Portland is undoubtedly a foodie city, and a pretty affordable one in comparison to other major urban centers. From food trucks, to counter service, to pop-up kitchens and more, it’s not hard to find a gourmet-feeling meal for $10-15 per person. But while there are so many great places to eat that won’t break the bank, sometimes you want a fancier night out and we think the restaurants on this list are 100% worth the splurge!
- Toki
If you only have time for one of the restaurants on this list, go here. I don’t think a bad bite exists at Toki, but their wing flight—yes you read that right—is truly outstanding. Most of their menu stays fresh and seasonal, so show up hungry and order what sounds good!
2. Paadee
Paadee has elevated Thai food with cute, covered, and heated sidewalk seating! They have fried chicken that tastes like candy, and eggplant that basically melts the second you start eating it. This place is a splurge compared to your average Thai restaurant, but once you take a bite of their Dungeness crab fried rice we think you’ll agree it’s worth every penny.
3. Eem
BBQ, Thai, tiki drinks? Yup, sign me up. Eem is a collaborative effort between multiple prominent restaurant and food truck owners in Portland. The classic Portland restaurant vibe of industrial space-turned restaurant, the high ceilings, warm lighting and loads of plants make this space feel spacious but intimate. It’s a fusion that feels like it should have existed your whole life. Their menu boasts items like white curry with brisket burnt ends and massaman curry with smoked lamb shoulder, plus sweet and sour chicken that you will dream about for years.
4. Gado Gado
From the second you walk into the restaurant you feel like you’ve been transported: The bright colors, tropical wallpaper, vintage mismatched dishes make it feel like you’re about to dine in your eccentric grandmother’s vacation home. You can choose to dine a la carte or opt for the Rice Table tasting menu pictured here! Either way, be sure to start your meal with one of their amazing cocktails!
5. Kann
Don’t let the causal decor and denim aprons fool you. This is Haitian fine dining, three words you may have never heard but Kann is showing the world that they need to know about. The menu is entirely dairy- and gluten-free, but those ingredients are not missed for a second. The family-style menu allows dishes to be brought out as they are ready, and each one is filled with a depth of flavor you won’t be forgetting about anytime soon. The restaurant and head chef, Gregory Gourdet, have gained local and national fame since opening in fall of 2022 and both have earned every ounce of praise they received. Don’t miss the plantain brioche buns, the twice-cooked pork, or the glazed duck.
6. Bar Casa Vale
Tapas, paellas, and jamón. It’s everything you want from a Spanish restaurant. Their wood-fired dishes bring a cozy warmth to all their dishes. Each tapa and plate feels traditional but with just the perfect touch of originality to make it all feel interesting and fresh. They offer indoor and outdoor reservations for dinner.
7. Shalom Y’all
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat a cloud? Well Shalom Y’all’s decadently pillowy pita bread is my closest approximation so far. This is one of those places where you can drop a lot of money on a meal but you could also just stop in for a luxurious snack and drink at the bar and be totally satisfied. The simplest things on their menu are some of the best. The hummus, the pita, the lamb carnitas, it’s all balanced perfection.
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