50 Best American Restaurants in Portland

“My husband and I visited this past weekend and everything was amazing. The food was great, the bartender Jesse (hope I spelled that correctly lol) was BEYOND great, and the atmosphere was very calming and inviting. I can’t wait to visit again.“

“Amazing!!! I've never had catfish before trying it here. I love it! This place has fast and friendly service. The lemon vinaigrette coleslaw is so good. I'm not a fan of regular coleslaw but this is definitely not that. Large portions and its all tasty! My dad was raised where catfish is a staple and said it's almost like home. The only thing I didn't care for was the tables are a little closer than I'd like. Second visit and hopefully many more to come.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free“

“Had another wonderful breakfast here! Had Gabriel again for a server this trip. He’s just friendly and knowledgeable about the menu! Love it here. I had the Denver omelet this time- a staple breakfast for me. They use real ham steak and red pepper. It’s so good. Will definitely be back when I’m in the area!“

“From the moment we walked in we felt the love and energy from a very attentive staff. Our host seated us promptly welcomed us and introduced us to Nicholas! Nicholas was awesome. Thank you Thank you Thank you!! We are definitely big fans!!!“

“Lovely venue, amazing food. Every single bite was unique. I typically approach food as fuel, but the same ingredients prepared by masterful hands and palates on a warm Portland evening are downright ethereal. Unparalleled. Go for the fixed course meal and wine pairings, and let them make the decisions. Dealbreaker: The focaccia and butter plate is like none I’ve experienced before. Best plate ever. Seriously. If you haven’t had butter or cheese with honey and fennel, it’s a must.“

“Perfect date night with amazingly well prepared food. Appreciated that we didn’t feel rushed by the waiter or that the restaurant was trying to keep the guests revolving through as fast as they could. Was not expecting a few menu items with Asian flair, highly recommend pairing the chilled tom kha mussels and shrimp udon. Husband said oysters were the best he’s had. Really enjoyed having some different drinks to try, like skin contact wine and Amari. Will definitely be back!“

“I took my wife here on our first date a long time ago. We wanted a place that had a good vibe and where we could catch up with old friends. While we waited for our table to be set, we had a chance to meet the owner. He was interesting and funny. He really cares about this place and customers. The food was delicious, service great, and the bartender is top notch. We were a group of 4 and we all had the Ziti with Vodka sauce and sausage. A great evening. I'll be back.“

“Our friends that have dined all over the world say this is one of their favorite restaurants in town. My friend and I went and thought it was good but not mind-blowing. The service was good, the atmosphere very lively and fun (kind of on a hip bar side of things). For the equivalent quality and price and portions, I prefer many other place in town. Also, I think another reviewer mentioned they left hungry? To be fair, we only ordered four plates and 2-3 were recommended per person at minimum, meat free. However...I too left hungry and just didn't want to surpass the $45 (with tip) I already spent on my food plus $20 for drink.“

“UPDATED REVIEW: I had previously had a poor experience but the second visit completely changed my mind. I'm really happy I gave it a second shot. TLDR: Le Pigeon went from 2 stars to 5 stars after our second experience there because it really is a phenomenal spot to dine for special occasions or anyone looking for an excellent tasting menu. Andy (co-owner) reached out to me pretty quickly after seeing my review and hadn't seen the private review I had given due to their switch from Resy to OpenTable. The email really put me at ease because Andy was very understanding and didn't make excuses for any of the reasons I gave regarding our poor experience. He is a first class owner. Every interaction via email as well as in person was pleasant and professional. Andy even made sure to introduce himself to myself and my husband the second time we came in. Every dish was cooked to perfection this time. We opted for the chef's counter which I HIGHLY recommend, especially if you likes asking questions about the meals and preparations. The chefs were very knowledge, down-to-earth, super friendly and willing to share enthusiastically. My favorite dish was the sea scallop with macadamia nut, mezcal and strawberry (to die for, melts in your mouth) and the opening dish which was a savory rice crispy with onion jam, unagi, and shaved truffle - divine! The dessert was also so delicious and refreshing. The halibut dish was another winner, poached to perfection in olive oil, tasted like spring. Every staff member this time was friendly, I never had my water lower than half way (which I really appreciate because I'm always thirsty lol), the atmosphere was pleasant and the playlist was great while not being too loud. Huge thanks to Andy and Molly for the wonderful experience and being open to any feedback given. I am truly thankful for the second shot and very happy we were able to experience Le Pigeon in the right way.“

