Should you’re craving one thing totally different for dinner, Portland has some really standout spots. After many evenings exploring town, I’ve discovered some gems – from stylish Center Japanese to hip Asian fusion and enjoyable American dishes with a twist. Listed below are my private favorites…
1. Tusk – finest for Center Japanese
I’m a giant fan of this stylish, stylish and now iconic spot! Positioned within the Buckman District, it presents artistic Center Japanese and Mediterranean dishes in a light-weight, brilliant area with minimalist design, inventive geometric accents, and luxurious greenery.
I come right here for the unimaginable mezze dishes and falafel, however their different vegetable-focused plates are additionally a specialty. They use farm-fresh produce and a sustainable ethos to create tasty dishes like Quinoa Tabouleh and Chanterelle Skewers with shishito peppers, inexperienced harissa, and honey.
I additionally discovered that there’s additionally a variety of meat and fish choices, together with the favored albacore skewer. Wine and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails are additionally served and so they usually obtain important acclaim – Bon Appétit even named it “50 Greatest New Eating places in America” in 2017!
The one factor I might say is that’s restricted seating so it will probably really feel crowded at busier instances.
- Tackle: 2448 E Burnside St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Tusk Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: foodies, Instagrammers, vegans, health-conscious, stylish seekers
- Worth: $$
My favourite highlights…
- Gorging on the unimaginable Barbari bread (Iranian leavened flatbread) and the distinctive Saffron Rice with pickled cherries and almonds.
- Making an attempt the Baked Fig dessert—simply wow! It was surprisingly wholesome for a dessert, too!
2. Mucca Osteria – finest for Italian
After I’m searching for a romantic spot in Downtown, I select this place! It has a captivating vibe with cozy, rustic-chic decor, that includes wood beams, uncovered brick partitions, inventive touches, and mushy lighting – good for a date evening!
It chef-owned and operated and serves up scrumptious upscale Italian meals however with a contemporary twist with hand-made pasta, freshly made antipasti and fundamental dishes with seasonal components (so the menu modifications ceaselessly).
Throughout my go to, I had the choice of selecting both à la carte or a four-course prix fixe menu, the place I might choose dishes for Appetizer, Pasta, Predominant Course, and Dessert. The wine record was additionally very intensive however I might simply say it was fairly difficult to park close by.
My private highlights…
- Going for a wonderful date evening and eating on the scrumptious Tortelli ai Funghi with asparagus, almonds and white wine adopted by the Pistachio lemon Mousse Cake dessert which was divine!
- Reserving a desk close to the big floor-to-ceiling window throughout a lunchtime go to – good for some excellent people-watching!
3. Departure Lounge – finest for Pan Asian and sushi
I’m a sucker for ultra-modern minimalist design and I simply love iconic place! Positioned within the fifteenth ground of upscale The Nines Resort in Downtown, the model at this luxurious spot is urban-contemporary with refined Asian influences and many metallic and glass. I believed had an nearly futuristic look.
The delicacies right here is artistic pan-Asian so there’s an enormous number of influences from Japan and Korea to China and Thailand. They serve up a few of my favourite meals together with freshly made dim sum, sushi and noodles. There’s additionally a wide range of meat and different fish dishes on the menu, artistic cocktails and vegan choices too.
Different stand-out options embrace its common rooftop bar with lounge seating which had a energetic occasion vibe, its unimaginable weekend brunch choices (I extremely suggest going!) and its robust give attention to sustainability. I simply have to say, it is a luxurious restaurant so additionally anticipate luxurious costs to match!
My highlights…
- Having fun with the excellent rooftop bar – I Ioved the breathtaking 360-degree views of town skyline and with the ability to see the Willamette River, and even Mount Hood!
- Eating on scrumptious nuka carrot rolls, Thai glass noodles and crispy tempeh steam buns.
4. Melting Pot – finest for fondue
That is my go to position for consolation meals! It’s a contemporary and enjoyable tackle the standard European fondue restaurant (the place small items of meals are dipped right into a sizzling sauce) and inside I discovered a comfy vibe with darkish wooden and black decor.
