50 Best American Restaurants in Portland

“Le Pigeon offers a unique and delicious fine dining experience. The creative menu features dishes such as pig's foot and foie gras profiterole, which showcase a combination of mouthwatering ingredients and flavors. The halibut and smoked scallop dishes are also standout options. The knowledgeable staff guides diners through the excellent wine list. The atmosphere is intimate and unpretentious, with friendly staff who are passionate about serving top-notch dishes. Every bite is a delight, making Le Pigeon one of the best fine dining options in Portland.“

“Quaintrelle, a renowned restaurant in Portland, offers an exceptional dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The food, wine, and service are consistently praised as phenomenal, with the owner and staff creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages a family-style, communal dining experience. The menu showcases creativity and innovation, featuring a variety of delectable dishes, including a standout raw oyster starter and creative seafood offerings. The wine list and cocktail program are equally impressive, with a focus on local and house-made ingredients. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, Quaintrelle is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly exceptional culinary journey.“

“Olympia Provisions offers a fantastic dining experience with amazing food and service. Standout dishes include tender octopus with fennel, capers, and olives, and a delicious salad with boquerones. The French Board charcuterie is another highlight, perfect for sharing over conversation and beverages. Cocktails, such as the Fizzy Petal, are delightful and well-crafted. The restaurant has a comfortable ambiance, making it ideal for both quiet conversations and group dinners. The service is outstanding, and the team is professional and attentive. Overall, it is a long-established Portland favorite for lunch, dinner, small plates, and beverages.“

“OK Omens is a restaurant known for its delicious food, great service, and impressive wine list. They are accommodating to dietary restrictions and food allergies, making it a suitable option for various dining needs. The restaurant offers a unique combination of textures and flavors, with exotic tastes that satisfy individual palates. OK Omens also provides exceptional service, with wine and spirits descriptions that are described as small literary masterpieces. It has been a significant dining establishment for several years, with food and wine offerings that continue to improve.“

“Plumb Restaurant, located inside Deadshot bar, offers a unique dining experience with made-to-order food and handcrafted cocktails. The ambiance is nostalgic and the service is excellent. The menu changes often, ensuring a variety of options to try. The cesar salad, grilled cabbage, burger, and steak frites are all highly recommended, with the cabbage dish standing out as a favorite. The chocolate souffle is delicious, although the truffle pasta had a strange taste. The frites are seasoned perfectly, the cheeseburger cooked to perfection, and the pork chop is one of the best tasted. Desserts like chocolate mousse with salt and citrus are heavenly. Plumb provides accessible, good food with impeccable cooking, making it a must-visit for those looking for a taste of Parisian bistro vibes without leaving Portland.“

“Laurelhurst Market offers top-notch food, exceptional service, and great value. The attentive staff provides a great experience, acknowledging special occasions with complimentary drinks. The charcuterie board, steaks, and sides are all "off the charts good", with impeccably sourced and prepared dishes. Enjoy a great meal on their outdoor patio.“

“Jacqueline offers an excellent dining experience with a seafood-forward menu. The oysters are a standout, while the pasta dish with various mushrooms was light but could have been a larger portion for the price. The chef's tasting menu is astounding and worth the price, leaving diners stuffed with delicious food. The staff is warm and welcoming, and the charming setting in a sweet neighborhood makes it a new favorite for many.“

“G-Love New American Kitchen is a lively and fun restaurant with great drinks. The atmosphere is hip and the service is good, but opinions on the food are mixed. Some dishes like the Ensalada Bomba and fingerling potatoes are delicious, while others like the mushroom skewers are over-salted. The signature drinks like Cecilia and Maria Teresa are unique and tasty, making it a favorite spot for drinks. The bartenders and hosts are incredible, adding to the overall great atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its long line of people waiting to take a photo in the famous “Gold” or “Jungle” washroom. While the food looks incredible, some reviewers felt that they left hungry despite the recommended number of plates per person. Overall, G-Love is a popular choice for drinks with a unique and tasty menu.“

“Culmination Brewing offers a great beer selection, a welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food options. The brewery is known for its high-quality beers in a wide range of traditional and innovative styles, with favorites like MCS and Phaedrus. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to provide tasters and discuss the beer. The establishment features ample indoor and outdoor seating, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a pint. The recent addition of FOMO chicken has further enhanced the dining experience. Culmination Brewing is a hidden gem in the Portland beer scene, worth a visit for its exceptional brews and inviting ambiance.“

