18 Best Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
Visiting Portland? From wood-fired steaks to inventive tasting menus and perfect fried chicken, these best restaurants in Portland, Oregon define the city’s dining scene.
Portland has long been a city that punches above its weight in the kitchen. Known for its fiercely local ethos, a touch of quirk, and a devotion to craft that borders on obsession, the city’s food scene has become one of the most dynamic in the country.
Here, chefs build menus around what’s fresh at the farmers’ market that morning, bakers treat sourdough starters like family heirlooms, and entire empires rise from humble food carts parked on street corners.
Portland also has a way of pulling you back to the table. Every time I think I’ve made a dent in the city’s dining scene, ten new spots pop up—each one more inventive, intimate, or downright surprising than the last.
Over the past few years (and the separate 3 weeks I lived in the city), I’ve carved out plenty of excuses to linger here, often extending “just one night” into a weekend of eating my way from one side of the Willamette to the other.
From quirky carts tucked into parking lots to sleek dining rooms buzzing with culinary ambition, I’ve tasted, tested, and—let’s be honest—obsessed.
Here are the best restaurants in Portland, Oregon, that I keep coming back to, the ones that make Portland one of the most exciting food cities in the country. Come hungry, and maybe loosen your belt a notch—you’ll need it.
18 Best Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
Bullard
Bullard Tavern is a bold blend of Texas grit and Pacific Northwest and is easily one of the best restaurants in the downtown Portland area. The menu leans into wood-fired cooking and hearty flavors with standout dishes like smoked brisket tacos, chile-butter–slicked cornbread, and whole grilled trout kissed with lemon and herbs.
But it’s the fried chicken that’s become something of a calling card: golden, shatteringly crisp, and served with a drizzle of hot honey that keeps locals and travelers alike coming back.
Don’t skip the sides either—the vegetables get treated with the same reverence as meat, whether it’s charred seasonal greens or his addictive potato rolls. It’s Portland dining at its most soulful: unpretentious, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent.
Address: 813 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Le Pigeon
Few restaurants capture Portland’s culinary spirit quite like Le Pigeon, chef Gabriel Rucker’s cult-favorite bistro that’s as irreverent as it is refined. The menu is French at its core but never bound by tradition—expect foie gras paired with peanut butter, pigeon served alongside seasonal stone fruit, or a decadent beef cheek bourguignon that feels both classic and rebellious.
The five- and seven-course tasting menus are what to go for to see Rucker’s playful creativity really shine (there’s no à la carte). And then there’s the foie gras—treated as both canvas and centerpiece—appearing in playful, unexpected preparations that have become Le Pigeon’s signature.
Cozy, bustling, and delightfully unpredictable, Le Pigeon remains a rite of passage for anyone serious about eating in this city.
Address: 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR
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Por Qué No?
Bright, bustling, and unapologetically casual, Por Qué No? has become one of Portland’s most beloved taquerías and one of my personal favorites.
The vibe is all color and energy—lines spill out the door, margaritas flow freely, and the smell of grilled meats and freshly pressed tortillas just hangs in the air. The tacos are what to order here, from adobo-marinated pork with pineapple (al pastor style) to line-caught fish topped with crunchy slaw (Baja style), but don’t overlook the tamales, rice bowls, or house-made aguas frescas.
Everything is sourced with care—local, seasonal, and sustainable whenever possible—yet the atmosphere stays laid-back and fun. It’s the kind of spot where lunch can stretch into happy hour, and happy hour easily becomes dinner.
Address: There are two locations, 3524 N Mississippi Ave and 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Canard
Right next door to Le Pigeon, chef Gabriel Rucker’s Canard is the playful younger sibling—just as inventive, but with a looser, more mischievous energy.
Part French bistro, part all-day café, it’s the kind of place where you can swing by for a glass of natural wine and a plate of duck-fat pancakes in the morning, or settle in later for creative small plates that defy easy categorization.
The menu leans experimental yet approachable—think steam burgers, oysters with uni, and an indulgent foie gras dumpling that nods to its fine-dining neighbor while carving out its own identity. If Le Pigeon is the institution, Canard is the hangout: cheeky, delicious, and undeniably Portland.
Address: 734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR
OX Restaurant
At Ox, chefs Greg and Gabrielle Denton bring Argentine grilling traditions to Portland with a distinctly Pacific Northwest twist. The wood-fired parrilla is the beating heart of this Portland restaurant, turning out thick-cut ribeyes, short ribs, and chorizo with that irresistible smoky taste.
But, I found that the menu stretches far beyond steakhouse expectations: start with the famed clam chowder spiked with smoked marrow bone, or dig into seasonal vegetable sides that hold their own beside the meat.
