Portland’s meals scene buzzes with creativity, mixing worldwide flavors with Pacific Northwest substances in ways in which shock and delight. From James Beard Award winners to cult pizza joints, the town gives unbelievable eating experiences that showcase each native expertise and world influences. Meals lovers visiting for the primary time will uncover eating places which have earned nationwide recognition whereas sustaining that particular Portland attraction. Listed here are ten important spots that seize the spirit of this outstanding meals metropolis.
1. Kann (Buckman) — Haitian flavors, wooden fireplace, massive coronary heart
James Beard’s 2023 Finest New Restaurant award catapulted chef Gregory Gourdet into the nationwide highlight, however locals already knew one thing particular was occurring at Kann. Wooden-fired cooking transforms seasonal Oregon substances via a Haitian lens, creating dishes that really feel each acquainted and fully new.
Jerked greens arrive charred and smoky, whereas griyo pork delivers wealthy, satisfying flavors that pair superbly with Caribbean-inspired curries. The menu modifications with Oregon’s seasons, so spring would possibly convey completely different delights than fall visits.
Reservations e book up rapidly, particularly on weekends, so plan forward for this unforgettable eating expertise.
2. Le Pigeon (Buckman) — Portland’s fine-dining icon
Small areas usually create massive magic, and Le Pigeon proves this principle completely. Chef Gabriel Rucker, a 2025 James Beard Excellent Chef semifinalist, has been wowing diners on this intimate room for years with creative tasting menus that push culinary boundaries.
Select between omnivore or vegetarian multi-course experiences, every designed to shock and fulfill. The restaurant’s personality-packed ambiance makes each meal really feel like a special day, whether or not you’re celebrating an anniversary or just treating your self to distinctive meals.
Reservations are extremely beneficial for the reason that small eating room fills up quick with meals lovers desperate to expertise Portland’s longest-running vacation spot restaurant.
3. Langbaan (NW twenty third/Thurman) — Thai tasting menu with PNW produce
Securing a desk at Langbaan looks like successful a lottery, with month-to-month reserving blocks that disappear sooner than you possibly can say “pad thai.” This intimate spot transforms conventional Thai regional delicacies utilizing Pacific Northwest substances in ways in which honor each traditions.
Every month brings a very new seasonally-driven menu, so repeat visits provide recent discoveries. The refined ambiance encourages sluggish, considerate eating whereas creative dishes showcase Thailand’s various culinary panorama via an Oregon lens.
Persistence pays off for these decided to snag one of many metropolis’s most coveted reservations. The creative fusion of Thai strategies with native substances creates unforgettable taste combos.
4. Eem (N Williams) — Thai BBQ meets Texas smoke
Loud music, trip vibes, and the intoxicating aroma of smoked meats create an environment that’s half Bangkok avenue meals, half Texas barbecue joint. The well-known white curry with brisket burnt ends alone justifies the journey, combining Thai consolation meals with American barbecue traditions.
Daytime lunches provide a extra relaxed expertise, whereas dinner service brings social gathering power and inventive cocktails that style like tropical holidays. The smoked-meat krapao has developed its personal cult following amongst locals who crave these daring taste combos.
Come hungry and prepared for an journey that challenges every thing you thought you knew about each Thai meals and barbecue.
5. Coquine (Mt. Tabor) — market-seasoned, chef-driven consolation
Neighborhood heat meets destination-worthy cooking at this Mt. Tabor gem that earned 2025 James Beard Excellent Restaurant finalist recognition. The selection between Chef’s Selection tasting menu and à la carte eating helps you to customise your expertise based mostly on urge for food and finances.
Market-driven menus change often, reflecting seasonal availability and the chef’s artistic inspiration. Consolation meals will get elevated therapy right here, remodeling acquainted flavors into one thing particular with out shedding their soul.
The intimate setting encourages lingering conversations over distinctive meals. Current Chef’s Selection menus have been priced round $129, providing a number of programs that showcase the kitchen’s vary and creativity.
6. Gado Gado (Hollywood District) — Indonesian-leaning, wildly enjoyable
Huge flavors demand consideration at this Hollywood District celebration of Indonesian delicacies, the place roti canai arrives sizzling and flaky alongside wealthy, complicated beef rendang that slow-cooks its solution to perfection. The brilliant, energetic ambiance matches the daring spice profiles.
Artistic cocktails complement the à la carte menu that retains regulars returning for brand spanking new discoveries. Sumatran influences shine via dishes that steadiness candy, spicy, and savory components with knowledgeable precision.
The neighborhood location makes it straightforward to discover different Hollywood District sights earlier than or after your meal. Every go to reveals new favourite dishes from a menu designed for sharing and exploration.
7. Kachka (Central Eastside) — Japanese European celebration
Pelmeni dumplings and zakuski small plates transport diners straight to Japanese Europe, whereas infused vodkas add genuine touches to this celebration of Russian and former-Soviet delicacies. The every day joyful hour from 4-6 p.m. gives excellent introduction to unfamiliar flavors.
Portland’s standard-bearer for this delicacies serves each lunch and dinner, making it straightforward to suit into any schedule. The energetic ambiance encourages attempting new dishes, particularly when shared amongst associates who can pattern a number of choices.
Reservations assist guarantee tables throughout busy intervals, although the welcoming workers makes walk-ins really feel snug when house permits. Every dish tells a narrative of custom and immigration via rigorously ready consolation meals.
8. Apizza Scholls (SE Hawthorne) — the cult pizza
Cult standing doesn’t occur in a single day, however Apizza Scholls has earned devoted followers via constantly wonderful pies that showcase massive, lovely blisters and excellent char. The New York White Pie represents simply certainly one of many home combos that maintain folks coming again.
First-come seating provides pleasure to dinner plans, whereas takeout choices allow you to take pleasure in these legendary pizzas wherever. The restaurant operates till sell-out, so arriving early improves your probabilities of snagging each a desk and your most popular pie.
This SE Hawthorne establishment proves that easy ideas executed flawlessly create lasting impressions. Every chew delivers the form of satisfaction that transforms informal diners into devoted regulars.
9. Pretty’s Fifty Fifty (N Mississippi) — salad-topped, farm-obsessed pies
Sarah Minnick’s 2025 James Beard Excellent Chef semifinalist recognition celebrates her dedication to Oregon farms and seasonal substances that rework pizza into one thing completely new. Wild mushrooms and foraged greens high pies that change with the seasons.
Home-made ice lotions present excellent endings to meals that commemorate native agriculture. The N Mississippi location places you within the coronary heart of certainly one of Portland’s most dynamic neighborhoods for post-dinner exploration.
Farm-obsessed doesn’t imply boring right here – artistic combos shock whereas respecting ingredient integrity. Every go to gives completely different toppings based mostly on what’s rising, making return journeys really feel like seasonal celebrations of Oregon’s agricultural bounty.
10. Ox (NE MLK) — wood-fired, Argentina-inspired steakhouse
Greg and Gabi Denton’s neighborhood favourite brings Argentina-inspired grilling to NE MLK with wood-fired ribeyes that sizzle with smoky perfection. Home-made sausages and punctiliously chosen seafood spherical out a menu designed for severe meat lovers.
The well-known chowder with smoked marrow bone has achieved legendary standing amongst regulars who know to avoid wasting room for this wealthy, satisfying soup. Every day service from 5-10 p.m. makes dinner planning simple.
Wooden-fired cooking provides depth to each dish, from completely charred steaks to greens that profit from smoke and flame. The neighborhood ambiance encourages relaxed eating whereas distinctive substances demand your full consideration and appreciation.
