Jackrabbit restaurant in downtown Portland.

Downtown Restaurants

From food carts to fine dining, you’re always just steps away from great restaurants in downtown Portland.

Updated Sept. 2, 2021 3 min read Downtown

Within easy walking distance of downtown hotels, you’ll find everything from budget lunch options at a multitude of food carts to fine dining dinners at acclaimed downtown Portland restaurants — pretty much always emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients.

Know Before You Go

To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, effective Aug. 27, a statewide mask mandate is in place. Oregonians and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings, as well as crowded outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status. This rule does not apply to individuals actively eating or drinking in food establishments.

Additionally, some restaurants may require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test for entry. Please check with individual businesses on their policies and hours of operation before visiting, and continue to be patient, flexible and kind, especially if asked to mask up or share your vaccination status. These measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Food, Neighborhoods

Classic Downtown Portland Restaurants

A legendary destination for regional cuisine, Higgins Restaurant & Bar was opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, a pioneer in the movement to feature fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Food Cart Pods

Portland’s selection of more than 500 food carts, most grouped in “pods,” has drawn raves from the likes of Bon Appétit and CNN.

A child enjoying a free sample from the many different and colorful apples at the Portland Farmers Market.

A Perfect Day at Portland Farmers Market

Portland’s flagship farmers' market perfectly embodies the city’s foodie sensibilities and independent spirit.

A barista creates a pour-over coffee drink

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.

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, Huber’s Cafe holds the title of “Portland’s oldest restaurant.” 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.

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. It’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.

Newer Favorites

The West End is a perfect place to seek out great Portland restaurants downtown. Here you’ll find Chef Rick Gencarelli’s famous-food-cart-turned-restaurant Lardo, and his pasta-focused, casual-service spot Grassa. You read it right: enjoy two delicious, affordable dining options at the very same address.

Head a little way east to find Maurice, a modern pastry luncheonette — their unique blend of Norwegian and French fare includes both savory dishes (like chicken liver pâte) and decadent desserts (like black pepper cheesecake, or lemon soufflé pudding cake). On the other side of downtown, Luc Lac offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese bites and cocktails. As an added bonus, they’re open until midnight daily and 4 a.m. on weekends.

Downtown

Portland’s compact, walkable downtown offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings and tax-free shopping. Browse the city’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant.

For a feel-good boost on the run, grab a chickpea salad and organic green juice from Kure, a gluten-free vegan health haven serving nutrient-packed snacks like quinoa porridge, acai bowls and superfood smoothies.

Learn More About the Downtown Restaurant Scene

Which restaurants have great views?

Whether you prefer indoor dining or the open air, Departure offers 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. (Find more outdoor seating with the Portland Patio Guide.)

What’s something fun to do downtown?

There’s more to downtown Portland than just the great dining scene — it’s also packed with action and attractions. Check out lively Pioneer Courthouse Square for people-watching, art installations and food carts. Learn a little about the city’s history at the Oregon Historical Society, or take in some culture at the Portland Art Museum.

Restaurants With a View

Whether atop the city's tallest buildings or nestled next to a river, these Portland restaurants with a view offer a feast for the eyes (as well as the appetite).

Lunch Downtown

For Thai treats, try 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.

Established in 2010, Kalé specializes in a single dish: Japanese curry. Extremely popular in Japan, but less well known in the United States, this savory, complex dish is downright addictive. Kalé is one of the only restaurants that serves authentic Japanese curry in the Pacific Northwest, making it well worth a visit the next time you’re downtown.

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. It’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.

Sweet Treats

Downtown is home to many of the great Southwest Portland restaurants — it’s also a great place to find something sweet. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Ruby Jewel for ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats, or Saint Cupcake for bite-sized baked goods. (You could also head back to Maurice for unique Scandinavian pastries.)

Food, Neighborhoods