The dining room buzzes with warmth and energy, anchored by the open grill that sets the stage for one of the city’s most memorable meals. Ox is bold, hearty, and celebratory—a restaurant that begs you to bring a group, order big, and stay late.
Address: 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR
Arden
For wine lovers, Arden is one of the best restaurants in Portland, Oregon. This Pearl District favorite revolves around an ever-changing list of bottles—over 250 labels deep—spotlighting both Oregon’s world-class vineyards and intriguing finds from farther afield.
The food is designed with pairing in mind; delicate crudos, handmade pastas, and perfectly seared proteins, all served in portions that encourage lingering, sharing, and sipping. The four-course chef’s tasting menu is a smart way to experience the kitchen’s creativity alongside thoughtful pours, but even a casual evening of small plates and a glass (or three) feels special here.
Equal parts restaurant and wine bar, Arden is where Portland’s love of good food meets its obsession with the grape.
Address: 417 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR
Coquine
In the Mount Tabor neighborhood, Coquine has earned a loyal following for its refined yet approachable take on seasonal dining.
Chef Katy Millard crafts daily-changing menus that highlight local produce and French-inspired technique, from silky soups and handmade pastas to beautifully executed meat and seafood dishes.
The restaurant balances polish with warmth—it’s the kind of place where a multi-course tasting menu feels just as natural as dropping in for a glass of wine and a plate of vegetables.
And don’t leave without trying the signature chocolate chip cookie, it’s delicious and a cult favorite that regulars also insist on ordering to go.
Address: 6839 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR
Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that stay with you, and at Nong’s Khao Man Gai, it’s all about one thing: chicken and rice. The poached chicken is tender, the rice fragrant with garlic and ginger, but the real star is the sauce—spicy, tangy, garlicky, a little sweet, a little funky.
I still remember my first bite: chicken, rice, and a generous spoonful of that sauce, all working together in perfect balance. It’s comforting and energizing at the same time, the kind of meal you finish and immediately wish you could eat again.
Nong’s has grown from a tiny food cart into a Portland institution, but the dish hasn’t changed—and honestly, it doesn’t need to. They sell the sauce in bottles on site, too, so make sure to grab one for next-level chicken dishes at home.
Address: There are two locations, one Downtown at 417 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR, and the other at 609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland,
Kachka
Few restaurants capture Portland’s playful spirit quite like Kachka, the city’s go-to for Russian and Eastern European comfort food. The menu is a mix of hearty classics and modern twists—think Siberian-style dumplings, rich borscht, and an impressive spread of zakuski (small, shareable plates) designed to pair with vodka.
Speaking of, the house-infused vodka list is practically a menu in itself, with flavors running from horseradish to sea buckthorn.
The experience doesn’t end with dinner, either: right next door, Kachka Lavka stocks all the Eastern European staples you didn’t know you needed, from pickles and pelmeni to cured fish and house-made charcuterie. Meals at Kachka feel like celebrations, and thanks to the deli, you can take a little of that energy—and flavor—home with you.
Address: 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Andina
In the Pearl District, Andina has been introducing Portlanders to the vibrant flavors of Peru for two decades—and it still feels as fresh as ever. The menu spans coastal ceviches bright with citrus and ají peppers, hearty Andean stews, and shareable small plates that show off the depth and diversity of Peruvian cooking.
Don’t miss the causas (layered potato terrines with seafood or vegetables) or the anticuchos, skewered meats grilled to perfection. Pair it all with a classic pisco sour from the bar, and you’ll understand why Andina has become both a neighborhood fixture and a destination restaurant.
It’s elegant without being stuffy, celebratory without trying too hard—a true Portland classic with plenty of heart.
Address: 1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR
Screen Door Eastside
For Southern comfort food in Portland, Screen Door is the name that always comes up—and for good reason.
The Eastside location is one of the best restaurants in Portland that has been drawing lines out the door for years with its unapologetically indulgent plates: crispy buttermilk fried chicken, mile-high biscuits smothered in gravy, shrimp and grits, and cinnamon-sugar–dusted praline bacon that deserves its own fan club.
Brunch is legendary (and worth the wait), but dinner delivers just as strongly, I think, with hearty portions that are best shared if you want to make it through dessert.
While the downtown outpost has its perks, there’s something about the Eastside original—the atmosphere, the energy, the sense of tradition—that keeps me coming back here first.
Address: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR
Jacqueline
Seafood takes center stage at Jacqueline, a Southeast Portland gem with a playful streak and serious culinary chops. The menu shifts constantly with what’s fresh, but you can expect impeccably sourced oysters, inventive crudos, and creative plates that showcase the Pacific Northwest’s coastal bounty.
