Portland Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Portland. Your complete guide to dining in Portland.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Portland! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Portland has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Portland's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Portland like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Portland offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Portland.
The Observatory
Highly rated American in Portland with 4.6 stars from 3129 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 8115 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Lechon
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.7 stars from 2336 reviews.
📍 113 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Screen Door Eastside
Highly rated American in Portland with 4.7 stars from 7496 reviews.
📍 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Pine Street Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.6 stars from 3139 reviews.
📍 126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
Highly rated Vietnamese in Portland with 4.4 stars from 6587 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Andina
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.6 stars from 3442 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Alma
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.8 stars from 74 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5237 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Jake's Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.4 stars from 2120 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 611 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Kachka
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.6 stars from 2670 reviews.
📍 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Le Pigeon
Highly rated French in Portland with 4.7 stars from 1087 reviews.
📍 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
Canard
Highly rated French in Portland with 4.7 stars from 1144 reviews.
📍 734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
Urdaneta
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.8 stars from 830 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Portland.
Pine Street Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Portland with 4.6 stars from 3139 reviews.
📍 126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Zupan's Markets - Burnside
Highly rated Bakery in Portland with 4.4 stars from 1477 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2340 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Providore Fine Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Portland with 4.7 stars from 854 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2340 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
World Foods
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.5 stars from 1121 reviews.
📍 830 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Uwajimaya Beaverton
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.7 stars from 9039 reviews.
📍 10500 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lily Market
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.5 stars from 631 reviews.
📍 11001 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Market of Choice Belmont
Highly rated Bakery in Portland with 4.2 stars from 976 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1090 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.6 stars from 2302 reviews.
📍 2122 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97210, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Portland.
Portland by Mouth Food Tours
Highly rated International in Portland with 5 stars from 178 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Maine Day Ventures/ formerly Maine Foodie Tours
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.8 stars from 631 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Taste Portland Tours
Highly rated International in Portland with 5 stars from 26 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Around Portland Tours
Highly rated International in Portland with 4.9 stars from 645 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Brunch Tour
Highly rated International in Portland with 5 stars from 6 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Portland Spirit Office & Caruthers Landing Dock
Highly rated American in Portland with 4.4 stars from 1023 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Portland.
Less and more coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.8 stars from 422 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1003 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Exquisite Creatures Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.8 stars from 181 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 537 SE Ash St #108, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Cadejo Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.9 stars from 322 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 804 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Deadstock Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.8 stars from 589 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 408 NW Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
No Preference Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.9 stars from 227 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2327 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Slow Haste Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 5 stars from 92 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2341 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Sterling Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.8 stars from 736 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 518 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Drip Drop Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Portland with 4.9 stars from 200 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 932 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Portland.
Signature Dish
A must-try Portland specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Portland dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Portland with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Portland specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Portland creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Portland classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Portland specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Portland dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Portland with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Portland specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Portland.
Secret Grove
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.9 stars from 98 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1425A NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fools and horses
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.8 stars from 167 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 226 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Raven's Manor
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.6 stars from 1517 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 235 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Teardrop Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.6 stars from 1159 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Pink Rabbit
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.4 stars from 623 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 232 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Rum Club
Highly rated Bar in Portland with 4.7 stars from 754 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 720 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Portland's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Portland vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portland is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Portland offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Portland specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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