When youโre craving one thing completely different for dinner, Portland has some actually standout spots. After many evenings exploring town, Iโve discovered some gems โ from stylish Center Japanese to hip Asian fusion and enjoyable American dishes with a twist. Listed below are my private favoritesโฆ
1. Tusk โ greatest for Center Japanese
Iโm a giant fan of this stylish and stylish spot! Positioned within the Buckman District, it gives inventive Center Japanese and Mediterranean dishes in a light-weight, vibrant area with minimalist design, creative geometric accents, and luxurious greenery.
I come right here for the unbelievable mezze dishes and falafel, however their vegetable-focused plates are additionally a specialty. They use farm-fresh produce and a sustainable ethos to create tasty dishes like Quinoa Tabouleh and Chanterelle Skewers with shishito peppers, inexperienced harissa, and honey.
Thereโs additionally a spread of meat and fish choices, together with the favored albacore skewer. Wine and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails are additionally served and so they typically obtain important acclaim โ Bon Appรฉtit even named it โ50 Finest New Eating places in Americaโ in 2017!ย
The one factor I might say is that’s restricted seating so it may really feel crowded at busier occasions.
My favourite highlightsโฆย
Gorging on the unbelievable Barbari bread (Iranian leavened flatbread) and the distinctive Saffron Rice with pickled cherries and almonds.
Attempting the Baked Fig dessertโsimply wow! It was surprisingly wholesome for a dessert, too!
2. Mucca Osteria โ greatest for Italian
Once Iโm in search of a romantic spot in Downtown, I select this place! It has a captivating vibe with cozy, rustic-chic decor, that includes picket beams, uncovered brick partitions, creative touches, and delicate lighting โ good for a date evening!
It chef-owned and operated and serves up scrumptious upscale Italian meals however with a contemporary twist with hand-made pasta, freshly made antipasti and major dishes with seasonal substances (so the menu modifications regularly).ย
Throughout my go to, I had the choice of selecting both ร la carte or a four-course prix fixe menu, the place I might choose dishes for Appetizer, Pasta, Foremost Course, and Dessert. The wine record was additionally very in depth however I might simply say it was fairly difficult to park close by.
My private highlightsโฆย
Going for a superb date evening and eating on the scrumptious Tortelli ai Funghi with asparagus, almonds and white wine adopted by the Pistachio lemon Mousse Cake dessert which was divine!
Reserving a desk close to the big floor-to-ceiling window throughout a lunchtime go to โ good for some very good people-watching!
3. Departure Lounge โ greatest for Pan Asian
Iโm a sucker for ultra-modern minimalist design and I simply love this place! Positioned within the fifteenth ground of upscale The Nines Lodge in Downtown, the model at this luxurious spot is urban-contemporary with delicate Asian influences and plenty ofย metallic and glass. I believed had an virtually futuristic look.ย
The delicacies right here is inventive pan-Asian so thereโs an enormous number of influences from Japan and Korea to China and Thailand. They serve up a few of my favourite meals together with freshly made dim sum, sushi and noodles. Thereโs additionally a wide range of meat and different fish dishes on the menu, inventive cocktails and vegan choices too.ย
Different stand-out options embrace its fashionable rooftop bar with lounge seating which had a vigorous occasion vibe, its unbelievable weekend brunch choices (I extremely advocate going!) and its robust give attention to sustainability. I simply have to say, it is a luxurious eating places so additionally anticipate luxurious costs to match.
My highlightsโฆย
Having fun with the very good rooftop bar โ I Ioved the breathtaking 360-degree views of town skyline and having the ability to see the Willamette River, and even Mount Hood!ย
Eating on scrumptious nuka carrot rolls, Thai glass noodles and crispy tempeh steam buns.
4. Melting Pot โ greatest for fondue
That is my go to position for consolation meals! Itโs a contemporary and enjoyable tackle the standard European fondue restaurant (the place small items of meals areย dipped right into a sizzling sauce) and inside I discovered a comfy vibe with darkish wooden and black decor.
Positioned within the Lloyd District, tables are set as much as cater in direction of sociable massive events and intimate eating with lengthy tables and cubicles (simply ensure you e-book upfront to get a desk of your selection)!ย
The meals is hearty right here and comes within the type of several types of fondue with both a customizable four-course menu orย ร la carte and though the dishes are meat and cheese heavy there are some vegan choices too.
