Famous for its restaurants, galleries, and fabulous shopping, the Pearl District should be part of every trip to Portland, but with so many restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start.
Whether you are looking to grab a bite as you explore this fascinating part of Portland, looking for a relaxed brunch after some retail therapy, or looking for a special dining experience at the end of a long day, the Pearl District has something to offer.
Here are our 15 best restaurants in the Pearl District, Portland, Oregon…


- 1 50 32 28 95 35
- 1314 NW Glisan St
- Timings Tuesday -Saturday, 5 pm-9 pm

- +1 503-863-5188
- 911 SW Taylor St
- Timings Monday -Sunday, 11,30 am-8.30 pm
Kure
The Kure Juice Bar in the Pearl District is a bright, open space that is a fantastic place to take a step back and relax with something healthy.
Perhaps best known for its healthy, delicious smoothies, Kure also offers incredible coffee and both breakfast and lunch menus.
The focus is always on natural, healthy food, with an open and modern space that is built for relaxing. Whatever the day has brought you, Kore is a fantastic option to stop, recharge, and get ready to go again.
For life on the go, nothing beats the meal in a cup shake; healthy and delicious, Kore will always put a smile on your face.
Cons
The seating space is limited
It is closed on the weekends
Andina
Blending traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary cooking, Andina is a true dining experience. Fantastic food, a great wine list, and wonderful cocktails make for a great evening, with excellent service and a happy addition.
The restaurant itself is understated, unlike some on this list, but the warm, friendly feel and excellent quality of the food is what you come here for.
A truly special menu that will take you to new places with its taste and innovation, Andina in the Pearl District is a must-visit while you are in Portland.
It is a wonderful experience, and for food quality, few can match; Andina is the perfect choice.
Pros
Authentic Peruvian food with excellent presentation
Delicious tapas and entrees
Cozy vibes with live entertainment
Variety of fresh regional cocktails
Cons
Small plates are too small
Some additional charges
No delivery
Pastini
With its wonderful pasta menu and delicious desserts, Pastini is a great option any time of day. The food is consistently excellent, with superb service and a great ambiance.
An interesting menu gives some new takes on traditional pasta dishes, with options for all tastes. This is a restaurant you should never skip dessert with, though; everyone is a work of art.
Of all the restaurants on this list, Pastini has embraced the idea of food delivery most enthusiastically. With Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash, and PostMates to choose from, Pastini is the ideal delivery option for your hotel room if you don’t want to go out.
Pros
Classic and contemporary pasta selection
Excellent service and ambiance
Unique twists on traditional pasta
Also offers excellent dessert options
Cons
Opens late on Sundays
It can be a bit expensive
Butterfly Belly Asian Cuisine
A comprehensive menu full of exquisite, gluten and MSG-free Asian cuisine that tastes as good as it looks.
Plenty of choice means there is always something for everyone, and it is undoubtedly one of the best traditional Asian restaurants in the city.
However, it is the impeccable, friendly service and general feel of the restaurant that set Butterfly Belly apart as a dining experience. Joyous, welcoming, and fun, Butterfly Belly is definitely one to try on any trip to Portland.
Pros
Welcoming and joyous ambiance
Extensive menu with many options
Exquisite Asian cuisine with traditional flavors
Gluten and MSG-free menu
Cons
It is closed on Sundays
It may not cater to all dietary restrictions
Tanner Creek Tavern
Service is fantastic, too, and with indoor and outdoor seating that lets you make the most of its fantastic location, you can enjoy fine food in the summer sun and watch the world go by or get cozy inside in the worst of the winter.
Pros
A curated selection of the best cocktails
Offers a modern take on tavern fare and New American food
Fresh and locally sourced ingredients
Both indoor and outdoor seating
Cons
Menu theme may not suit all
Parking can be a challenge
Verde Cocina en la Perla
A gluten-free, paleo, and vegan-friendly Café that offers a wide variety of cuisines to suit your mood, Verde Cocina en la Perla offers fantastic food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great location, too, in the heart of the Pearl District.
A wide range of cocktails and an extensive wine menu, coupled with excellent service, make it a fantastic choice for dining, whether for an evening meal or grabbing brunch while exploring the Pearl District.
With dedicated Vegan and Paleo options, if you are dedicated to a specific diet, this is a great option, with a simple menu structure that makes it easy to enjoy the food you want.
