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: Han Oak operates on set menus—they offer hot pot in the cold months and jipbap (집밥) in summer. Jipbap translates to “home-cooked meal” and is essentially hand-built, seaweed-wrapped rice, veggie and meat rolls. They serve a range of little bites to start (think cucumbers with kimchi crisp, braised Ota tofu and steamed egg custard with Dungeness crab) and then each guest chooses an entree (best of luck choosing between short ribs, black cod, twice-cooked pork stir-fry and creamy garlic mushrooms).  

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 5–9:30pm

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

What is it? Farag’s is an Egyptian-influenced, summer-only patio restaurant and mezcal & wine bar. Food, hospitality, and design expert Megan Sanchez developed this pop-up restaurant a few years back, next door to her first gem, Güero No. 1 Tortas (more on them further down), alongside cocktail visionary Ben Skiba.

Why we love it: Farag’s hits every mark—warm service, incredible food and an inventive cocktail menu and mezcal/wine list, (this summer features a heavy emphasis on sake, as well). Flawless landscaping complete with vines and flowers galore makes the space truly sing. Each dish feels lovingly home-cooked & familial, but is brilliantly assembled and creative.

Time Out tip: The food is meant to be shared. We recommend the shrimp cocktail with green cocktail sauce and the melon served with manchego & olive oil. Keep an eye on their Instagram to catch a range of events throughout the summer.

Address: 2821 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97232

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

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

What is it? 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 early girl tomatoes, mixed beets and little gem lettuces, to their sourdough pizza toppings, like rainbow chard, cosmic gold potatoes, fava beans & morel mushrooms, 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 (no reservations), but wander bustling Mississippi Avenue to kill some time. Be sure to save room for Lovely’s homemade ice cream, for which they’re almost equally well-known (we love their malted milk ball and strawberry buttermilk).

Address: 4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Hours: Daily 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Twelve-inch pizzas hover around $32. Expect to pay between $25 and $50 per person.

What is it? A sushi restaurant in an otherwise quiet corner of Southwest Portland, 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 precious tiny plates, and each course that follows will blow you away. 

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 it 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? 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: The menu, flawlessly executed by Head Chef Mika Paredes, is exactly what we crave from a French bistro, (duck leg confit, shrimp cocktail, a bright salad and exemplary fries), but introduces other dishes that hit just as hard, (the buttery, herb-covered Vichy carrots were a fave, as was the gnocchi with spring onions and ricotta salata).

Time Out tip: The wine list is fantastic, managed by beloved Columbia Gorge winery Cutter Cascadia’s wine proprietor.

Address: 4537 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206

Hours: Sun–Wed 5pm–9pm; Thu–Sat 5pm–10pm

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

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, making it feel particularly special and well-curated. 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–3pm, or until sold out

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

What is it? One of Portland’s greatest treasures, Güero is a torta restaurant ideal for anything from a casual lunch to a mezcal-fueled date night.

Why we love it: Walking into Güero feels like the first day of a much-needed vacation—music pours out the open windows, helpful, longtime staff floats around, and each corner is decorated with something thoughtful and unique. Everything on the menu hits, but a few main course highlights include the Masa y Papa Torta, Hamburguesa and the Cart Bowl. No matter what, start with chips, guacamole and esquites.

Time Out tip: The Güero team handmakes jamaica and horchata, some of the best cocktails in the city, and houses a massive range of mezcal and tequila. Drink up!

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

Hours: Daily 11am–10pm

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

What is it? Navarre is a charming, simple restaurant dedicated to local, seasonal produce and inspired by French, Spanish and Italian cuisine.

Why we love it: Their menu specials change daily and depend on their CSA (community supported agriculture) delivery. Picture options like purple daikon & pear salad, cauliflower with orange vinaigrette and tarragon, and flank steak with garlic parsley butter. Each item on Navarre’s menu can be sized up or down, meaning that the meal can be extremely personalized to you and your group’s appetite. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, grab a cocktail next door at Angel Face, owned by the same Portland couple, John Taboada & Giovanna Parolari.

Address: 10 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Hours: Sun–Thu 4:30pm–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 4:30pm–11:30pm; Sat, Sun 9:30am–3pm

Expect to pay: Between $30 and $50 per person, not including wine.

What is it? A casual food truck that serves affordable, delicious Yucatecan bites.

Why we love it: Portland has a handful of fantastic Yucatecan restaurants—Ki’ikibáa is another favorite, along with Lindo Yucatecan—but Loncheria Los Mayas is our current obsession. Staffed with incredibly friendly folks, they serve mouth-watering Mexican food, perfect for a weekday lunch. Last year they opened a second location, also in Northeast Portland.

Time Out tip: You can get classic Mexican fare like enchiladas and burritos, but the panuchos and salbutes are both must-orders. Pick between cochinita pibil or chicken.

Address: 5013 NE 42nd St; 4205 NE Alberta St

Hours: Mon–Wed 11am-7pm, Thu, Fri 11am–8pm; Mon–Fri 11am-7pm

Expect to pay: Between $5 and $15 per person.

What is it? Open since 2011, Paadee is all about Thai comfort food, both the ideal takeout spot for a chilly night in, and a great fit for date night.

Why we love it: Chef and owner Earl Ninsom runs a handful of restaurants around Portland, but Paadee takes the cake for us, (though we haven’t yet been to famed Langbaan – the tasting menu-style, upscale spot Ninsom opened shortly after Paadee). We always get Som Tum Thai papaya salad for the table, and also highly recommend the Vegan Massaman Curry, Red Crab Fried Rice and Pad See Ew. 

