If you’re craving something different for dinner, Portland has some truly standout spots. After many evenings exploring the city, I’ve found some gems – from trendy Middle Eastern to hip Asian fusion and fun American dishes with a twist. Here are my personal favorites…
1. Tusk – best for Middle Eastern
I’m a big fan of this chic, trendy and now iconic spot! Located in the Buckman District, it offers creative Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in a light, bright space with minimalist design, artistic geometric accents, and lush greenery.
I come here for the incredible mezze dishes and falafel, but their other vegetable-focused plates are also a specialty. They use farm-fresh produce and a sustainable ethos to create tasty dishes like Quinoa Tabouleh and Chanterelle Skewers with shishito peppers, green harissa, and honey.
I also found that there’s also a range of meat and fish options, including the popular albacore skewer. Wine and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails are also served and they often receive critical acclaim – Bon Appétit even named it “50 Best New Restaurants in America” in 2017!
The only thing I would say is that is limited seating so it can feel crowded at busier times.
- Address: 2448 E Burnside St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Tusk Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, Instagrammers, vegans, health-conscious, trendy seekers
- Price: $$
My favorite highlights…
- Gorging on the incredible Barbari bread (Iranian leavened flatbread) and the exceptional Saffron Rice with pickled cherries and almonds.
- Trying the Baked Fig dessert—just wow! It was surprisingly healthy for a dessert, too!
2. Mucca Osteria – best for Italian
When I’m looking for a romantic spot in Downtown, I choose this place! It has a charming vibe with cozy, rustic-chic decor, featuring wooden beams, exposed brick walls, artistic touches, and soft lighting – perfect for a date night!
It chef-owned and operated and serves up delicious upscale Italian food but with a modern twist with hand-made pasta, freshly made antipasti and main dishes with seasonal ingredients (so the menu changes frequently).
During my visit, I had the option of choosing either à la carte or a four-course prix fixe menu, where I could select dishes for Appetizer, Pasta, Main Course, and Dessert. The wine list was also very extensive but I would just say it was pretty tricky to park nearby.
My personal highlights…
- Going for a fabulous date night and dining on the delicious Tortelli ai Funghi with asparagus, almonds and white wine followed by the Pistachio lemon Mousse Cake dessert which was divine!
- Booking a table near the large floor-to-ceiling window during a lunchtime visit – perfect for some superb people-watching!
3. Departure Lounge – best for Pan Asian and sushi
I’m a sucker for ultra-modern minimalist design and I just love iconic place! Located in the 15th floor of upscale The Nines Hotel in Downtown, the style at this luxury spot is urban-contemporary with subtle Asian influences and lots of metal and glass. I thought had an almost futuristic look.
The cuisine here is creative pan-Asian so there’s a huge variety of influences from Japan and Korea to China and Thailand. They serve up some of my favorite food including freshly made dim sum, sushi and noodles. There’s also a variety of meat and other fish dishes on the menu, creative cocktails and vegan options too.
Other stand-out features include its popular rooftop bar with lounge seating which had a lively party vibe, its incredible weekend brunch offerings (I highly recommend going!) and its strong focus on sustainability. I just have to mention, this is a luxury restaurant so also expect luxury prices to match!
My highlights…
- Enjoying the superb rooftop bar – I Ioved the breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline and being able to see the Willamette River, and even Mount Hood!
- Dining on delicious nuka carrot rolls, Thai glass noodles and crispy tempeh steam buns.
4. Melting Pot – best for fondue
This is my go to place for comfort food! It’s a modern and fun take on the traditional European fondue restaurant (where small pieces of food are dipped into a hot sauce) and inside I found a cozy vibe with dark wood and black decor.
Located in the Lloyd District, tables are set up to cater towards sociable large parties and intimate dining with long tables and booths (just make sure you book in advance to get a table of your choice)!
The food is hearty here and comes in the form of different types of fondue with either a customizable four-course menu or à la carte and although the dishes are meat and cheese heavy there are some vegan options too.
I’m personally a big fan of this fun and unique spot and I think it’s a great place to celebrate special occasions with an interesting interactive dining experience! I just need to mention, the dining experience is slower-paced than usual which won’t suit everyone.
My favorite highlights…
- Dipping tasty homemade gluten-free bread into the rich Spinach Artichoke sauce made with Spinach, Artichoke hearts, garlic and tabasco.
- Opting for the incredible dessert where I dipped in strawberries, marshmallows and pound cake into a chocolate fondue – it was a heavenly experience!
5. Lechon – best for South American Food
I love how this restaurant combines trendy decor with a rustic feel! Located in the historic waterfront area of the city, it serves up innovative South American cuisine with flavors from all over the region, especially Argentina!