“Canard Burnside is a restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience. The menu is diverse and caters to various tastes, with dishes such as the OEUFS de Mayonnaise, Crab Crusted Salmon, and steam burgers. The food is fresh, well-presented, and delicious. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, making visitors feel welcome. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an excellent spot for dates. With generous portions and seasonal menu changes, Canard Burnside is a gem worth visiting.“

“Javi's Breakfast Cafe is a charming local spot serving delicious breakfast dishes. The menu features a range of options, including the popular Denver omelet, country Benedict, and Mexican omelette. The restaurant is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, with servers like Gabriel providing exceptional service. The atmosphere is welcoming and inviting, making it a great spot to start the day. With options like crispy hash browns and perfectly poached eggs, Javi's Breakfast Cafe is a must-visit for breakfast lovers.“

“DAME in Portland is an excellent choice for dining, offering adorable vibes, good portions, a fun seasonal menu, and accommodating special dietary needs like gluten and dairy-free options. The service is phenomenal, the music can be a bit loud, but the overall experience is wonderful. Guests enjoy dishes like Beef Carpaccio, Pasta al pasto, and delightful desserts, all paired with great wine. Highly recommended for a beautiful and delicious dining experience.“

“Screen Door Eastside is a popular spot that serves great food and has a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Their menu offers a variety of dishes, including fried chicken, biscuits, and sides like mushroom gravy. They also have other options like oysters, salads, and sandwiches. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, making for a pleasant dining experience.“

“Bar West is a cozy spot with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring live plants and healthy food options. The menu offers twists on classics, such as the West Wich Sandwich, featuring a fried egg, Applewood sausage, kale, and spicy tomato jam on a brioche roll. Other popular dishes include the vegan bowl with sweet potatoes and the Proper Breakfast with smoky bacon, eggs, and Calabrian potatoes. The exceptional staff provides impeccable service, making guests feel like VIPs. The restaurant also offers a range of drinks, including mimosas, wine by the glass, and specialty teas and coffee. With its warm welcoming vibe and outstanding service, Bar West is a top spot for brunch in Portland.“

“Backyard Social offers excellent food and cocktails in a relaxed ambience with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The shady back patio is spacious, although it can get smoky at times due to the grill. Dogs are only allowed at sidewalk tables. Known for Michelin star-quality food, this gem in Portland provides great drinks and vegetarian options. The menu includes fun shots like peach tea, Jell-O shots, and pudding shots. The "bounce bounce" mixed drink is a refreshing choice. Friendly staff, such as Daniel, provide excellent care, making it a perfect spot for drinks and shared appetizers with friends.“

“Besaws is a restaurant where the service and food are top-notch. The server, Mohamed, is highly praised for his professionalism and attention to detail. The low-key energy of the staff allows guests to relax and enjoy their meals with friends. Despite dietary restrictions, the experience at Besaws is always enjoyable, making it a great spot for a Sunday Funday.“

“Ava Genes is a friendly neighborhood Italian restaurant with a high-end feel and a cozy atmosphere, featuring a dimly lit interior and a lively vibe. The menu offers a selected range of dishes that change daily, and while the portions are on the smaller side and the prices are premium, the flavors and cooking are highly praised. The pasta, such as the agnolotti, is fresh and well-prepared. The restaurant also offers daily specials, like a pork tomahawk, which is a unique combination of pork chop and chorizo. The service is attentive, although some may find it overly so, with staff checking on diners frequently throughout the meal. The restaurant is suitable for special occasions, and the quality of the food and service is highly regarded. However, it's important to note that the serving sizes are designed for sharing or for those who plan to order multiple courses, including desserts. For those who prefer a more substantial serving, the appetizers and drinks are highly recommended. The restaurant also offers a unique dining experience for those seated at the chef's counter, where they can watch the preparation of their meal and observe the "behind the scenes" dance of crafting each dish. The restaurant also boasts clean and elaborate bathrooms, and parking is convenient with free options available, especially for those who make reservations.“