Iโm personally a giant fan of this enjoyable and distinctive spot and I believe itโs a fantastic place to rejoice particular events with an attention-grabbing interactive eating expertise! I simply want to say, the eating expertise is slower-paced than traditional which gainedโt go well with everybody.
My favourite highlightsโฆ
Dipping tasty home made gluten-free bread into the wealthy Spinach Artichoke sauce made with Spinach, Artichoke hearts, garlic and tabasco.
Choosing the unbelievable dessert the place I dipped in strawberries, marshmallows and pound cake right into a chocolate fondue โ it was a heavenly expertise!
5. Lechon โ greatest for South American Meals
I like how this restaurant combines unusually stylish decor with an genuine rustic really feel! Positioned within the scenic historic waterfront space of town, it serves up revolutionary South American delicacies with flavors from Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
I adored the design right here which was colourful and eclectic with cozy uncovered brick, wooden accents and South American impressed patterns. The open kitchen, outside patio and heat lighting made it much more inviting.ย
The dishes have been a mixture of grilled and wood-fired meats, tapas, conventional Argentinian empanadas, South American Avenue Meals vegetable-forward Dishes and seafood dishes like ceviche. I might simply say parking close by is hard and it will get crowded at peak occasions.
My private highlightsโฆย
Eating on South American-inspired cocktails at their fashionable blissful hour โ I can personally advocate the lechon margarita with libelula tequila!ย
Choosing the unbelievable foraged mushrooms, toasted brioche and caramelized onion puree for a major and chocolate dulce de leche tart for dessert!
6. Han Oak Restaurant โ greatest for Korean
That is funky spot situated within the Kerns neighborhood close to Northeast Portland. I discovered it to be a comfy, homely and artistic spot with an industrial stylish with gray concrete blended in with chrome steel and lightweight wooden and an open kitchen.
Itโs a household run โ however very non-traditional โ Korean restaurant and I particularly loved the enjoyable, welcoming vibe and providing an interactive eating expertise.ย
The main focus right here is Korean Gimbap (rice and numerous fillings rolled in seaweed) however with kimchi, Korean BBQ dishes, fried pancakes, pickled salads and vegan-friendly dishes made with silken tofu, all washed down with Korean and Japanese lagers. I might simply say keep away from lunchtimes in case you can as it may get very busy and in addition I discovered the menu to be just a little restricted.
My highlightsโฆ
Eating on the ridiculously tasty Bing Soo dessert with got here with Mochi Marshmallows!
7. Punch Bowl Social โ greatest for enjoyable
This can be a enjoyable, hip spot which mixes video games and meals! Positioned Central Eastside Industrial District, close to the Burnside Bridge, it has an open format with a playful industrial-chic design, retro touches and an informal, light-hearted vibe!
On my go to I noticed that video games have been the massive function right here (greater than the meals!) and there was rather a lot on provide together with โ bowling lanes, arcade video games, pool tables, darts, ping pong, board video games and I particularly cherished the karaoke rooms! This can be a place to hang around with your mates, household or date!ย
The meals is hearty consolation meals with a contemporary twist so loads of burgers, fries, loaded nachos, tacos. Bowls and salads have been the wholesome choices and so they additionally serve up a variety of beers, craft cocktails and wine. I might simply say that that is sociable place so anticipate some noise and crowds at peak occasions and donโt anticipate sophistication!ย
My private highlightsโฆ
Enjoying video games from my childhoods together with Pac-Man, skee-ball, and pinball!ย
Bowling whereas gorging on Past Burger with kale slaw, sizzling sauce mayo and a brioche bun washed down with a West Coast Mule cocktail.
8. G โ Love New American Kitchen โ greatest for very distinctive
This place gives eating with a really distinctive idea! As a substitute of creating the meat the main target of the meals they make the greens the main target and the meat then turns into simply the addition as a substitute.ย
Positioned within the Slabtown neighborhood, itโs often called a โreverse steakhouseโ and so they greens they do serve are seasonal and regionally sourced with a farm-to-table ethos. Typical dishes embrace Grilled Broccolini with hazelnut tahini which comes accompanied with hen with honey dijon skewers if you want!
I like the design of the place! It had tall ceilings, and a really up to date industrial-chic design with concrete, lot of crops, and classy furnishings itโs a classy spot however intimidatingly so, it manages to nonetheless really feel welcoming. I notably cherished the open kitchen and outside patio. I might simply say due to the restricted seating area itโs not the only option for giant events.
