Top 15 Awesome Restaurants in the Pearl District Portland

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…

Top 3 Best Restaurants in the Pearl District
1.
Kure Pearl District l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Healthy Smoothies
Kure
2.
Andina Portland 1536x652 1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Peruvian Food
Andina
3.
Pastini l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Contemporary Italian
Pastini
Best For Healthy Smoothies

Kure

Kure Pearl District

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

Best For Peruvian Food

Andina

Andina Portland - best restaurants in the Pearl District

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

Best For Contemporary Italian

Pastini

Pastini Italian Restaurant - Portland - Oregon

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

Best For Asian Cuisine

Butterfly Belly Asian Cuisine

Butterfly Belly Asian Cuisine - Portland

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

Best For New American Food

Tanner Creek Tavern

Tanner Creek Tavern Portland Oregon

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

Best For Mexican Cuisine

Verde Cocina en la Perla

Verde Cocina en la Perla restaurant in Peral District in Portland

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

Best For Pacific Northwest Cuisine

Arden Restaurant Portland

Arden - Portland Pearl District

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

Best For Classic Pizzas

Hotlips Pizza

HotLips Pizza - Portland

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

Best For Trendy Spot

Mediterranean Exploration Company

Mediterranean Exploration Company Portland

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

Best For Vegans and Vegetarians

Rabbits Café

Rabbits Cafe Vegan Breakfast

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

Best For Creative Mexican

Carlitas

Carlitas Pearl District Tacos

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

Cons

Parking options are somewhat limited

It can get quite crowded

Best For Thai Street Food

Khao San PDX

Khao San PDX- A Thai food restaurant In Peral district in Portland

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

Best For Greek Cuisine

Eleni’s Philoxenia

Eleni’s Philoxenia Portland

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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