16 Portland Restaurants Worth Knowing Across The City
Portland doesn’t just serve food, it serves vibes with a side of seriously good flavor. Between rainy-day cravings, food carts on every corner, and locals debating coffee like it’s a personality trait, this city knows how to eat well.
Grab your rain jacket, bring your appetite, and get ready to hit the spots that keep Portland original, well-fed, and always worth the wait.
1. Kann
Jerk-spiced smoke curls upward from a hot grill as plantains sizzle close by.
Bold Haitian flavors come alive in Chef Gregory Gourdet’s cooking, where heat, sweetness, and deep soul meet on every plate.
Oxtail stew delivers rich comfort powerful enough to bring on happy tears.
Weekend brunch carries the feeling of a getaway without needing a plane ticket, while dinner service becomes a lively celebration of spice, char, and island comfort. Visit at 548 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97214.
2. Langbaan
Walking into Langbaan feels like stepping through a secret door into Bangkok’s chicest dining room. The tasting menu shifts with the seasons, bringing royal Thai recipes to your plate with precision and flair.
Reservations vanish faster than pad thai at a potluck.
Each course tells a story, layered with lemongrass, chili, and coconut. Dinner here is date-night gold, no question.
Find it at 1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210.
3. Le Pigeon
French bistro classics take a bold turn at Le Pigeon, where familiar dishes become playful culinary adventures. Chef Gabriel Rucker treats foie gras, pigeon, and beef tongue with the confidence of a magician working with a mischievous grin.
Frequent menu changes keep regulars curious and first-timers wide-eyed with anticipation.
Generous portions and fearless flavors set the tone, and dessert quickly feels non-negotiable.
Cozy atmosphere meets daring creativity at this standout corner spot. Find it at 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214.
4. Ox
Smoke and sizzle fill the air the second you walk through the door.
Ox specializes in Argentine-style asado, grilling massive cuts of meat over a crackling wood fire. The bone marrow clam chowder is basically a hug in a bowl.
Grab a group, order the whole menu, and prepare for a meat-fueled feast. Vegetarians can find love here too, thanks to inventive veggie sides that steal the show.
Head to 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212.
5. Coquine
Coquine feels like stumbling into your coolest friend’s dinner party.
The menu shifts daily, guided by whatever looks best at the market that morning. Pasta, roasted chicken, and seasonal vegetables get equal love and attention.
Brunch is a crowd-pleaser, especially the biscuits slathered in butter and jam. Dinner reservations book up fast, so plan ahead or risk missing out.
Visit 6839 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215.
6. Eem
Thai street food collides with Texas barbecue at Eem in a mashup that somehow works perfectly.
Brisket arrives coated in fish sauce glaze, ribs come dusted with Thai chili powder, and every bite lands like a full-on flavor explosion.
White bread appears for a reason, ready to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Late-night cravings meet their match here, especially on weekends when the line stretches out the door. Stop by 3808 N Williams Ave, Suite #127, Portland, OR 97227.
7. Kachka
Warmth and lively energy of a Russian dinner table come alive at Kachka on Portland’s eastside.
Dumplings arrive piping hot, borscht shines ruby red, and a vibrant pickle plate wins over even the pickiest eater. A deep beverage list impresses, yet the food remains the true star of the experience.
Brunch brings towering blini stacks that rival any pancake you have tried, while dinner turns even an ordinary Tuesday into a celebration.
Visit at 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214.
8. Tusk
Tusk takes Middle Eastern flavors and cranks up the color, spice, and creativity.
Hummus arrives swirled with olive oil and spices, flatbreads puff up hot from the oven, and grilled meats practically melt on your tongue. Vegetarian dishes here are just as exciting as the carnivore options.
Lunch or dinner, every bite feels like sunshine on a plate. You’ll find it at 2448 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214.
9. Ava Gene’s
Italian cooking at Ava Gene’s delivers comfort that feels like a warm hug from someone who truly knows their way around a kitchen.
Handmade pasta takes center stage, twirled with seasonal vegetables, rich sauces, and generous showers of parmesan. A thoughtfully curated menu reads like a love letter to Italy.
Date nights and special celebrations find an ideal setting here, with reservations strongly recommended on busy weekends.
Find it at 3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202.
10. Hat Yai (Belmont)
Hat Yai specializes in one thing: fried chicken so crispy and flavorful it could ruin all other fried chicken for you.
The secret is in the marinade, packed with garlic, turmeric, and Thai spices that soak deep into every bite. Sticky rice and tangy papaya salad round out the plate perfectly.
Lunch rush here is no joke, so arrive early or prepare to wait. Swing by 605 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
11. Gado Gado
Gado Gado brings Indonesian comfort food to Portland with big flavors and even bigger portions. Satay skewers come drizzled with peanut sauce, nasi goreng arrives fragrant and steaming, and the sambal adds just the right kick.
Every dish feels like a trip to Jakarta without the long flight.
Weeknight dinners here are casual, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Check it out at 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97212.
12. Nong’s Khao Man Gai (SE)
Single-dish simplicity defines Nong’s, where perfection comes in the form of one unforgettable plate.
Poached chicken rests over jasmine rice, surrounded by a gingery broth that warms you from the inside out.
Tangy house sauce on the side pulls every flavor together like a perfectly tied bow. Quick, affordable lunches here reliably satisfy without ever missing the mark.
Stop by 609 SE Ankeny St, Suite C, Portland, OR 97214.
13. Nong’s Khao Man Gai (Downtown)
Downtown Portland gets its own dose of Nong’s famous chicken and rice at this busy city-center location.
Daily lines of office workers form for poached chicken comfort they know will never disappoint.
Ginger sauce easily steals the spotlight as the true MVP of the meal. Lunch works perfectly either on the go or enjoyed during a quick, satisfying break.
Visit 417 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205.
14. Screen Door (Eastside)
Southern comfort takes center stage at Screen Door, where rich flavors feel worthy of happy tears over biscuits and gravy. Fried chicken and waffles lead the menu, while shrimp and grits offer serious competition for top billing.
Brunch can draw a big crowd, especially on weekends. Each bite carries the feeling of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, even if grandma never cooked quite like this.
Stop by 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214.
15. Screen Door (Pearl District)
The Pearl District location of Screen Door brings the same soul-warming Southern flavors to a slightly more polished setting.
Fried okra, cornbread, and collard greens share the spotlight with legendary chicken and waffles. Brunch here is a weekend tradition for many Portlanders, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Arrive early or brace yourself for the wait. Head to 1131 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209.
16. Jacqueline
Jacqueline feels like the kind of place where every meal turns into a special occasion, even if you’re just celebrating Tuesday.
The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting fresh produce and French techniques without any fuss. Pasta, fish, and vegetables all get equal star treatment here.
Reservations book up fast, so plan ahead if you want a table. Find it at 2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202.
Disclaimer: This restaurant guide is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes. Menus, hours, pricing, and availability can change, and some locations may require reservations or have seasonal offerings; confirm current details directly with each restaurant before visiting.
