The 19 best restaurants in Portland, Oregon

What is it? Opened in 2016 by chef Peter Cho and Sun Young Park, Han Oak is an upscale Korean restaurant in Northeast Portland that everyone should experience at least once. 

Why we love it: Since the pandemic, Han Oak has shifted to a set menu. They offered hot pot in the cold months and jipbap (hand-built, seaweed-wrapped rice, veggie and meat rolls) in warmer weather. This summer, they’re trying something new, and serving jipbap which translates to “home-cooked meal.” They serve a range of little bites to start (think kimchi fritters, caramelized carrots and bamboo shoot rice) and then choose an entree (good luck choosing between slow braised short rib, kimchi cured pork ribs, halibut with spicy anchovy and tomato broth and chilled acorn noodles with veggies).

Time Out tip: Service is casual and fun, and occasionally, late night karaoke breaks out toward the end of shifts. You’ll likely need a reservation, usually a day or two in advance.

Address: 511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Hours: Wed–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Jipbap is $65 per person, not including drinks, add-ons or gratuity.

What is it? Featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table and a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist, chef Sarah Minnick runs Lovely’s Fifty Fifty—a deeply Northwestern pizza restaurant.

Why we love it: Lovely’s exclusively uses produce from Oregon farms. From their salads, which include veggies like asparagus, new potatoes, kale and beets, to their sourdough pizza toppings, like fava & pea greens, morel mushrooms, rainbow chard and green garlic, Lovely’s is quintessentially Portland. Despite elevated ingredients, Lovely’s feels homey, easy and comforting (and they’re not above offering a side of ranch for your pizza). 

Time Out tip: Expect a long wait—and there are no reservations—but wander bustling Mississippi Avenue to kill some time. Make sure to save room for Lovely’s homemade ice cream, for which they’re almost equally well-known.

Address: 4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Hours: Daily 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Twelve-inch pizzas hover around $30. Expect to pay between $25 and $50 per person.

What is it? An Egyptian-influenced, summer-only patio restaurant and mezcal and wine bar. Food, hospitality and design expert Megan Sanchez develops pop-up restaurants on the back patio of Güero No. 1 Tortas (more on them farther down the page) alongside cocktail visionary Ben Skiba. Each iteration has been wonderful, but Farag’s is our favorite. 

Why we love it: Farag’s hits every mark: warm service, a heavenly cocktail menu and mezcal/wine list, a beautiful, dreamy layout, and of course, incredible food. Each dish feels lovingly home-cooked and familial but is brilliantly and creatively assembled.

Time Out tip: The food is meant to be shared—we recommend the lebneh served with toasted nigella seeds, grapes and shallots confit, a few pieces of Tabor Bread, and the melon served with manchego and olive oil. Keep an eye on their Instagram to catch live jazz and DJs throughout the summer.

Address: 2821 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97232

Hours: Thu–Sun 4–10pm, approximately June through October (weather dependent)

Expect to pay: Between $30 and $50 per person.

What is it? Oregon Live’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year, Ki’ikibáa is a delicious, low-key Yucatecan restaurant in Northeast Portland.

Why we love it: Ki’ikibáa balances fresh, bright flavors with mouthwatering comfort food—we love to order á la carte and try as many little bites as possible. Don’t miss the salbutes (deep-fried tortillas topped with your choice of chicken, beef or pork, plus avocado, lettuce and pickled onions), panuchos (tortillas stuffed with refried beans, served with similar toppings) and tamales.

Time Out tip: The section of NE 82nd Avenue around Ki’ikibáa isn’t the best walking street—it’s a multi-lane, fast-paced commuter street—but there are tons of other great restaurants and bars within a short drive, like Cameo Cafe (a classic diner-meets-Korean food haven) and Pho Oregon. Another fun spot in the area is the Sandy Jug, a strip club turned bar.

Address: 3244 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97220

Hours: Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–5pm

Expect to pay: Salbutes, panuchos and tamales are $4 each, so count on spending at least $10 and up to $20.