There’s often a sense of humor woven in—think whimsical plating or cheeky dish names—but the execution and plate aesthetic is always spot-on. The seafood tower is a showstopper, perfect for celebrations, though even a half-dozen oysters with a glass of sparkling wine feels special here.
And don’t overlook the cocktails: the bar program is as inventive as the food, with clever, seasonally inspired drinks that pair beautifully with what’s on the table. With its cozy, neighborhood feel and ambitious kitchen, Jacqueline strikes that rare balance of being both a local favorite and a destination worth crossing town for.
Address: 2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR
Read more: 7 Best Wineries in Willamette Valley for Pinot & Tastings
Tusk
Tusk is bright, modern, and vegetable-forward in a way that feels distinctly Portland. Instead of heavy Middle Eastern staples, you’ll find lighter, seasonal riffs: vibrant mezze spreads, just-baked pita, and plates piled high with whatever produce looks best at the market that week.
There is meat and seafood, but the real stars here are the vegetables, coaxed into bold flavors with herbs, spices, and clever technique. Brunch has become a local ritual—those hummus bowls and fluffy labneh toasts have their own cult following—while dinner is a feast of sharable dishes meant to mix, match, and linger over with cocktails.
Tusk proves that Mediterranean-inspired dining can be both healthful and indulgent, fresh yet deeply satisfying.
Address: 2448 E Burnside St, Portland, OR
Eem
If there’s one restaurant that perfectly captures Portland’s love of mash-ups, it’s Eem. This Thai barbecue hotspot combines smoky, Texas-style meats with the punchy flavors of Thai curries—and the result is nothing short of addictive.
Brisket finds its way into bowls of creamy massaman curry, smoked pork shoulder gets tucked into fried rice, and just about everything benefits from a drizzle of house-made chili oil.
The cocktails are just as playful, with tropical-inspired drinks that lean tiki without tipping into kitsch. It’s loud, fun, and always buzzing—a place where dinner feels more like a party than just, well, dinner.
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave #127, Portland, OR
MÅURICE
Sweet, savory, and just a touch eccentric, MÅURICE is a “modern luncheonette” that feels unlike anywhere else in Portland.
Chef Kristen Murray weaves French technique with Nordic influences, turning out delicate dishes like smoked trout tartlets, seasonal salads, and a daily rotation of pastries that locals line up for.
The vibe is airy and feminine—white walls, handwritten menus, flowers on every table—and it works beautifully as both a leisurely lunch stop and a pastry-and-coffee break that inevitably lingers longer than planned.
Whatever you do, save room for dessert: Murray’s baking, from her signature black pepper cheesecake to ethereal cookies and cakes, is reason enough to visit.
Address: 921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205
Oma’s Hideaway
At Oma’s Hideaway, the energy hits you before the food does—bright murals, buzzing tables, and plates flying out of the kitchen stacked with Southeast Asian flavors. As soon as we sat down, I went straight for the char kway teow: smoky, stir-fried noodles tangled with prawns, Chinese sausage, and just the right kiss of wok heat.
From there, charcoal-roasted game hen glazed in sticky sambal landed on the table, quickly followed by the star of the show: rich Malaysian-style curry with tender beef short rib that practically fell apart at the touch of a fork.
Everything was bold, messy in the best way, and impossible not to share. It’s comfort food with fire and heart—dishes that feel like they came straight from a family kitchen, served up in Portland’s most joyful dining room.
Address: 3131 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Han Oak
Tucked behind an unmarked door near Laurelhurst, Han Oak feels more like stumbling into a dinner party than a restaurant—and that’s part of its magic.
Chef Peter Cho serves a modern, deeply personal take on Korean cooking, where handmade dumplings, chewy noodles in rich broths, and perfectly grilled meats share the table with banchan that change by the season.
The space itself blurs indoor and outdoor, with communal seating that makes every meal feel convivial and celebratory. While the menu evolves often, the flavors are always bold, comforting, and layered with Cho’s unmistakable style.
Han Oak is one of the best restaurants in Portland, Oregon that manages to be both intimate and iconic—a Portland dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Address: 511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR
Portland City Grill
Perched on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, Portland City Grill is as much about the view as it is about the food—and that’s saying something.
From its floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawls out below with the Cascade peaks in the distance, making it one of Portland’s most iconic dining rooms. The menu leans classic steakhouse with a Pacific Northwest and Asian slant: prime cuts of beef, cedar-planked salmon, and hearty sides built for sharing.
Happy hour is my favorite time of day to arrive, with crowds packing the lounge for cocktails and small plates against the backdrop of that sweeping skyline. It’s polished, a little nostalgic, and still one of the best places in town to toast the city itself.
Address: 111 SW 5th Ave 30th Floor, Portland, OR
Ready to dive into Portland’s dining scene with this guide to the best restaurants in Portland, Oregon? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.
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