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Downtown Restaurants
From former food carts to fine international dining, you’re always just steps away from great downtown Portland restaurants.
Within easy walking distance of downtown hotels, you’ll find food. Everything from casual brunch to fine dining and late night cocktails are available at acclaimed central city restaurants — frequently emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients.
Portland being Portland, the majority of restaurants favor a casual environment welcoming all kinds. Black tie? Certainly not required. Collar? Occasionally. Shoes and shirt? Most, if not all, of the time. Beyond that, just be yourself and tip your waitstaff, although some checks may already have that built in.
Notable Nearby Restaurants
Head in just about any direction and you'll find a great restaurant experience waiting for you.
“The Classics” of Portland’s Central City Restaurant Scene
A legendary destination for regional cuisine, Higgins Restaurant & Bar was opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, a pioneer in the movement to feature fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.
Brunch favorite Mother’s Bistro & Bar serves comfort food made using recipes from mothers around the world, while the historic Jake’s Famous Crawfish (opened in 1892) is a Portland landmark, serving up seafood, pasta and more.
Opened in 1879, Huber’s Cafe holds the title of “Portland’s oldest restaurant.” Tucked inside the historic Oregon Pioneer Building, Huber’s features “Old Portland” charm, a stained-glass ceiling and a menu of hearty, traditional fare. Don’t miss their Spanish coffee, made tableside with panache (and fire) by seasoned bartenders.
A Portland staple for homey comfort food since 1903, Besaw’s serves classic dishes with a fine-cuisine twist, like chicken and waffles with Korean fried chicken and gochujang, or curried chickpea ragoût.
With arguably the best dining view in the city and a robust menu serving steak, seafood and sushi, the Portland City Grill is a popular option for first-time visitors and locals alike.
Pacific Northwest Specialties
Warm and inviting light emanates from Fireside, a corner restaurant on Northwest 23rd specializing in dishes that showcase the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Snack on small plates of fried cauliflower and beet chips while sipping craft cocktails, or tuck into a succulent plate of Carlton Farms pork loin topped with bacon jam.
Q Restaurant & Bar serves internationally-inspired, locally-sourced farm-to-table dishes in a modern and romantic setting, while sustainable seafood restaurant Southpark delivers Northwest faves like king salmon, Pacific oysters, and Alaskan halibut in the heart of downtown.
The Farmers Market at Portland State University is a dazzling — and palate-pleasing — display of Oregon’s bounty, with dozens of growers and food vendors. It’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic, and just one of many seasonal markets across the city.
The Portland Farmers Market, which has several seasonal downtown locations, is a dazzling — and palate-pleasing — display of Oregon’s bounty, with dozens of growers and food vendors. It’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.
Fine Dining with International Flavor
In early 2014, acclaimed French restaurant St. Jack relocated from its original home in Southeast Portland to Northwest 23rd, bringing updated Lyonnaise classics like oxtail bourguignon and lamb shoulder confit, along with an impressive selection of cheeses, to this larger dining space.
In the 10 years since its founding, the 24-seat Langbaan has produced a top-notch Thai tasting menu with few, if any, rivals. In 2024, the restaurant’s reputation reached new heights, as the James Beard Foundation recognized it as the country’s most outstanding restaurant. Reservations are released in one-month blocks.
Lamb kebab pie and Egyptian duck confit make for delicious discoveries at Sesame Collective’s Mediterranean Exploration Company, while stuffed piquillo peppers and house-made ceviche have made the upscale Peruvian restaurant Andina a long-standing Pearl District hot spot.
The vibrant, rustic-chic LeChon offers creative South American empanadas, ceviches and tapas along with a robust grill and cocktail menu.
Foodie Favorites
Whether you follow the awards or your nose, Portland has great restaurants for all tastes.
Casual Comforts
A robust wine and cocktail list show the attention (and love) that goes into the dining experience at G-Love New American Kitchen, where local ingredients shine in a comforting menu. Options at Deschutes Brewery are of the upscale pub variety, paired nicely with any of a dozen-plus unique craft brews from the brewery known for Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale and more.
A popular neighborhood option for its outdoor seating and excellent French-inspired fare, Cafe Nell has been described as “easy enough to be an everyday hangout…and classy enough for a special occasion.”
