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Photograph: Paolo Ferraris

The 24 best restaurants in Portland, Oregon

From excellent food trucks to fresh fine dining, here are the best food spots in Portland right now

Lauren Dana
Written by
Caitlin Sakdalan
&
Lauren Dana
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Portland has always been cool, but in recent years it’s really made a name for itself as a cultural hub, a trendy getaway destination, and especially important, a haven for foodies and drinkers alike. A ton of very talented chefs now reside in Portland, cooking up innovative snacks to really put it on the map, and as a diverse city, there’s pretty much every kind of cuisine you can imagine here.

Think French fine dining on one road, handmade pasta on another, and Thai and Mexican food trucks that draw in queues down the street. There’s so much going on here, it would be impossible to get a sense of it all without a bit of help. And that’s where we come in. from specialty ice cream to wine and small plates, here are the best restaurants in Portland right now.

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Hottest restaurants in Portland

Obviously, the first on any good city food list is usually a bit of a treat. And hey, we hate to be so predictable, but St Jack really does deserve a spot on the top of our list. This French restaurant utilises fresh, local ingredients to create thoughtful, ever-changing menus, serving up French classics steak frites, mushroom vol-au-vent and more. 

Pasta lovers, we got you. Grassa is all about it. From cacio e pepe with truffle butter to pork belly mac & cheese and fusilli alla vodka with sausage, this spot will keep your heart (and stomach) full and happy. This is no fine dining spot – there are no reservations, and the service is casual. Simply good pasta, and a fantastic wine list to go alongside it. 

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At Tusk, you’ll be treated to bright, beautiful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine served in an equally playful and aesthetically pleasing space. With so many delightful dishes, it can be hard to decide what to get, which is why there's a "try everything on the menu" option! Don't overlook the vegetables, and be sure to try at least one selection from the creative cocktail menu.

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  • Restaurants
  • Thai
  • Buckman

With humble beginnings as a food cart on SW 10th & Alder St., Nong’s only offered Khao Man Gai with poached chicken, chicken stock-based jasmine rice, soothing soup, cucumbers, cilantro, and an addictive sauce you’ll want on everything. While the original cart is no more, you can savor the eatery’s expanded menu at one of two locations.

At this vibrant, soulful Latin spot, you'll find dishes that accentuate bright, citrus qualities as well as rich heartiness. Start with a classic, authentic Cuban cocktail before making your way through the menu. Then, brace your second stomach for their equally fantastic homemade dessert.

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Affordable, delicious food with Hawaiian vibes all around: Need we say more? At Ate-Oh-Ate, plates come heaped full of island goodness here, with a hint of Japanese cuisine thrown in. From Kalua pig and teriyaki chicken to kal-bi ribs and loco moco, you'll be carried away to a tropical paradise, happy and full.

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Visit Verde Cocina for fantastic Mexican food with a unique and fresh Pacific Northwest twist. The Buenos Dias breakfast entree—which features pork belly bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh veggie, garbanzo beans, tortillas, and ranchero salsa for an extra-flavorful kick—is a favorite for good reason. Diners can also choose from a slew of other Mexican classics (enchiladas, anyone?), as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

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From crazy, over-the-top biscuit sammies Southern classics, Pine State Biscuits—which is known for (spoiler alert!) its biscuits—is the perfect place to fuel up before a day well spent exploring (or soak up any regrettable alcohol from the night before). Choose from a wide array of ultra-fluffy biscuit concoctions or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, build your own. Pro tip: Save room for one of the cocktails and/or side dishes, including fried green tomatoes or hushpuppies.

Luc Lac’s extensive menu makes it easy to explore Vietnamese cuisine. Fun fact: The restaurant is named for the popular dish bò lúc lắc, a French-influenced sautéed beef dish. It's definitely worth a try, but you're sure to find something flavorful and delicious among the many other offerings. Also, you can’t go wrong with an order of crispy spring rolls, papaya salad, cream cheese-stuffed wontons, pho, or banh mi.

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From the specialty flavors that change each month to the classics you can only get on the west coast (like the subtle Arbequina Olive Oil, for one), this Portland-based ice cream shop-turned-nationwide-phenomenon is sure to delight. Although technically not a restaurant, you can order an ice cream tasting flight to sample various flavors and call it dinner. Two birds, one stone.

Navarre serves up European plates (both small and large) featuring locally sourced ingredients in an intimate ambiance, which makes it an excellent choice for date night. Oenophiles will also love it here: The restaurant offers over 50 wines by the glass. Just keep in mind that Navarre does not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit if you come during prime dinner time.

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Savor authentic Russian fare at Kachka, where staples include beet-cured salmon, herring, relish, and strawberry soup, to name a few. Feeling extra fancy? Check out the caviar and roe options featuring fish like sturgeon, wild Alaskan salmon, and smoked trout. Alternatively, dig into a plate of dumplings. The restaurant is also known for its horseradish vodka, which also features local Oregon honey.

Sustainable seafood and other PNW staples await at Higgins, which is known as Oregon’s “first farm-to-table restaurant.” Since 1994, diners from all over have been flocking here to feast on an array of locally inspired dishes like salad niçoise featuring Oregon albacore tuna, artisan bread, and Oregon beef. The hearty Yucatan-style pork stew is also a favorite, as is the ultra-refreshing tomato gazpacho.

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Whiskey lovers will especially appreciate a visit to Scotch Lodge for its extensive collection. And, while you may have originally came here for the trendy ambiance and stiff drinks, you’ll certainly want to stay for the food. With innovative and elevated pub grub like pickle-spiced fries and fried brie—plus heartier mains like pasta and seafood—there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Located in the city’s Clinton neighborhood, Jacqueline is best known for its oysters, all of which are sourced from the PNW. Also, all oysters are harvested and delivered on the same day for peak freshness. (FYI: Pop in between 5pm and 6pm Mondays-Saturdays to snag $1 oysters.) In addition to oysters, diners can enjoy seafood-forward dishes like lobster BLTs, poached shrimp, striped bass, Dungeness crab toast, ad diver scallops. Alternatively, order one of the vegetarian options like fried eggplant and little gem caesar.

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