Best restaurants in Portland

Portland, Oregon is a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, with a diverse range of restaurants serving up delicious and innovative cuisine. From farm-to-table eateries to tempting food carts, Portland offers something for every taste and budget.

Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor eager to explore the city's dining options, there are plenty of exceptional restaurants to choose from.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the best restaurants in Portland to help you plan your next culinary adventure in this foodie haven.

St. Jack

1610 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210

St. Jack is a French-inspired bistro located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The restaurant boasts a cozy and romantic ambiance with dim lighting, plush leather seating and a stunning bar area.

The menu at St. Jack is an eclectic mix of classic French dishes and Pacific Northwest ingredients, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced produce. Some of the standout dishes include escargot, roasted bone marrow and a nigh-on perfect duck confit. 

St. Jack has received numerous accolades for its exceptional cuisine, including a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant in America in 2011. So, if you're looking for an intimate and sophisticated dining experience with some of the best French cuisine in town, St. Jack needs to be on your list.

Screen Door

2337 E Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214 (and other locations)

Screen Door is a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its addictive fried chicken, biscuits and buttermilk pie. The menu also features a variety of other Southern dishes it’s hard to say no to, such as shrimp and grits, collard greens and an unctuous mac and cheese, always made with high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant was founded in 2006 by Kurt Huffman and Kevin Gibson and since then Screen Door has quickly become one of Portland's most popular restaurants, praised by critics for its delicious food and its buzzing atmosphere.

Screen Door is open for lunch and dinner, and it also offers a weekend brunch ideal for family get-togethers and late risers. The service is excellent with friendly and attentive staff who are always happy to make recommendations. And even better: the prices are reasonable too, so you can get a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Andina

1314 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209

Andina is a Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. The popular eatery features vibrant and colorful decor inspired by the art and culture of Peru, including a stunning collection of hand-woven tapestries and pottery.

The menu dishes up food to match, with a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary Peruvian dishes including ceviche, empanadas and lomo saltado, which is a stir fry-style dish featuring French fries, strips of sirloin, onion and tomato served with rice.

With its lively feel, Andina is a popular destination for regulars and tourists – it’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends.

Le Pigeon

738 E Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214

Often named one of the best restaurants in Portland, Le Pigeon is a renowned eatery at the heart of the city. This stylish spot has been serving sophisticated French-inspired cuisine since 2006, attracting foodies from all over the world.

The menu boasts a range of creative dishes, including foie gras profiteroles, pork cheek bourguignon and grilled octopus with chorizo. Le Pigeon is committed to using locally sourced ingredients, and the chefs are known for their attention to detail and impeccable presentation.

The restaurant is elegant and upscale, with a stylish industrial vibe that perfectly complements the innovative menu and cozy, intimate atmosphere. The location in the vibrant Burnside neighborhood only adds to its charm, with plenty of boutiques and galleries nearby. 

Grassa

1506 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210 (and other locations)

Grassa is a popular Italian restaurant with sites dotted across the city of Portland. So, wherever you’re staying, you won’t be far from some fresh and delicious Italian fare. The restaurant is known for its seasonal ingredients and wood-fired oven, plus a menu that features a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas and salads, as well as a selection of meat and seafood entrees.

The restaurant was founded in 2007 by Rick Gencarelli, who is also the owner of the popular Lardo sandwich shop, and Grassa has quickly become one of Portland's most popular eateries.

The pork belly mac and cheese is a rare treat, while a light spring pea ravioli, all freshness and perkiness, is at the other end the spectrum. 

Tortilleria Y Tienda De Leon's

4512 SE 28th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202

Tortilleria Y Tienda De Leon's is a family-owned Mexican restaurant located in Northeast Portland. The restaurant's interior is snug and inviting, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. The decor features vibrant colors and traditional Mexican artwork, setting the scene for some for some knockout food.

The menu takes you on a tour through a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, tamales and enchiladas. But the restaurant is best known for its tortillas, which are freshly made in-house using traditional methods. Customers rave about the restaurant's flavorful and authentic dishes, which are served up using only the highest quality ingredients.

Mississippi Pizza

3552 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland, OR 97227

Mississippi Pizza is a neighborhood pizza joint located in the Mississippi Avenue district of Portland, which gives the restaurant its name. Come here for the wood-fired pizzas, which are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. But the menu also features a variety of salads, sandwiches and appetizers if you fancy something lighter.

The vibe is casual and rustic, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables, the perfect setting for pies ranging from classic to inventive, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. 

Nong's Khao Man Gai

609 SE Ankeny Street C, Portland, OR 97214 (and other locations)

Nong's Khao Man Gai is a Thai restaurant with locations across Portland. It was launched by Nong Poonsukwattana, a Thai native, in 2011, and has quickly become one of Portland's most popular spots, praised by critics for its delicious flavors and authentic tastes.

The restaurant is best known for its khao man gai (chicken rice), which is made with a traditional recipe that has been passed down through Nong's family for generations. The menu also features a variety of other Thai dishes, such as pad thai, pad see ew and green curry.

The vibe is relaxed and casual, but it's often busy. So, if you’re planning a lunch or dinner at Nong's Khao Man Gai, plan ahead and make a reservation.

With so many great restaurants to choose from, Portland is a foodie's paradise. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine-dining experience, you're sure to find something to your taste in this vibrant city.

Get to know more about Portland

Hungry for more? Check out our range of guides on what to see and do in Portland.

• Best hotels in Portland
• Best things to do in Portland
• Portland’s neighborhoods