Looking for the best downtown Portland restaurants? Well, you’re in the right place!
Whether it is to celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones, to enjoy time with your friends with good food and drinks, or for a quick work-related luncheon, downtown Portland has a diverse array of restaurants you can choose from.
The following restaurants downtown Portland are the top-rated ones in the area, suitable for any type of meal you have in mind.
1. Lechon
Located in the picturesque Portland waterfront, Lechon brings to the Pacific Northwest the classic flavors commonly found in South American kitchens with vibrant and chic interiors.
Their Shrimp Ceviche and Mal Humorado cocktail is an unbeatable combination. The salty, house-made chips are perfect for scooping the ceviche with.
Follow it with a few sips of the slightly spicy cocktail.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, the Peruvian Fried Chicken Bites, available tapas-style, are just nom nom! The hot honey and basil aioli dips make these juicy bites drool-worthy.
What to order: Shrimp Ceviche, Peruvian Fried Chicken Bites, Grilled Octopus, Nikkei Style Kalbi Beef Short Ribs
Address: 113 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
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2. Higgins
Opened in 1994, Higgins is one of the pioneers of introducing farm-to-table dining in the city. The menu here is seasonal and celebrates Portland at its best, with an old-school casual atmosphere.
You HAVE TO start with one of their popular Charcuterie boards, and one favourite is the Salami & Sausages board. This board is a perfect presentation of all things savory and smoky.
Available for lunch, the Grilled Beef Burger comes in a crusty hearth baked bun. Add applewood smoked bacon to your burger to make it a whole lot more meaty!
What to order: Salami & Sausages Charcuterie, Grilled Beef Burger, Magret, Confit & Sausage Liberty Duck
Address: 1239 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97205
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3. Q Restaurant & Bar
Located in downtown Portland, Q Restaurant & Bar is family-owned and known for its enriching dining experience with great food and fine wines—the modern interior features an open kitchen and panoramic windows.
Available on Q’s lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus, the Bacon Wrapped Dates are special. It has crunchy almonds, and the marsala sauce adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish.
Made from scratch, in-house, the restaurant also serves some delicious seasonal ice cream and sorbet flavors. The Vanilla Bean is a classic and a constant hit.
What to order: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Vanilla Bean ice cream, Osso Bucco, Prime NY Strip Steak & Crispy Stuffed Chile Relleno
Address: 828 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
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4. Murata
Established in 1988, Murata is a family-owned sushi restaurant designed to offer the traditional tatami room experience in downtown Portland. This upmarket destination serves masterfully created dishes with traditional decor and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Uni Nigiri and Hamachi Nigiri are not to be missed. These are fresh and delicate, have a slight sweet and savory flavor, and simply melt in the mouth.
For something more filling, try the Katsu-don with their popular deep-fried crispy pork cutlet resting atop steamed rice, along with soft-cooked eggs.
What to order: Uni Nigiri, Hamachi Nigiri, Spicy Tuna Roll, Katsu-don, Deep-fried Breaded Prawns
Address: 200 SW Market Street, Portland, OR 97201
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5. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
At Nong’s Khao Man Gai, the focus is on one thing—Khao Man Gai, and they absolutely deliver!
This is a classic Thai concept where restaurants focus on one dish only, and chef Nong has everyone smitten.
Of course, Khao Man Gai should be your first order here. This is Thai chicken & rice served with Nong’s signature sauce; it’s simple, healthy, and well-balanced in flavor.
Do yourself a favor and get their Thai Tea Float, the perfect cool down drink after a spicy and lush meal.
What to order: Khao Man Gai, Thai Tea Float, Super Soup
Address: Downtown – 417 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
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6. Portland City Grill
With unparalleled views of downtown Portland and the Cascade mountains, Portland City Grill has been alluring diners for over 20 years with its mouth-watering steak preparations, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list.
Their Kung Pao Calamari is an excellent plate to start your meal with. Studded with crunchy peanuts, and tossed in a spicy, savory kung pao sauce, you simply can’t get enough of it!
For mains, you cannot go wrong with their Filet Mignon. Grilled to perfection, this piece of steak is buttery, and absolutely tender.
What to order: Kung Pao Calamari, Filet Mignon, Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
Address: 111 SW 5th Avenue, 3oth Floor, Portland, OR 97204
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7. Mucca Osteria
An intimate Italian spot, Mucca Osteria takes you on an Italian food journey in Portland.All the bread and pasta at Mucca Osteria are made in-house, every day, and you can taste their quality in every bite.