“They definitely cook like they care about the foodies of Portland! Grab that Holy Smokes Burger, but make sure you’re in for the night, so satisfying and filling put my husband to sleep! The fries are seasoned with authority(.) I was trying to order online but my card kept declining, super weird. So I called and homegirl was super patient, took my order and ran my card (it worked). Wonderful food and staff will always have me locked in every time! Also if you are on the fence about treating yourself to something sweet, get off the fence and get the cookie! You won’t regret it!“

“One of favorite breweries. A hidden jewel of the Portland beer scene. High quality beer in a wide variety of traditional styles and some innovations. Chill and friendly vibe. Dog friendly. Worth going off the beaten path to have a pint or two.“

“An absolute delight for brunch! I was in Portland for only a day and 2 people highly recommended this spot and it did not disappoint.They usually have a great list of specials. I had the pancakes with strawberry and whipped cream, the salmon hash, French press coffee and cinnamon pecan roll.Everything was delicious and felt like it was homemade from fresh ingredients. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, gave us lots of suggestions on what and how to order.The cafe has an overall fancy french bistro vibe“

“We were out last night looking for some new & interesting dining and discovered this really trendy eatery . There atrium was magnificent to dine in as we ordered an Italian charcuterie board for our starter. We followed with a tequila Negroni that was sooo goooood Next was a yummy dish of prawns in a buttery sauce - they were cut thin with the whole prawn wow!!! Great service from the dining staff and 4 sure a repeater for us. Bon Appetite Ronn just Ronn The hole in the wall food guy“

“Heard about this place from friends who used to live in Portland, so we made the quick drive to see these mini donuts for ourselves. Had a great expereince. It's always busy, so just go in & wait to find a seat. We wanted to try everything donut-wise, so we did the dozen, and did two in each flavor. A dozen of these equates to about a half dozen in normal size donuts. The flavors had some interesting profiles, but they meshed well. We also got the Chai Flight since it was priced so well. Half of them were good, the other couple weren't our speed. Be courteous and don't linger too long after you've finished, so others can get a seat. I'd recommend everyone to try, as it's a neighborhood gem.“

“The breakfast here is out of this world! The omelets are heavenly, the pancakes are fluffy and moist. The jam should be on everything! Outdoor seating is lovely even though you're in a busy neighborhood. The folks that work there are very nice and efficient.“

“As a Mexican-American taco enthusiast, stumbling upon El Yucateco Food Cart was a revelation. Initially drawn by my love for tacos, I was skeptical when my Midwestern friend recommended I try their panuchos. However, one bite was all it took to convert me into a devoted panucho aficionado.My first foray into panuchos left me with a pang of regret for not ordering more. Since that fateful day, I've become a regular patron, making the pilgrimage to El Yucateco whenever my cravings strike. The staff, with their warm smiles and genuine hospitality, only add to the experience.I must commend the staff's attentiveness, as they not only cater to my cravings but also ensure my friends are well taken care of. I couldn't help but chuckle when they graciously offered chips to my friend as she attempted to salvage the remnants of her vegetarian panuchos with her fingers. I can’t blame her though, that avocado salsa is like liquid heaven!“

“I heard tale of the cioppino. I've never been a big fan of mussels, but I thought I'd make the sacrifice to get the full intention of the chef. Good move! Like they say, "every once in a while, even a blind dog finds a bone." My daughter gave me a taste of her duck. Lawdhammercy. I will definitely return to experience more of Cabezon's magic.“

