Discover Portland’s Culinary Scene with iBestTravel

The Portland of my childhood was a unique blend of wooded hills and a charming, somewhat gritty urban core. While we didn’t have the extravagance of cities like Los Angeles and New York, Portland boasted an abundance of fresh, local produce that piqued the interest of exceptional culinary talent. Consequently, over the past couple of decades, the City of Roses has cultivated a food scene that rivals those of much larger culinary capitals. Today, Portland showcases everything from upscale dining establishments where reservations disappear in an instant to casual food carts—an iconic Portland feature—offering global cuisines.

I’m proud of the evolution of Portland’s dining scene. Below are some of my favorite places to dine in my hometown, encompassing both cherished local classics and newer hotspots that have captured my heart.

Breakfast

Having lived in Paris for most of my early 20s, I fell in love with having pastries for breakfast. Now back in Portland, I have traded my beloved pains aux raisins for fluffy cardamom orange blossom buns, the signature brioche-style treat at Orange & Blossom. Until 2023, these delightful organic, plant-based pastries were available only at farmers markets, often selling out quickly. However, this charming patisserie now operates a brick-and-mortar location in Northeast Portland, making it easier to indulge in cakes, cookies, scones, and focaccia without sacrificing leisurely weekend mornings.

If a heartier meal is what you seek, visit Paradox Café on Southeast Portland’s Belmont Street. It holds sentimental value as one of the last remnants of what we fondly recall as “Old Portland,” a time marked by fewer crowds and a grittier, DIY punk aesthetic. With a mix of 1950s diner decor and local art adorning the walls, this spot is famous for its maple syrup-drenched corncakes and abundant breakfast burritos—though burgers and wraps are also available if you’re in a lunchier mood.

Coffee

Another cherished establishment, Anna Bananas, is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Northwest Portland. Its cozy atmosphere, with tables scattered throughout homey rooms and a quaint basement, creates the perfect ambiance to escape from a rainy Portland day.

For espresso enthusiasts, Coava Coffee Roasters’ flagship location in Southeast Portland is a must-visit. They feature various single-origin roasts for espresso drinks, along with a wide selection of locally roasted beans to take home. My only minor concern is the extra charge for non-dairy milk, but the quality more than compensates for it.

Lunch

One of the quintessential Portland experiences is enjoying lunch at one of the city’s many food cart pods—clusters of food carts providing communal tables and shared facilities. A personal favorite is Lil’ America in Southeast Portland, especially for its food cart Bake on the Run which serves delightful Guyanese bakes (stuffed pastries) with fillings ranging from jam to chickpea-potato curry. Their chow mein, crafted from imported Guyanese noodles topped with zesty house-made pepper sauce, is a must-try.

Centrally located, Warsugai is a newer establishment known for its homestyle Asian-American offerings. Here, you’ll find plated meals for lunch, including flavorful mapo tofu made with tofu sourced from Ota Tofu, the oldest tofu maker in the U.S. The gorgeous plant wall adorned with neon signs adds a unique touch to the dining experience.

Apertivo

For spectacular city views, head to Departure, a rooftop lounge at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. Skip the dining area and head straight to the patio, where you can sip on sake, beer, and cocktails while enjoying a stunning vista of the city skyline.

If street-level people-watching is more your style, visit XO Bar in North Portland, which offers ample outdoor seating for dry days and expansive windows for those classic Portland drizzles. Their menu features vibrant cocktails with a tropical twist and an array of vegan pan-Asian snacks; don’t miss the jalapeño and cream cheese wontons for a perfect pairing.

Dinner

When it comes to capitalizing on seasonal ingredients, Portland’s restaurants excel, and one of the standout new spots is Feral in Northeast Portland. This innovative establishment offers a constantly changing menu of plant-based dishes that highlight locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Expect to find inventive items, such as kimchi-inspired “fish” and chips, or a decadent carbonara toast featuring cannellini beans.

For Spanish-inspired cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist, Uradenta in Northeast Portland is incredible. Similar to Feral, their menu evolves depending on ingredient availability, yet it typically features an excellent mix of small tapas and larger dishes, along with various seafood, red meat, and vegetarian choices. I highly recommend ordering a vermouth flight; it truly enhances the dining experience and introduces you to refreshing flavors beyond conventional mixers.

Bar Scene

Hungry Tiger, nestled in Southeast Portland, embodies the Old Portland vibe beautifully. The establishment features a nostalgic atmosphere with rock music from iconic Portland bands creating the perfect setting to enjoy a robust cocktail and indulge in classic bar fare like corndogs while playing pool or pinball.

For something a bit more upscale, don’t miss The Green Room in downtown Portland, located within the Multnomah iBestTravel Library. With its stunning stained-glass ceiling, this lounge serves an impressive selection of drinks, blending an elegant ambiance with relaxed sophistication.