Positioned within the Lloyd District, tables are set as much as cater in the direction of sociable massive events and intimate eating with lengthy tables and cubicles (simply ensure you e book prematurely to get a desk of your selection)!
The meals is hearty right here and comes within the type of several types of fondue with both a customizable four-course menu or à la carte and though the dishes are meat and cheese heavy there are some vegan choices too.
I’m personally a giant fan of this enjoyable and distinctive spot and I believe it’s an excellent place to have a good time particular events with an attention-grabbing interactive eating expertise! I simply want to say, the eating expertise is slower-paced than regular which gained’t go well with everybody.
My favourite highlights…
- Dipping tasty home made gluten-free bread into the wealthy Spinach Artichoke sauce made with Spinach, Artichoke hearts, garlic and tabasco.
- Choosing the unimaginable dessert the place I dipped in strawberries, marshmallows and pound cake right into a chocolate fondue – it was a heavenly expertise!
5. Lechon – finest for South American Meals
I really like how this restaurant combines stylish decor with a country really feel! Positioned within the historic waterfront space of town, it serves up progressive South American delicacies with flavors from everywhere in the area, particularly Argentina!
I used to be a giant fan of the design right here which was colourful and eclectic with hipster-friendly uncovered brick, lashings of wooden and hanging South American impressed patterns. I believed the open kitchen, out of doors patio and heat lighting made it much more inviting!
The dishes have been a mixture of grilled and wood-fired meats, tapas, conventional empanadas, South American avenue meals, plant-based dishes and seafood dishes like ceviche (which was unimaginable!). General I believed it was a really respectable spot, however a few downsides stood out for me – parking close by was a bit difficult, and it tends to get crowded throughout peak instances.
- Tackle: 113 SW Naito Pkwy, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Lechon Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: teams of buddies, {couples}, Instagrammers
- Worth: $$
My private highlights…
- Eating on South American-inspired cocktails at their common glad hour – I can personally suggest the divine lechon margarita with libelula tequila!
- Choosing the unimaginable foraged mushrooms, toasted brioche and caramelized onion puree for a fundamental and chocolate dulce de leche tart for dessert!
6. Han Oak Restaurant – finest for Korean
That is funky spot situated within the Kerns neighborhood close to Northeast Portland. I discovered it to be a comfy, homely and artistic spot with an industrial stylish with gray concrete blended in with chrome steel and light-weight wooden and a beautiful open kitchen.
It’s a household run – however very non-traditional – Korean restaurant and I particularly loved the enjoyable, welcoming vibe and interactive eating expertise! The informal vibe additionally makes it an excellent lunch spot (though it does get busy) and so they even do take-out too bonus!
The main focus right here is Korean Gimbap (rice and varied fillings rolled in seaweed) however with kimchi, Korean BBQ dishes, fried pancakes, pickled salads and vegan-friendly dishes made with silken tofu, all washed down with Korean and Japanese lagers. I might simply say that despite the fact that I discovered the meals to be distinctive, I believed the menu was just a little restricted.
My highlights…
- Eating on the ridiculously tasty Bing Soo dessert with got here with Mochi Marshmallows!
7. Punch Bowl Social – finest for enjoyable
It is a enjoyable, hip spot which mixes video games and meals! Positioned Central Eastside Industrial District, close to the Burnside Bridge, it has an open structure with a playful industrial-chic design, retro touches and an off-the-cuff, light-hearted vibe!
On my go to I noticed that video games have been the large characteristic right here (greater than the meals!) and there was loads on provide together with – bowling lanes, arcade video games, pool tables, darts, ping pong, board video games and I particularly liked the karaoke rooms! It is a place to hang around with your folks, household or date!
I discovered the meals to be hearty consolation meals with a contemporary twist so loads of burgers, fries, loaded nachos, tacos. Bowls and salads have been the wholesome choices and so they additionally serve up a variety of beers, craft cocktails and wine. I might simply say that that is sociable place so anticipate some noise and crowds at peak instances and don’t anticipate sophistication!
My private highlights…
- Enjoying video games from my childhoods together with Pac-Man, skee-ball, and pinball!