“Good lord this was delicious food. Shut the screen door on their fried chicken, waffles, and cinnamon rolls. The BEST I've ever eaten anywhere hands down. The seasoning on the chicken was incredible. A moist tender meaty chicken breast encased in exactly the right amount of batter. Incredible. The cinnamon rolls were so flavorful hit gooey crispy, with a barest hint of citrus in the decadent frosting - heavenly. The sweet potato waffles were like a crispy chai flavor and texture. Light fluffy everything you want in a waffle would eat this style over a buttermilk waffle 10/10 times. The service was great very friendly, the ambiance indoors and out is charming and instagram worthy. If only I could eat here every week!“

“Food was amazing, the servers on the restaurant side were very nice and super attentive. I passed by this restaurant many times and my sister suggested we have breakfast here. The restaurant was buzzing and the ambiance and artwork were great. I will definitely go back!“

“My favorite breakfast spot-bar none. I stop several times during the week for hashbrowns-to go and my husband and I love to dine in on the weekends. The French Toast is the best in town! The bacon is totally fabulous. We love the staff, Omar and Delaina are the best managers Emma is so efficient. I feel bad I can't remember everyone's name but we love them all. I almost don't want to leave such a good review because everyone will find out and we'll never get in. Totally worth it.“

“Boy, do I wish I lived closer to this spot! I would 100% be a regular. I would come in after work a few days every week and wave hello to the staff, order up a small froze, a cheese platter and then maybe follow it all up with a cup of soft serve after thinking for a LONG time about whether I wanted it sprinkled with beet or chai dust. Here's what I actually ordered on my first and only time at Cheese and Crack: 1. A small froze. This may be hard to believe, but I had never had a froze before. It was a good thing this was a small, I don't love overly alcoholic tasting drinks, this one felt like a slushy, pink and easy. 2. A cheese platter for two with a brulee torched brie, a delicious cheddar, three kinds of crackers that appeared to be all homemade and a ton of side accompaniments, like cornichons, olives, apple butter, mustard and chocolate ganache. 3. A dish of soft serve with beet dust You can sit inside OR outside and watch the world go by. Everything was great and did not break the bank.“

“Staple NE breakfast joint. They have classics as well as original takes. There's a little something for everyone, including your four-legged family members. I recommend making a reservation in advance for the weekends especially as they do tend to have a waitlist.“

“I make it a point to visit Canard Burnside on all of my trips to Portland! The unique flavors and presentations on their menu keep me coming back for more. Had the roasted beets last night for the first time and the flavor was out of this world.“

“Yum! A friend recommended this place for the wine selection, which I don't drink, but she enjoyed it! The food was AMAZING!! Pros: Staff was friendly and accommodating Variety of food for any eaters! Great wine/cocktail/mocktail list Easy to get reservations Cons: 4th floor and the elevator has been broken for a while If you sit on the patio or by the west windows during sunset hours its REALLY bright and they don't close the curtains, but they do offer sunglasses!“

“The jojos I've been dreaming of! The fried chicken sandwich was also amazing, though i might do it without the slaw next time, just a personal thing. I'll be back! The fried chicken dinner sounded good and the desserts looked great!“

“Such a great restaurant! My wife had recently been put on a gluten and dairy free exclusion diet and they were able to accommodate and everything was still absolutely delicious. Service is phenomenal and it’s a really beautiful restaurant.“

“Came here around 1pm on a Saturday and were able to get seated right away. The place is very cute with live plants decor and has a number of healthy food options! I got the vegan bowl with sweet potatoes and loved it! If you aren’t vegan adding an egg to it will also taste amazing! Highly recommend, will be “

