Share
Portland has a vibrant food scene. Here, food isn't just sustenance—it's a way of life. With each and every dish, the famous restaurants in Portland carve an amazing adventure waiting for you to embark on. Whether it's the old-school favourites or the new and enticing delicacies, Portland has it all.
What sets this city apart from others is the mix of cultures that can be seen in every curve and crevice of Portland. People from all around the world bring their traditions and inspirations, merging their flavours to make masterpieces every day. Whether it's the flavours of Latin America or some conventional Italian delicacies, these dishes have become a cult classic in the city among visitors and locals alike. And the best part? You don't need a fancy palate to enjoy it—there's something for everyone.
So, whether you're a local hunting for your next go-to spot or a visitor eager to taste what Portland is all about, get ready. Here are the top seven eats from PDX and where you’ll get them best.
Learn More About The Famous Foods Of Portland
1) Bone Marrow Clam Chowder: Ox
Image Credit: Ox
Bone marrow clam chowder is one of the classic favourites in Portland cuisine. And the locals say that Ox is where you’ll get the best. Ox blends Argentine grilling traditions with Mediterranean flavours, and among all the dishes available, bone marrow clam chowder steals the show. The bone marrow is smoked gradually and combined with jalapeños, giving a new twist to traditional recipes. This eatery offers a hip yet laid-back atmosphere with comfortable leather booths and a spacious stone patio. Here, you can actually witness all the magic being cooked in the kitchen live.
Location: 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97212
Open Hours: Thu-Mon: Closed; Tue-Wed: 5–10 pm
Must Try: Bone Marrow Clam Chowder, Escargot with Marrow Bones
Price for 2: $100, approx.
2) Pizza: Lovely's Fifty Fifty
Image Credit: Tom T. at Lovely's Fifty Fifty via Google Maps
Lovely's Fifty Fifty is a beloved pizza destination in the city, which presents rotating flavours with ever-changing toppings. Despite the variety, their signature sourdough crust made from Oregon grain flour ensures each pie is distinctly theirs. This family-owned restaurant emphasises local and organic ingredients and only makes their pizzas with fresh greens, wild mushrooms, and seasonal veggies. The wood-fired oven is what brings the most delectable flavour profile. Start off with the house-made fennel sausage or the tantalising gold tomatoes two ways, then explore all the toppings of your choice for the best experience.
Location: 4039 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 9721
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 5–10 pm
Must Try: Mushroom Pizza, Fennel Sausage Pizza, Ice Cream
Price for 2: $20, approx.
3) Doughnuts and Chai: Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
Image Credit: Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
Doughnuts and Chai from the famous Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai are the talk of the town in Portland. At Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai, locals flock for piping hot, freshly fried doughnuts glazed with honey or coated in cinnamon sugar. Pair the doughnuts with the signature house chai for an unforgettable experience. With flavours like candied bacon maple and classic cinnamon sugar, there's something for every taste preference. And since the menu changes seasonally, you’ll get something new every time.
Location: 4759 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213
Open Hours: Tue: Closed, Wed-Mon: 8 am–4 pm
Must Try: Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut, Candied Bacon Maple Doughnut Raw honey and sea salt doughnut, House chai tea lattes
Price for 2: $20, approx.
4) Steamed Bao Burger: Toki
Image Credit: Toki
You’ll find many burger spots in Portland but nothing is quite like the steamed bao bun burger from Toki. Here, you get an innovative twist on the classic burger by encasing a dry-aged patty, American cheese, white onion, and special sauce within pillowy bao dough. The softest burger bun ever makes the overall experience memorable. There’s also a kids menu that switches the traditional meat patty with bacon, eggs, cheese, and garlic aioli. Fried on a griddle from both sides, the buns get a delightful crust on top with a juicy centre.
Location: 580 SW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 4–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 9:30 am–3 pm, 4–10 pm; Sun: 9:30 am–3 pm
Must Try: Bao Bun Burger, Chicken Wings, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Dalgona Coffee
Price for 2: $30 approx.
5) Teriyaki Chicken: Du’s Grill
Image Credit: Du’s Grill
Teriyaki Chicken from Du’s Grill draws a crowd from across the border. The reason why this chicken is so popular is because it is prepared with a perfect blend of savoury and sweet flavours. The chicken is extremely succulent and juicy and it is smothered in a delectable teriyaki sauce and served alongside fluffy rice and a crisp salad with poppy seed dressing. This treat was revered as “one of the best Korean teriyaki in the known universe” by a well-known rapper named Aminé.
Location: 5365 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97213
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 am–8:45 pm; Sat: 11 am–7:45 pm; Sun: Closed
Must Try: Teriyaki Chicken
Price for 2: $20 approx.
6) Fried Brie Sticks: Scotch Lodge
Image Credit:Scotch Lodge
Fried brie sticks feature a crispy crust and creamy filling with a sweet and savoury taste. The brie cheese sticks are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. At the Scotch Lodge, you get these treats paired with the perfect glass of whiskey. Here, elevated comfort snacks meld sophistication with simplicity and with each stick, you can savour the creamy brie rolled in crunchy pumpernickel crumbs. It is garnished with a drizzle of verjus and a sprinkle of pistachios and is a must-try in the city.
Location: 215 SE Ninth Ave., #102, Portland, OR 97214
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 4 pm–12 am
Must Try: Fried Brie Sticks, Whiskey
Price for 2: $60 approx.
7) Oregon Croissant: Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Image Credit: Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Oregon croissants at Ken’s Artisan Bakery are among the quintessential Oregon desserts that you can't miss in this city. With a buttery pastry filled with a creamy surprise, this pastry is made using French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. The use of local ingredients also shows the restaurant's emphasis on tradition. Inside the pastry, you get a delightful fusion of marionberry and hazelnut cream, which are both beloved treats in the city. Pair your pastry with house-made coffee and have a delicious breakfast or after-lunch treat.
Location: 338 NW 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97209
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 8 am–4 pm
Must Try: Oregon Croissant, Coffee
Price for 2: $20, approx.
