10 of the best restaurants in Portland

Sarah Merle

Sarah is one of the creative minds behind the Le Petit Chef blog. With her authentic and approachable style, she enjoys sharing all kinds of experience-based activities.

Portland offers creativity, nature, and of course, incredibly good food! The food paradise focuses entirely on local and fresh ingredients, which is why vegetarian and vegan cuisine is very popular.

But pizza and donuts are also among the favorite foods of the locals. So get ready in this blog for the best tips on the best places to eat in Portland.

Tip #1: AKADI PDX

With fresh ingredients and traditional methods – this is how cooking is done at AKADI PDX. Authentic dishes from West Africa are waiting for you to try. Let yourself be taken on a culinary journey, because here, in one of Portland’s best restaurants, West African culture is represented authentically.

Cooking is done by Fatou Ouattara, who learned this art from her mother, grandmother, and aunts, practicing traditionally on a clay oven and wood fire. In her restaurant, she wants to create a place for convivial gatherings, just as it was during her childhood in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Tip #2: Cafe Olli

Simple dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. This is the spirit that Café Olli follows. This spot is the insider tip for everyone who loves brunch and a good dinner.

The open kitchen makes Café Olli approachable, a place that feels like home. Toast, sandwiches, and house-made granola ensure that you start the day perfectly. Pizza and pasta then make the perfect ending in the evening.

Tip #3: EEM

Thai BBQ? At EEM in Portland, that’s exactly what you get! They serve lunch and dinner all week long. Whether it’s inventive starters or wok dishes, every dish here is a unique taste experience.

The curries are also well-known in the city. EEM one of the best restaurants in Portland, was named Restaurant of the Year in 2019 by Monthly Portland.

Tip #4: Lilia Comedor

The name Lilia Comedor is a tribute to the late mother of the owner – a restaurant that aims to convey a sense of home, comfort, and warmth. Here, everyone truly feels welcome – and the food is meant to please everyone!

With his creativity, the chef conjures a mix of Mexican and American dishes. The focus is always on hyper-seasonality, meaning he uses ingredients sourced from a maximum of 250 km away – freshness and locality are therefore given the highest priority!

Tip #5: Lovely’s Fifty Fifty

Which restaurant can already claim to be mentioned in a Netflix series? Lovely’s Fifty Fifty earns a special spot on Chef’s Table and also in the hearts of its guests. With extraordinary combinations on a pizza, the pizzeria impresses everyone!

The classic sourdough is topped with wild herbs, blossoms, regional cheese, and vegetables. They also offer homemade ice cream that is just as remarkable: every week, they feature different new flavors that further highlight the pizzeria’s aromatic taste.

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Tip #6: Astera

Among the best restaurants in Portland is definitely Astera. Since Portland is famous for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Astera also uses only local and fresh ingredients.

With its 18 seats, it has also become one of the most sought-after restaurants in Portland! It has managed to secure a spot among the 25 best restaurants in Portland and continuously receives praise for the culinary experience!

Tip #7: Departure Restaurant + Lounge

On the 15th floor at Departure Restaurant, you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful view of Portland while also having the best food! The large window front creates a breathtaking view, the interior design is urban and yet luxurious, and you will be delighted by a pan-Asian cuisine with regional influences.

Here you are offered the largest selection of sake in Portland – a Japanese alcoholic beverage that means rice wine but is more similar to beer. Try it out and let it become a unique restaurant visit.

Tip #8: The Jack London Revue

A cool and fun place to eat is definitely The Jack London Revue – here there are around 200 seats and great acoustics. Because it is a jazz club with a speakeasy flair – dimmed light and a large stage create the right atmosphere.

Jazz is the main focus, complemented by soul, hip hop, or world music. But the food is also impressive: from warm and cold appetizers to dessert and the matching cocktails or wines, everyone here is well entertained and taken care of!

Tip #9: Blue Star Donuts

What fits Portland better than donuts? Blue Star Donuts! Here you will find high-quality brioche donuts, prepared fresh daily, with creative and luxurious flavors. The little shop is something for gourmets of the donut-dessert world, because here the two adjectives innovative and classic are combined.

Especially popular are the creations Honey Lavender, Matcha Crumble, Blueberry Bourbon Basil. In addition, there is a selection and offers of coffee: perfect for the way to work, for a walk, or a cozy afternoon break! Thus, it definitely belongs to the best food in Portland.

Tip #10: Nodoguro

What starts as a pop-up ends up becoming one of the best restaurants in Portland – Nodoguro impresses with its Asian cuisine and Northwestern seasonality, so that reservations are highly sought after.

The sophisticated, artistic cuisine offers tasting menus with 20 courses or also theme menus that stand out with their special taste. Definitely an exclusive and unique place, further highlighted by the ambiance and the flair.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!