“Absolutely delicious food, true European ambiance, and old world hospitality. Closest thing to Germany I've experienced outside of Germany. The Chicken Schnitzl was exquisite, the Dill Pickle Soup to die for, and the potato salad was the best I've ever had, all for surprisingly reasonable prices. So impressed by this place and will put it on our restaurant rotation.“

“DING DONG we have a five star Champion! Cozy, stylish hotel bar with welcoming staff and delicious cocktails. Carmen, the bartender greeted us with a friendly smile every night during our extended stay. Coming back after dinner and enjoy a night-cap at the Driftwood made our day(s). The hotel itself is nice, but this cozy bar is the cherry on top! Thank you for your hospitality“

“PDX restaurants usually have atmosphere OR excellent food, Sapphire Hotel has both! The decor is cute. They played good music. The full cheese board was our favorite part. One of the few restaurants worth the cost of eating out in Portland.“

“Loved it! Everything was so delicious - the portions were huge and the prices are very reasonable. Loved my Monte Cristo platter, and the shredded hash browns were fabulous. My friend let me sample her biscuits and gravy - sooo good! Our server was really great and attentive too! Be prepared to wait to get seated - it's a popular spot, so I recommend getting there early .“

“I absolutely love the decor of The Slide Inn, it really feels like I have stepped into an entire different country when i walk in. The food AND drinks are always a win, and they have great vegan and gluten free offerings, as well! The pita and hummus plate is the best I've ever had. ?Dietary restrictions: Vegan, gluten-free“

“We celebrated my husband’s birthday here and what a treat! Our server was phenomenal and helped us make great choices for amazing food + wine pairings. The chef also accommodated my food allergies with ease. Highly recommend! We plan to return very soon.“

“The most smashed smash burger I've had in Portland. Sure Shot serves incredibly well-seasoned patties in your classic smash burger from factor—it's exactly what I want executed at the highest level. You can't go wrong with the classic, but their specials are also always delicious.“

“I mean wow, so good. So incredibly good! I didn't realize that Plumb is the kitchen located inside of the bar (Deadshot). It was my first time experiencing something like this (maybe I need to get out more) and it was incredible. The food is made to order so patience is key but luckily theres an amazing bar with handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while you wait. We arrived right at 4pm on Saturday evening and were promptly greeted and seated. We opted for a seat right at the bar. I ordered a red wine and my husband ordered a Deadshot. Then we placed our food order. We ordered the cesar salad, grilled cabbage, burger and steak frites and everything was so incredibly good. Fresh, decadent, perfectly cooked and ever so tasty. Of the items we tried, the cabbage dish was our favorite. I've never had cabbage with bechamel, apples and hazelnuts. It was simply divine! Highly recommend checking this place out!“

“My mom picked up some crepes from this little food cart today. I got the "BLTA Bear", it was delicious! Savory crepes aren't easy to pull off, but I was impressed with the soft delicious texture and great flavor combo. My 5yr got the same as me and thought it was great (she couldn't quite finish because it was so filling).We got takeout today, but I've been to this location and the tricky part is finding parking along the street. You have to park a bit into the neighborhood and walk.Vegetarian options: All the fillings are clearly labeled. I think (depending on how strict a vegetarian you are), you will have one savory option and four sweet options. It's a simple and straightforward menu.Kid-friendliness: This is a very kid friendly food, especially if you order off the sweet side.“

“The vibe and cocktails are the great, the staff, especially E.J. We’re really on point. My cocktail, the pear hot toddy was amazing, and perfect for a cold rainy afternoon. The only shortfall was the food. Skip the spaghetti and go with the Harissa chicken instead.“

“This place is great! The atmosphere is awesome. The owner is always out and about chatting with customers, not to mention she’s pretty funny!The food is phenomenal, we’ve had quite a bit off the menu, but the burger is ?Definitely recommend coming here and I’ll bet you’ll want to come back.“