What is it? Yaowarat is a truly fun Portland restaurant, with a menu devoted to Thai-Chinese cuisine (focused on Bangkok’s Chinatown). It’s named after Yaowarat Road, one of the city’s most well-known and cherished food streets.

Why we love it: Not only is the food incredible (we love the chive cakes, pickled cabbage salad and black olive pork) so are the cocktails, non-alcoholic options and ambience. We’re not the only ones who love it, either: It happens to be Portland Monthly’s 2024 restaurant of the year, and included on The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants list.

Time Out tip: For dessert, try the toasted buns with pandan and Thai tea custards. Also, keep an eye on their Instagram for collaborations with other chefs throughout the summer, usually on Mondays.

Address: 7937 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

Hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5–10pm; Sat 11am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sun 11am–2pm, 4:30–9pm

Expect to pay: Dinner costs between $25 and $35, not including drinks. Cocktails are mostly $14.

What is it? A truly heavenly sushi restaurant in an unassuming building in Southwest, open since 1988.

Why we love it: From fatty tuna sashimi and a wide range of specialty rolls, to appetizers like umeboshi (salty plum) soup, Murata never disappoints. Every meal begins with a few pickled veggies and edamame on adorable tiny plates, and each course that follows will blow you away. Order for the table to your heart’s content.

Time Out tip: Try to get a reservation in a tatami mat room—a private, wood-paneled room where you’ll sit at a table with a sunken floor on comfy pillows. It’s customary to take shoes off (and makes the experience feel even more cozy and special).

Address: 200 SW Market St, Portland, OR 97201

Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–1:30pm, 5–8:30pm; Sat 5–8:30pm

Expect to pay: At least $40 per person for dinner, up to $75.

What is it? Annam VL is a Vietnamese lunch restaurant on SE Belmont Street that features a rotating menu, mostly focused on noodle soups. 

Why we love it: Their small menu (three to four items) changes depending on the day of the week, and it allows a much-needed break from overwhelming menus that leave us with decision fatigue. Go on Wednesdays for their Hủ Tiếu Bò Kho (a hearty beef stew with rice noodles and carrots) or Fridays, when they serve “Mom’s Hometown Favorite,” Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho (rice noodles in a pork and dried seafood broth, with sliced char siu, quail eggs, shrimp and pork liver). 

Time Out tip: Get to Annam VL early, as they often sell out before close. Also, a shout-out to the other “VL” restaurants, Ha VL and Rose VL Deli, all owned by the same family and all delicious. 

Address: 3336 SE Belmont St, Portland, Oregon 97214

Hours: Wed–Sun 9am–4:30pm or until sold out

Expect to pay: About $20 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? One of the most beloved restaurants in the city, Güero is a dreamily decorated, plant-filled torta restaurant ideal for anything from a casual lunch to a mezcal-fueled date night.

Why we love it: Everything on the menu hits, but a few main course highlights include the Masa y Papa Torta, Hamburguesa and the Cart Bowl. We’d also recommend the pozole, if it’s available during your visit (winter months only). Whatever you do, start with chips, guacamole and esquites. 

Time Out tip: Güero makes delicious jamaica and horchata, some of the best cocktails in the city, and houses a massive range of mezcal and tequila.

Address: 200 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: Between $15 and $25 per person. Cocktails between $12 and $16.

What is it? A perfect neighborhood bistro, marrying French culinary roots and local ingredients. L’Échelle is one of many Portland establishments that the late Naomi Pomeroy left her brilliant mark on, and the city’s food community is eternally grateful. 

Why we love it: Though they only opened in May, the L’Échelle team has been working on this concept for a few years, and it shows. The menu, brilliantly executed by head chef Mika Paredes, is exactly what we crave from a French bistro (steak au poivre, shrimp cocktail, a bright salad and flawless fries) but introduces other dishes that hit just as hard (the buttery, herb-covered carrots were a fave, as was the gnocchi with morels and pickled onions).

