of best-of-Portland lists and has been called the best new restaurant in America.

a Black man in a red shirt, yellow beanie and apron presents an overstuffed burrito on a plate

Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Portland

Brought into focus by local organizations, explore the city’s diverse and delicious Black-owned food carts, restaurants and markets in Portland.

a large plate of colorful food, a pitcher and two teacups on a wooden table at Enat Kitchen in Portland

Four Great African Restaurants in Portland

Enjoy flavorful dishes from Ethiopia, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire and beyond at these African restaurants in Portland.

Portland’s Best Soul Food Spots

Eat your way through Portland to find soul food dishes that taste like they were flown in from the Mississippi Delta.

Gabriel Rucker — another James Beard honoree — heads excellent eateries Le Pigeon (French-inspired fine dining) and Canard (stylish café, great wine, great cocktails). What about the hearty, traditional fare at Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine? And what trip to Portland would be complete without dumplings from Duck House?

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. In the end, there’s no way to encapsulate all the outstanding restaurants Portland has to offer in a few short paragraphs, so let’s take our time and dig a little deeper. Because in Portland, you can find a great restaurant in every neighborhood, and no matter what cuisine you crave.

two pizzas cut into large slices with various toppings — Red Sauce is a welcoming, delicious pizza place in the Beaumont neighborhood.

a close-up of a plate of Thai food and Thai iced tea — Dig into a plate of authentic vegetarian pad thai at Kati Portland.

two bartenders make drinks while customers sit at the bar looking at menus — Thai eatery Eem on North Williams Avenue was named 2019 Restaurant of the Year by The Oregonian.

an overhead view of a bowl of pasta, garnishes in ramekins and a glass of wine — Nostrana is an Italian restaurant in Southeast Portland offering hand-tossed pizzas, seasonal pastas, fine wine and more.

an elegant chocolate dessert on a white dish — Long-running Portland eatery Higgins specializes in fresh, seasonal Pacific Northwest fare.

Portland Restaurants by Cuisine

Yes, Duck House is delicious — and it’s just one of the many Chinese restaurants awaiting you in Portland. In fact, you can find enticing Chinese eateries all over town, though the Jade District (a vibrant Southeast Portland neighborhood that’s home to many immigrants and people of color) is a solid starting point.

HK Cafe

Locally beloved spot for authentic dim sum, seafood and Hong Kong-style dining. This restaurant can get busy, so anticipate a wait to be seated.
Master Kong

A family-owned and operated Chinese restaurant specializing in comfort dishes of congee, jian bing and dumplings. Everything is fresh and hand-made by the sister and brother duo Amy and Kang Zhu.
Stretch The Noodle

At Stretch the Noodle, the chef hand stretches and pulls noodles for bowls of beef soup or stir fries, fragrant with five spice.
Szechuan Chef

Szechuan Chef offers classic Chinese American eats like General Tso’s chicken and moo shu pork, plus a selection of Szechuan specialties.
XLB

This laid-back spot on North Williams Avenue serves up soup dumplings, steamed buns, stir fry and other authentic Chinese dishes.

Let’s say you had Chinese food for lunch (maybe the braised pork belly at Chin’s Kitchen, or a family-style feast at Shandong). Why not follow it up with Indian food for dinner? Try Bollywood Theater for robust flavors and eye-popping colors, or pay a visit to Siri Indian Cuisine for authentic fare made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Bhuna

Bhuna is a fast, casual Indian restaurant that offers thoughtful dishes based on family recipes.
DesiPDX

This entirely gluten-free food cart serves food inspired by Indian flavors blended with cooking styles from the West and other parts of the world.
East India Co.

This restaurant features complex marinades and time-honored Indian grilling methods to reflect the food trends in today’s India.
Maruti Indian

Maruti features modern interpretations of traditional family recipes. Their vegetarian menu includes many vegan and gluten-free options.
Masala Lab PDX

Start your day with a mix of Indian-inspired dishes and classic American breakfast fare at Masala Lab PDX.

According to the 2020 census, Latinx people make up a robust 14% of Oregon’s population. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed an afternoon perusing the Portland Mercado, or taken in some culture at Milagro Theatre. But no experience of Latinx culture in Portland is complete without sampling some of the delicious cuisine, like a Cuban sandwich from Pambiche or an elegant ceviche at Andina.

groups of people at tables in an indoor market dining area

Great Latinx-Owned Eateries in Portland

Portland is home to authentic eateries from every corner of Latin America. Feast on tacos, tlayudas, pupusas and burritos; read on for some of the best Latinx-owned restaurants and food carts in Portland.

