When visiting Portland, be sure to try the city's renowned food cart scene, as well as its many restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines, including seafood, farm-to-table, and craft beers.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Portland's cuisine is defined by its proximity to the ocean and the surrounding farmland, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. The city's food scene is also heavily influenced by its food cart culture, with over 600 carts serving everything from traditional Vietnamese banh mi to Egyptian koshari. Additionally, Portland is known for its craft beer scene, with many breweries offering beer pairings with their menus. The city's cuisine is also shaped by its seasonal ingredients, with many restaurants changing their menus to reflect the freshest ingredients available.
Portland's food scene is also characterized by its eclectic mix of cuisines, with a wide range of international options available, including Mexican, Italian, and Thai. The city's farm-to-table movement is also prominent, with many restaurants emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and local sourcing. This focus on local ingredients and seasonal menus has helped to establish Portland as a foodie destination, with many visitors coming to the city specifically to experience its unique culinary scene.
The city's neighborhoods also play a role in shaping its food culture, with different areas offering distinct dining experiences. For example, the Pearl District is known for its upscale restaurants, while the Alberta Arts District is home to a diverse range of international cuisines. This diversity of dining options helps to make Portland a vibrant and exciting food city, with something to offer every type of eater.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voodoo Doughnut | Dessert | A unique and quirky pastry topped with Bacon or Froot Loops | Voodoo Doughnut locations throughout the city |
| Dungeness Crab Cakes | Seafood | Crispy cakes filled with fresh Dungeness crab, served with tangy remoulade | Jake's Famous Crawfish |
| Pok Pok's Fish Sauce Wings | Appetizer | Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in spicy fish sauce | Pok Pok |
| Lardo's Porchetta Sandwich | Sandwich | A slow-roasted porchetta sandwich served with spicy aioli and pickled vegetables | Lardo |
| Grassa's Hand-Cut Pasta | Italian | Freshly made pasta served with seasonal sauces | Grassa |
| Andina's Ceviche | Peruvian | Fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices, served with crispy corn kernels | Andina |
| Apizza Scholls' Wood-Fired Pizza | Pizza | Wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, such as prosciutto and arugula | Apizza Scholls |
| Salt & Straw's Unique Ice Cream Flavors | Dessert | Unique ice cream flavors, such as honey lavender and strawberry balsamic | Salt & Straw locations throughout the city |
| Screen Door's Fried Chicken and Waffles | Brunch | Crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle and maple syrup | Screen Door |
| Le Pigeon's Foie Gras | French | Seared foie gras served with pickled cherries and brioche toast | Le Pigeon |
Street Food & Snacks
- Egyptian Koshari from the Koshari cart, a hearty vegetarian dish made with lentils, rice, and pasta, priced around $7
- Vietnamese Banh Mi from the Banh Mi cart, a crispy sandwich filled with grilled pork and pickled vegetables, priced around $5
- Mexican Tacos from the Taco Cart, a soft tortilla filled with seasoned beef and toppings, priced around $3
- Thai Satay from the Satay Cart, grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce, priced around $6
- German Bratwurst from the Bratwurst Cart, a grilled sausage served with sauerkraut and mustard, priced around $8
- Italian Gelato from the Gelato Cart, a creamy dessert available in unique flavors, such as hazelnut and stracciatella, priced around $5
- Cuban Coffee from the Cuban Coffee Cart, a strong and sweet coffee made with espresso and sugar, priced around $2
- Fresh Fruit Smoothies from the Smoothie Cart, a blend of fresh fruit and yogurt, priced around $5
Drinks
- Craft Beer, with many local breweries offering tastings and tours, such as Widmer Brothers Brewing and Deschutes Brewery
- Stumptown Coffee, a Portland-based coffee roaster with a wide range of coffee drinks, priced around $3-$5
- Kombucha, a fermented tea drink available in unique flavors, such as ginger and lemon, priced around $4
- Fresh Juice, made with local and organic ingredients, priced around $6
- Wine, with many local wineries and wine bars offering tastings and pairings, such as the Portland Wine Bar
- Cocktails, with many bars and restaurants offering creative and unique cocktails, such as the Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
Dining Customs
- Tipping is customary, with 15-20% of the total bill expected
- Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress code is generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may require dressy attire
- Eating etiquette is generally relaxed, with an emphasis on enjoying good food and company
- Food allergies and dietary restrictions are generally accommodated, with many restaurants offering gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is also accepted at many establishments
Where to Eat
- Food Carts, with many pods located throughout the city, offering a wide range of cuisines
- Restaurants, with many upscale and casual options available, such as Le Pigeon and Grassa
- Cafes, with many cozy and inviting options available, such as Coava Coffee Roasters and Intelligentsia Coffee
- Markets, such as the Portland Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and local goods
- Breweries, with many local breweries offering tastings and tours, such as Widmer Brothers Brewing and Deschutes Brewery
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Portland Farmers Market, located at 1030 SW Naito Parkway, offering fresh produce and local goods
- Pike Place Market, located at 85 Pike Street, offering fresh seafood and local goods
- Food Cart Festival, a annual festival featuring many food carts and live music
- Portland Beer Festival, a annual festival featuring many local breweries and live music
- Cooking Classes, offered by many cooking schools and restaurants, such as the Portland Cooking School and the Culinary Institute of Portland