We’ve gathered the very best spots to chow down in Portland, Oregon. You can see our methodology here.

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1. Screen Door

Try the: Fried Chicken Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“We are Nicole and David Mouton, Portland residents since 2001, originally from South Louisiana. Together, we opened Screen Door on a shoestring budget in 2006. It was a true labor of love, with friends and family and our earliest employees all banding together to open a neighborhood restaurant. Our concept is capturing and sharing all that is quintessential in our own history and experience of southern foodways layered with what we like to think of as northwest food values. This means eating local, eating fresh from the garden, being passionate about food and about where it comes from. To us, this is a perfect marriage of southern comfort food decadence and valuing and honoring the rich bounty of foods produced by our local farmers here in our region. This meeting place of fried and fresh helps describe our food, but to really understand us is to consider the meaning of hospitality. Our business is built on what brings me personally, joy. The idea that it is truly more gratifying to give than to receive and that even after twelve years, I never cease to feel a thrill at having the opportunity to share our food, our story and our history with so many people week after week in this beautiful city that we call home.”

2. Mother’s Bistro & Bar

Try the: Crunchy Challah French Toast

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“Mother’s Bistro & Bar has grown over the years from a charming 90-seat restaurant on Stark Street to a gorgeous 200-seat Portland institution in the Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel. Chosen Restaurant of the Year by Portland’s Willamette Week, Best Comfort Food, Best Brunch, and Best Lunch Spot by numerous publications and one of America’s Top Restaurant Bargains by Food and Wine Magazine, Mother’s Bistro & Bar is now a destination spot for anyone who comes to downtown Portland.

Our welcoming grand entrance has plenty of room should there be a wait for a table and the adjoining bar with sparkling chandeliers and velvet upholstery beckon you to join us for cocktail. En route to our main dining area is our “family room” with a magnificent 14-foot African rosewood table which seats 20 comfortably. The bright window-wrapped dining room with sumptuous fabric-upholstered booths and banquettes, gold-tin trim, and beautiful wainscoting make you feel warm and comfortable as you settle in to enjoy your dining experience.”

3. Salt & Straw

Try the: Pear & Blue Cheese

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“For years, Kim Malek was dreaming about the creation of a community gathering place. One where you could run into neighbors, spend time with family, or treat yourself. A great neighborhood place. The answer was clearly an ice cream shop. Enter Tyler, her cousin who wanted in. But there was a catch: Neither had ever made ice cream before.

Luckily, Tyler wasn’t afraid of his rookie status. He spent $16 on four used ice cream makers and got to work, spending hours endlessly testing flavor ideas in his own personal Wonka-verse (a.k.a., Kim’s basement). Meanwhile, Kim cashed in her savings and bought a cart. And then the two of them turned to their community, asking friends—chefs, chocolatiers, brewers and farmers—for advice, finding inspiration everywhere they looked.

And that’s how Salt & Straw came to be. Our ice cream gives you a moment of happiness and connection to the community around you.”

4. Pine State Biscuits

Try the: Reggie Deluxe

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“Pine State Biscuits began as a brainchild centered around…what else? The quest for the perfect, buttery, flaky, homemade biscuit. Kevin Atchley, Walt Alexander, and Brian Snyder knew biscuits all too well from growing up in North Carolina, but having relocated to Portland, Oregon, they craved the down­ home­ cooking they knew from childhood. So they banded together and decided to bring the Southeast to the Northwest.

After several months of trials, tests, and “biscuit tasting parties”, they settled on a single recipe. The only void left to fill was to share their creation with the public. The Portland Farmer’s Market proved to be the perfect setting, and in May of 2006, Pine State Biscuits began serving their unique version of regionally inspired southern cuisine to throngs of Portlanders.”

5. Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

Try the: Elk Burger

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“In 1988, Gary Fish established a small brewpub in downtown Bend, Oregon and named it after the iconic waterway flowing through town, the Deschutes River (pronounced da shootz). With a belief that good beer brings people together, Gary founded The Deschutes Brewery & Public House as just that – a home for the public. A community gathering place, where friends, family and strangers could come together over some great food and a house-brewed pint of beer.

In its first year, the public house sold 310 barrels of beer. Today, the brewery sells more than 225,000 barrels of beer each year and Deschutes can be found in 32 states and even a few countries. Over the years, Deschutes Brewery’s expanded beyond the original pub with a brewery and tasting room less than a mile across town on the banks of the Deschutes River in Bend, a second pub in downtown Portland, and a tasting room in Roanoke, Virginia.”

6. Portland City Grill

Try the: Kung Pao Calamari

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“Take in the sweeping city and landscape views. Sip a standout wine or craft cocktail. Dazzle your palate with seafood inspired by Northwest, Island or Asian milieus; an expertly prepared steak; farm-fresh salad; or another memorable dish. Our attentive staff will make you feel at home–in our rarefied air 30 floors above Portland.”

7. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai

Try the: Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“Locally owned and operated by husband and wife duo Nate and Jamie Snell ( Jamie is also the owner & chef of the Lamb’s Table Catering ) Pip’s was recently awarded the prize for best doughnut in Portland by the Portland Tribune for their honey & sea salt flavor. Pip’s features fresh, made as you watch mini-doughnuts, coffee and espresso locally roasted by Extracto Coffee Roasters and house-crafted chai tea lattes. Our goal is simple: Excellence. Simplicity. Kindness. To to provide you with simple, excellent products in a kind, friendly, and welcoming manner, all served up in a warm and cozy space.”

8. Cheryl’s on 12th

Try the: Portuguese Fried Rice

“An in house bakery makes fabulous pastries, the marketplace features gourmet imports, local artisan foods, cheese, charcuterie, wine and custom gift baskets and the kitchen prepares fine foods for dine in, take out and catering events of all kinds.”

9. The Observatory

Try the: Lamb Burger

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“When The Observatory opened its doors in December of 2008, it became an instant anchor of the Montavilla neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Built by two young couples with years of restaurant experience, both the space and the menu were designed to have something for everyone.

The environment is sophisticated yet casual so it works for a special night out or an easy place to meet up after work. When you walk in the door, you can tell right away that staff is happy to have you there.

A few years in, as business grew, the opportunity to expand arose and Over and Out was born. Down the hall you’ll find Over and Out, the observatory’s 21+ bar featuring the same inviting menu, pinball, pool and tvs. This is a great place to gather with friends, watch the game or just have a casual meal or drink.”

10. Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Try the: Khao Man Gai

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Portland

“In Thailand, it’s normal for restaurants to focus on one dish — as long as you do it really, really well. Nong applied the same thinking to her Portland restaurant with Khao Man Gai. It’s a delicious, comforting, and healthy dish you don’t have to feel guilty about eating.

Khao Man Gai means Chicken & Rice. It’s flavorful and well-balanced, served with Nong’s signature sauce and a side of soup. If you ever visit Bangkok, you’ll find Khao Man Gai on every corner. But you’ll only find Nong’s signature sauce at Nong’s Khao Man Gai.”