My private highlightsโฆย
Eating on scrumptious wedge salad with pickled strawberries and crispy beets on a lunch date with a buddy โ I cherished the sustainability coverage it had too!ย
9. Mediterranean Exploration Firm โ greatest for stylish decor
That is my go to modern spot within the Pearl District! Itโs one other Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with flavors from the Center East, North Africa, and Southern Europe nevertheless itโs a contemporary chef-driven place with funky industrial-chic decor withย communal tables (in addition to extra intimate seating choices).
I additionally cherished the open kitchen, the sociable vibe, the trendy bar which served up Mediterranean wine and the Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.ย
They served up mezze (small plates), falafels and meat and seafood dishes.ย I believed it was nice they’d a great deal of choices for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. I might simply say that this place could be very fashionable so ensure you e-book at peak occasions!
My favourite highlightsโฆย
The Greek Potatoes with oregano, lemon and garlic! They have been scrumptious!
10. Noble Rot โ greatest for views
This can be a positive place providing positive views! This can be a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar with which unusually encompasses a rooftop bar and a rooftop backyard the place they really develop seasonal substances that are then served up within the dishes โ I cherished this function a lot!
Itโs situated on the 4th ground of the sustainably designed Rocket Constructing in Central Eastside neighborhood and the restaurant additionally follows this eco-friendly and sustainable ethos.
Inside I actually appreciated the decor which was fashionable and comfy with earthy tones, sociable communal tables and enormous, floor-to-ceiling home windows which had positive views of Downtown!
The meals was equally as particular with small plates and a powerful give attention to seasonal greens, salads (there are additionally inventive twists on conventional meat, fish and pasta dishes too). Simply be warned although, it is a fashionable spot so I extremely advocate reserving forward to make sure getting a desk!
My highlightsโฆย
Testing the lovable rooftop backyard and eating on a freshly made onion tart adopted by tasty banana daiquiri within the rooftop โ I cherished the views of Downtown and Mount Hood within the distance.
The Peanut Butter and Jelly possibility for a dessert was superior!
11. Norah Restaurant โ greatest for vegan
I believed this place was so cute and quirky! Positioned within the Sunnyside neighborhood within the Southeast district it is a 100% vegan restaurant and the pan-Asian meals right here is critically scrumptious therefore why itโs made a spot on my record!ย
Inside I discovered it to be a comfy spot with colourful, eclectic Thai-style decor and retro touches. The vibe is informal but additionally enjoyable and pleasant, I cherished how the smiley workers couldnโt do sufficient for us!ย
The meals is equally as colourful with massive, full, vibrant plates of Thai and South-East Asian fusion dishes corresponding to coconut mushroom linguine, cauliflower curry, and soy-curl-and-mushroom sliders.ย
I simply want to say although at peak occasions thereโs a time restrict for events underneath six folks.
My favourite highlightsโฆย
I’ve to offer a particular point out to the extraordinary Pad Thai nachos! I didnโt suppose it could work, however wow it certain did!
12. Broder Soder โ greatest for Scandinavian meals
For one thing very completely different I like to recommend this superior little joint! Itโs a comfy Scandinavian-style cafe situated within the Southwest of town Portland, inside Nordia Home (a Nordic cultural heart).
Inside I used to be a giant fan of the Scandi-style design which was mild and vibrant, with floor-to-ceiling home windows and lashings of sunshine wooden with stylish design options.ย
The meals is hearty, Nordic consolation meals, corresponding to Fisk Smorgasbord, Danish Pancake Rolls and meatballs (in fact)! A number of the drinks on the menu particularly stood out to me although as you’ll be able toโt discover lavender and oat milk chilly brew, mushroom mana mocha and Ligonberry cocktails wherever else within the metropolis thatโs for certain!
There are a couple of downsides although; itโs a 20 minute drive from town heart, thereโs only a few vegan choices and itโs closed throughout particular occasions.
My private highlightsโฆย
Eating on their Savory Lefse Breakfast which featured Norwegian potato crepes โ it was among the finest brunches Iโd had within the metropolis!
