Portland is the kind of place where food is always part of the conversation. You’ll find meals that bring comfort, dishes that surprise you, and flavors that feel personal. Every spot on this list stands out for its creativity, its heart, and its ability to turn any meal into a memorable experience.
If you’re looking for a great bite, these restaurants deliver. From local favorites to bold newcomers, they represent what makes Portland special. It’s all about great food made with care, and it’s waiting for you right now.
1. Lúc Lác Vietnamese Kitchen
| Location | 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Weeknights: Until midnight, Fri-Sat: Until 4 AM |
| Specialty Dish | Combination Vermicelli Bowl (Bún) |
| Contact | 503-222-0047 |
Walking into Lúc Lác feels warm and welcoming, with a family-run vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. The space is modern but still cozy, which is a tough balance to get right. It’s a late-night gem in a city where late eats can be hard to find.
I ordered the combination vermicelli bowl. The grilled shrimp, chicken, pork, and fried rolls came together perfectly. That fried roll, though—it’s next-level. The crispy outside and sweet-savory filling make it the highlight of the dish. The flavors are bold but not overdone. Service was quick, and they’ve nailed a spot where you can grab an affordable, satisfying meal after a long day.
2. Expatriate
| Location | 5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open late, great for night owls |
| Specialty Dish | The American Standard Cheeseburger |
| Contact | 503-805-3750 |
Expatriate is more than just a bar. It’s got this laid-back, cool vibe where dim lighting and vinyl records set the tone. The food doesn’t feel like bar snacks—it’s way better than that. I tried their American Standard cheeseburger. You get two small ones per order, and they’re simple in the best way: soft buns, gooey cheese, and just enough ketchup and mustard to tie it all together.
The nachos caught me off guard too. They swap tortilla chips for crispy wontons and smother them in Thai chile cheese sauce with lemongrass beef. It’s messy but worth it. Pair it all with one of their cocktails—fruity, boozy, or somewhere in between. The spot isn’t huge, so it can get crowded, but that just adds to the lively, anything-goes energy.
3. Reel M Inn
| Location | 2430 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202 |
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| Hours | Late-night staple |
| Specialty Dish | Fried Chicken |
| Contact | 503-231-3880 |
Reel M Inn is the definition of a dive bar done right. It’s dark, a little scrappy, and exactly where you want to be for some of the best fried chicken in Portland. The setup is basic—don’t come here expecting fancy service—but the food makes up for it.
The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. They’ve been frying it up for years, and it’s clear they know what they’re doing. One bartender runs the show, taking orders, pouring drinks, and frying chicken all at once. It’s impressive to watch. This is the kind of place where you grab a cold beer, dig into your food, and enjoy the no-frills, all-flavor experience.
4. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
| Location | 4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Evening hours, pizza and ice cream focus |
| Specialty Dish | Seasonal Sourdough Pizza |
| Contact | 503-281-4060 |
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is a cozy spot that makes you rethink what pizza can be. The sourdough crust is tangy and light, the kind you don’t want to leave behind on the plate. They use whatever’s fresh and in season, so the toppings can get creative. I had a pie with peaches, basil, and fresh mozzarella, and it just worked.
They also make their own ice cream, and it’s not just an afterthought. Flavors like toasted fig leaf or caramel-miso are as interesting as the pizzas. The vibe is chill, and the staff is friendly without trying too hard. If you want a meal that feels both unique and comforting, this is your spot.
5. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
| Location | 609 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch hours, casual dining |
| Specialty Dish | Hainanese Chicken and Rice |
| Contact | 503-740-2907 |
Nong’s Khao Man Gai keeps things simple, and that’s what makes it so good. The focus is on one dish: poached chicken with rice and a garlicky, tangy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels both light and filling, with flavors that sneak up on you.
The sauce is what really ties it all together. You can taste the thought that went into balancing the salty, sour, and spicy notes. The rice stands out too—fluffy, fragrant, and cooked to perfection. The space is laid-back, great for a quick, no-fuss lunch that still feels satisfying.
6. Coquine
| Location | 6839 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 |
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| Hours | Breakfast, brunch, and dinner |
| Specialty Dish | Seasonal Dishes with Local Ingredients |
| Contact | 503-384-2483 |
Coquine has this quiet charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem, even though everyone knows about it. The menu is all about seasonal ingredients, and it changes often. I tried a dish with roasted vegetables and grits, and it felt like someone cooked it just for me.
The space is cozy and not too fussy, which matches the food. They also bake some incredible cookies—chewy, buttery, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch or sitting down for dinner, it feels personal, like a neighborhood spot that just happens to serve top-tier food.
7. Apizza Scholls
| Location | 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner hours |
| Specialty Dish | Diablo Blanco Pizza |
| Contact | 503-233-1286 |
Apizza Scholls doesn’t mess around. This is pizza the way it’s supposed to be—chewy crust, perfectly charred edges, and toppings that actually matter. The Diablo Blanco, with ricotta, jalapeños, and a pesto that somehow tastes like chorizo, blew me away.
