Portland for Foodies
Our three-day tour de fork offers an ample taste of the best food city in America.
Mixing fresh, local ingredients with a colorful community of inventive chefs, Portland’s food and drink scene is a recipe that can’t be recreated anyplace else — the City of Roses has been called the “foodie (and drinkie) capital of America” by The Telegraph, the “Best Food City in America” by The Washington Post and the nation’s best beer city by Thrillist. But don’t take their word for it — taste for yourself at these can’t-miss culinary stops serving up some of the best sips and nibbles in Portland.
Day 1
There’s no getting around the calories on this trip, so burn them early by walking to Mother’s Bistro, located in Portland’s easy-to-traverse downtown. Reservations are recommended, but it’s worth waiting in line for their Pacific Northwest take on traditional dishes, like the wild salmon hash or the portabella scramble.
After breakfast, explore downtown by foot. From Portland Saturday Market to Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s “living room”) and Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, you’ll find plenty of places to see the sights, shop for souvenirs or just sit and admire the city. Consider Teardrop Lounge in the nearby Pearl District for elevated small plates and some truly tempting cocktails (it’s been called one of the best bars in the country).
Your light lunch, and a stroll through the Pearl District to Northwest Portland, should leave you hungry for dinner at G-Love. This “reverse steakhouse” flips the script on an American restaurant institution, with vegetables harvested at their peak taking center stage, while proteins play a supporting role as side dishes. Order “The Works” for a special family-style tasting menu.
Try to save a little room for one of Portland’s favorite late-night treats at Voodoo Doughnut. From their bacon maple bar to their purple-licious “grape ape” doughnut, these sweet treats aren’t just for breakfast. And that’s a good thing, since this raucous flagship location is open 24 hours a day.
International Eats
Take your taste buds on a trip around the world at these local hot spots.
Specialty Dishes of the Portland Jade District
Made like nowhere else in Portland, these often sold-out specialty dishes center heritage recipes and East and Southeast Asian cultural experiences.
Portland Indian Food Carts and Takeout
From comforting aloo gobi to softball-sized samosas, explore our non-comprehensive local’s guide to excellent Portland Indian food trucks and takeout.
Thai Food in Portland
Thai food in Portland is some of the city's best cuisine with options that are cheap or pricey, sweet or savory, authentic or Americanized, vegan or meaty.
Day 2
You’ll spend your second day on the east side, so say goodbye to downtown for now. Start your morning with a freshly brewed pot of artisanal tea at Steven Smith Teamaker, or sample from a flight of four or eight blends at their tasting room, located inside a century-old former blacksmith shop. You may have heard of popular Central Eastside spot Kachka, whose elevated Russian fare has won rave reviews. Kachka Lavka, their upstairs market and deli counter, is a treat for those in the know. Pay them a visit for a delicious breakfast or brunch — on your way out, peruse frozen dumplings, Russian pantry staples and picnic-ready deli items like charcuterie, fish and fresh-baked bread.
Your next stop? Outer Southeast Portland, where you’ll find the Portland Mercado, the city’s first Latino public market and an awesome spot for lunch. They offer eight rainbow-hued food carts, several indoor markets and a coffee shop, all of which are owned by Latinx entrepreneurs. Travel through South and Central American cuisine from cart to cart (then hop inside to stock up on hard-to-find imports from Guatemala, Colombia and beyond).
For dinner, take your pick of two nearby Chinese spots offering top-notch dumplings, noodles and more: at Master Kong you’ll find delicious food, house-made sauces and friendly service in a no-frills diner setting. HK Café is a beloved, sprawling spot with an expansive menu in the heart of the Jade District. If you’ve got time to kill after dinner, spend a little while exploring the vibrant Jade District further — wander the bustling Fubonn Shopping Center, or stop into Bliss Lounge for karaoke and a stiff drink.
Day 3
Start your last day with a local legend, The Original Pancake House. Located in Southwest Portland, and beloved by Portland native James Beard, this is the historic 1953 home of the national chain. Their Dutch Baby is a massive, air-filled apple pancake that’s more than big enough to share (though you won’t want to). After cashing out (and we do mean cash — this old-school eatery doesn’t take plastic), spend the rest of your morning exploring nearby Multnomah Village, home to quaint boutiques and toy and book shops.
Delicious Drinks
Foodies need beverages too — sip local brews, fine wines, craft cocktails and more.
Head back to the east side for lunch, where Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard’s Por Qué No serves up street tacos and bowls that are big on ingredients but reasonable on the wallet. Beat the lines by timing your trip before or after peak meal times. If you need a drink before dinner, small-batch urban winery Teutonic Wine Company specializes in German-style wines, offering daily, wallet-friendly tasting flights while bartender-chosen vinyl pipes through the stereo. For a more personal touch, schedule a private wine tasting (along with a complimentary cheese plate) with Teutonic’s winemaker, Barnaby Tuttle.
For your last big meal, head to minimalist-chic Tusk for Israeli- and Moroccan-inspired cuisine with fresh twists. The menu boasts salads bursting with colors (including those of edible flowers), house-made pita, innovative cocktails and surprises like soft-serve sundaes — a sweet final touch to a long day of dining.
Foodie Favorites
Sink your teeth into some of the best bites to be found in the foodie capital of America.
James Beard Award-Winning Chefs
With such a highly praised and delicious food scene, it comes as no surprise that Portland chefs have racked up a few James Beard Awards over the years.
Portland Restaurants
Portland is a renowned culinary destination, and Portland restaurants run the gamut — no matter your budget, your location or the cuisine you crave, your next great meal awaits you in Portland.
Asian Cuisine Tasting Menus in Portland
Portland is home to a flourishing scene of Asian and Southeast Asian restaurants featuring exceptional tasting menus.
Culinary Events
Ticket to Dine
Portland’s “Ticket to Dine” offers patrons scratch-off tickets and a chance to win big prizes for the whole month of March.
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Portland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Spring Indigenous Marketplace. There will be over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and so much more. Trimet: #6, #14, #15, #70
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Easter Brunch Cruises on the Portland Spirit
Hop aboard the Portland Spirit for an Easter brunch to remember. Your family and friends will enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Willamette River, a delicious Northwest brunch buffet, mimosas or sparkling cider, live piano music, an appearance from Cinnabunny and ever-changing river views. What's Included: 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River, Views of the…
Kaliente Drag Brunch
Kharisma brings the heat with Kaliente, the newest Drag Brunch at your Stag PDX. Start your month with a bit of spice every 1st Sunday, with a show that has that extra kick that only Kharisma and her special guest performers can bring. Enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch options served from the buffet with mimosas available -…
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,, October and November, every Saturday 9 AM…
Swan Dive Diva Drag Brunch
Join Portland’s all-star drag queens and burlesque dancers every Saturday and Sunday for a heart-pumping performance complete with acrobatics, live singing, intricate custom-made outfits and sweat-defying artful makeup. Come prepared to tip generously and have a rowdy good time. The ticket price does not include food or alcohol. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the…
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