12 Portland Food Spots You’ll Want To Try Next
Portland has become one of the most exciting food cities in America. Whether you crave farm-to-table freshness, international flavors, or creative comfort food, this city delivers.
I’ve gathered some amazing spots that showcase what makes eating here so special.
1. Pok Pok
Ever wondered what authentic Thai street food tastes like? This place brings those bold, fiery flavors straight to your plate.
The wings here have become legendary across the city. People wait in line just to taste them because the fish sauce caramel glaze creates something magical.
I recommend arriving early on weekends since tables fill up fast. The casual atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a Bangkok night market.
2. Salt & Straw
Forget everything you know about regular ice cream flavors. These folks create wild combinations that sound weird but taste incredible.
Monthly flavors change with the seasons, using local ingredients from Oregon farms. You might find pear and blue cheese one month, then honey lavender the next.
Free samples let you try before committing to a scoop. The lines stretch down the block, but moving quickly keeps the wait reasonable.
3. Le Pigeon
Chef Gabriel Rucker turned this tiny spot into a culinary powerhouse. His creative takes on French cooking have earned national praise and awards.
The menu changes often, featuring unusual ingredients like beef cheek and foie gras. Each dish arrives beautifully plated, looking almost too pretty to eat.
Reservations book up weeks ahead, so plan early. The intimate space seats only about 30 people, creating a cozy dining experience.
4. Voodoo Doughnut
A doughnut topped with bacon might sound strange until you actually taste it. This quirky shop became famous for pushing boundaries with sweet treats.
The bright pink boxes have become Instagram famous worldwide. Tourists and locals alike line up at all hours since they’re open 24/7.
Try the maple bacon bar for the full experience. The voodoo doll-shaped doughnut makes a fun photo opportunity too.
5. Screen Door
Southern comfort food done right makes any morning feel special. The fried chicken here rivals anything you’d find in Nashville or Atlanta.
Weekend brunch draws massive crowds, with waits sometimes exceeding an hour. Their fluffy biscuits and rich gravy make every minute worthwhile though.
I always order the praline bacon as a side dish. The crispy, sweet coating transforms regular bacon into something extraordinary and memorable.
6. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Sometimes the simplest dishes taste the most satisfying. This food cart serves just one main item: poached chicken over rice with special sauce.
Owner Nong Poonsukwattana perfected her family recipe over years. The ginger-garlic sauce ties everything together, creating comfort in a bowl.
Lines form quickly during lunch hours at their various locations. The affordable prices and generous portions explain why people keep coming back daily.
7. Canard
Breakfast gets elevated to an art form at this charming spot. The same team behind Le Pigeon created a morning menu that feels both fancy and approachable.
Their house-made pastries rival anything from actual French bakeries. The ham and cheese croissant melts in your mouth with buttery, flaky layers.
Weekend mornings fill up fast with brunch lovers. Grab a seat at the counter to watch chefs work their morning magic.
8. Eem
What happens when Texas barbecue meets Thai cuisine? Magic happens, and it tastes even better than it sounds.
The brisket gets rubbed with Thai spices before slow smoking. Paired with sticky rice and fiery som tum salad, every bite delivers complex flavors.
Their cocktail menu deserves attention too, featuring creative drinks with Southeast Asian ingredients. The casual vibe makes it perfect for groups wanting to share plates.
9. Laurelhurst Market
A butcher shop and steakhouse combined creates the ultimate meat lover destination. You know the beef is fresh when they cut it right there.
The dry-aged steaks develop incredible flavor through their careful aging process. Each cut gets grilled to perfection, seasoned simply to showcase the quality.
Brunch also shines here with creative egg dishes and house-made sausages. The neighborhood location gives it a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere despite the upscale food.
10. Hat Yai
Fried chicken gets a Thai makeover that will change your expectations forever. The crispy coating hides incredibly juicy meat seasoned with Southeast Asian spices.
From the same creative minds behind Pok Pok, this spot focuses on southern Thai flavors. The heat level runs higher than typical American restaurants, so come prepared.
Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple dishes. The casual counter service keeps prices reasonable for such high-quality food.
11. Ox
Argentine grilling techniques bring out flavors you didn’t know meat could have. The wood-fired grill adds a smoky depth to every dish.
Start with empanadas that arrive golden and flaky from the oven. The grilled sweetbreads might sound adventurous, but they taste rich and delicious.
Reservations are essential for dinner service at this popular spot. The cozy space and open kitchen create an energetic, welcoming atmosphere for your meal.
12. Langbaan
Hidden behind another restaurant, this secret dining room serves elaborate Thai tasting menus. Only 24 guests eat here each night, making reservations incredibly competitive.
Chef Akkapong Earl Ninsom prepares dishes inspired by royal Thai cuisine. Each course arrives beautifully presented, telling stories through flavor and technique.
The experience lasts several hours with multiple courses and wine pairings. Prices reflect the exclusive nature, but food lovers consider it worth every penny.