I was a big fan of the design here which was colorful and eclectic with hipster-friendly exposed brick, lashings of wood and striking South American inspired patterns. I thought the open kitchen, outdoor patio and warm lighting made it even more inviting!
The dishes were a mix of grilled and wood-fired meats, tapas, traditional empanadas, South American street food, plant-based dishes and seafood dishes like ceviche (which was incredible!). Overall I thought it was a very decent spot, but a couple of downsides stood out for me – parking nearby was a bit challenging, and it tends to get crowded during peak times.
- Address: 113 SW Naito Pkwy, OR 97204
- Location Map
- Lechon Website
- Who would enjoy: groups of friends, couples, Instagrammers
- Price: $$
My personal highlights…
- Dining on South American-inspired cocktails at their popular happy hour – I can personally recommend the divine lechon margarita with libelula tequila!
- Opting for the incredible foraged mushrooms, toasted brioche and caramelized onion puree for a main and chocolate dulce de leche tart for dessert!
6. Han Oak Restaurant – best for Korean
This is funky spot located in the Kerns neighborhood near Northeast Portland. I found it to be a cozy, homely and creative spot with an industrial chic with grey concrete mixed in with stainless steel and light wood and a gorgeous open kitchen.
It’s a family run – but very non-traditional – Korean restaurant and I especially enjoyed the fun, welcoming vibe and interactive dining experience! The casual vibe also makes it a great lunch spot (although it does get busy) and they even do take-out too bonus!
The focus here is Korean Gimbap (rice and various fillings rolled in seaweed) but 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 would just say that even though I found the food to be exceptional, I thought the menu was a little limited.
My highlights…
- Dining on the ridiculously tasty Bing Soo dessert with came with Mochi Marshmallows!
7. Punch Bowl Social – best for fun
This is a fun, hip spot which combines games and food! Located Central Eastside Industrial District, near the Burnside Bridge, it has an open layout with a playful industrial-chic design, retro touches and a casual, light-hearted vibe!
On my visit I saw that games were the big feature here (more than the food!) and there was a lot on offer including – bowling lanes, arcade games, pool tables, darts, ping pong, board games and I especially loved the karaoke rooms! This is a place to hang out with your friends, family or date!
I found the food to be hearty comfort food with a modern twist so plenty of burgers, fries, loaded nachos, tacos. Bowls and salads were the healthy options and they also serve up a wide range of beers, craft cocktails and wine. I would just say that this is sociable place so expect some noise and crowds at peak times and don’t expect sophistication!
My personal highlights…
- Playing games from my childhoods including Pac-Man, skee-ball, and pinball!
- Bowling while gorging on Beyond Burger with kale slaw, hot sauce mayo and a brioche bun washed down with a West Coast Mule cocktail.
8. G – Love New American Kitchen – best for very unique
This new place – which is now one of the best-rated restaurants in the city – offers dining with a very unique concept! Instead of making the meat the focus of the meals they make the vegetables the focus and the meat then becomes just the addition instead.
Located in the Slabtown neighborhood, it’s known as a “reverse steakhouse” and they vegetables they do serve are seasonal and locally sourced with a farm-to-table ethos. Typical dishes include Grilled Broccolini with hazelnut tahini which comes accompanied with chicken with honey dijon skewers if you wish!
I love the design of the place! It had tall ceilings, and a very contemporary industrial-chic design with concrete, lot of plants, and stylish furniture it’s a trendy spot but intimidatingly so, it manages to still feel welcoming.
I particularly loved the open kitchen and outdoor patio. I would just say because of the limited seating space it’s not the best choice for large parties.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on delicious wedge salad with pickled strawberries and crispy beets on a lunch date with a friend – I loved the sustainability policy it had too!
9. Mediterranean Exploration Company – best for trendy decor
This is my go to trendy spot in the Pearl District! It’s another Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with flavors from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe but it’s a modern chef-driven place with funky industrial-chic decor with communal tables (as well as more intimate seating options).
I also loved the open kitchen, the sociable vibe, the stylish bar which served up Mediterranean wine and the Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.
They served up mezze (small plates), falafels and meat and seafood dishes. I thought it was great they had loads of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. I would just say that this place is very popular so make sure you book at peak times!
My favorite highlights…
- The Greek Potatoes with oregano, lemon and garlic! They were delicious!
10. Noble Rot – best for views
This is a fine restaurant offering fine views! This is a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar with which unusually features a rooftop bar and a rooftop garden where they actually grow seasonal ingredients which are then served up in the dishes – I loved this feature so much!
