Foodies know that Portland is the destination for an amazing food-trip that offers up forest-dominant scenery combined with culinary specialties that include farm-to-table EVERYWHERE, nearly too many exclusive breweries to count, and food truck scene that is unmatched. Checkout the 10 best resturant experiences, according to Yelp reviewers and trailblaze your way too the best breakfasts, lunch, brunch, dinner and snacks anywhere!
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Screen Door Eastside
Screen Door Eastside in Portland, Oregon, is a nice place to have breakfast or brunch any time of the day! It has indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, making it perfect for groups or to enjoy your "me" time. Don't miss it if you're in Portland, especially if you are on the hunt for the best fried chicken!
Review: This place was amazing! Since it gets crazy busy on weekends, we decided to go on a Tuesday around 11 a.m.--no wait at all. The host gave us the choice of bar, indoor dining, or the heated outdoor patio. We picked a cozy booth inside.
The service was awesome. Everyone was super friendly and kept checking in to make sure we were good, but not in an annoying way.
Food: we started with two Canal Street cold brews, the praline bacon (three strips), and the homemade cinnamon rolls. Such a great start. The coffee had just the right amount of Kahlua and a nice whipped cream topping. The bacon and cinnamon rolls were full of flavor--we just kept picking at them.
Then came the star of the show: the chicken and waffles (two-piece). The chicken was insanely good--super moist and seasoned perfectly. Gave me total Southern vibes. If you're going, definitely add a fried egg or two on top. Game changer.
Ambiance: The place feels roomy, especially the kitchen (which probably helps the food come out fast). The dining area is well set up with fun hanging decor. I didn't check out the patio up close, but it looked warm and comfy.
All in all, we loved it and would go back in a minute.
Click here to learn more about Screen Door Eastside
Lechon
Enjoy amazing and delicious food with your loved ones at Lechon if you are in Portland, Oregon. They serve tapas and other flavorful dishes that are meant for sharing. They also have "happy hour" if you'd like to enjoy drinks after dinner. The ambiance is excellent, indoors and outdoors, with moderate noise radiating a lively vibe.
Review: All of the food is amazing and so delicious. Most dishes are meant to share family style. The empanadas were my favorite! I could eat a dozen of them! The fish tanks and jelly fish inside the restaurant add to the ambiance and decor! The service was also great, our waitress was friendly, positive, and attentive. The food is pretty expensive, and the plates (meant to share) are decently small, but the quality and flavor is top tier. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant!
Click here to learn more about the Lechon
The Observatory
The Observatory serves American flavors through its burgers, fries, and other dishes. It also offers French toast and other mouthwatering desserts. It's like a lounge where you can feel comfortable while enjoying good food. Truly, it is a must-try place to visit in Portland, Oregon.
Review: We were driving from Vancouver, WA and I told my son to find a place for us to eat. He chose this place.
Street parking is probably fine for the most part, but there was a festival this weekend and had to park about a block away. But this place is easy to find.
Walked in and quickly greeted and shown to our seats. Nice and open with high ceilings. Dark colors on the walls which makes it cozy.
I had no idea what to expect on the menu, but found myself having a hard time to decide. I ended up trying the Baked French Toast and omg, its presentation was super cute. And it tasted as good as it looked.
Hubby got the Burger Burger and really enjoyed his french fries. My son got the Pules Pork Sandwich and opted for the rosemary parmesan fries, which were yum.
I would definitely come back to try other items on the menu. They also serve alcoholic drinks which I'd also like to try since their food was so good.
Click here to know more about The Observatory
Eem
Experience the flavors of Thailand even when you are in Portland, Oregon, at Eem. Aside from Thai flavors, they also have barbecues and cocktail bars where you can enjoy nice drinks after having good food. They have a trendy place where you can relax and chill.
Review: Loved the food. Great service. Beautiful open air restaurant in a cute walkable neighborhood.
We ordered the Sweet & Sour Fried Chicken Small, Smoked Pork Krapao, and White Curry w/Brisket Burnt Ends. The chicken (mixture of boneless white & dark meat) was crispy and finger licking sticky. The sweet & sour flavor tasted like simple syrup + white vinegar which worked well with the seasoned fried chicken pieces. My Thai grandma used make sweet & sour similar to this. The Smoked Pork Krapao included meaty sized pork belly ends stir fried w/krapao, a deep fried egg, and fresh long beans and cucumbers. This deconstructed version of pad krapao was interesting and pretty tasty. My favorite was the White Curry w/Brisket. At first I was weirded out by the smokey flavor of the brisket, but when eaten with a spoonful of the white curry, the flavor melds together beautifully. The "white curry" tastes like tom kha and the addition of the cauliflower for more white color and texture is pure genius. I'm going to attempt to make this at home.
So glad we had the opportunity to try Eem while in Portland. Our taste buds are happy.
Click here to learn more about the Eem
kann
Taste Caribbean and Haitian flavors at kann and enjoy the heritage and culture of each dish in every bite. The restaurant's atmosphere is serene and vibrant, a place that complements the good food they offer. Chef Gregory Gourdet did an excellent job that everyone in Portland can enjoy.
Review: Dining at Kann is more than a meal--it's a journey into warmth, heritage, and deep-rooted culinary artistry. Chef Gregory Gourdet has created something truly special in the heart of Portland: a space where Haitian flavors are honored, reimagined, and celebrated with elegance and heart.
The moment you step into Kann, you feel the care. The atmosphere is vibrant yet serene, with soft lighting, natural textures, and an energy that feels both welcoming and reverent. It's the kind of place where every detail matters--because every detail tells a story.
