Alice Wolfe

Portland can feel like a West Coast haven—with a river running through it, flowering tree-lined neighborhoods, lush gardens and, maybe most importantly, some of the best restaurants in the world. Central to the farm-to-table movement and proud of our hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, the city’s food and beverage scene commands international attention. The city seems to overflow with first-rate restaurants per capita, so assembling a list of Portland’s best is a challenge. But after careful consideration, this ever-evolving lineup includes a wide range of top picks, from delicious Yucatecan cuisine in East Portland to Nordic-French breakfast downtown. April 2025: We’ve given our guide to Portland’s best restaurants a refresh with a completely recurated list and star ratings for every venue: three stars corresponds to “good,” four to “great” and five to “amazing.” For more on our policies, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out. Over the coming months, we’ll be trying more pizza (as Portland becomes increasingly well-known for our pizza game) along with James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet’s Haitian restaurant kann. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Portland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland🏨 The best hotels in Portland At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Portland is a fun, quirky and accessible city known for its first-rate food scene and natural beauty. There’s plenty to see and do here, from vintage shopping to bike rides, and its ever-growing popularity lends itself to fabulous restaurants, innovative museums and stunning hiking trails. You might be visiting for the Waterfront Blues Festival, for holiday shopping markets or to see the Japanese maples change color in the fall, but on either side, there are countless activities to fill your trip. Whether you like the sound of a winery or a rose garden, our list of the best things to do in Portland will see you through. March 2025: This seasonal update considers our blooming cherry blossoms and spring gardens returning to colorful life, making neighborhood walks particularly appealing (albeit still rainy). Other additions include a couple of Sellwood neighborhood recommendations, a charming store behind the Portland Art Museum, some local bakeries and updated theater calendars. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Portland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland🍔 The best food trucks in Portland🍻 The best breweries in Portland🍩 The best doughnuts in Portland

In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool. From formerly overlooked sub

What is it? Located in the city’s Clinton neighborhood, Jacqueline is best known for its oysters, all of which are sourced from the PNW, and harvested and delivered on the same day for peak freshness. Why we love it: In addition to oysters, diners can enjoy seafood-forward dishes like lobster BLTs, poached shrimp and Dungeness crab toast. Alternatively, order one of the vegetarian options like fried eggplant and a little gem Caesar. Keep in mind, their menu changes daily. Time Out tip: Pop in between 5 and 6pm to snag $1 oysters. Also, in the restaurant’s former space, a few blocks west, the same owners now offer coffee, baked goods and brunch under the name Fair Weather. Address: 2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202 Hours: Mon–Sat 5–9pm Expect to pay: Dinner starts around $50 per person but can easily get closer to $100, particularly with wine or cocktails.

What is it? An old-school steakhouse that opened in 1944 (with a seemingly unchanged playlist and uniform) and serves legendary onion rings, sizzling steaks on hot cast irons, wedge salads and jumbo shrimp cocktails.   Why we love it: Restaurants across the country have embraced the steak and martini trend for the last few years, which is great news for long-enduring RingSide. We love entering a restaurant that feels like a snapshot of another era but isn’t too fussy. RingSide expertly rides that line and is the perfect spot to indulge. Time Out tip: You’ll likely need a reservation, and prepare for a relatively steep bill at the end of the meal. For a cheaper, more casual steakhouse option also steeped in Portland lore, try Clyde’s Prime Rib, which has been open for over sixty years and features live jazz.  Address: 2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210 Hours: Mon–Thu 4:30–9pm, Fri 4:30–9:30pm, Sat 4–9:30pm, Sun 4–9pm Expect to pay: For steak, appetizers and drinks, expect to pay at least $100 per person.

What is it? Featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table and a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist, chef Sarah Minnick runs Lovely’s Fifty Fifty—a deeply Northwestern pizza restaurant. Why we love it: Lovely’s exclusively uses produce from Oregon farms. From their salads, which include veggies like chicories, winter carrots, kabocha squash and beets, to their sourdough pizza toppings, like stinging nettles, chanterelle mushrooms, kalettes and cosmic gold potatoes, Lovely’s is quintessentially Portland. Despite elevated ingredients, Lovely’s feels homey, easy and comforting (and they’re not above offering a side of ranch for your pizza).  Time Out tip: Expect a long wait—and there are no reservations—but wander bustling Mississippi Avenue to kill some time. Make sure to save room for Lovely’s homemade ice cream, for which they’re almost equally well-known. Address: 4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217 Hours: Daily 5–10pm Expect to pay: Twelve-inch pizzas hover around $30. Expect to pay between $25 and $50 per person.

