Portland - Dining

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Portland

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Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-10-13

Portland’s vibrant food scene is fueled by the city's proximity to exceptional local farms, allowing chefs to create ever-changing, seasonal menus. From fresh produce to artisanal products, Portland's kitchens thrive on what's locally available.

The city is also home to a roster of James Beard Award-winning chefs, some of whom have deep local roots, while others have come from across the country to make their mark. A standout example is Top Chef alum Doug Adams, whose restaurant Bullard has become a go-to spot for fans of his mouthwatering smoked meats, showcasing his modern take on Texas-style barbecue with a Pacific Northwest twist.

Le Pigeon

Le Pigeon

Le Pigeon is one of Portland's most cherished dining destinations, led by the exceptionally talented, two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker. This iconic restaurant helped put Portland on the culinary map with its inventive take on French-inspired cuisine. While its foundation is undeniably French (with dishes like the rich beef cheek bourguignon), Chef Rucker is known for pushing boundaries, blending classic techniques with unexpected flavor combinations and global influences. Le Pigeon offers a unique casual fine dining experience. Guests can enjoy an intimate view of the open kitchen from the coveted 10-seat bar, available for walk-ins—though these spots fill up fast. To fully experience Rucker’s creativity, opt for the 5- or 7-course tasting menus, which showcase the chef's versatility.

Gracie’s Apizza

Gracie’s Apizza

Gracie’s Apizza is a one-person, wood-fired pizza shop in North Portland, serving what many locals and visitors alike claim to be the best pizza in the city. Known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative salads, the restaurant also offers a great selection of affordable wines. Seating includes a few cozy indoor spots and picnic tables in a charming little courtyard. Due to its popularity, be sure to place your order online or arrive soon after they open — they frequently sell out.

Nong's Khao Man Gai

Nong's Khao Man Gai

Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of Nong’s Khao Man Gai’s signature dish: the chicken is delicately poached, the rice is cooked in chicken broth for added flavor and body, and it’s all brought together by a scrumptious ginger-garlic chili sauce so good that it’s even sold by the bottle. While the original Thai food cart that started it all is no longer in operation, there are now two permanent locations in Portland.

Afuri

Afuri

Afuri, a renowned ramen chain from Tokyo, chose Portland for its first overseas restaurant, thanks to the city’s soft water that closely resembles Japan's, even bypassing major cities like London and New York. The chain quickly expanded to two locations, each serving its famous yuzu shio ramen, which features a delicate "chintan" chicken broth. This broth offers a subtler flavor compared to the thicker "paitan" pork broth used in tonkotsu ramen. Afuri’s menu also includes both types of ramen, along with sushi, nigiri, and the popular "chef’s spoons"—miniature samples showcasing seasonal dishes.

Güero

Güero

What began as a humble food cart proved so successful that it now occupies a permanent spot in the Kerns neighborhood, along the foodie-beloved Northeast 28th Avenue. Güero initially gained popularity for its splendid "tortas"—generously sized Mexican sandwiches—but it has since expanded its appeal with a laid-back ambiance, quick service, and an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal.

Kachka

Kachka

One of Portland’s most intriguing restaurants offers a kitschy mock-up of the Soviet Union through an American lens: think old propaganda posters, Khrushchyovka-style wallpaper, and an impressive vodka selection. Experience what Russians call 'salad' by trying the "herring under a fur coat" (no greens, but plenty of mayo), or opt for the full "zakuski" spread to sample a bit of everything.

Canard

Canard

Canard, the highly anticipated sibling restaurant of Le Pigeon, quickly garnered acclaim after its opening in 2018, earning the title of "Restaurant of the Year." Led by renowned chef Gabriel Rucker, Canard is a chic French restaurant that draws inspiration from various global cuisines. Its biggest draws continue to be the innovative brunch offerings and expertly crafted cocktails.

Dirty Lettuce

Dirty Lettuce

Dirty Lettuce is a fully vegan restaurant offering hearty and flavorful soul food. If you're into Cajun or Southern cuisine but have a plant-based diet, this place has got you covered. Its menu features a vast array of vegan comfort food, including seitan-based BBQ ribs, Konjac shrimp fries, and other vegan Southern staples.

Tusk

Tusk

Airy and chic, Tusk is a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant that is all about fresh and — in their own words — "aggressively seasonal" produce. Chef and owner Sam Smith was Chef de Cuisine at Ava Gene's before he started Tusk. His time there can be traced through Tusk's tremendous plant-based dishes (Ava Gene's made a name for itself for its way with vegetables).

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen is beloved for its expertly crafted yet unpretentious Vietnamese dishes, ranging from "bánh mì" baguettes to Pho soup, and an array of rice and vermicelli bowls. Its late weekend hours make it a go-to spot for post-party meals, so be prepared for a possible wait to be seated.

Pine Street Market

Pine Street Market

Portland's first food hall may be compact, but it offers a delicious snapshot of the city's vibrant restaurant scene. At Pine Street Market, Shanghai's Best serves freshly made dumplings, while La Carreta Pura Vida is known for its Costa Rican comfort food. For something sweet, The Mini Donut Company delights visitors with its irresistible mini donuts.

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