WalletHub named the West Coast's Portland the No. 1 food city in America based on some 30 indicators measuring affordability, diversity, accessibility, and quality. Even without considering its many fine restaurants, the city shines. It has food trucks like any other city, but more common here are food carts, most of which are parked in permanent slots in groups called pods. There are said to be more than 600 of these around town, offering a United Nations of cuisines -- Korean, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Egyptian, Mexican, Burmese, Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Polish, Hawaiian-Filipino, and many more. Then there are the city’s microbrewing scene, its urban wineries, its artisanal coffee shops, its chocolate and doughnut specialists, and more.
But of course there are restaurants, too. Standouts include the wood-fire specialist Ox, the suave French bistro Le Pigeon, chef Andy Richter’s Pok Pok Thai, the bright New American Coquine, the wine-centered Noble Rot, the nuevo tapas bar Ataula, the Duck House Chinese Restaurant, the eclectic pizzeria Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, the charcuterie and restaurant Olympia Provisions SE, the imported Japanese ramen place Afuri, and the Russian Kachka." Courtesy of 24/7 Wall St.
Choose Lunch:
Our default choice is from...our thriving Food Cart scene. . .
...or if food carts aren't your thing, see below:
- Order on-line from Lardo Sandwiches - Eat in or To-Go
- $10 to-go lunches on weekdays at Il Solito
- Bijou Cafe, a Portland institution and breakfast standby that’s been slinging oyster omelets, Netarts Bay oyster hash, brioche French toast and tofu scrambles for 35 years.
- Nong's (Video) for lunch or dinner (classic Khai Man Gai; chicken and rice (pic right); Quick & easy)
- Elephant's Deli - Reminiscent of an old-world épicerie or European market, Elephants Delicatessen at NW 22nd is Portland’s treasured destination for specialty foods and warm hospitality (Inside Seating menus, Sack & Box Lunches, or Catering ($2 per person chg applies with 'Picnics to Go' or 'Party Platters' lunches)
- A taster tray & elk burger (right) along the way at one of our famous beer halls like Deschutes
- Exquisite Oregon Pinot noir wine & charcuterie board at Domaine Serene!
- Japanese Garden Cafe
- For a classy dinner, go to the restaurant that put Portland on the Foodie map, Gabriel Rucker's Le Pigeon.
- Other classy lunch/dinners are Portland City Grill (pic right) or Departure, where the sky-high views will put your day criss-crossing the city in perspective. Or visit Higgins Restaurant or Clyde Common, where the focus is on delectable regional fare and expertly crafted cocktails makes a great final stop, whenever your evening or tour comes to an end.
- Portland's Best Restaurants
- 12 Portland Restaurants Every Newcomer Must Try
Downtown Dinner Cruise
Quite simply, a Portland Spirit dinner cruise is the perfect night out. A vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. An evening filled to the brim with festive cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board, entertainment, and live performances. For a party of two to a small group of friends or co-workers, or a grand affair for up to 300+ guests, this is the ultimate Portland experience.
View an interactive map of the Portland Dinner Cruise route.
Sample Menus
Portland: Nightly year-round
Boarding 6:30pm
Cruising 7:00pm-9:30pm
$68 Adults
$63 Seniors and Children
Downtown Lunch Cruise
Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Portland! This two-hour cruise on the Willamette River is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, or entertaining out-of-town guests.
View an interactive map of the lunch cruise route. Sample Menus
Monday-Saturday Noon-2:00pm
$38 Adults
$33 Seniors
$19 Children
Quite simply, a Portland Spirit dinner cruise is the perfect night out. A vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. An evening filled to the brim with festive cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board, entertainment, and live performances. For a party of two to a small group of friends or co-workers, or a grand affair for up to 300+ guests, this is the ultimate Portland experience.
View an interactive map of the Portland Dinner Cruise route.
Sample Menus
Portland: Nightly year-round
Boarding 6:30pm
Cruising 7:00pm-9:30pm
$68 Adults
$63 Seniors and Children
Downtown Lunch Cruise
Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Portland! This two-hour cruise on the Willamette River is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, or entertaining out-of-town guests.
View an interactive map of the lunch cruise route. Sample Menus
Monday-Saturday Noon-2:00pm
$38 Adults
$33 Seniors
$19 Children