What is it? Måurice is a Nordic and French-inspired lunch restaurant in a charming, all-white dining room. Why we love it: Måurice is transporting. Even on a dreary day, the restaurant radiates brightness, often filled with dried flowers and delicate desserts. The menu changes seasonally, but cross your fingers for raw oysters, smørrebrød (Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches) and Måurice’s famous quiche.  Time Out tip: From time to time they’ll serve miniature macarons, which are both worth it for the photo op and the melt-in-your-mouth nickel-sized bite of heaven. Also, their wine list is expertly curated, if you’re in the mood for a lunchtime glass. Address: 921 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR 97205 Hours: Wed–Sat 11am–3pm Expect to pay: Between $25 and $35 per person, including tea or coffee.

What is it? Owned by one of Portland’s most prolific and talented chefs, Earl Ninsom, Hat Yai captures home-cooked food from the southern region of Thailand that borders Malaysia, beautifully mixing Thai and Malaysian cuisine. Why we love it: They specialize in fried chicken with sticky rice, Malay-style curry and roti, a dish that is both hearty and balanced with intense flavors and varying textures. Hat Yai is a Portland go-to and a perfect balance of casual and refined. Time Out tip: Try the dessert roti, served with sweetened condensed milk. Address:1605 NE Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97211605 SE Belmont St. Portland, OR 97214 Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–3pm, 4–9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–3pm, 4–10pm Expect to pay: Between $15 and $25 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? One of the most beloved restaurants in the city, Güero is a dreamily decorated, plant-filled torta restaurant ideal for anything from a casual lunch to a mezcal-fueled date night. Why we love it: Everything on the menu hits, but a few main course highlights include the Masa y Papa Torta, Hamburguesa and the Cart Bowl. We’d also recommend the pozole, if it’s available during your visit (winter months only). Whatever you do, start with chips, guacamole and esquites.  Time Out tip: Güero makes delicious jamaica and horchata, some of the best cocktails in the city, and houses a massive range of mezcal and tequila. Keep an eye on their back patio space too, which transforms into various pop-up restaurants; current resident Lucky Soup serves broth and soup to-go. Address: 200 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm Expect to pay: Between $15 and $25 per person. Cocktails between $12 and $16.

What is it? Annam VL is a Vietnamese lunch restaurant on SE Belmont Street that features a rotating menu, mostly focused on noodle soups.  Why we love it: Their small menu (three to four items) changes depending on the day of the week, and it allows a much-needed break from overwhelming menus that leave us with decision fatigue. Go on Wednesdays for their Hủ Tiếu Bò Kho (a hearty beef stew with rice noodles and carrots) or Fridays, when they serve “Mom’s Hometown Favorite,” Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho (rice noodles in a pork and dried seafood broth, with sliced char siu, quail eggs, shrimp and pork liver).  Time Out tip: Get to Annam VL early, as they often sell out before close. Also, a shout-out to the other “VL” restaurants, Ha VL and Rose VL Deli, all owned by the same family and all delicious.  Address: 3336 SE Belmont St, Portland, Oregon 97214 Hours: Wed–Sun 9am–4:30pm or until sold out Expect to pay: About $20 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? Our favorite spot for breakfast in the city, Sweedeedee serves some of Portland’s best pastries and morning classics in an intimate, well-decorated dining room. Why we love it: While the menu at Sweedeedee changes often, you can always expect eggs in some form (right now, they have a Spanish tortilla and a breakfast sandwich), a sweet option (don’t miss the corncakes) and some fresh veggies to balance the meal (a winter green salad with radish and hazelnuts is on the current menu). Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood to shop, the restaurant offers some local goodies like Madre Linen napkins, tinned fish, wine and ceramics. Also, Mississippi Records is right next door, and has a wonderful collection of vintage vinyl.  Address: 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217 Hours: Daily 10am–3pm Expect to pay: Between $15 and $20 per person.

What is it? AKADI is a warm, vibrant restaurant in Southeast dedicated to West African cuisine, specifically from Côte d’Ivoire. Why we love it: Executive chef and owner Fatou Ouattara has put together both an incredible menu—think jollof rice, caramelized plantains, aromatic stews and crispy fried fish—and an inviting, colorful space with generous hospitality. Time Out tip: Don’t miss the “Attleke,” a fermented couscous made with cassava. Also, while you’re there, pick up their bottled sauce (mild or spicy), made with carrots, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and a range of African spices. (It’s also sold at Providore Fine Foods, House of Flavor and Wellspent Market, among other spots.) Address: 1001 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202 Hours: Wed–Sun 4–9pm Expect to pay: About $30 per person, not including drinks.

What is it? Originally a pop-up and farmers’ market stand, Burmese restaurant Rangoon Bistro now has two locations, both on the east side of the city. Why we love it: The range of flavors and textures at Rangoon is unmatched. We especially love their tea leaf salad, which utilizes Minto Island green tea leaves and shredded cabbage for its base; tomato, garlic oil and fish sauce for flavor; and peanuts, fried fava beans and chana dal for extra texture and complexity.  Time Out tip: Rangoon’s non-alcoholic drinks are particularly special—the sweet-and-salty coconut milk and Burmese tea are two favorites.  Address:2311 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR 972153747 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 Hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm, Fri–Sun noon–10pm Expect to pay: Between $20 and $30 per person.