It’s located on the 4th floor of the sustainably designed Rocket Building in Central Eastside neighborhood and this restaurant also follows this eco-friendly and sustainable ethos.
Inside I really liked the decor which was modern and cozy with earthy tones, sociable communal tables and large, floor-to-ceiling windows which had fine views of Downtown!
The food was equally as special with small plates and a strong focus on seasonal vegetables, salads (there are also creative twists on traditional meat, fish and pasta dishes too). Just be warned though, this is a popular spot so I highly recommend booking ahead to ensure getting a table!
- Address: 1111 E Burnside St Fourth Floor, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Website
- Who would enjoy: foodies, health-conscious, vegans, couples on a date night, eco-friendly diners
- Price: $$$
My highlights…
- Checking out the cute rooftop garden and dining on a freshly made onion tart followed by tasty banana daiquiri in the rooftop – I loved the views of Downtown and Mount Hood in the distance.
- The Peanut Butter and Jelly option for a dessert was awesome!
11. Norah Restaurant – best for 100% vegan
I thought this new eatery was so cute and quirky! Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood in the Southeast district this is a 100% vegan restaurant and the pan-Asian food here is seriously delicious hence why it’s made a place on my list!
Inside I found it to be a cozy sit-down spot with colorful, eclectic Thai-style decor and retro touches. The vibe is casual but also fun and friendly, I loved how the super smiley staff couldn’t do enough for us!
I loved that the food is equally as colorful with full, vibrant plates of Thai and South-East Asian fusion dishes. I saw coconut mushroom linguine, cauliflower curry, and soy-curl-and-mushroom sliders on the menu on my recent visit (although this may change)!
I just need to mention though, at peak times there’s a time limit for parties under six people – so be warned!
- Address: 3801 SE Belmont St, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Noble Rot Website
- Who would enjoy: vegans, vegetarians, health-conscious, groups of friends, casual diners, diners looking for an interesting lunch
- Price: $
My favorite highlights…
- I have to give a special mention to the extraordinary Pad Thai nachos! I didn’t think it would work, but wow it sure did!
12. Broder Soder – best for Scandinavian food
For something very different I recommend this awesome little joint which also enjoys top ratings! It’s a cozy Scandinavian-style cafe located in the Southwest of the city Portland, within Nordia House (a Nordic cultural center).
Inside I was a big fan of the Scandi-style design which was light and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and lashings of light wood with trendy design features.
The food is hearty, Nordic comfort meals, such as Fisk Smorgasbord, Danish Pancake Rolls and meatballs (of course)! Some of the drinks on the menu especially stood out to me though as you can’t find lavender and oat milk cold brew, mushroom mana mocha and Ligonberry cocktails anywhere else in the city that’s for sure!
There are a few downsides though; it’s a 20 minute drive from the city center, there’s very few vegan options and it’s closed during special events.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on their Savory Lefse Breakfast which featured Norwegian potato crepes – it was one of the best brunches I’d had in the city!
13. Tope – Best For Hipsters
If you’re looking for a hip spot with a rooftop bar then I can recommend this spot! Located in the heart of Downtown it’s located in the trendy European owned Hoxton Hotel.
The interior design is minimalist and very fashionable with both Scandi and Industrial-chic design styles. There’s also ultra-contemporary furniture and exceptional design features like seating around a raised fire pit (which was my personal favorite feature)! The rooftop bar which had incredible city views was a popular spot. Although the vibe is trendy, I would say it’s not intimidatingly so!
The food is Mexican street food inspired with tacos, ceviche, tortillas and tostadas with varying degrees of spiciness! The craft cocktails are also Mexican inspired. I just need to mention it’s a popular spot so except long wait times at peak times, even with reservations.
- Address: 15 NW 4th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Tope Website
- Who would enjoy: Instagrammers, trend-seekers, groups of friends
- Price: $$$
My favorite highlights…
- Gazing at the superb Downtown views from the rooftop bar – I could even see the West Hills in the distance.
- The divine churros served with dulce de leche – I don’t need to say anymore!
14. Oma’s Hideaway – Best For Quirky Design
Although it’s a casual spot this place always wows me! Located in the Southeast part of the city, it’s a funky place with hawker-style food which takes inspiration from ethnic cuisines from all over the world but mostly Malaysia and Singapore!
Inside, I loved that the decor is equally as eclectic with colorful and deliciously quirky decor with vibrant wallpaper and retro-style furniture! I found the vibe to be playful and friendly.
On the menu I found hearty (and very tasty!) dishes like spicy chilled noodles, grilled summer corn coconut rice and salted egg yolk curry fries! It’s a sit down spot but it also offers very decent take out too, bonus!