- Bowling whereas gorging on Past Burger with kale slaw, sizzling sauce mayo and a brioche bun washed down with a West Coast Mule cocktail.
8. G – Love New American Kitchen – finest for very distinctive
This new place – which is now one of many best-rated eating places within the metropolis – presents eating with a really distinctive idea! As a substitute of constructing the meat the main focus of the meals they make the greens the main focus and the meat then turns into simply the addition as an alternative.
Positioned within the Slabtown neighborhood, it’s generally known as a “reverse steakhouse” and so they greens they do serve are seasonal and regionally sourced with a farm-to-table ethos. Typical dishes embrace Grilled Broccolini with hazelnut tahini which comes accompanied with rooster with honey dijon skewers if you want!
I really like the design of the place! It had tall ceilings, and a really up to date industrial-chic design with concrete, lot of crops, and trendy furnishings it’s a stylish spot however intimidatingly so, it manages to nonetheless really feel welcoming.
I significantly liked the open kitchen and out of doors patio. I might simply say due to the restricted seating area it’s not the only option for giant events.
My private highlights…
- Eating on scrumptious wedge salad with pickled strawberries and crispy beets on a lunch date with a buddy – I liked the sustainability coverage it had too!
9. Mediterranean Exploration Firm – finest for stylish decor
That is my go to fashionable spot within the Pearl District! It’s one other Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with flavors from the Center East, North Africa, and Southern Europe but it surely’s a contemporary chef-driven place with funky industrial-chic decor with communal tables (in addition to extra intimate seating choices).
I additionally liked the open kitchen, the sociable vibe, the fashionable bar which served up Mediterranean wine and the Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.
They served up mezze (small plates), falafels and meat and seafood dishes. I believed it was nice that they had a great deal of choices for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. I might simply say that this place may be very common so ensure you e book at peak instances!
My favourite highlights…
- The Greek Potatoes with oregano, lemon and garlic! They have been scrumptious!
10. Noble Rot – finest for views
It is a high quality restaurant providing high quality views! It is a attractive farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar with which unusually incorporates a rooftop bar and a rooftop backyard the place they really develop seasonal components that are then served up within the dishes – I liked this characteristic a lot!
It’s situated on the 4th ground of the sustainably designed Rocket Constructing in Central Eastside neighborhood and this restaurant additionally follows this eco-friendly and sustainable ethos.
Inside I actually appreciated the decor which was trendy and comfortable with earthy tones, sociable communal tables and enormous, floor-to-ceiling home windows which had high quality views of Downtown!
The meals was equally as particular with small plates and a powerful give attention to seasonal greens, salads (there are additionally artistic twists on conventional meat, fish and pasta dishes too). Simply be warned although, it is a common spot so I extremely suggest reserving forward to make sure getting a desk!
- Tackle: 1111 E Burnside St Fourth Ground, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: foodies, health-conscious, vegans, {couples} on a date evening, eco-friendly diners
- Worth: $$$
My highlights…
- Trying out the lovable rooftop backyard and eating on a freshly made onion tart adopted by tasty banana daiquiri within the rooftop – I liked the views of Downtown and Mount Hood within the distance.
- The Peanut Butter and Jelly choice for a dessert was superior!
11. Norah Restaurant – finest for 100% vegan
I believed this new eatery was so cute and quirky! Positioned within the Sunnyside neighborhood within the Southeast district it is a 100% vegan restaurant and the pan-Asian meals right here is severely scrumptious therefore why it’s made a spot on my record!
Inside I discovered it to be a comfy sit-down spot with colourful, eclectic Thai-style decor and retro touches. The vibe is informal but additionally enjoyable and pleasant, I liked how the tremendous smiley workers couldn’t do sufficient for us!
I liked that the meals is equally as colourful with full, vibrant plates of Thai and South-East Asian fusion dishes. I noticed coconut mushroom linguine, cauliflower curry, and soy-curl-and-mushroom sliders on the menu on my current go to (though this will likely change)!
I simply want to say although, at peak instances there’s a time restrict for events beneath six folks – so be warned!