“We decided to try Basilisk at The Zipper for a bite to eat, and it was my first time there. It's a food court concept with a central seating area surrounded by various restaurants and a bar. There was a short line that moved quickly, and the cashier/server was super friendly and helpful explaining the menu. I opted for the Chicken Sandwich with their signature hot sauce and a side of coleslaw. This sandwich is no joke! It's huge and incredibly flavorful. The chicken was perfectly crispy, and the hot sauce had a good amount of heat that was balanced by the creamy coleslaw that had what I assume was roulade sauce in it. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. Would I eat here again? Absolutely! Highly recommended!“

“The owner was amazing, he went out of his way to talk to us and get to know us personally during our experience there. I have a family member who is disabled and he helped us! Overall I would highly recommend it was a perfect night for my 18th birthday❤️“

“The cocktails and food are definitely worth the journey, but it’s the atmosphere and attention to detail that make Bellwether shine. Has the feel of a French-inspired saloon at the turn of the last century,or something straight out of Paris itself.“

“LOVE this place. Came here the first time in 2013. Come back every time I come to Portland to sit and eat a sausage on the sidewalk. Bought some smoked salmon and smoked pepper bacon this time and was blown away at how good they both were. Highly recommend.“

“We were pleasantly surprised to find this little gem while visit my niece in portland. My sis is a vegetarian so the food choices worked for all of us. The bartender was very friendly attentive and accommodating. Also the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. Perfect little spot for a drink and a bite!“

“I absolutely love My Vice. I live around the corner and have been in a few dozen times over the last year or so. Great little covered and heated patio to sit with my dog. The staff are always very friendly and super attentive. They usually come out with a dog treat and a bowl of water before I get seated. Then it's bloody Mary time. The food is always spot on. The breakfast dumplings are no joke and I don't know what it is about their beef but it's top notch.They've been doing dinner service on Fridays for a while now and the menu is awesome.Vegetarian options: They usually have a variety of vegetarian optionsParking: Parking lot on the side of building holds about 8 to ten vehicles“

“This is a priceless little secret in Sellwood! The food is so delicious. Fresh and fun. The staff are friendly and welcoming and very accommodating. It's very cute inside, but prepare to wait during prime times. Was there today for the first time. I'll be back“

“The most amazing Eastern European food I’ve ever had. It’s definitely worth a try. The guy working the stand was very personable and served me his favorites. Definitely was not disappointed. Food is high quality. Genuinely homemade. Secret ingredient was love and passion. Portion sizes are pretty big.“

“You can have all the atmosphere in the world but it Don't Mean a Thing if the food is not Rockin' I'll go back to make sure this wasn't a one hit wonder but I've Got a Feelin' that it will once again Feel Like the First Time!“

“Quick and easy for take out. Best was the chicken and beef shawarma, then chicken kebab, and least favorite was the kafta which is usually our favorite. I can see how we have grown to like it a particular way and this may be someone else’s tastes, as it was not bad in any way - still tender and properly made; just the flavor profile wasn’t to my liking.Garlic sauce is pretty runny and consistency off but still a decent flavor. Tahini standard, not a fan of the spicy mayo type sauce.Rice was solid, flavorful. Iraqi bread is quite good as well.Overall still a 5 still for this area, esp. if they work on the garlic sauce.Recommend and will be back.“

“Great food! Amazing accommodations, very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable staff who worked with my wife to ensure she had a meal with no allergies. The owner came to the table and met with us. She made up a menu ahead of our arrival so we knew what food items were safe, and checked up on us frequently. The waitress was very sincere and helped my grandparents with their orders. Cost was very family friendly, delicious absolutely delicious food! 10 STARS!!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ -Nate & ReeAnn Leslie“

“Had a stellar birthday brunch for a dear friend at Besaw’s this morning! Everything was delightful! I had the Dungeness Crab Bennie and grapefruit mimosas. So yum!! Our server, Mohammed, was attentive and charming not to mention patient!! He really made our celebration feel special!!“