Time Out tip: The wine list is fantastic and curated by Cutter Cascadia’s wine proprietor, and the bar program is run by an award-winning bartender, so don’t miss the drinks.

Address: 4537 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206

Hours: Wed–Sun 5–10pm, with plans to expand days and hours

Expect to pay: About $50 per person, excluding drinks.

What is it? A cozy restaurant serving “first generation American food,” pulling inspiration from family recipes, midnight snacks and hometown nostalgia. 

Why we love it: We count on Xiao Ye for explosive flavor combinations, like Khao Soi radiatori and grilled branzino with a Chinese chimichurri. They serve inventive appetizers like mini madeleines with jalapeño powder and whipped butter, and orange and honey Kauai shrimp. The dining room is just as special as the menu with charming gingham curtains, sage green wood panels and exposed brick. 

Time Out tip: We’ve yet to try their brunch, but it looks mouth-wateringly good (kaya toast with pandan butter and Taiwanese rice porridge caught our eye) and they take reservations. 

Address: 3832 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland OR 97232

Hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5–9:30pm; Sat 10am–2pm, 5–9:30pm; Sun 10am–2pm

Expect to pay: About $50 per person, excluding drinks.

What is it? Located in the city’s Clinton neighborhood, Jacqueline is best known for its oysters, all of which are sourced from the PNW, and harvested and delivered on the same day for peak freshness.

Why we love it: In addition to oysters, diners can enjoy seafood-forward dishes like lobster BLTs, poached shrimp and Dungeness crab toast. Alternatively, order one of the vegetarian options like strawberries and snap peas on spelt toast, or a little gem green goddess salad. Keep in mind, their menu changes daily.

Time Out tip: Pop in between 5 and 6pm to snag $1 oysters. Also, in the restaurant’s former space, a few blocks west, the same owners now offer coffee, baked goods and brunch under the name Fair Weather.

Address: 2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

Hours: Mon–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Dinner starts around $50 per person but can easily get closer to $100, particularly with wine or cocktails.

What is it? Our favorite spot for breakfast in the city, Sweedeedee serves some of Portland’s best pastries and morning classics in an intimate, well-decorated dining room.

Why we love it: While the menu at Sweedeedee changes often, you can always expect eggs in some form (right now, they have a Spanish tortilla and a breakfast sandwich), a sweet option (don’t miss the corncakes) and some fresh veggies to balance the meal (farm greens with radish and hazelnuts is on the current menu, along with a truly perfect Nicoise salad).

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood to shop, the restaurant offers some local goodies like linen napkins, tinned fish, wine and ceramics. Also, Mississippi Records is right next door, and has a wonderful collection of vintage vinyl.

Address: 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Hours: Daily 10am–3pm

Expect to pay: Between $15 and $20 per person.

What is it? Luce is a perfect little Italian restaurant on East Burnside, known for their housemade pasta, simple and bright salads, $2 antipasti and a thorough wine list.

Why we love it: The servers are total pros at recommending the right dish or glass, and no matter how busy it gets (very) they keep their warm, gracious attitude. The food itself is comforting yet light and fresh (opt for cappelletti in brodo when you’re under the weather, or a fennel, celery and dill salad on a hot afternoon). 

Time Out tip: Order a bunch of antipasti to share, like sweet and sour peppers, marinated carrots, and a farro and parmesan pie, and don’t miss the radiatore pasta with saffron and lamb, or the herb-stuffed whole trout. Exciting news for those waiting for a seat: the Luce team opened a lovely wine bar next door called Bar Martina.

Address: 2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Hours: Daily 4–10pm

Expect to pay: The menu is very easily personalized due to their range of portion choices. Expect to pay between $25 and $50.

What is it? A daytime cafe in the upscale (and also wonderful) farm-to-table restaurant Coquine. The market is open daily for coffee, tea and some of the best sandwiches in the city.

Why we love it: Like many spots on our restaurant guide, the Coquine Market menu shifts with the seasons and available produce, but our all-time fave is their BLT during peak tomato season. Plus, the market has fresh fruits and veggies, a wide array of tinned fish and other canned goods, chocolates, wine and a few Coquine-made items, like sauerkraut and frozen bone broth.

