

Downtown Dining
From food carts to fine dining, you’re always just steps away from great food in downtown.
Within easy walking distance of downtown hotels, you’ll find everything from budget lunch options at dozens of food carts to fine dining at acclaimed restaurants — nearly all emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients.
The Portland Farmers Market, which has several seasonal downtown locations, is a dazzling — and palate-pleasing — display of Oregon’s bounty, with dozens of growers and food vendors, perfect for an impromptu picnic.
Lunch Stars
The not-so-secret destination for many a hungry downtowner on the go? Portland’s famed food carts. At the Alder food cart pod, which fills a whole block (and then some), crowds swell at lunchtime, so expect plenty of company at all-star spots like the Whole Bowl and 808 Grinds.
Legions of lunchers also favor tiny Bunk Sandwiches, where chef-turned-sammie-slinger Tommy Habetz dreams up concoctions like Oregon albacore tuna melts and pork belly Cubanos. For Thai treats, diners enjoy Nong’s Khao Man Gai, which serves up its famous eponymous dish of poached chicken, jasmine rice simmered in chicken stock and an aromatic sauce with a vinegar kick.
The Portland Farmers Market, which has several seasonal downtown locations, is a dazzling — and palate-pleasing — display of Oregon’s bounty, with dozens of growers and food vendors, perfect for an impromptu picnic.
Tasty Bites
Food Cart Pods
Portland’s selection of more than 600 food carts, most grouped in “pods,” has drawn raves from the likes of Bon Appétit and CNN.
A Perfect Day at Portland Farmers Market
Portland’s flagship farmers' market perfectly embodies the city’s foodie sensibilities and independent spirit.
Downtown Portland Coffee Crawl
Portland’s bean scene is as accessible as it is diverse. In fact, you don’t have to leave downtown to sample some of the best cups.
New Favorites
Downtown’s West End is full of culinary delights. Here you’ll find Chef Rick Gencarelli’s famous-food-cart-turned-restaurant Lardo and pasta-focused Grassa.
Next door to the Ace Hotel, Clyde Common serves rustic, seasonal, Euro-inspired fare (think tagliatelle pasta and roasted fresh fish). At the energetic, window-lined bar, polished bartenders pour some of the city’s most exacting cocktails. Downstairs, sister speakeasy Pepe Le Moko offers star bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s take on classics, plus bar snacks and oysters.
On the other side of downtown, Luc Lac offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese bites and cocktails. The three-hour happy hour is unbeatable, with 20 snacks for $3 each or less. Plus, they’re open until midnight daily and 4 a.m. on weekends.
For a feel-good boost on the run, grab a chickpea salad and organic green juice from Kure Kitchen, a gluten-free vegan health haven serving nutrient-packed snacks like quinoa porridge, acai bowls and superfood smoothies.
Classics
A legendary destination for regional cuisine, Higgins Restaurant & Bar was opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, a pioneer in the movement to use fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.
Brunch favorite Mother’s Bistro & Bar serves comfort food made using recipes from mothers around the world, while the historic Jake’s Famous Crawfish (opened in 1892) is a Portland landmark.
Opened in 1879, the distinction of “Portland’s oldest restaurant” belongs to Huber’s Cafe. Tucked inside the historic Oregon Pioneer Building, Huber’s features Old Portland charm, a stained-glass ceiling and a menu of hearty traditional fare. Don’t miss their Spanish coffee, made tableside with panache (and fire) by seasoned bartenders.
Great Views
Atop the Nines hotel, Departure Restaurant + Lounge serves Asian cuisine and some of the best views in town. Views (along with steak, seafood and sushi) are also on the menu at Portland City Grill, located on the 30th floor of the US Bancorp Tower — Portland’s second-tallest building, known as “Big Pink.”
Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Maurice for unique Scandinavian pastries, Ruby Jewel for ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats, or Saint Cupcake for bite-sized baked goods.
Food & Drink Events
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, c…
Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Enjoy entertainment, lots of…
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Enjoy Nordic music, dancing, games, food, vendors, a beer garden, a kids’ area and more at Portland’…
Virtual OMSI After Dark: FizzFest
Join OMSI After Dark virtually to enjoy a curated tasting package of 10 fizzy drinks! Expect science…
More Sweets
Ice Cream in Portland
Savor creativity by the scoop at Portland's best ice cream shops.
Chocolate and Sweets in Portland
Portland offers distinguished artisan chocolate and handmade sweet treats all year long.
Doughnut Shops in Portland
Voodoo is just one of many doughnut purveyors in Portland serving zany creations, gourmet flavors and gluten-free goodies.
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