Pros
Excellent cocktail and wine selection
A warm and welcoming atmosphere
Gluten-free paleo and vegan-friendly options
Mexican and Pacific Northwest fusion cuisine
Arden Restaurant Portland
With an ever-evolving seasonal menu, Arden offers something different, with innovative approaches to traditional and seafood dishes that always surprise but also remain consistent in their impressive quality.
Service here is great, too, with knowledgeable staff helping create a friendly, enjoyable atmosphere that makes dining here such a pleasure.
In addition to the fabulous food and great service, Arden also boasts one of the best wine lists in Portland, making Arden Restaurant a must-visit for any connoisseur.
Pros
Seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine
Stylish rustic-modern ambiance
Chef's Prix Fixe menu with wine pairings
Central location in Pearl District
Hotlips Pizza
Eat in, eat out on the patio, grab a slice for lunch or a meal at the end of your long day. No matter how you want your pizza, Hotlips has you covered. Cool, easy-going, and always excellent, Hotlips is everything you want in a Pizza restaurant and then some.
For a treat, try the ice cream sandwiches; you’ll love them! The best pizza in Portland is from friendly, enthusiastic staff and great surroundings; no visit to Portland is complete without a Hotlips Pizza.
Pros
Caters to various dietary preferences
A variety of beer and wine selection
Chicken/meat and vegan options are available
Homemade and hygienic drinks are available
Cons
Some toppings might be too spicy for some
A casual vibe might not suit all
Mediterranean Exploration Company
A fantastic blend of Mediterranean cuisines delivered with panache and enthusiasm.
While the menu includes a variety of styles, everything is delivered with the same excellence; this is exceptional dining in a wonderful atmosphere and, as the name suggests, a great way to explore the diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.
Menu highlights include Lamb Kebab and Persian Chicken, while the service is always superb. Reservations are essential as this is a relatively small restaurant, but with a wildly varied menu, there is something for every taste.
Pros
Upscale Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine
Creative cocktails in a trendy setting
Great vegan and vegetarian options
Cons
The portions are small
Compact space may not suit all
Rabbits Café
Whether grabbing breakfast before you start exploring, enjoying lunch in the heart of Pearl District, or enjoying a lovely evening meal, Rabbits Café is a fantastic vegan dining option for anyone visiting Portland.
The café is definitely compact, with limited seating, and because there is no separate seating, you see all the food prepared right in front of you.
It has a cheap $5 snack menu, great for a bite on the go, and the menu offers both variety and quality in every meal.
Pros
Perfect for brunch with family
Generous servings at a reasonable price
Healthy smoothies and bowls
An eclectic and inviting ambiance
Cons
The seating capacity is small
Closed on the weekends
No free parking is available
Carlitas
The best Tacos in Portland, with delicious salsa and more. If you love tacos, Carlita is an essential part of your Portland experience, not just for the food quality but also for the wonderful service and the relaxing atmosphere.
Whatever the day brings, you will end it with a smile if you visit Carlita.
It’s a great place to spend time, too, with a relaxed vibe and great, friendly service. Chips are always warm and crunchy, definitely something of a hidden gem and one of the best overall dining experiences you will find in the area.
Pros
Renowned for the Best Tacos in Portland
Rustic vintage-style decor enhances the ambiance
Creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere
Offers a delectable range of salsas and more
Khao San PDX
Enjoy Thai Street Food in a beautiful restaurant with excellent service. A simple menu takes you on a journey through traditional Thai cuisine, with an array of flavors, colors, and aromas.
Service is always excellent, with knowledgeable staff who create a relaxed and friendly space to enjoy quality food.
Inside, you will find the traditional Tuk Tuk from the streets of Thailand converted into a table in the middle of the restaurant; this is definitely a unique dining experience, from the delicious food to the restaurant itself.
Pros
Authentic Thai street food experience
Unique funky Tuk Tuk dining feature
A simple menu with traditional Thai flavors
A relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Cons
It is closed on Mondays
The unique theme may not appeal to all
Eleni’s Philoxenia
Wonderful Greek food in a fabulous setting. Choose from small plates for individuals or large families sharing plates on the long tables for a more traditional Greek dining experience.
The food is of extremely high quality, with a great wine list and fabulous service, making this a wonderful place to spend time in an evening.
Pros
A cozy and relaxing ambiance
Serving popular orzo with lamb
Happy hour with a special menu
Perfect for a fancy dinner
Cons
Food service can be slow
Parking can be difficult
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Scott Balaam – writer and photographer
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin, Instagram, or Twitter.
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