I would just say it can get crowded at peak times and the fun, lively atmosphere wouldn’t suit everyone.
My favorite highlights…
- To me the spicy noodles and roti canai (handmade flaky Malaysian flatbread) were the ultimate comfort food on a chilly fall evening!
15. Arden Restaurant – best for upscale
This really is a beautiful place! This upscale restaurant and wine bar actually has one my favorite designs and vibes out of all the places I’ve visited in the city.
Located in heart of the Pearl District, it’s been strongly influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic minimalist design the style is deliciously rustic-chic with lashings of wood, glass, neutral tones and it creates a very trendy space but I loved how it still manages to be cozy and inviting.
I also found the food which is contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine to be exceptional and I was a big fan of their seasonal, farm-to-table ethos.
On my visit, sample dishes on the menu included Alaskan halibut with curried vichyssoise and dashi-poached mussels, and eggplant cappelletti with fermented plums, There’s also a strong focus on their diverse collection of Pacific Northwest wines.
I just wasn’t keen on their decision to serve Foie Gras dishes, that’s was a bit too controversial for me!
- Address: 417 NW 10th Ave, OR 97209
- Location Map
- Arden Restaurant Website
- Who would enjoy it: foodies, trend-seekers, wine lovers, couples on a romantic date, new American food fans
- Price: $$$$
My personal highlights…
- I absolutely adored the chef’s counter where I sat and watch the chefs skilfully prepare our dishes!
- The intimate and personalized service – I loved how our waiter offered insights into both the food and wine and made personalized suggestions to us!
16. Palomar – best for Cuban food
I’m always charmed by this funky spot when I visit! It’s a light, bright and colorful Cuban-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one. Located in the Division-Clinton neighborhood, the decor is fabulous with striking Cuban-inspired patterns and trendy, retro-style furniture with a few neon lights thrown in!
The vibe is lively and friendly and although there’s a strong focus on the tropical cocktails (from Mojitos to Daiquiris) I found the food to be very enticing and tasty too!
It’s all Cuban-inspired (of course!) with focus on small plates and classic Cuban dishes like ceviche, tostones (fried green plantains), freshly made salsa and plenty of black beans. I opted for the vegan option which was a tasty jackfruit tortilla with pickled onions and spicy peanuts.
- Address: 959 SE Division St #100, OR 97214
- Location Map
- Palomar Website
- Who would enjoy: Instagrammers, groups of friends, date-night diners
- Price: $$
My personal highlights…
- Dining on their rooftop patio – there was no dramatic skyline views but the views of the Division-Clinton neighborhood and the fun, sociable vibe made it a great spot!
- Having a banana daiquiri made by the award-winning bartender, Ricky Gomez, who was the city’s first national cocktail champion! It was an awesome experience!
17. Pine Street Market – Best For Food Hall
This one is little different as it’s lots of eateries – including many ethnic – rolled into one but I love this place! It’s located in the heart of Downtown and it’s a bustling spot with a fine array of gourmet vendors to choose from.
The decor is stylish industrial-chic with lots of wood, stainless steel and exposed light bulbs and the layout is designed to be sociable with long communal tables in the middle. The concept works so well it can get really busy at peak time but don’t let put you off, I still found it to be an awesome experience!
The vendors do change from time-to-time but on my recent visit the vendors included a craft beer taproom, handmade dumplings, hand crafted mini-donuts, Ramen dishes, fried chicken, Costa Rican street food, Thai comfort food and a juice bar.
I would just say though that the social and lively atmosphere won’t suit all types of diners.
My favorite highlights…
- I loved how they’ve turned into historic building that dates back to 1886 into a stylish, buzzy haven!
- Making new friends with fellow foodies on the long communal tables!
Bonus – The Food Carts!
The food carts in Portland are legendary for a reason! I sampled an incredible array of flavors – from Korean-Mexican fusion to authentic Thai, even Ethiopian, and vegan bento boxes and most dishes I bought were under just $15. I’d also recommend hanging out at the pods (groups of food carts) as they all had have a fun, laid-back vibe, often with communal seating, local beer, and a welcoming, community feel!
- Location – the best I found spots were Cart Blocks downtown, Hawthorne Asylum in SE, Prost Marketplace in North Portland, and Portland Mercado in the southeast, all offering diverse global eats in vibrant, community-focused settings.
- Who would enjoy: foodies, budget travelers, solo explorers, groups of friends, and anyone who loves trying diverse, creative street food in a casual, lively atmosphere!
- Price: $
