Portland’s food scene buzzes with creativity, blending international flavors with Pacific Northwest ingredients in ways that surprise and delight. From James Beard Award winners to cult pizza joints, the city offers incredible dining experiences that showcase both local talent and global influences. Food lovers visiting for the first time will discover restaurants that have earned national recognition while maintaining that distinctive Portland charm. Here are ten essential spots that capture the spirit of this remarkable food city.
1. Kann (Buckman) — Haitian flavors, wood fire, big heart
James Beard’s 2023 Best New Restaurant award catapulted chef Gregory Gourdet into the national spotlight, but locals already knew something special was happening at Kann. Wood-fired cooking transforms seasonal Oregon ingredients through a Haitian lens, creating dishes that feel both familiar and completely new.
Jerked vegetables arrive charred and smoky, while griyo pork delivers rich, satisfying flavors that pair beautifully with Caribbean-inspired curries. The menu changes with Oregon’s seasons, so spring might bring different delights than fall visits.
Reservations book up quickly, especially on weekends, so plan ahead for this unforgettable dining experience.
2. Le Pigeon (Buckman) — Portland’s fine-dining icon
Small spaces often create big magic, and Le Pigeon proves this theory perfectly. Chef Gabriel Rucker, a 2025 James Beard Outstanding Chef semifinalist, has been wowing diners in this intimate room for years with inventive tasting menus that push culinary boundaries.
Choose between omnivore or vegetarian multi-course experiences, each designed to surprise and satisfy. The restaurant’s personality-packed atmosphere makes every meal feel like a special occasion, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply treating yourself to exceptional food.
Reservations are highly recommended since the small dining room fills up fast with food enthusiasts eager to experience Portland’s longest-running destination restaurant.
3. Langbaan (NW 23rd/Thurman) — Thai tasting menu with PNW produce
Securing a table at Langbaan feels like winning a lottery, with monthly booking blocks that disappear faster than you can say “pad thai.” This intimate spot transforms traditional Thai regional cuisine using Pacific Northwest ingredients in ways that honor both traditions.
Each month brings a completely new seasonally-driven menu, so repeat visits offer fresh discoveries. The refined atmosphere encourages slow, thoughtful dining while inventive dishes showcase Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape through an Oregon lens.
Patience pays off for those determined to snag one of the city’s most coveted reservations. The inventive fusion of Thai techniques with local ingredients creates unforgettable flavor combinations.
4. Eem (N Williams) — Thai BBQ meets Texas smoke
Loud music, vacation vibes, and the intoxicating aroma of smoked meats create an atmosphere that’s part Bangkok street food, part Texas barbecue joint. The famous white curry with brisket burnt ends alone justifies the trip, combining Thai comfort food with American barbecue traditions.
Daytime lunches offer a more relaxed experience, while dinner service brings party energy and creative cocktails that taste like tropical vacations. The smoked-meat krapao has developed its own cult following among locals who crave these bold flavor combinations.
Come hungry and ready for an adventure that challenges everything you thought you knew about both Thai food and barbecue.
5. Coquine (Mt. Tabor) — market-seasoned, chef-driven comfort
Neighborhood warmth meets destination-worthy cooking at this Mt. Tabor gem that earned 2025 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant finalist recognition. The choice between Chef’s Choice tasting menu and à la carte dining lets you customize your experience based on appetite and budget.
Market-driven menus change frequently, reflecting seasonal availability and the chef’s creative inspiration. Comfort food gets elevated treatment here, transforming familiar flavors into something special without losing their soul.
The intimate setting encourages lingering conversations over exceptional food. Recent Chef’s Choice menus have been priced around $129, offering multiple courses that showcase the kitchen’s range and creativity.
6. Gado Gado (Hollywood District) — Indonesian-leaning, wildly fun
Big flavors demand attention at this Hollywood District celebration of Indonesian cuisine, where roti canai arrives hot and flaky alongside rich, complex beef rendang that slow-cooks its way to perfection. The bright, energetic atmosphere matches the bold spice profiles.
Creative cocktails complement the à la carte menu that keeps regulars returning for new discoveries. Sumatran influences shine through dishes that balance sweet, spicy, and savory elements with expert precision.
The neighborhood location makes it easy to explore other Hollywood District attractions before or after your meal. Each visit reveals new favorite dishes from a menu designed for sharing and exploration.
7. Kachka (Central Eastside) — Eastern European celebration
Pelmeni dumplings and zakuski small plates transport diners straight to Eastern Europe, while infused vodkas add authentic touches to this celebration of Russian and former-Soviet cuisine. The daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. offers perfect introduction to unfamiliar flavors.
Portland’s standard-bearer for this cuisine serves both lunch and dinner, making it easy to fit into any schedule. The lively atmosphere encourages trying new dishes, especially when shared among friends who can sample multiple offerings.
Reservations help ensure tables during busy periods, though the welcoming staff makes walk-ins feel comfortable when space allows. Each dish tells a story of tradition and immigration through carefully prepared comfort food.
8. Apizza Scholls (SE Hawthorne) — the cult pizza
Cult status doesn’t happen overnight, but Apizza Scholls has earned devoted followers through consistently excellent pies that showcase big, beautiful blisters and perfect char. The New York White Pie represents just one of many house combinations that keep people coming back.
First-come seating adds excitement to dinner plans, while takeout options let you enjoy these legendary pizzas anywhere. The restaurant operates until sell-out, so arriving early improves your chances of snagging both a table and your preferred pie.
This SE Hawthorne institution proves that simple concepts executed flawlessly create lasting impressions. Each bite delivers the kind of satisfaction that transforms casual diners into devoted regulars.
9. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty (N Mississippi) — salad-topped, farm-obsessed pies
Sarah Minnick’s 2025 James Beard Outstanding Chef semifinalist recognition celebrates her commitment to Oregon farms and seasonal ingredients that transform pizza into something entirely new. Wild mushrooms and foraged greens top pies that change with the seasons.
House-made ice creams provide perfect endings to meals that celebrate local agriculture. The N Mississippi location puts you in the heart of one of Portland’s most dynamic neighborhoods for post-dinner exploration.
Farm-obsessed doesn’t mean boring here – creative combinations surprise while respecting ingredient integrity. Each visit offers different toppings based on what’s growing, making return trips feel like seasonal celebrations of Oregon’s agricultural bounty.
10. Ox (NE MLK) — wood-fired, Argentina-inspired steakhouse
Greg and Gabi Denton’s neighborhood favorite brings Argentina-inspired grilling to NE MLK with wood-fired ribeyes that sizzle with smoky perfection. House-made sausages and carefully selected seafood round out a menu designed for serious meat lovers.
The famous chowder with smoked marrow bone has achieved legendary status among regulars who know to save room for this rich, satisfying soup. Daily service from 5-10 p.m. makes dinner planning straightforward.
Wood-fired cooking adds depth to every dish, from perfectly charred steaks to vegetables that benefit from smoke and flame. The neighborhood atmosphere encourages relaxed dining while exceptional ingredients demand your full attention and appreciation.