What is it? Luce is a perfect little Italian restaurant on East Burnside, known for their housemade pasta, simple and bright salads, $2 antipasti and a thorough wine list. Why we love it: The servers are total pros at recommending the right dish or glass, and no matter how busy it gets (very) they keep their warm, gracious attitude. The food itself is comforting yet light and fresh (opt for cappelletti in brodo when you’re under the weather, or a fennel, celery and dill salad on a hot afternoon).  Time Out tip: Order a bunch of antipasti to share, like sweet and sour peppers, marinated carrots, and a farro and parmesan pie, and don’t miss the radiatore pasta with saffron and lamb, or the herb-stuffed whole trout. Address: 2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214 Hours: Daily 4–10pm Expect to pay: The menu is very easily personalized due to their range of portion choices. Expect to pay between $25 and $50.

What is it? Opened in 2016 by chef Peter Cho and Sun Young Park, Han Oak is an upscale Korean restaurant in Northeast Portland that everyone should experience at least once.  Why we love it: Since the pandemic, Han Oak has shifted to a set menu, alternating between hot pot in the cold months and gimbap (hand-built, seaweed-wrapped rice, veggie and meat rolls) in warmer weather. Both options are very communal and playful, allowing guests to build their own meal. For hot pot, each table receives a pot of their 15-hour bone broth on a mini stove, to which you can add raw, thinly sliced dry-aged prime rib from Creekstone Farms, pork from Ian Roc Farms, Oregon rockfish and a myriad of veggies like chicories, chrysanthemum, a range of mushrooms, daikon and radishes, along with Ota fried tofu, rice cakes and noodles. Time Out tip: Don’t miss the handmade dumpling add-on, also cooked (by you!) in the nourishing bone broth. You’ll likely need a reservation, usually a day or two in advance. Address: 511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 Hours: Wed–Sat 5–10pm Expect to pay: Hot pot is $59 per person, not including drinks, add-ons or gratuity.

In the Pacific Northwest, spring is so close right now that you can almost smell the wisteria. Cherry blossoms are about to burst, days are getting longer, and we’re waiting with bated breath for our favorite veggies at the farmers’ market. Yet, as Northwesterners know, there are many gloomy days ahead till we can reliably wear a T-shirt and shorts into the wee hours. Even for those of us eagerly awaiting this seasonal shift, might I suggest leaning into winter just a little longer? Though I’ve been in Portland for over a decade, I’m originally from Southern California and forever a summer devotee. (Did my waxing poetic about flowers and produce give me away?) In order to cope with the Northwest’s gloomy months, I’m always looking for activities that help pass the rainy season and get me outdoors. I’ve never liked skiing or snowboarding, but I love an excuse to bundle up, grab some hot chocolate and soak up a pastoral winter scene. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for those of us who love a winter hike, but don’t necessarily have the skills (or bravery) to glide down a mountain at top speeds. On the first day of March, a shockingly warm and sunny day in Oregon, I ventured to the Tamanawas Falls trailhead with a friend. We strapped on some old MSR snowshoes she’s been holding onto and found ourselves waddling around a mostly muddy and icy trail, as hikers quickly passed us in more efficient—and admittedly more sleek and stylish—crampons. But about a half-mile into the hike,

Portland, Oregon, has been the butt of the joke for many years—from Portlandia-era harmless teasing about the city’s preoccupation with sustainable food, to more insidious critique from right-wing politicians. The city’s identity has been simplified to a meme, a calling card, a dog whistle. At its core, Portland is a much more varied, complex city than it’s been given credit for. It’s still young, still forming, and as it grows and diversifies, the city gets more exciting by the day.  RECOMMENDED: These are the coolest neighborhoods in the world right now Whether you come to the Northwest to backpack in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, enjoy a beach day on the dramatic, moody coast, visit vineyards in the Willamette Valley or Columbia Gorge, (favorites include No Clos Radio, Loop de Loop and Hiyu Wine Farm) or stay local to soak up Portland’s food and drink scene, visiting this special region of the United States is worth your while. While in the city, you can’t beat the Kerns neighborhood on the east side of Portland. While there are plenty of beautiful, restaurant-filled streets across the city, Kerns, the neighborhood that runs along East Burnside for 30 blocks, is supremely charming and walkable.  How to spend the perfect day in Kerns Kerns is filled with residential streets, perfect for wandering and lusting after craftsman homes, Spanish-style apartments, flower-filled gardens, and fruit trees. On Kerns’ southeast border, Laurelhurst Park hosts music, comedy, and ou