The vibe is no-nonsense. You order your pizza, grab a seat, and dig in. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels satisfying without trying to be over-the-top. If you’re into pizza that’s bold, simple, and all about quality, this is where you need to go.
8. Campana
| Location | 901 NE Oneonta St, Portland, OR 97211 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner hours |
| Specialty Dish | Meatballs and Garlic Toast |
| Contact | 503-841-6195 |
Campana makes you feel like you’re eating at your Italian grandma’s, if she also happened to be an incredible chef. The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and served with thick garlic toast that’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It’s the kind of spot where you want to take your time, maybe split a plate of pasta or a risotto that’s made to order. The staff keeps things casual but still on point. If you’re after a comforting Italian meal that doesn’t cut corners, Campana is a solid choice.
9. Canard
| Location | 734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Breakfast, brunch, and dinner |
| Specialty Dish | Steam Burgers |
| Contact | 971-279-2356 |
Canard is playful in the best way. The menu is a mix of comfort and creativity, like the steam burgers that remind you of a diner classic but elevated just enough. The burgers come small, so you can order a couple or share them alongside other dishes.
The vibe feels like a diner flipped on its head, with fun cocktails and unexpected menu items like duck-fat hotcakes. It’s a great spot for brunch or a casual dinner, with flavors that make you smile without feeling overdone.
10. Eem
| Location | 3808 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch and dinner, vibrant atmosphere |
| Specialty Dish | Brisket Burnt End Coconut Curry |
| Contact | 971-295-1645 |
Eem is where barbecue and Thai flavors come together in a way that feels completely natural. The brisket burnt end coconut curry is rich, smoky, and spicy in all the right ways. Pair it with their BBQ fried rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s unforgettable.
The space is lively, a little loud, and full of energy. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just come for the food—you come for the vibe. Drinks are fun too, with tropical-inspired cocktails that fit the mood perfectly.
11. Kann
| Location | 548 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97214 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner only |
| Specialty Dish | Peanut Butter-Creamed Collards |
| Contact | Online reservations required |
Kann is on another level. The food is rooted in Haitian flavors but feels fresh and new, like the peanut butter-creamed collards that manage to be rich and comforting without being heavy. Everything on the menu tells a story, and it’s clear that every detail has been thought through.
The atmosphere is warm but polished, with an open kitchen that adds to the experience. It’s a spot that feels special from the moment you walk in. If you’re looking for a meal that leaves an impression, Kann is it.
12. Langbaan
| Location | 1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner, reservation only |
| Specialty Dish | Thai Tasting Menu |
| Contact | 971-344-2564 |
Langbaan feels like a secret you’re lucky to be in on. Hidden behind another restaurant, the small, intimate space makes the experience feel personal. The Thai tasting menu changes often, focusing on specific regions or themes, but every dish is carefully crafted and packed with flavor.
It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. The courses flow naturally, with each one building on the last. The staff is friendly and takes the time to explain the dishes without being overbearing. If you want something unique and unforgettable, Langbaan is worth planning ahead for.
13. Ox
| Location | 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner hours |
| Specialty Dish | Clam Chowder with Smoked Bone Marrow |
| Contact | 503-284-3366 |
Ox is where you go when you’re in the mood for bold, hearty flavors. The wood-fired grill adds a deep smokiness to everything, from their massive pork chops to their incredible clam chowder. That chowder, with a hunk of smoked bone marrow, is rich enough to be a meal on its own.
The atmosphere is warm and lively, with an open kitchen and a menu that feels like a mix of comfort food and high-end cooking. It’s the kind of place where you want to take your time, share dishes, and soak in the whole experience. If you love grilled meats and bold flavors, Ox is the place to be.
FAQs
Which restaurant is open the latest?
Lúc Lác Vietnamese Kitchen stays open until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the best late-night option.
Can I just walk in, or do I need reservations?
Most places like Reel M Inn and Lovely’s Fifty Fifty are walk-in friendly. For Langbaan and Kann, you need reservations.
Where can I get the best pizza?
Apizza Scholls and Lovely’s Fifty Fifty both serve incredible pizza. Apizza Scholls offers classic flavors, while Lovely’s focuses on seasonal, creative toppings.
Which spot is best for a casual lunch?
Nong’s Khao Man Gai is a great choice for a quick, casual lunch with simple, flavorful dishes.
Where should I go for a special occasion?
Kann and Langbaan are perfect for a special night out. Both offer unique dining experiences with dishes you won’t forget.
Last Words
From casual spots like Reel M Inn and Lúc Lác to more refined experiences like Kann and Langbaan, this city proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about honest cooking, good vibes, and a shared love for quality meals. If you’re in Portland, these are the places you don’t want to miss.