“Sandy-O's is a restaurant that cares about their food, offering satisfying and filling meals that can even put someone to sleep. Their Holy Smokes Burger and fries, seasoned with authority, are must-tries. The staff is patient and helpful, making the ordering process smooth. For sandwiches, the High on the Hog, Peewee, and Liberty Bell are highly recommended. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a cafe style and pinball machines. They offer take-out services and have a small parking lot. The decor is still a work in progress. The restaurant is located between Big's and is a new favorite for sandwiches in town.“

“The Observatory is a fantastic restaurant with amazing food and drinks. Customers love the andouille mac & cheese, four horsemen chili sauce, and butter baked eggs. The New York steak meal is a favorite for many, although the menu changes every 6 months. The cocktail menu is fun, with the lavender lemon drop being a standout. The vibe is super chill, with rotating local art on the walls and a cheerful, attentive staff. Overall, this place comes highly recommended for delicious meals and great service.“

“Screen Door Pearl District offers delicious southern style food, known for its tasty fried chicken and unique spiced waffles. The spacious restaurant has friendly staff, including a helpful and kind blonde waitress, who provides excellent service. It can get busy, so reservations are recommended. The restaurant is worth visiting, as customers may find it hard to save room for dessert due to the satisfying meals.“

“Jojo's is a restaurant known for its amazing food and great service. The Jojo's, or fried chicken, is a standout, with a well-seasoned exterior and a crispy texture that is not overly salty. The crispy chicken quesadillas are also popular and served in generous portions. The restaurant offers a variety of dipping sauces, including a white mustard that pairs well with the Jojo's. The burger is another highlight, being one of the best according to some customers. The restaurant also offers cocktails, including a monthly special. Desserts and the fried chicken dinner are also said to be good options.“

“Lovely Rita offers a chic and cozy atmosphere, complete with plush chairs, couches, and plants. The bartender provides professional service, and the gin cocktails are a standout. While the food may be a bit salty, the presentation is beautiful. Enjoy jazz music, cool lighting, and exposed brick in this charming spot, and be sure to try the Tamarind Tango cocktails.“

“Cicoria serves delicious pizzas, including the popular tomato pie and pepperoni pizza, which has been praised as one of the best. The friendly staff creates a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to watch games or gather with groups. While not perfect, the pizzas are decent and the pasta is comparable to nearby Ava Gene's.“

“Farmer and the Beast-NW Portland serves exceptional burgers, praised for their flavorful blackening and tasty sauce. The garlic fries are a hit, crispy and delicious when well-done. The menu may be limited, but the restaurant excels in what it offers. Enjoy a refreshing lemonade with featured berries alongside your meal, and look forward to trying their chicken and fish sandwiches.“

“Sckavone's Restaurant is a cozy and charming eatery that serves delicious meals. For lunch, try the egg salad sandwich with a kick of curry or the French dip with fresh bread and tasty meat. The salmon hash browns are also a highlight. This family-friendly restaurant has a lively atmosphere, perfect for a rainy Sunday morning or a busy evening. With a wide menu, you can't go wrong with any choice. The manager, Joe, and his crew provide excellent service, making it a great place to eat without feeling too full.“

“Fireside offers an excellent dining experience with tasty cocktails, including the popular Happy Trails drink. The menu features standout dishes like pan-seared halibut with lemon caper beurre blanc and mushroom fettuccine, all expertly prepared and presented. The atmosphere is great, with a lively spot on Portland's NW 23rd St. While vegetarian options are limited, the salads are a highlight. Overall, Fireside is a must-visit with great service and impressive cuisine.“

“Papa Haydn is a popular restaurant known for its original desserts, including the bourbon ball and baked Alaska. The restaurant offers a great selection of cocktails and has a large indoor space with a great location. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices are reasonable given the high quality of the desserts. The menu features a range of dishes, including sandwiches, paninis, and pasta, with some standout options like the Cubano. With its reputation for romantic getaways and exceptional service, Papa Haydn is a great choice for a special occasion or a casual meal out.“

“Radio Room is a fun spot to grab dinner and a drink, featuring a cozy mid-century modern decor and a fireplace for winter warmth. The patio is perfect for summer evenings. With a big menu offering something for every time of day, and a bar serving bespoke cocktails, Radio Room is a solid choice for a night out, boasting a unique vintage vibe with a touch of class.“