Portland’s Top Taquerias

Follow our guide to Portland’s top taquerias and find a wide variety of tasty tacos — from meaty morsels to vegetarian creations — in every part of town.

Portland Mercado

The Mercado is a food cart pod and also a hub of Latine culture and local entrepreneurship and may be one of the city’s most delicious destinations.

Botto’s BBQ

This no-frills barbeque restaurant serves generous dishes made from scratch for takeout and with limited indoor seating and picnic tables outside.
Kee’s Loaded Kitchen

Kee’s Loaded Kitchen is a food cart that makes Southern food from scratch. Enjoy generous helpings (and delicious sides).
Matt’s BBQ

Since 2015, Matt’s BBQ has been serving up excellent Texas-style barbecue from a fixed-location food cart in North Portland.
Podnah’s Pit

Podnah’s serves Texas-style barbecue. The slow-smoked meats (some cooked for as long as 12 hours) have been praised by regional and national media.
Reverend’s BBQ

Reverend’s BBQ serves fine barbecue and fried chicken using high-quality ingredients and classic techniques.

Best Barbecue in Portland

Find outstanding barbecue in Portland — tender brisket, pulled pork, sausage and more — at local restaurants and food carts.

Portland has had a robust Italian food scene for decades, and one of its stars is Cathy Whims — enjoy a classic, sophisticated Italian meal at her lauded eatery Nostrana, or a wood-fired pizza at Oven and Shaker. (Did we mention that she’s a six-time James Beard Award finalist?) If you’re in a hurry, but can’t stand to compromise on flavor, opt for a fast-casual, delicious experience at Rick Gencarelli’s Grassa. Pizza lovers will savor the mouthwatering pies on offer at Red Sauce Pizza.

Portland Pizza Guide

Find the best pizza in Portland, Oregon, with our guide to Portland pizza — explore the classics, vegan and gluten-free pies, experimental slices and more.

A Cena Ristorante

This intimate Italian eatery values fresh ingredients, local farmers, handmade pastas and cured meats, breads prepared daily, a well-matched wine list, and a seasoned and personable staff.
Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant

Since 1959, this long-running Italian trattoria has served up Italian comfort classics in Portland’s Beaumont neighborhood.
Luce

This Italian restaurant inside a little corner store offers classic dishes, handmade pasta and an extensive wine list.
Mucca Osteria

Mucca Osteria offers authentic Italian fare in an intimate downtown setting. They use locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and make their breads and pastas in house.
Piattino

This cozy Italian restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, design-your-own charcuterie boards and more. They also have a full bar and a carefully curated wine list.

Where to Eat in Portland, Oregon

Portland is divided into “quadrants” (with a couple of bonus sections thrown in, because we love to do things a little differently). These areas create a convenient way to navigate the city, and great food abounds, no matter where you find yourself.

Southwest/Downtown Portland

There are several interesting neighborhoods in Southwest Portland, but the most action-packed of the bunch is downtown. It’s an ideally sized area to eat your way across — small enough to be walkable, but big enough to have an abundance of terrific restaurants. Downtown offerings include many fine dining destinations and lots of food trucks and lunch options.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

Fogo de Chão is a steak house that started in Brazil and has now spread across America. Enjoy grilled meats carved tableside by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs.
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

With recipes that highlight fresh, local ingredients, Luc Lac’s menu consists of traditional dishes that were developed in Vietnam.
Maurice

Acclaimed pastry chef Kristen D. Murray’s “pastry luncheonette” offers house-made pastries, a lunch menu, teas, vermouth and an eclectic wine program.
Verde Cocina Hillsdale

Verde Cocina was started by husband and wife Noé and Anna Garnica in 2009. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the flavors of Mexico and the Pacific Northwest.
Yalla

With seasonally changing small menus, this neighborhood Mediterranean smokehouse is open for dinner, serving roasted cauliflower to grilled octopus to kabab.

Southeast Portland

This sizable quadrant is packed with vibrant neighborhoods and bustling streets. It’s an exciting area, where you’ll find quirky shops, colorful street art and top-notch people-watching. Enjoy shopping, attractions — and of course, great local food.