Pizza & Pasta
Oven and Shaker showcases the talents of six-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Cathy Whims, whose skill with wood-fired pizzas is complemented by well-studied cocktails that keep the place hopping.
Within a one-block radius, pasta lovers can choose between Dolly Olive, an Italian restaurant from Sesame Collective, and Chef Rick Gencarelli’s pasta-focused, casual-service spot, Grassa. Nearby NW 23rd Ave is home to a second Grassa location, as well.
Asian
If Vietnamese pho or banh mi is sounding good, consider Luc Lac or Fish Sauce, which both offer tasty fare, cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.
Delicious Thai menus abound, with varied options to cover all cravings. Red Onion Thai Cuisine produces inspired Asian dishes like Chinese sausage and shrimp laced with Dungeness crab chunks, while Nong’s Khao Man Gai serves up its famous eponymous dish of poached chicken, jasmine rice simmered in chicken stock and an aromatic sauce with a vinegar kick. West Coast chain Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine brings bold flavors and a fun atmosphere to their curries, noodles and more.
Established in 2010, Kalé specializes in a single dish: Japanese curry. Extremely popular in Japan, but less well known in the United States, this savory, complex dish is downright addictive. Kalé is one of the only restaurants that serve authentic Japanese curry in the Pacific Northwest, making it well worth a visit the next time you’re downtown.
Indian soul food, a vibrant environment and outdoor seating pair perfectly at Bhuna Indian Restaurant in Nob Hill. Choose from ala cart skewers, sides and mains (with meat and veggie options), or go with the family order that feeds 5-6 people.
Fresh Sushi
When it's sushi time, expect nothing but the best at these central city restaurants.
Mexican
If you’re looking for something deliciously healthy, Verde Cocina piles plates of carne asada and tofu mole with veggies fresh from the farmers’ market. They’re especially accommodating of gluten-free, paleo and vegan eaters — but no matter your diet, the food is always fresh and locally sourced.
The team behind República and Lilia founded the intimate De Noche to celebrate the culinary traditions of Mexico while embracing the seasonal availability of Pacific-Northwest ingredients. The adjoining bar Comala offers a tremendous Mexico-forward spirits and cocktail menu.
Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
From scrambles and omelets to french toast and biscuits and gravy, Cheryl’s on 12th has the food most folks are looking for before noon. They also have a full menu of sandwiches, burgers and more to round out their offerings. Just don’t plan on dinner, as they close daily at 4:00 p.m.
Modern pastry luncheonette Maurice offers a unique blend of Norwegian and French fare, including savory dishes and decadent desserts.
The brunch at the Southern restaurant Screen Door includes the sweet, the savory, and so much more. From bananas foster French toast (pictured) to black-eyed pea fritters to the griddle top burger, there is something for all cravings.
Bakeries & Desserts
The scent of fresh-baked bread wafting from Ken’s Artisan Bakery is irresistible, as are the hearty croque monsieurs, piled with gruyère and thick-sliced ham, and the fruit-laden pastries.
Grab a window seat or lounge on the patio at airy Lovejoy Bakers and watch the streetcar glide by as you nosh on a delicious array of soups, salads and sandwiches on every type of bread imaginable, from baguettes and buns to brioche, all made in-house. Nuvrei offers handmade French pastries — some traditional, some with a modern twist. The colorful macarons and flaky croissants are a must.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Petunia’s for pies and pastries, St. Honore for delectable baked goods, or Saint Cupcake for cupcakes and cakes. If you’re craving chocolate, you can find it in just about every form at Azar Indulgences: bars, truffles, hot cocoa and more.
Salt & Straw has been scooping out its acclaimed ice cream on Northwest 23rd since spring 2012. In addition to beloved “farm-to-cone” ice cream in flavors like honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper, this location also includes an on-site bakery.
Local landmark Papa Haydn offers European-inspired, Northwest-inflected dishes — but its legendary desserts elevate it to destination status.
Sweet Treats
Portland has tasty options for dessert at any hour.
Doughnut Shops in Portland
Find must-try Portland doughnuts all across the city, from zany creations to tried-and-true classics (think crullers and bear claws) to gluten-free options.
Chai in Portland
This guide to Portland chai includes an abundance of house-brewed local brick-and-mortar options and those carrying Portland-made chai blends and concentrates.
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