Time Out tip: When it’s in season, order mango & coconut sticky rice for dessert. And on a hot summer evening, enjoy a boozy slushie on the patio, (their latest flavor incorporates matcha, coconut, pandan, lemon and rum).

Address: 6 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Hours: Mon 11:30am–3pm, 5pm–9:30pm; Tues–Sat 11:30am–3pm, 5pm–10pm; Sunday 11am–9pm

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

What is it? A cozy restaurant serving “first-generation American food,” Xiao Ye pulls 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 crispy chicken with roasted maitakes, basil, Taiwanese soy & black sesame jus. They serve inventive appetizers like mini madeleines with jalapeño powder and whipped butter, and crispy chili-lime-seasoned pig’s ears. 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 sample their brunch, but it looks obscenely 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 5pm–9pm; Fri 5pm–9:30pm; Sat 10am–2pm, 5pm–9:30pm; Sun 10am–2pm

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

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, to the tune of vintage vinyl (likely purchased next door at Mississippi Records).

Why we love it: While the menu at Sweedeedee changes often, you can always expect a penchant for simple grains, (we need to try their Fairbanks sourdough tartine served with ricotta and asparagus, but the Starter Bread seeded rye with a soft egg and cheese plate never disappoints), a sweet option (always get the corncakes!) and some fresh veggies to balance the meal (farm greens with pickled fennel and hazelnuts is on the current menu, along with a quintessential Nicoise salad).

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood to shop, the restaurant offers some Portland-made goodies like linen napkins, tinned fish, wine and ceramics.

Address: 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Hours: Mon–Thu 10am–3pm; Sat, Sun 9am-3pm

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

What is it? Our favorite bakery in the city.

Why we love it: Tabor Bread is known for their sourdough made from 100% local grains (you’ll see their name pop up on many restaurant menus and throughout smaller-scale grocers, farmers markets & food co-ops). We’re huge fans of their rye, garlic rosemary and einkorn loaves, but we love their bagels and pastries just as much. Lately, we’re craving the sourdough brioche stuffed with crème fraîche, vanilla bean citrus whip, and topped with seasonal fruit.

Time Out tip: The bakery sits on an adorable corner of SE Belmont & 45th, a short drive from Mt. Tabor – a scenic park and hiking area where you can take your baked goods and enjoy an almost panoramic view of the city.

Address: 4438 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215

Hours: Daily 8am–3pm

Expect to pay: Between $5 and $15 per person.

What is it? Located on the city’s best bike street, SE Clinton, 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: Their menu changes almost daily, but reliably serves seafood-forward dishes like hamachi crudo with charred pineapple and peanuts, Oregon rockfish grilled in banana leaves, and lobster buns. Alternatively, order one of their vegetarian options like strawberries & burrata with fennel and mint, or a little gem green goddess salad.

Time Out tip: Pop in between 5 and 6pm to snag $1 oysters. If there’s a long wait for a seat, kill time at one of the many bars in the neighborhood: Lucky Horseshoe being our favorite.

Address: 2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

Hours: Daily 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? 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 dining room with generous hospitality.

Time Out tip: Start with the Suya Wings, complete with a savory dry peanut rub. 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.)

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 Portland is adored for its Szechuan-focused menu offerings and large-format Chinese American go-to’s. 

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 best for sharing a range of dishes.

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

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

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

What is it? An old-school steakhouse that opened in 1944 (with a seemingly unchanged playlist and uniform) and serves legendary onion rings, sizzling steaks on hot cast irons, wedge salads and jumbo shrimp cocktails.  

Why we love it: After a lengthy closure due to a kitchen fire, RingSide is back open and just as good. We love entering a restaurant that feels like a snapshot of another era but isn’t too fussy. RingSide expertly rides that line and is the perfect spot to indulge.

Time Out tip: You’ll likely need a reservation, and prepare for a relatively steep bill at the end of the meal. For a cheaper, more casual steakhouse option also steeped in Portland lore, try Clyde’s Prime Rib, which has been open for over sixty years and features live jazz. 

Address: 2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210

Hours: Mon–Thu 4:30–9pm; Fri 4:30–9:30pm; Sat 4–9:30pm; Sun 4–9pm

Expect to pay: For steak, appetizers and drinks, expect to pay at least $100 per person.

What is it? A cozy neighborhood bar with delicious cocktails, a thoughtful wine and beer list, and a stellar food menu, all housed in the historic Thomas Graham Building, constructed in 1910. 

Why we love it: Filled with dark wooden booths and candlelight on late nights, and a sprawling backyard patio for warm days, Bellwether provides a gorgeous space for dinner and drinks. Though they have standard bar favorites, like a superb burger, crispy fries and a BBQ-flavored nut mix, they shine with their more bistro-forward options. Consider their herby farm greens, a coulotte steak, chickpea panisse and roasted radish with farro. 

Time Out tip: Order for the table, particularly the veggie-heavy dishes, and always check their daily specials – some nights: a flawless roast chicken.

Address: 6031 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

Hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri–Sun noon–11pm

Expect to pay: Between $25 and $35 per person for dinner. Cocktails for $15.

What is it? A Thai restaurant focused on affordable comfort food, particularly meals popular amongst 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 tasty (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.

Time Out tip: An ideal spot for take-out. And especially if you’re under the weather, don’t miss their side of bone broth for $5.  

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.