Their Prosciutto e Burrata is a tasty twist on the classic Italian antipasti. The 500-day aged prosciutto has a rich umami flavor.
On the other hand, the Agnolotti del Plin has a butternut squash filling, and finishes the old-school way. These pillows of pasta might be small in size but they definitely impress!
What to order: Prosciutto e Burrata, Agnolotti del Plin, Gnocchi al Gorgonzola e Radicchio, Cioccolatino
Address: 1022 SW Morrison Street, Portland, OR 97205
8. Huber’s Cafe
Established in 1879, Huber’s Cafe holds pride as the oldest restaurant in Portland, hugely popular for its roast turkey, turkey sandwich, and more things turkey!
Start with the house specialty, Roast Young Tom Turkey: beautifully roasted turkey served with traditional gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Alternatively, the Hot Turkey Sandwich is as filling as it is delightful.
Don’t forget to try Huber’s widely popular Spanish Coffee. Introduced in 1975, this drink is an experience!
What to order: Roast Young Tom Turkey, Turkey Cream Cheese & Cranberry Sandwich, Hot Turkey Sandwich, House-made Pumpkin Pie, Spanish Coffee
Address: 411 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
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9. Mother’s Bistro & Bar
Mother’s Bistro & Bar is all about classic comfort food, made from scratch. From roasts to dumplings to stews, this eatery gives you a refined taste of home.
If you’re visiting the place for breakfast, the Crunchy Challah French Toast is a must. Drizzle some pure maple syrup on top and enjoy!
For dinner, the $15,000 Dungeness Crab Cake is an excellent starter (no worries, it doesn’t cost $15,000). The crab cakes are fried to golden brown, with generous amounts of crab meat.
What to order: Crunchy Challah French Toast, $15,000 Dungeness Crab Cake, Migas, Five-Hour Braised Pot Roast
Address: 121 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
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10. Cuốn – Vietnamese Street Food
Meaning “roll” in Vietnamese, Cuốn is a family-owned restaurant that brings to downtown Portland delicious Vietnamese street food, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
At Cuốn, starting your meal without an order of their Spring Rolls would be a sin, and we particularly love the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Spring Rolls.
Their Beef Pho is just WOW! The broth itself tastes really authentic, with different levels of complex flavors, and comes filled with meat and beefballs.
What to order: Grilled Lemongrass Pork Spring Rolls, Beef Pho, Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Address: 600 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
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11. Jake’s Famous Crawfish
Since 1892, Jake’s Famous Crawfish has been a downtown Portland staple for decades, offering timeless seafood dining.
The Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cakes is an appetizer you’ll find on almost every table in the restaurant! The ginger jalapeno aioli they’re served with adds an spicy kick.
If you want something more filling, Jake’s Famous Étouffée is a classic stew that has the holy trinity of chicken, shrimp, and crawfish tails in a rich and spicy brown sauce!
What to order: Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cakes, Jake’s Famous Étouffée, Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Address: 401 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
12. Bamboo Sushi
As “the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant”, Bamboo Sushi operates in multiple locations around the country, serving playful and creative sushi.
Their Bamboo Dragon roll is delight to have. This roll is a skillful preparation of multiple flavors that all work together.
The Green Machine roll, with tempura fried green beans and cilantro sweet chili aioli, is a vegetarian favorite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, The MSC Grilled Octopus is FIRE! The octopus is beautifully charred, tender, and slightly chewy.
What to order: Bamboo Dragon, Green Machine, MSC Grilled Octopus
Address: 404 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
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13. Love Belizean
Originally a tiny food cart near PSU, Love Belizean is now a go-to lunch spot for the residents of downtown Portland!
This counter-serve, lunch-only eatery is hugely popular for its Belizean chicken dish with a mouthwatering char and glaze. For an interesting twist, try the Prickly Pear sauce.
Vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten restrictions will enjoy the Bean Plate—red beans stewed in a mildly spiced coconut curry base, served with seasoned rice, salad, and hot sauce.
What to order: Belizean Chicken Plate, Bean Plate, Prickly Pear sauce
Address: 1503 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
With a burgeoning food scene that demands exploring, Portland has an epic food trail waiting for you, and we have a list of the best Portland restaurants where you can indulge.