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9 Essential Portland Restaurants That Showcase Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients

Portland Restaurants + Bars
by Elisabeth Sherman Feb 7, 2023

With lush, plentiful farmland nearby and the abundance of wine produced in the Willamette Valley, it’s no wonder that Portland has quickly become known as one of the best restaurants cities in the United States. In fact, last year a WalletHub survey named it the best city in America for food. Portland restaurants are known for serving dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced and sustainably grown ingredients. From fresh seafood to local wine to Asian cuisine, Portland is a multi-cultural hub of restaurants you will want to spend your whole trip visiting. After dinner, don’t forget to stop by these legendary Portland dive bars. When you wake up in the morning, take the family to one of these local restaurants for a satisfying breakfast in Portland.

Here are the Portland restaurants to try on your next visit.

Higgins

When it opened in 1994, Higgins was ahead of the curve when it came to the farm-to-table trend. Through relationships with Pacific Northwest farmers, the restaurant is able to showcase locally grown produce, pork, and beef. Steamed mussels, fisherman’s stew, and elaborate Charcuterie plates are included in the refined, but comfort food adjacent, menu options here.

Higgins: 1239 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Price: $$$

Le Pigeon

The cozy dining room at this French restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience. At Le Pigeon, you’ll encounter one of the best wine lists in Portland. The tasting menu is short, sweet, and simple. There are five small dishes, followed by dessert, including ox heart and roasted swordfish. With the open kitchen design, you can watch the chefs work.

Le Pigeon: 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Price: $$$$

Urdaneta

Tapas from Spain and the Basque region are the speciality at Urdaneta. The atmosphere of the restaurant is supposed to mimic a bustling tapas bar in Madrid, so expect conversation, laughter, and energy throughout your meal. Pair small plates, like blood sausage made in-house, grilled octopus, and thinly sliced beef tongue, with the selection of Spanish wines and sherries.

Urdaneta: 3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Price: $$

Bollywood Theater

As part of the lively atmosphere at Bollywood Theater, Bollywood movies are projected on the walls during dinner. Because the focus is on Indian street food, this is a great spot for a cup of spiced chai and happy hour snacks. The fried cauliflower and potato dumplings are especially noteworthy, but the colorful decor is eye-catching and enticing too.

Bollywood Theater: 3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Price: $$

Mucca Osteria

For a romantic Italian dinner head to Mucca Osteria. There are 400 Italian wines on the extensive wine list, and diners can order either the chef’s tasting menu or a la carte. The pasta and bread are both made in-house. Mushroom and ricotta filled tortellini and braised boar ragu over tagliatelle are among the pasta offersings. For mains, pork shoulder and duck breast will complete your meal.

Mucca Osteria: 1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
Price: $$$

Nodoguro

Widely considered the best Japanese restaurant in Portland, Nodoguro serves an omakase menu. You won’t get much of a clue as to what dining here is like from the restaurant’s sparse website, but past tasting menus have included an intense 25 courses and included ingredients like monkfish liver.  The restaurant sometimes links its tasting menu to a pop culture phenomenon, like Studio Ghibli movies. Prospective diners have to buy tickets for a seating, but there are sometimes last minute cancellations that can be snatched up.

Nodoguro: 623 NE 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Price: $$$$

Gado Gado

Colorful tablecloths and tiled floors match the playful atmosphere at Gado Gado. Owner Thomas Pisha-Duffly has Chinese Indonesian heritage, and the menu here is influenced by Dutch-Indonesian cuisine, specifically the Rijsttafel, an elaborate feast of Indonesian dishes that translates to “rice table.” Family style eating is encouraged. Choose from curries, grilled fish and other meats, dumplings, and rice dishes – all served with sambal, Indonesian chili paste.

Gado Gado: 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
Price: $$

Coquine

The chic, wood accented interiors of Coquine – which, interestingly enough, is built on top of an extinct volcano – pair perfectly with raw oysters and half a glass of champagne (both on the menu). Seasonal vegetables (like beets and carrots at the moment) can be enjoyed alongside roast chicken. Try the selection of orange wines with dinner.

Coquine: 6839 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
Price: $$$

Screen Door

Taking inspiration from South Carolina lowcountry and Creole-French cuisine, Screen Door attracts loyal fans. The produce is organic and grown locally, and some claim it’s home to the best fried chicken in Portland. Chicken and waffles, chicken tenders, fried okra – this is a great place to stop in if you’re craving comfort food – but it’s also a must for weekend brunch with friends.

Screen Door: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Price: $$

Where to stay in Portland

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Exploring Portland’s parks and nearby hiking trails will leave you tired, but satisfied. That’s why you need a soft place to land at the end of the day. These Portland Airbnbs

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Luxury apartment in the Pearl District

The Pearl apartment Portland Airbnbs

Photo: Airbnb

Contemporary furnishing and large windows that offer lots of natural light and views of Portland make this modern apartment appealing. The rooftop terrace complete with fire pit is the perfect place for late night drinks with friends. If you’re bringing a car along, there’s also a convenient parking garage.

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Architectural loft in the Alberta Arts District

Alberta Arts District Loft Portland Airbnbs

Photo: Airbnb

Portland is well known as a haven for artists, so if that’s you this is the neighborhood that you need to stay in. Proximity to the Alberta Rose Theater means you’re able to catch live music or a comedy shore, and there’s also a street fair that takes place every month. However, what you might love most about this property is its sleek design.

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Charming house in Nob Hill

nob hill apartment Portland Airbnbs

Photo: Airbnb

This house is within walking distance of shopping and art galleries. For a relaxing day outdoors, head to Washington Park, and be sure to check out the rose garden. Nearby bars include Kells Brew Pub and Botanist, a rooftop bar.

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