Best Restaurants in Portland Pearl District

Portland Oregon is home to many amazing cafes and restaurants. I have lived in Portland for just over a year now and my list of places to try is constantly growing. I have spent most of my time in the Pearl District area of Northwest Portland, and have gathered my top recommendations for your next visit. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Portland Oregon that I have tried so far!

Coffee & Cafes

Sisters Coffee – My all time favorite coffee shop. The inside is very cozy and there is an upstairs area where you will find people working remotely throughout the day. If you like chai tea, you have to try their chai tea latte. It is different from the average chai you might be used to and is more spicy and less sweet. I also love their breakfast sandwiches.

Snow Bunny – The location of this coffee shop is what made me put it on this list. It is right across from Fields Park which is a hub for dog owners nearby. There is a dog run area and an open field where you will find people hanging out on a sunny day.

Ken’s Artisan Bakery – Be sure to go early because they will sell out! You can pick up a fresh loaf or stop by for pastries and sandwiches. Fun fact, the original owner of this bakery also had a pizza restaurant called Ken’s Artisan Pizza, which is one of my favorite restaurants on the east side!

Brunch

Brix Tavern – A budget friendly brunch spot in a central location. They provide free donuts for the table while you wait! They have a great deal on bottomless mimosas and I highly recommend the eggs Benedict!

Mother’s Bistro and Bar – An excellent brunch spot that is connected to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel. An easy spot to check out if you are staying at this hotel!

Screen Door – Screen Door has two locations in Portland. They are known for their southern food specialties. The interior is very cozy and the staff have always been very friendly!

Lunch

Break Bread – A quick lunch spot with excellent gourmet sandwiches. I recommend trying out the “Dutch Crunch” bread, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Pizzicato – They specialize in wood-fired pizza and oven-roasted sandwiches. The lunch special is great. You can get a slice and salad for a steal. I also love the chicken club sandwich!

Pizza Thief – Great pizza with a cocktail bar next door. They are relatively new but have already made a name for themselves among the Portland locals! Highly recommend grabbing a seasonal slice!

Dinner

Tara Thai Northwest – One of my go-to take out places. If you want to dine in-person, the restaurant is cozy and the staff are great. I love their pad see ew.

Grassa – A quick spot for dinner. Despite being a “fast” restaurant, their food is top notch. They serve a variety of fresh made pastas and you can actually see them making it in the back!

Carlita’s – My go-to happy hour spot that is walking distance from my apartment. They have great happy hour deals, including free chips and salsa with any drink! They offer a variety of margarita flavors, including some fun seasonal options.

The Fireside – A more upscale dinner spot with great indoor/outdoor seating. I have been here a few times now and have continued to be impressed! They have some fun seasonal menu items to mix it up.

Dessert

Salt & Straw – My go-to dessert spot. They have themed monthly flavors in addition to classic flavors. The lines can get pretty long, especially in the summer. However, they do a really good job of moving people through quickly! Be sure to check out the new flavors each month!

Drinks

Paymaster Lounge – Fun bar with an undercover outdoor area. They have picnic tables and pool outside, as well as a smaller indoor bar area. This feels more a like a college bar.

Teardrop Lounge – A fancier cocktail bar with a moody aesthetic. It is somewhat small inside but they have a full bar and a wide variety of specialty drinks.

10 Barrel Brewing – A crowd favorite in Portland. They have a rooftop area that is always packed when the weather is nice. If you are not a beer drinker (like me), keep in mind that they only ever have one cider available.

There are so many great places to try, and these are just my favorite restaurants in Portland, Oregon. I look forward to trying more places! My favorite areas to check out new restaurants are 23rd Ave in northwest Portland and Mississippi on the east side. Drop your recommendations below!