“Mother's Bistro & Bar offers a cute homie vibe and delicious food. The cinnamon roll is a must-try, with a tasty frittata and eggs Benedict for the main course. The new location is large and modern, lacking the old quirky vibe but maintaining the same great food quality. While not as special as other breakfast places, the restaurant still impresses with dishes like challah french toast and stuffed frittata. The service is excellent, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.“

“Arden Restaurant in Portland offers a fantastic dining experience with knowledgeable staff like Nicholas who guides guests through the menu and wine selection. The citrus salad is a highlight dish. Known for their pre fixe menus, it's a favorite spot for special occasions, accompanied by a bottle of wine. Guests appreciate the attentive service, professional food and wine knowledge, and the delicious chef's pairing courses. The surprise hit was the perfectly executed halibut dish. A place where guests feel warmly welcomed and enjoy a refreshingly tasty sensory experience, making it a must-visit spot in Portland.“

“McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere, with attentive staff and generous portions. The food is made with love, with highlights including the Albacore Tunafish Sandwich and Cajun fries. Bartenders craft well-balanced cocktails, and servers provide friendly, attentive service. With plenty of parking and outdoor seating options, including patios and a shed, this neighborhood spot is perfect for families, groups, or a quick drink and movie.“

“At 3 Doors Down Cafe, guests can expect a wonderful dining experience with attentive servers and owners who make great suggestions. The menu features delicious dishes, including their famous Vodka Pasta, which remains a favorite over the years. Other popular options include classic tomato base pasta with anchovy and olives, and cream sauce pasta with mushrooms and parmesan. Enjoy great mixed drinks and fine dining service in a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or casual gatherings.“

“Erica's Soul Food is a charming eatery that serves up a delicious blend of traditional soul food. The menu features a variety of tasty dishes, including macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and sweet potato sides. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly staff who make an effort to make customers feel welcome. With its unique flavors and friendly service, Erica's Soul Food is a great spot to try for a satisfying meal.“

“BAES Fried Chicken offers delicious food with quick service and friendly staff. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with an outdoor seating option. Highlights include flavorful fried chicken, top-tier buttered corn, and great loaded waffle fries. While the Nashville hot chicken may be too spicy for some, the overall food quality is excellent, and the prices are reasonable with large portion sizes. The menu is extensive, offering many dishes to try, making it a standout spot for fried chicken in town.“

“Cabezon Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with excellent food, ambience, and service. The menu features dishes such as cioppino, ling cod with gnocchi, oyster mushrooms, and ramp-pistachio pesto, and rock fish, all made with local ingredients. The wine selection is top-notch, and prices are reasonable. The restaurant's atmosphere is enhanced by the beautiful artwork of Jackie, the front server, who provides delightful service. With ample portions and delicious food, Cabezon Restaurant is a must-visit destination in Portland.“

“Steakadelphia offers a taste of home with legit Philly cheesesteak in Portland. Friendly staff, lively atmosphere, and great music. They are happy to remake any mistake with the food. Outdoor seating is a plus. Affordable prices for top-notch steaks. A must-try spot for steak lovers in the area.“

“Erica's Soul Food is a hidden gem, serving up dishes that come straight from the heart and soul. The vegan wings with ATL sauce are a must-try, and the prices are unbeatable. The staff, including Erica's sons, are polite and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere. While the fish can sometimes be a bit fishy, the mac and cheese is a solid choice. Customers are excited to try more items on the changing menu and appreciate the care put into each dish. Don't miss out on this heavenly experience!“

“Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai is a great spot to take visitors in Portland. Despite the intimidating line, it moves quickly, and the staff is amazing. They offer hot and fresh donuts made to order, with seasonal flavors like strawberry rhubarb, as well as classic cinnamon sugar and Reggie flavors. On your birthday, you'll even get a free dozen donuts! The restaurant is always busy, but it's worth the wait. Try the dozen donut variety, which is equivalent to a half dozen normal-sized donuts, and don't forget to pair it with a Chai Flight. Be sure to be courteous and make room for others when you're done. This neighborhood gem is a must-try!“

“Becca is the absolute best!!!!

I had an amazing experience thanks to Becca. She was not only incredibly skilled at mixing drinks but also super friendly and attentive. Becca recommended some fantastic cocktails that I hadn't tried before, and each one was perfect. Her attention to detail and ability to handle a busy bar with ease were truly impressive. I'll definitely be back and hope to see Becca behind the bar again!

