When it comes to great food, Portland, Oregon, is a culinary treasure trove. With its diverse food scene, the city offers everything from world-class fine dining to food carts serving dishes from around the globe. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Portland’s flavors are bound to impress. Here are some must-try places and dishes that reflect the best of what the city has to offer.
1. Le Pigeon – French Cuisine with a Portland Twist
Le Pigeon is a cozy yet upscale spot that offers innovative French dishes with a modern twist. James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker elevates classic French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Their beef cheek bourguignon and foie gras profiteroles are to die for.
2. Lechon – Latin American Inspired Flavors
Lechon brings the vibrant and bold flavors of Latin American cuisine to downtown Portland. Known for its wood-fired meats and seafood dishes, Lechon offers a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary fare. Signature dishes include the grilled octopus, empanadas, and the irresistible slow-cooked short rib.
3. Lardo – Sandwiches That Mean Business
Lardo is a haven for sandwich lovers. Their focus on pork is apparent, and their pork meatball banh mi is a fan favorite. The Dirty Fries, topped with pork scraps, peppers, and parmesan, are an excellent side to pair with any of their sandwiches. The spot is perfect for a hearty, flavor-packed meal.
4. Screen Door – Southern Comfort Food
For a taste of the South in the Pacific Northwest, Screen Door offers up iconic Southern comfort dishes. Their crispy fried chicken, served over a sweet potato waffle with maple syrup, is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Add a side of their signature hush puppies or collard greens for the full experience.
5. Tasty n Alder – Brunch Done Right
Brunch in Portland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Tasty n Alder. Known for its inventive take on classic breakfast dishes, Tasty n Alder offers everything from Korean fried chicken to a bountiful brunch burger. Don’t miss their house Bloody Mary, which pairs perfectly with any dish.
6. Pine State Biscuits – Biscuits and Gravy Heaven
Pine State Biscuits is the go-to for biscuit lovers. Their fried chicken biscuit sandwiches with added toppings like bacon, cheddar, and apple butter are practically iconic in Portland’s breakfast scene. The Reggie Deluxe is a fan-favorite order, featuring fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and gravy all inside a fluffy biscuit.
7. Salt & Straw – Ice Cream with a Creative Twist
No food tour of Portland is complete without dessert, and Salt & Straw is the king of Portland’s ice cream scene. With flavors like Honey Lavender, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, and even savory-sweet combos like Pear & Blue Cheese, this ice cream shop turns every scoop into an adventure.
8. Food Carts – Portland’s Diverse Street Food Scene
Portland is famous for its food carts, which are scattered throughout the city in “pods.” From Korean BBQ to Venezuelan arepas, Portland’s food cart scene is the perfect way to sample a variety of cuisines in one go. A few must-try spots include Nong’s Khao Man Gai (for Thai chicken and rice), Matt’s BBQ (for smoked meats), and Birrieria La Plaza (for rich, cheesy birria tacos).
Final Thoughts Portland’s food scene is as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale dining, casual bites, or international street food, this city’s culinary landscape offers something for every taste. What are your favorite places to eat in Portland? Let me know in the comments below!