10 Great Restaurants in Portland

The Observatory is a trendy lunch and dinner spot in the heart of Portland serving eclectic American dishes. Its easygoing atmosphere makes this a great place for groups and families. The menu caters to a wide range of preferences, whether you like burgers, seafood, steak or salads. For a taste of Portland, try the house-smoked trout salad or the slaw dog – a sausage made with local jalapeño cheese.

If you’re looking for an affordable drink and a snack, stop into The Observatory for happy hour. Every day from 3 pm to 5 pm you can get discounted food items, local craft beer and wine, and even a speciality cocktail of the day.

Lechon is a waterfront restaurant serving South American dishes and robust wines. Come in the afternoon to sit outdoors and enjoy riverside views while munching tapas like grilled octopus, pork belly buns and corn fritters. Or, book a table for dinner and try grilled meats and seafood such as seared scallops, lamb chops, and Angus beef.

Don’t miss out on Lechon’s excellent selection of South American wines. If you’re not a fan of wine, the bartenders also prepare a full menu of signature cocktails made with zesty South American flavours like mezcal, habanero syrup, and plenty of exotic fruit.

Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a country-style American café that’s set out to make you feel like you’re back in momma’s kitchen. Its chef is a mother and grandmother who was trained in France and was once even named one of the top student chefs in America by a notable food and wine magazine.

Come to Mother’s Bistro & Bar for American meals prepared to culinary perfection, such as pot roast, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings. And, of course, you can get breakfast all day. After filling up on hearty comfort food, stick around and enjoy a few cocktails from the list of signature drinks. The wine list is also more comprehensive than many restaurants in the area.

The Melting Pot is the place to be when you feel the need for cheese. This fondue restaurant has taken the classic Swiss dish and added in American opulence. Enjoy yummy fondue dips such as beer cheese, spicy jalapeño cheddar, and spinach and artichoke. Classic Swiss options are also available.

The Melting Pot isn’t just famous for its hot pots of cheese. It’s also a favourite in Portland for dessert and drinks with friends. Sweet pots include 6 different styles of chocolate fondue, in which you can dunk treats like biscuits, fresh fruit, cheesecake and macarons. An excellent spot for group dinners, The Melting Pot is a delicious and fun way to dine in Portland.

Pine Street Market is a place to taste all of Portland at once. Not just a single restaurant, Pine Street Market is an indoor food hall with many eateries and bars under 1 roof. If you don’t have long to stay in Portland, this is the place to experience multiple dishes and drinks at once.

Get your hands on a juicy burger, plump dumplings, Italian-style pizzas and spicy ramen noodles. There are plenty of sweet treats, too, including ice cream in homemade waffle cones. Ready for a Portland craft beer? The Pine Street Taproom on-site has all the most popular local brews.

Mediterranean Exploration Company allows you to explore a world of European and Middle-Eastern flavours in a trendy industrial setting. The chefs are Portland born and ingredients are sourced locally to produce dishes like creamy hummus and lamb kebabs as well as loads of tangy salads to accompany soft pita bread.

The menu has a good blend of vegetarian and meat dishes, ensuring there’s something for all in your company to enjoy. Don’t forget to pair your dinner with a bottle of wine – the list boasts over 70 labels. Cocktails and beers are also available, some of which are discounted during the daily happy hour.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is the restaurant of choice for elegant dining and fantastic American steaks in the heart of Portland. The restaurant is located near the riverfront and just steps from the Keller Auditorium, making it a convenient place to eat after a day of sightseeing.

When you come to Morton’s, prepare for luxurious dining. We’re talking lobster, crab cakes, wagyu beef and a full raw bar of local oysters and delicacies of the sea. If you’ve come for beef, don’t miss the dry-aged bone-in strip steak. For something truly American, add a side of chunky lobster macaroni and cheese.

Canard is an upscale bistro in Portland with a menu that changes depending on the season and the mood of the chef. You never know what corner of the globe will be represented on the plate – expect anything from French pastries to Mexican salsas and Irish stews to American fried chicken.

The menu changes often, but you can count on favourites like fall-off-the-bone chicken wings, creamy smoked salmon dip, and mezcal oysters. The menu here seems fancy, but the prices are far from that of ‘fine dining’, making Canard one of Portland’s favourite eateries for quality and price.

Tusk is a neon-washed Mediterranean restaurant serving light fare packed with fresh flavours on East Burnside Street in Portland. Walking into Tusk is an experience itself. The pink neon highlights, white tablecloths, and flourishing greenery make you feel like you’re in an Italian romance. But the real love comes from the kitchen.

Tusk serves light yet delicious dishes such as hummus, falafel, roasted cabbage, and herb salads. For hearty eaters, chicken and lamb dishes are also available. The mix of herbal, sour, and zesty flavours pair perfectly with Tusks signature cocktails, which contain just as many pickled vegetables and herbs as the food menu. Visit Tusk for a meal that takes you on a journey without leaving you feeling stuffed.

Coquine is a farm-to-table bistro showcasing local flavours for brunch and evening diners. Coquine’s dinner menu is prepared daily and available only as a full tasting menu of 4 to 7 courses. Dishes you can expect include local vegetable soups, seared seafood, slow-cooked meat, and caviar. Dinners must be booked 2 weeks in advance.

If your appetite isn’t that big, you can come for brunch at the weekend, when you can enjoy elevated American classics like pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and waffles with brunch cocktails and coffee.