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“Sure Shot Burger serves excellent smash burgers with well-seasoned patties and yummy fry sauce. The classic burger is a must-try, and their specials are also delicious. While the fries are just good and basic, the burgers are a highlight in a town of good burgers, despite some unusual pricing.“

“The Daily Feast is a fantastic place for a hearty breakfast with very delicious food. The pancakes and Fully Montey Egg dish were perfect. The staff, especially Janessa, is helpful, personable, fun, and professional. The restaurant has a well-worn but authentic feel, serving top-notch diner food like crispy hash browns and large, tender pancakes. The breakfast sandwich is yummy and juicy. The staff is quick, kind, and friendly, making it a wonderful spot for a surprising treat.“

“Cheese & Crack Snack Shop is a popular dessert spot that serves delicious treats at an affordable price. Their vanilla soft serve is a must-try, with a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The shop offers unique sundaes, including seasonal flavors like the fall sundae with sweet potato and marshmallow, and the cheese and crack sundae. While some customers have experienced unfriendly service, others have had positive interactions with the staff. Despite some inconsistencies, the food is consistently tasty, making it a great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. Be prepared for a short wait in line, especially on warm evenings.“

“Cameo Cafe East is a popular breakfast spot with a funky and fun atmosphere. The staff are super friendly and provide good service. The breakfast menu features out-of-this-world dishes, including heavenly omelets, fluffy pancakes, and a delicious coconut Belgium waffle. Outdoor seating is available, and the restaurant is busy even on weekdays. While some menu items may have undergone changes, the restaurant still offers a great dining experience. Sue Gee's hot sauce is a highlight, adding great flavor to many dishes. Overall, Cameo Cafe East is a great spot for a tasty breakfast in a lively neighborhood.“

“Cafe Yumm! NE 7th & Holladay offers simple, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly dishes, with vegan options available. The staff is known for their friendliness and knowledge of the menu. This restaurant is suitable for those following a Keto diet, with accommodating airport staff. However, there have been complaints about the soup serving size consistency. The restaurant maintains a clean bathroom, making it a great spot for a date or a casual visit. The location may be less crowded due to its vicinity to the Double Tree Hilton showroom and vintage market.“

“Blink twice and you’ll miss this place.Good hot dogs. Check them out while you’re around the area grabbing some fried chicken (at Bae’s), Donuts (at voodoo), and other things..Cool spot. Forgot to take pictures. I’ll take them next time I’m around.“

“Sapphire Hotel offers a unique combination of atmosphere and excellent food. The decor is cute, with good music playing in the background. The menu boasts a variety of options, including the delicious full cheese board and beet vegetarian burger. Attentive and knowledgeable staff provide great service, making it worth the cost of eating out in Portland.“

“Thunderbird Bar is a restaurant that offers a variety of options for different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. The onion rings are a standout menu item, and the bartenders are known for being friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a chill atmosphere, with good music and consistent, delicious food. It has a few parking spots in the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp, designated parking, and tables available for wheelchairs.“

“Mac Shak PDX food truck offers delicious meals, with standout options like the fried shrimp bowl and buffalo chicken mac and cheese, known as the "Ponderosa." The service is exceptional, with friendly and welcoming staff, creating a down-to-earth atmosphere. Customers appreciate their kind attitude and plan to return for more enjoyable experiences.“

“we went for happy hour and the deals were really awesome and the weather was nice in the patio. the drinks were great, however the food menu was misleading. we ordered the chile baby burger which was decent but the chicken “torta” which was just a chicken sandwich. if they just called it a sandwich then it would’ve been great but calling it a torta and putting it on a typical burger bun was a bit unacceptable. the dishes tasted good, i would just take the menu item names with a grain of salt. overall, i did enjoy my time here and would come back.“

“Higgins offers an excellent dining experience with delicious food and top-notch service. They provide a new American take on classic French cuisine, using sustainably sourced ingredients. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, catering to dietary restrictions and offering vegetarian options like the amazing risotto. The restaurant is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with plenty of parking available nearby. Higgins is known for its great burgers, seafood, and house-made charcuterie, making it a must-visit for those craving a flavorful meal in a comfortable space.“