Time Out tip: Coquine Market is at the base of Mount Tabor, a gorgeous locale for a run, a hike or a slow meander. Grab sandwiches to-go and walk up the somewhat daunting steps to get gorgeous views of the city.

Address: 6833 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215

Hours: Daily 8am–2:30pm

Expect to pay: Pastries hover around $5, and sandwiches around $12.

What is it? AKADI is a warm, vibrant restaurant in Southeast dedicated to West African cuisine, specifically from Côte d’Ivoire.

Why we love it: Executive chef and owner Fatou Ouattara has put together both an incredible menu—think jollof rice, caramelized plantains, aromatic stews and crispy fried fish—and an inviting, colorful space with generous hospitality.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the “Attleke,” a fermented couscous made with cassava. Also, while you’re there, pick up their bottled sauce (mild or spicy), made with carrots, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and a range of African spices. (It’s also sold at Providore Fine Foods, House of Flavor and Wellspent Market, among other spots.)

Address: 1001 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

Hours: Wed–Sun 4–9pm

Expect to pay: About $30 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? Duck House Chinese Restaurant in downtown PDX is adored for its Szechuan-focused menu offerings. 

Why we love it: The casual haunt is known for its house-made soup dumplings, veggie egg rolls and pork wontons, plus comfort classics like sweet and sour chicken and honey-walnut shrimp. Close to Portland State University, it’s bustling and always packed. 

Time Out tip: Try to score a circular table with a lazy Susan if you’re a big group—this spot is ideal for sharing a range of dishes.

Address: 1968 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97201

Hours: Mon 11am–2:30pm, 4–8pm; Wed–Fri 11am–2:30pm, 4–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: Between $20 and $30 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? Måurice is a Nordic and French-inspired lunch restaurant in a charming, all-white dining room.

Why we love it: Måurice is transporting. Even on a dreary day, the restaurant radiates brightness, often filled with dried flowers and delicate desserts. The menu changes seasonally, but cross your fingers for raw oysters, smørrebrød (Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches) and Måurice’s famous quiche. 

Time Out tip: From time to time they’ll serve miniature macarons, which are both worth it for the photo op and the melt-in-your-mouth nickel-sized bite of heaven. Also, their wine list is expertly curated, if you’re in the mood for a lunchtime glass.

Address: 921 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR 97205

Hours: Wed–Sat 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: Between $25 and $35 per person, including tea or coffee.

What is it? Originally a pop-up and farmers’ market stand, Burmese restaurant Rangoon Bistro now has two locations, both on the east side of the city.

Why we love it: The range of flavors and textures at Rangoon is unmatched. We especially love their tea leaf salad, which utilizes Minto Island green tea leaves and shredded cabbage for its base; tomato, garlic oil and fish sauce for flavor; and peanuts, fried fava beans and chana dal for extra texture and complexity. 

Time Out tip: Rangoon’s non-alcoholic drinks are particularly special—the sweet-and-salty coconut milk and Burmese tea are two favorites. If you’re at the Mississippi location, don’t miss the chance to sit outside and watch the world go by, (grabbing a scoop of vegan ice cream from Kate’s down the block is a plus, too).

Address:
2311 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR 97215
3747 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm, Fri–Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: Between $20 and $30 per person.

What is it? A Thai restaurant focused on affordable comfort food, particularly meals popular among students and working-class people in Thailand. 

Why we love it: Khao Moo Dang primarily serves pork, both five spice pork loin and crispy pork belly, but their meatless options are just as delicious (they use local favorite Ota tofu). We love the pad ka-phrao, which includes minced pork shoulder stir-fried with basil over rice, served with a boiled egg and a side of bone broth. 

Time Out tip: Though it’s a great spot for takeout, we love dining there for its comfortable patio right on bustling Hawthorne Boulevard. 

Address: 3145 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, OR 97214

Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–9:30pm

Expect to pay: Between $15 and $20 per person.