Apizza Scholls

Apizza Scholls offers in-house dining and carryout. In addition to their gourmet pizzas, salads, desserts and draft beers are available. The arcade room features a variety of video game classics.
Ava Gene’s

Ava Gene’s is a Roman-inspired restaurant from executive chef Joshua McFadden, with an emphasis on the best local produce and meats grown and raised by Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers.
Coquine

Coquine is a full-service neighborhood restaurant located at the top of Southeast Portland’s Mount Tabor. Chef Katy Millard prepares thoughtful, seasonal food, and is committed to sustainable practices and sourcing from local farms.
Mestizo

Mestizo is a gluten-free neighborhood restaurant and bar serving Latin-inspired seafood and vegan dishes in the heart of the Southeast Division neighborhood.
Tusk

This popular vegetable-forward restaurant and bar comes from Submarine Hospitality, the team behind Ava Gene’s. They serve an Israeli- and Moroccan-inspired menu that features small plates and lighter fare highlighting local veggies and whole grains.

82nd Avenue Food Guide

If you’re wondering where the locals eat, this is it. 82nd Avenue is an enclave of flavor where you’ll find some of Portland’s most popular foods, from brothy bowls of pho to spicy crawfish boils.

Explore More

Northeast Portland

Home to a true diversity of neighborhoods, Northeast Portland is also where you’ll find some of Portland’s noteworthy landmarks, and some of its best nightlife. Of course no trip to Northeast is complete without a stop on East Burnside Street, where you’ll find block after block of restaurants — cafés and bistros and diners, oh my!

DarSalam – Alberta

Iraqi hospitality takes top priority at DarSalam, which means “house of peace” in Arabic. A boon for gluten-free and vegan diners, the menu favors bright flavors and fresh offerings.
Davenport

At Davenport, Kevin Gibson — one of Portland’s veteran chefs — serves up simple, refined cuisine made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Gado Gado

Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly drew inspiration from their travels in Southeast Asia and their diverse culinary backgrounds to create Gado Gado, a bright, colorful restaurant serving authentic Indonesian fare.
Navarre

Navarre’s menu is inspired by the cuisine of Italy, France and Spain. They have a full bar, including an extensive selection of wine by the glass or bottle.
Urdaneta

Urdaneta is an inviting Spanish tapas restaurant on Northeast Alberta Street. Diners can share traditional tapas dishes with modern twists while sipping Spanish wine or a classic cocktail.

Northwest Portland

Looking for Old Portland charm, and interested in shopping and dining in historic homes that have been converted into unique new spaces? Then it’s time for a trip to Northwest Portland. This quadrant is home to Northwest 21st Avenue and Northwest 23rd Avenue — both of which offer an abundance of great restaurants — plus Old Town Chinatown and the Pearl District.

Kasbah Moroccan Cafe

This family-owned café in Old Town Chinatown offers authentic Moroccan cuisine, serving up traditional North African dishes like kefta tagine, merguez lamb sausage sandwiches and freshly baked batbot bread and pastries.
Khao San

Khao San specializes in Thai street food — the simple menu of small plates encourages sharing and allows guests to sample a wide range of unique flavors. They use locally sourced ingredients, and their signature desserts are always made from scratch.
Lela’s Bistro

Lela’s Bistro offers authentic Vietnamese comfort food, made from scratch. Try their banh mi sandwiches, curry, pho, salads, salad rolls or noodle bowls.
RingSide Steakhouse

This family-owned and -operated steak house offers high-quality USDA prime beef, along with a variety of chops, chicken, Pacific Northwest seafood, an extensive wine list and house-made desserts.
St. Jack

St. Jack is an ode to the bouchons — or esteemed cafés — of Lyon, France, and to chef Aaron Barnett’s take on the humble excellence of rustic French cuisine.

North Portland

North Portland is home to some of the city’s coolest up-and-coming neighborhoods. This “Fifth Quadrant” also offers a burgeoning culinary scene, with great new restaurants popping up all the time. North Mississippi Avenue is home to many of them, making it a good choice for a dinner out (and an after-dinner drink to wash it down).

Gravy

As the name suggests, this Portland breakfast joint specializes in biscuits and gravy. They also serve scrambles, hashes, brûléed oatmeal and more.
Interurban

Interurban specializes in classic cocktails, local and international craft beer (draft and bottled), and elevated pub fare that features local oysters. Their covered back deck features multiple cozy fire pits.
Parkside

Located across the street from Kenton Park, this spot serves a menu of elevated pub fare along with cocktails, wine and craft beer.
Pollo Bravo

Pollo Bravo serves seasonal tapas and Spanish-style rotisserie chicken with dipping sauces.
¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

“Why not?” in Spanish, this cheery and bright taqueria offers tacos on homemade flour tortillas. Get a margarita or a beer to complement your meal, and enjoy it in their colorful outdoor patio.

Mentioned Elsewhere Online

Portland Monthly

Portland’s Top 50 Restaurants

Eater Portland

Essential Restaurants and Food Carts in Portland

Was this page helpful?