Portland for Foodies | The Official Guide to Portland

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Every September, chefs and foodies descend upon Portland for Feast, a multi-day food festival at venues throughout the city.

Credit: Aubrie LeGault

Our three-day tour de fork offers an ample taste of the best food city in America.

Updated June 26, 2023
4 min read

Mixing fresh, local ingredients with a colorful community of inventive chefs, Portland’s food and drink scene is a recipe that can’t be recreated anyplace else — the City of Roses has been called the “foodie (and drinkie) capital of America” by The Telegraph, the “Best Food City in America” by The Washington Post and the nation’s best beer city by Thrillist. But don’t take their word for it — taste for yourself at these can’t-miss culinary stops serving up some of the best sips and nibbles in Portland.

Day 1

There’s no getting around the calories on this trip, so burn them early by walking to Mother’s Bistro, located in Portland’s easy-to-traverse downtown. Reservations are recommended, but it’s worth waiting in line for their Pacific Northwest take on traditional dishes, like the wild salmon hash or the portabella scramble.

After breakfast, explore downtown by foot. From Portland Saturday Market  to Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s “living room”) and Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, you’ll find plenty of places to see the sights, shop for souvenirs or just sit and admire the city. Consider Teardrop Lounge in the nearby Pearl District for elevated small plates and some truly tempting cocktails (it’s been called one of the best bars in the country).

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Credit: Justin Katigbak

Your light lunch, and a stroll through the Pearl District to Northwest Portland, should leave you hungry for dinner at G-Love. This “reverse steakhouse” flips the script on an American restaurant institution, with vegetables harvested at their peak taking center stage, while proteins play a supporting role as side dishes. Order “The Works” for a special family-style tasting menu.

Try to save a little room for one of Portland’s favorite late-night treats at Voodoo Doughnut. From their bacon maple bar to their purple-licious “grape ape” doughnut, these sweet treats aren’t just for breakfast. And that’s a good thing, since this raucous flagship location is open 24 hours a day.

Day 2

You’ll spend your second day on the east side, so say goodbye to downtown for now. Start your morning with a freshly brewed pot of artisanal tea at Steven Smith Teamaker, or sample from a flight of four or eight blends at their tasting room, located inside a century-old former blacksmith shop. You may have heard of popular Central Eastside spot Kachka, whose elevated Russian fare has won rave reviews. Kachka Lavka, their upstairs market and deli counter, is a treat for those in the know. Pay them a visit for a delicious breakfast or brunch — on your way out, peruse frozen dumplings, Russian pantry staples and picnic-ready deli items like charcuterie, fish and fresh-baked bread.

Your next stop? Outer Southeast Portland, where you’ll find the Portland Mercado, the city’s first Latino public market and an awesome spot for lunch. They offer eight rainbow-hued food carts, several indoor markets and a coffee shop, all of which are owned by Latinx entrepreneurs. Travel through South and Central American cuisine from cart to cart (then hop inside to stock up on hard-to-find imports from Guatemala, Colombia and beyond).

For dinner, take your pick of two nearby Chinese spots offering top-notch dumplings, noodles and more: at Master Kong you’ll find delicious food, house-made sauces and friendly service in a no-frills diner setting. HK Café is a beloved, sprawling spot with an expansive menu in the heart of the Jade District. If you’ve got time to kill after dinner, spend a little while exploring the vibrant Jade District further — wander the bustling Fubonn Shopping Center, or stop into Bliss Lounge for karaoke and a stiff drink.

Day 3

Start your last day with a local legend, The Original Pancake House. Located in Southwest Portland, and beloved by Portland native James Beard, this is the historic 1953 home of the national chain. Their Dutch Baby is a massive, air-filled apple pancake that’s more than big enough to share (though you won’t want to). After cashing out (and we do mean cash — this old-school eatery doesn’t take plastic), spend the rest of your morning exploring nearby Multnomah Village, home to quaint boutiques and toy and book shops.

Head back to the east side for lunch, where Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard’s Por Qué No serves up street tacos and bowls that are big on ingredients but reasonable on the wallet. Beat the lines by timing your trip before or after peak meal times. If you need a drink before dinner, small-batch urban winery Teutonic Wine Company specializes in German-style wines, offering daily, wallet-friendly tasting flights while bartender-chosen vinyl pipes through the stereo. For a more personal touch, schedule a private wine tasting (along with a complimentary cheese plate) with Teutonic’s winemaker, Barnaby Tuttle.

For your last big meal, head to minimalist-chic Tusk for Israeli- and Moroccan-inspired cuisine with fresh twists. The menu boasts salads bursting with colors (including those of edible flowers), house-made pita, innovative cocktails and surprises like soft-serve sundaes — a sweet final touch to a long day of dining.