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From food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.
It’s a well-established fact: Portland is one of the world’s great food cities. Hearing this, someone might plan a trip to Portland, visit a few restaurants and head for home. But a Portland trip that only involves restaurants is missing out on so much of the excellent food Portland has to offer.
Because here are a few other important facts: Portland has incredible food carts. And farmers’ markets. And dessert spots and brewery food and burger chains (and more). So should a trip to the City of Roses involve a meal (or three) in a restaurant? Absolutely. But dig a little deeper into the Portland food scene and you’ll find all the many forms delicious Portland food can take.
Learn More About Portland Food
What kind of food is Portland known for?
What are some of the best Portland restaurants?
Is Portland a foodie city?
What’s the best way to find good food nearby in Portland?
Portland Restaurants
Portland has a long history of delicious, award-winning restaurants — and in recent years, the restaurant scene just keeps heating up. James Beard Award nominations keep accruing, and Portland’s top restaurateurs regularly draw international acclaim — one recent rising star, Gregory Gourdet’s Kann, was declared the best new restaurant in America by multiple esteemed sources. Other standouts — some of them long-running hot spots, others newcomers bringing fresh heat to the scene — include Le Pigeon, Urdaneta, Oma’s Hideaway, Coquine, Kachka and Xiao Ye (among many others).
The scene is so varied it can be hard to pin down, but some of the best-known styles of restaurants in Portland include hyper-local Pacific Northwest eateries, brunch places and pizzerias (always a hit when dining with kids, along with other comfort food favorites). Other cuisines that should make your list include taquerias, sushi spots and the stars of an ascendant barbecue scene. And as one of the world’s great beer cities, it makes sense that Portland has excellent brewery food — a visit to brewpubs like Lazy Days Brewing Co., Fire on the Mountain or Breakside Brewery will give you a taste, though great brewery food can be found all over town.
Food Carts
The food truck craze has swept the national food scene, and there are great options all across the country. But it’s hard to deny that Portland is America’s honorary food truck capitol (and the best of the food truck cities), for all kinds of reasons:
- We’ve got our own cool name for them (because Portland always has to be a little bit different): food carts!
- It’s the most food-truck friendly city — that means up-and-coming chefs can thrive, and there’s always an abundance of options.
- Most Portland food carts are organized into food cart pods, so you can sample all kinds of cuisines in a single stop.
- The simplest, most important reason of all: Portland food carts are delicious.
Crave-Worthy Carts & Food Halls
Satisfy your appetite at one (or more!) of Portland's hundreds of food carts.
Farmers’ Markets
Let’s say you can’t make up your mind about what to do for lunch — do you want to eat out or make something at home? Why not head to a market, where both options are at your fingertips?
Peruse preposterously fresh produce and delectable meats (plus gifts, snacks, beverages and more), so you can get everything you need to whip up a feast. Or, if the delicious smells prove too tempting, swing by a market food cart and let someone else do the cooking after all. What’s more, there are markets all over the city in all different styles: farmers’ markets, food halls, neighborhood markets and more.
Stumptown Markets
Head to these culinary hubs to sample from multiple chefs and makers at once.
Portland Farmers’ Markets
Enjoy fresh, local produce, meals and treats at every Portland farmers’ market location.
A Guide to Specialty Groceries in Portland
Hunt for gourmet gifts you can eat and take a little bite of Portland back with you. Here’s where to find fine chocolates, fragrant spice kits and ready-to-eat snacks and meals that make a perfect picnic.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every weekend from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Take a Sip
Beverage options never run dry in Portland, where our cups overflow with DIY spirit.
Portland Beer and Breweries
Portland is the craft beer capital and home to 80+ breweries. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)
Wine
With wine country in its backyard, Portland overflows with wine bars and urban wineries, offering special varietals from around the world.
Craft Spirits
Powered by a collective of artisanal spirit makers, Portland’s craft distilling era has come of age.
Portland Coffee
Portland’s passion for fine ingredients and careful craft extends into coffee cups — our guide to the Portland coffee scene will help you find must-try independent roasters and cozy, locally owned coffee shops.
Chai in Portland
This guide to Portland chai includes an abundance of house-brewed local brick-and-mortar options and those carrying Portland-made chai blends and concentrates.
Can’t Miss Mocktails in Portland
Bars and restaurants are embracing the artistry of non-alcoholic drinks for those seeking alternatives to boozy libations in Portland.
Sweet Treats
Sometimes you’ve just got to have something sweet, whether it’s the cherry on top of an excellent meal or a stand-alone “just because” treat. Fortunately, Portland is flush with top-notch bakeries, ice cream spots and doughnut shops (plus less common indulgences like s’mores and pies). And no matter where you find yourself in the city, a great dessert is sure to be nearby — treat yourself to the sweeter side of the Portland food scene today.
The Best Portland Bakeries
Dig into treats like delectable doughnuts and flaky croissants at Portland's top bakeries.
Portland’s Best Bakeries
Nibble a Danish or slice of rustic bread with our expert guide to Portland’s best bakeries, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, plus award-winners galore.
Asian Bakeries in Portland
Find your next favorite Asian bakery in Portland, with options like bulgogi croissants and mochi doughnuts; you’ll want to try them all.
Doughnut Shops in Portland
Find must-try Portland doughnuts all across the city, from zany creations to tried-and-true classics (think crullers and bear claws) to gluten-free options.
Comfort Food in Portland
When skies turn gray, locals love digging into locally made Southern, soul and comfort food.
Fried Chicken in Portland
From crispy Thai-style wings to succulent Southern drumsticks, Portland has some of the best finger-licking fried chicken spots.
Best Barbecue in Portland
Find outstanding barbecue in Portland — tender brisket, pulled pork, sausage and more — at local restaurants and food carts.
Portland’s Best Soul Food Spots
Eat your way through Portland to find soul food dishes that taste like they were flown in from the Mississippi Delta.
Special Diets
Anyone with a dietary restriction or a dietary preference has experienced the frustration of investigating a package, label or menu and failing to find the info they need. This is one area where Portland really shines: Chefs and servers tend to be highly informed on the food they serve, meaning they’re well-equipped to help you navigate your options. Portland is also home to an abundance of restaurateurs who specialize in specific diets, and there are a variety of spots that are perfect fits for diners who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto, alcohol-free and more.
Dining With Special Diets
Whatever your diet (or whether you're just curious), these eateries are all uniquely delicious.
Gluten-Free Restaurants
As the demand for gluten-free options has grown, Portland’s forward-thinking chefs have set their tables for diners with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Guide to Portland
From hearty vegan comfort food to plant-based fine dining options, discover the many excellent vegan restaurants Portland has to offer.
Vegetarian Guide to Portland
Nearly every Portland menu features vegetarian options made from fresh, local ingredients, and many restaurants serve vegetarian food exclusively — experience the Portland vegetarian scene that foodies of all stripes have come to love.
Abundant Options
And the options don’t stop there. “Food” in Portland can mean so many things, and there’s always more delicious exploring to be done — from the Alberta Arts District to the Pearl District, from Northwest Portland to Southeast Portland, from ramen restaurants to taquerias to sushi spots.
Global Cuisine
Dig into foods and beverages from around the world at these local eateries.
Upcoming Food Events
Portland's foodie events mean there's always something new to do (and taste).
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