The food is bold, soulful, and layered with meaning. From smoky, fire-kissed meats to perfectly balanced vegetables and bright, citrusy accents, each dish feels like a love letter to Haiti--deeply personal, yet universally satisfying. The joumou soup, griyo, and plantain dishes are standouts, both comforting and refined. Every bite carries history, intention, and flavor.
The cocktails, infused with island spices and tropical notes, are as creative as they are refreshing. And the service? Thoughtful, gracious, and deeply knowledgeable. Absolutely will be back. We love Kann. A staple in PDX.
Click here to learn more about the kann
Andina
Discover the story and taste of Peruvian flavors at Andina, where you can enjoy their exceptional drinks and cuisine. At Andina, they use locally produced ingredients and partner with farmers from Chincha, Peru, for organic produce, showcasing cultural and historical fragments curated to serve delicious food that tells a story in every bite.
Review: Went to celebrate both our parents' 80th birthdays. We got there early and they were able to accommodate our large party right away. Food, drinks, and service was impeccable, well-presented, and flavorful. Do not skip out on dessert. The Pot du Crème with blood orange was heavenly!
Click here to learn more about Andina
Luc Lac
Take yourself and your loved ones from Portland, Oregon, to Vietnam with every bite of a dish from Luc Lac. They also offer tapas and shareable dishes for you to enjoy. And, to complete the experience, party a little with their happy hour specials.
Review: Food is generously portioned and delicious. Service was friendly and quick. Ambience was fun with great music and cute decor. We ordered the pork banh mi which came with a salad. The bread was perfectly crisp/flaky and soft on the inside, and the pork was well seasoned. We also ordered the combo vermicelli which came with 1 of each of type of skewer meat and 2 pork crispy rolls. This dish was very generously portioned and can be shared. Definitely worthy of a visit if you're in the area.
Click here to learn more about Luc Lac
Voodoo Doughnut
Explore the different flavors of Voodoo Doughnuts from its original birthplace, Portland, Oregon. It's heaven if you have a sweet tooth or are a doughnut lover! Children and those with a childlike spirit will enjoy this place. Take home some doughnuts for your loved ones!
Review: had experienced Voodoo Donuts before in several theme park and tourist destination versions, but we just HAD to visit the OG one when we were in Portland!
I know the donuts are probably the same at all locations, but these ones just hit different.
The decor is adorable, with lots of pink, but also skulls and voodoo vibes. There were cute chandeliers on the ceiling along with a neat, giant donut fixture.
We ordered pretty much one of everything, literally, and every single one was amazing.
Our favorites were:
-Oh Captain My Captain: Topped with Cap'n Crunch
-Grape Ape: Purple frosted donut with grape "dust"
-The Homer: Just a pink donut with sprinkles, but we are Simpsons lovers ands simple donut folk, too
-Voodoo Doll: Shaped like a little voodoo doll, and stuffed with raspberry filling - yum!
-Maple Blazer Blunt: A little rolled cigar looking donut that has cinnamon dust and maple frosting!
If you're in Portland (and especially if you've never had Voodoo Donuts anywhere else they are available), do yourself a favor and visit the original!
Click here to learn more about the Voodoo Doughnut
Queen Mama's Kitchen
Queen Mama's Kitchen rose amid the Covid pandemic, and there's a reason for their success. They offer Halal foods that can satisfy your curiosity and cravings for Middle Eastern flavors. They also have desserts and drinks you can pair with the good food they are serving. Check them out if you are in Portland, Oregon.
Review: I have been wanting to try this place for some time. Tied to the food stall but having a sit down spot... middle eastern but family recipes caught my attention. I passed by it seemed closed so I strolled through the food pod to check it out.
I passed by one more time and I see life. The door a jar. I asked if they were open they said we normally open at 5pm and mostly work by reservation as we have been filling up.
I stared with some black tea to warm up a bit and give me some life. The specials looked pretty good but I started with the lentil soup. I could see the family preparing for the weekend. Mom by the stock pot. Andre filling the sodas in the cooer. The vibe - the kitchen in the background going over the specials. The cooktops have pot cooking recipes above the stove tops. Dressed in black with black chef hats. Happy flowing freely. Making the family recipes.
The lentil soup. The server said this was their mom's recipe. Flavors are on point. Some chips to add to the soup and limes to top it off. I went for the chicken and rice dish. The chicken seasoned very well grilled just right. The rice perfectly cooked seasoned and presented. There was this condiment sort of a salsa lime, hot peppers tomato to accompany the dish. The service above and beyond. Other workers looking out from the kitchen with smiles to check out the scene.
All the dishes are from mom's recipes. Dessert cheesecake which mom loved to make. The server explained all the dishes very well. I felt so comfortable I just about left without paying the server laughed because as he said he was about to open the door for me without presenting the bill. 5/5 from the start to finish. Another fine dining experience in Portland.
Click here to learn more about Queen Mama's Kitchen
The Pie Spot
Looking for a pie in Portland? The Pie Spot is the place to be! The Pie Spot's pie crust is made from butter, and the rest of the pie ingredients are locally sourced, allowing you to experience the flavors of Portland, Oregon, in every bite. They also offer breakfast sandwiches.
Review: The BEST cherry pie! It doesn't have that fake candy flavored that some cherry pies have. It's true Northwest cherry pie filling and it's absolutely delicious. Not to mention the best pie crust in town. I just wish cherry pie were on their year-round menu!
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