- Tackle: 3801 SE Belmont St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: vegans, vegetarians, health-conscious, teams of buddies, informal diners, diners searching for an attention-grabbing lunch
- Worth: $
My favourite highlights…
- I’ve to provide a particular point out to the extraordinary Pad Thai nachos! I didn’t assume it will work, however wow it positive did!
12. Broder Soder – finest for Scandinavian meals
For one thing very totally different I like to recommend this superior little joint which additionally enjoys high rankings! It’s a comfy Scandinavian-style cafe situated within the Southwest of town Portland, inside Nordia Home (a Nordic cultural middle).
Inside I used to be a giant fan of the Scandi-style design which was mild and brilliant, with floor-to-ceiling home windows and lashings of sunshine wooden with stylish design options.
The meals is hearty, Nordic consolation meals, similar to Fisk Smorgasbord, Danish Pancake Rolls and meatballs (in fact)! Among the drinks on the menu particularly stood out to me although as you’ll be able to’t discover lavender and oat milk chilly brew, mushroom mana mocha and Ligonberry cocktails wherever else within the metropolis that’s for positive!
There are just a few downsides although; it’s a 20 minute drive from town middle, there’s only a few vegan choices and it’s closed throughout particular occasions.
My private highlights…
- Eating on their Savory Lefse Breakfast which featured Norwegian potato crepes – it was probably the greatest brunches I’d had within the metropolis!
13. Tope – Greatest For Hipsters
Should you’re searching for a hip spot with a rooftop bar then I can suggest this spot! Positioned within the coronary heart of Downtown it’s situated within the stylish European owned Hoxton Resort.
The inside design is minimalist and really trendy with each Scandi and Industrial-chic design kinds. There’s additionally ultra-contemporary furnishings and distinctive design options like seating round a raised fireplace pit (which was my private favourite characteristic)! The rooftop bar which had unimaginable metropolis views was a preferred spot. Though the vibe is stylish, I might say it’s not intimidatingly so!
The meals is Mexican avenue meals impressed with tacos, ceviche, tortillas and tostadas with various levels of spiciness! The craft cocktails are additionally Mexican impressed. I simply want to say it’s a preferred spot so besides lengthy wait instances at peak instances, even with reservations.
- Tackle: 15 NW 4th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Tope Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: Instagrammers, trend-seekers, teams of buddies
- Worth: $$$
My favourite highlights…
- Gazing on the excellent Downtown views from the rooftop bar – I might even see the West Hills within the distance.
- The divine churros served with dulce de leche – I don’t must say anymore!
14. Oma’s Hideaway – Greatest For Quirky Design
Though it’s an off-the-cuff spot this place at all times wows me! Positioned within the Southeast a part of town, it’s a cool place with hawker-style meals which takes inspiration from ethnic cuisines from everywhere in the world however principally Malaysia and Singapore!
Inside, I liked that the decor is equally as eclectic with colourful and deliciously quirky decor with vibrant wallpaper and retro-style furnishings! I discovered the vibe to be playful and pleasant.
On the menu I discovered hearty (and really tasty!) dishes like spicy chilled noodles, grilled summer season corn coconut rice and salted egg yolk curry fries! It’s a sit down spot but it surely additionally presents very respectable take out too, bonus!
I might simply say it will probably get crowded at peak instances and the enjoyable, energetic environment wouldn’t go well with everybody.
My favourite highlights…
- To me the spicy noodles and roti canai (handmade flaky Malaysian flatbread) have been the final word consolation meals on a cold fall night!
15. Arden Restaurant – finest for upscale
This actually is a good looking place! This upscale restaurant and wine bar truly has one my favourite designs and vibes out of all of the locations I’ve visited within the metropolis.
Positioned in coronary heart of the Pearl District, it’s been strongly influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic minimalist design the model is deliciously rustic-chic with lashings of wooden, glass, impartial tones and it creates a really stylish area however I liked the way it nonetheless manages to be cozy and alluring.