13. Tope โ Finest For Hipsters
When youโre in search of a hip spot with a rooftop bar then I can advocate this spot! Positioned within the coronary heart of Downtown itโs situated within the stylish European owned Hoxton Lodge.ย
The inside design is minimalist and really modern with each Scandi and Industrial-chic design types. Thereโs additionally ultra-contemporary furnishings and distinctive design options like seating round a raised hearth pit (which was my private favourite function)! The rooftop bar which had unbelievable metropolis views was a preferred spot. Though the vibe is stylish, itโs not intimidatingly so!ย
The meals is Mexican road meals impressed with tacos, ceviche, tortillas and tostadas with various levels of spiciness! The craft cocktails are additionally Mexican impressed.
My favourite highlightsโฆย
Gazing on the very good Downtown views from the rooftop bar โ I might even see the West Hills within the distance.
The divine churros served with dulce de leche โ I donโt must say anymore!
14. Omaโs Hideaway โ Finest For Quirky Design
Though itโs an informal spot this place at all times wows me! Positioned within the Southeast a part of town, itโs a cool place with hawker-style meals which takes inspiration from cuisines from everywhere in the world.
Inside, I cherished that the decor is equally as eclectic with colourful and deliciously quirky decor with vibrant wallpaper and retro-style furnishings! I discovered the vibe to be playful and pleasant.
On the menu I discovered hearty (and really tasty!) dishes like spicy chilled noodles, grilled summer time corn coconut rice and salted egg yolk curry fries!
I might simply say it may get crowded at peak occasions and the enjoyable, vigorous environment wouldnโt go well with everybody.
15. Arden Restaurant โ greatest for upscale
This actually is a wonderful place! This upscale restaurant and wine bar really has one my favourite designs and vibes out of all of the locations Iโve visited within the metropolis.ย
Positioned in coronary heart of the Pearl District, itโs been strongly influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic minimalist design the model is deliciously rustic-chic with lashings of wooden, glass, impartial tones and it creates a really stylish area however I cherished the way it nonetheless manages to be cozy and welcoming.
I additionally discovered the meals which is up to date Pacific Northwest delicacies to be distinctive and I cherished their seasonal, farm-to-table ethos. On my go to, pattern dishes on the menu included Alaskan halibut with curried vichyssoise and dashi-poached mussels, and eggplant cappelletti with fermented plums, Thereโs additionally a powerful give attention to their numerous assortment of Pacific Northwest wines.ย
I simply wasnโt eager on their resolution to serve Foie Gras dishes, thatโs was a bit too controversial for me!
My private highlightsโฆย
I completely adored the chefโs counter the place I sat and watch the cooks skilfully put together our dishes!ย
The intimate and personalised service โ I cherished how our waiter supplied insights into each the meals and wine and made personalised recommendations to us!ย
16. Palomar โ greatest for Cuban meals
Iโm at all times charmed by this funky spot once I go to! Itโs a light-weight, vibrant and colourful Cuban-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one. Positioned within the Division-Clinton neighborhood, the decor is fabulous with putting Cuban-inspired patterns and stylish, retro-style furnishings with a couple of neon lights thrown in!ย
The vibe is vigorous and pleasant and though thereโs a powerful give attention to the tropical cocktails (from Mojitos to Daiquiris) I discovered the meals to be very engaging and engaging too!
Itโs all Cuban-inspired (in fact!) with give attention to small plates and traditional Cuban dishes like ceviche, tostones (fried inexperienced plantains), freshly made salsa and loads of black beans. I opted for the vegan possibility which was a tasty jackfruit tortilla with pickled onions and spicy peanuts.ย
My private highlightsโฆย
Eating on their rooftop patio โ there was no dramatic skyline views however the views of the Division-Clinton neighborhood and the enjoyable, sociable vibe made it a fantastic spot!ย
Having a banana daiquiriย made by the award-winning bartender, Ricky Gomez, who was townโs first nationwide cocktail champion! It was an superior expertise!
17. Pine Avenue Market โ Finest For Meals Corridorย
This one is little completely different because itโs a number of eateries rolled into one however I like this place! Itโs situated within the coronary heart of Downtown and itโs a bustling spot with a positive array of gourmand distributors to select from.ย
The decor is trendy industrial-chic with a number of wooden, chrome steel and uncovered mild bulbs and the format is designed to be sociable with lengthy communal tables within the center. The idea works so nicely it may get actually busy at peak time however donโt let put you off, I nonetheless discovered it to be an superior expertise!ย
The distributors do change from time-to-time however on my latest go to the distributors included a craft beer taproom,ย