A trip to Portland holds the promise of all things hip and happening — a literal and visual representation of the best that the country has to offer. It’s well worth the journey, whether it’s your first time or your fifth. And if you don’t take time to experience the city’s massively impressive foodie culture, then you’re truly missing out on something you’ll likely remember for a lifetime. If you’re intrigued, here are the top restaurants in Portland to add to your itinerary.
Breakfast
No matter what your meal preference, you’ll find something to whet your morning appetite in Portland. One of the top establishments in the city is Pine State Biscuits, where you have your choice of a whopping selection of breakfast sandwiches loaded with all the fixings. Keep it simple with eggs, experiment with fried chicken and blue cheese, or go for the vegan with tofu bacon and shitake mushroom gravy. If you have more of a sweet tooth, you won’t find a better selection of mouthwatering donuts anywhere than Blue Star Donuts. They mix it up with a vast lineup of standard, seasonal, and vegan options to tempt your early morning craving for some of the fluffiest and most unique flavors on the west coast.
Brunch
You’d do yourself a disservice to miss out on enjoying brunch at one of the top restaurants in Portland, even if you’re by yourself. Head straight to Tasty n Alder, a sleek steakhouse that features outdoor seating in a lively setting. Auntie Paula’s French Toast is loaded with rhubarb maple and whipped cream, while the Skillet Corn Cake is accompanied by a side of mouthwatering jalapeño butter. The B-52 from the Grown Ass Milkshake menu contains Grand Marnier, Irish cream, orange bitters, and Kahlua, while Alder Milk Punch is a creative coffee concoction blending cold press coffee with cognac, cream, and vanilla. Or hit Q-Portland for their stellar weekend brunch menu, which includes hearty Monte Cristos, Cinnamon and Sugar Churros, and Copper River Salmon Saute, along with a glass of their “Old School” Mary.
Lunch
You won’t be able to resist the charms of MÅURICE, a lovely, airy luncheonette that may be one of the most unforgettable restaurants you visit. It’s a quintessentially compact bakery filled with a heady, sugary scent, and the constantly evolving menu reflects their attention to the seasons and to the consistent desire for something new. Don’t miss the beloved Black Pepper Cheesecake — it sounds wild but it’s truly decadent — and the assortment of seasonal soups and salads that will brighten your day with their fresh ingredients. Craving Indian food? Head straight to Bollywood Theater, which has two locations in the area. The menu is rife with authentic street foods, like crunchy Bhel Puri and fiery Pav Bhaji, or you can keep it simple with a plate of saffron rice topped with lentils.
Dinner
There’s so much to enjoy for dinner in Portland that you may just have to book a separate visit (or two) to get through them all. At the top of the list is Ned Ludd, where the emphasis is on simplicity, scratch-made dishes, and a wood-fired oven where all of the magic happens. The restaurant itself is warm and cozy, with old-world elements that transport you to another era. Don’t miss the Wild Oregon Mushroom Toast, the Potato Gnocchi, and the Whole Roasted Trout. Italian-inspired DOC, meanwhile, is super intimate — there are only a handful of tables, the dishes change weekly, and you can enjoy a lovely glass of wine or a cocktail with any meal. Finally, make some room on your agenda for the Multnomah Whiskey Library. It’s truly breathtaking, what with its dim lights, magnificent chandelier, brick walls, and row upon row of every possible whiskey and scotch you can imagine. If you aren’t a drinker, stay for the food: there are dozens of local favorites, like Salt & Pepper Fries, Pacific NW Oysters, and the crusty MWL Sourdough Bread served with house butter.
Book Your Bus Trip
Why wait? You’ve got restaurants to visit and new foods to try. The top restaurants in Portland have something for everyone! Visit BusTickets.com to book your affordable bus journey today — and prepare to enjoy a delicious adventure.
References:
www.pinestatebiscuits.com/menu/
www.bluestardonuts.com/donuts/
www.tastynalder.com/brunch
q-portland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BrunchMenu6-15.pdf
www.mauricepdx.com/
www.bollywoodtheaterpdx.com/menu-2/
www.nedluddpdx.com/food#food-menu
docpdx.com/menus
mwlpdx.com/