I additionally discovered the meals which is up to date Pacific Northwest delicacies to be distinctive and I used to be a giant fan of their seasonal, farm-to-table ethos.
On my go to, pattern dishes on the menu included Alaskan halibut with curried vichyssoise and dashi-poached mussels, and eggplant cappelletti with fermented plums, There’s additionally a powerful give attention to their various assortment of Pacific Northwest wines.
I simply wasn’t eager on their determination to serve Foie Gras dishes, that’s was a bit too controversial for me!
- Tackle: 417 NW tenth Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Arden Restaurant Web site
- Who would take pleasure in it: foodies, trend-seekers, wine lovers, {couples} on a romantic date, new American meals followers
- Worth: $$$$
My private highlights…
- I completely adored the chef’s counter the place I sat and watch the cooks skilfully put together our dishes!
- The intimate and customized service – I liked how our waiter supplied insights into each the meals and wine and made customized recommendations to us!
16. Palomar – finest for Cuban meals
I’m at all times charmed by this funky spot once I go to! It’s a light-weight, brilliant and colourful Cuban-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one. Positioned within the Division-Clinton neighborhood, the decor is fabulous with hanging Cuban-inspired patterns and stylish, retro-style furnishings with just a few neon lights thrown in!
The vibe is energetic and pleasant and though there’s a powerful give attention to the tropical cocktails (from Mojitos to Daiquiris) I discovered the meals to be very engaging and attractive too!
It’s all Cuban-inspired (in fact!) with give attention to small plates and traditional Cuban dishes like ceviche, tostones (fried inexperienced plantains), freshly made salsa and loads of black beans. I opted for the vegan choice which was a tasty jackfruit tortilla with pickled onions and spicy peanuts.
- Tackle: 959 SE Division St #100, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Palomar Web site
- Who would take pleasure in: Instagrammers, teams of buddies, date-night diners
- Worth: $$
My private highlights…
- Eating on their rooftop patio – there was no dramatic skyline views however the views of the Division-Clinton neighborhood and the enjoyable, sociable vibe made it an excellent spot!
- Having a banana daiquiri made by the award-winning bartender, Ricky Gomez, who was town’s first nationwide cocktail champion! It was an superior expertise!
17. Pine Avenue Market – Greatest For Meals Corridor
This one is little totally different because it’s plenty of eateries – together with many ethnic – rolled into one however I really like this place! It’s situated within the coronary heart of Downtown and it’s a bustling spot with a high quality array of connoisseur distributors to select from.
The decor is trendy industrial-chic with plenty of wooden, chrome steel and uncovered mild bulbs and the structure is designed to be sociable with lengthy communal tables within the center. The idea works so nicely it will probably get actually busy at peak time however don’t let put you off, I nonetheless discovered it to be an superior expertise!
The distributors do change from time-to-time however on my current go to the distributors included a craft beer taproom, handmade dumplings, hand crafted mini-donuts, Ramen dishes, fried rooster, Costa Rican avenue meals, Thai consolation meals and a juice bar.
I might simply say although that the social and energetic environment gained’t go well with all kinds of diners.
My favourite highlights…
- I liked how they’ve become historic constructing that dates again to 1886 into a trendy, buzzy haven!
- Making new buddies with fellow foodies on the lengthy communal tables!
Bonus – The Meals Carts!
The meals carts in Portland are legendary for a cause! I sampled an unimaginable array of flavors – from Korean-Mexican fusion to genuine Thai, even Ethiopian, and vegan bento bins and most dishes I purchased have been beneath simply $15. I’d additionally suggest hanging out on the pods (teams of meals carts) as all of them had have a enjoyable, laid-back vibe, usually with communal seating, native beer, and a welcoming, neighborhood really feel!
- Location – the very best I discovered spots have been Cart Blocks downtown, Hawthorne Asylum in SE, Prost Market in North Portland, and Portland Mercado within the southeast, all providing various international eats in vibrant, community-focused settings.
- Who would take pleasure in: foodies, finances vacationers, solo explorers, teams of buddies, and anybody who loves making an attempt various, artistic avenue meals in an off-the-cuff, energetic environment!
- Worth: $
