Top 13 Beautiful Waterfront Restaurants in Portland

I personally think combining beautiful scenery with great food is probably one of the best ways to spend an evening. With two mighty rivers to choose from (Columbia River and Willamette River), you’ll be spoilt for choice for awesome waterside restaurants in Portland and I’ve spent many evenings hunting around for the best ones. From laid-back casual eateries to upscale restaurants, here are my favorite waterfront restaurants in Portland, Oregon…

Top 3 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Portland
1.
Clarklewis Restaurant 1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Romantic Date
Clarklewis Restaurant
2.
Saltys on the Columbia River 2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Seafood
Saltys on the Columbia River
3.
Portland City Grill 1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Great Views
Portland City Grill
Best For Romantic Date

Clarklewis Restaurant

Clarklewis Restaurant - Portland

Located in the Central Eastside Industrial District, Clarklewis is a vibrant eatery set in a converted warehouse and I love the trendy and modern design. Another great feature of Clarklewis Restaurant is that there is plenty of free parking space. 

Clarklewis Restaurant is particularly known for its classic oyster dishes. One of the most popular dishes at Clarklewis Restaurant is Oyster In Carrot Habanero Sauce.

This is a must-have for spicy food lovers. They also have a large selection of desserts, vegan options, and cocktails that satisfy even the most sophisticated palates. 

Pros

Classic oyster dishes

Large selection of deserts

Variety of vegan options

Plenty of free parking space

Cons

Extra service fee

Prices are higher than average

Best For Seafood

Salty’s on the Columbia River

Salty’s on the Columbia River - Portland

Located on the Columbia River, I honestly think Salty’s is the most vibrant seaside restaurant in the state. At Salty’s, you can enjoy fresh Northwest seafood cuisine while indulging in the mesmerizing views of the Columbia River.

The restaurant is anchored on the river with Mt. Hood in the background so I would personally recommend taking your camera to capture the incredible views. 

Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grill has a vast selection of seafood that can satisfy even the most discriminating palate. They also offer luncheon salads, sandwiches, chicken, and pasta, among other food choices.

Salty’s is open throughout the week with different timings on the weekends. 

Pros

Northwest seafood cuisine

Columbia River views

Events catering service

Free parking facility

Cons

Opens late on Mondays

Long waiting lines at times

Best For Great Views

Portland City Grill

Portland City Grill - Portland

If you’re looking for a mix of Asian and American cuisine, it’s worth eating at Portland City Grill. The restaurant has a 30th-floor skyline view of Portland.

The eatery has a vast selection of foods, from farm-fresh salads to classic American dishes. The staff is very competent, attentive, and friendly. 

Located 30 floors above the city, Portland City Grill lets you indulge in the cityscape while drinking a well-crafted cocktail.

Portland City Grill is open Sundays through Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. The restaurant closes an hour later on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Pros

A mix of Asian and American cuisine

30th-floor skyline view

Private dining rooms

Award-winning restaurant

Cons

Crowdy on the weekend

Limited window seats

Busy bar area

Opening time is late

Best For Unique Experience

Portland Spirit Cruises and Events

Portland Spirit Cruises and Events - Portland

If you want to enjoy global cuisines while cruising through Portland waterways, Portland Spirit can help.

They offer a variety of one-day cruises including lunch cruises, brunch cruises, and sightseeing cruises. 

You can cruise the amazing rivers of Portland for less than $100. In addition to delicious food and craft wines, Portland Spirit offers a wide range of on-board amenities. 

Pros

A variety of one-day cruises

Delicious Northwest food

Private events yachts

All-inclusive wedding packages

Cons

Drinks are charged extra

Limited vegetarian food options

Best For Peaceful Ambiance

Rivershore Bar and Grill

Rivershore Bar and Grill - Portland

Rivershore Bar and Grill is an old-school restaurant and bar with an exquisite river view. The place has a super friendly wait staff and serves excellent quality food.

If you want to soak in the mesmerizing river views while having dinner, Rivershore Bar and Grill is an eatery worth visiting. 

The place is open Mondays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. They also have happy hours daily from 2 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. The best time to eat at Rivershore Bar and Grill is during summer. 

Pros

Daily chef’s special items

Mesmerizing river views

Banquet room facilities

Friendly dining atmosphere

Best For Funky Cocktails

Bottle and Kitchen

Bottle and Kitchen - Portland

Located in Downtown Portland, Bottle and Kitchen is an eatery serving locally sourced seafood and funky cocktails. If you’re staying at Hotel Rose, you must visit this quiet restaurant with a peaceful ambiance. 

At Bottle and Kitchen, you have an assortment of entree options to choose from, including pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and omelets. The wait staff at Bottle and Kitchen is very friendly and super attentive.

The place is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m. On Sundays and Mondays, the restaurant closes an hour early. 

Cons

Closed for 5 hours daily

The place can get crowded at times

Best For Variety Of Cuisine

Kimpton Riverplace Hotel

Kimpton Riverplace Hotel - Portland

Located a few miles from Keller Auditorium, Kimpton Riverplace Hotel is a downtown hotel with a beautiful place to eat. The eatery at Kimpton Riverplace Hotel specializes in Japanese, Italian, and American cuisine. 

From lobster rolls to quaffable cocktails to whole grilled fish, they have everything in their menu. If you want to indulge in the engrossing views of the Willamette River while having your Sunday breakfast, it’s worth visiting the Kimpton Riverplace Hotel.

The eatery at Kimpton Riverplace Hotel is open for breakfast Mondays through Fridays from 7 to 10 a.m. On weekends, the place is open for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Pros

Japanese

Italian and American cuisine

Willamette River views

A bar lounge

Daily breakfast service

Cons

Compact seating area

Limited menu

Best For Sushi

Riverplace Marina

Riverplace Marina - Portland

Located on the edge of Downtown Portland, Riverplace Marina gives you direct access to the Willamette River with boat docking available beside the restaurant.

This floating restaurant has a giant seafood selection, including sushi, shrimp pasta and rice, salmon dishes, and fish tacos. 

At Riverplace Marina, you get to enjoy different cuisines while watching the fascinating water of the Willamette River. 

Pros

Wide seafood variety

Fascinating water view

Sushi range available

Shrimp pasta and fish tacos

Boat docking facility

Cons

 

Best For South American Cuisine

LeChon

LeChon - Portland

Located in the southwest of Natio Parkway, Lechon is a bustling eatery that specializes in South American cuisine. The place has a lively ambiance charged with culinary fragrance.

Much of Lechon’s success is attributable to its master chef. Chef Jaco often shares his inspirations and recipe secrets with customers. 

From Spanish appetizers like tapas to American entrees, you can indulge in a wide range of cuisines at Lechon. Lechon is open Mondays through Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m.

They have happy hours from 4 to 5 p.m. They also offer takeout service from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Pros

Special South American cuisine

Spanish appetizers

Scenic waterfront view

Historic location

Cons

Late opening time

Tables are easily booked on the weekends

Best For Steaks

McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the Marina

McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at the Marina - Portland

McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the Marina is a pleasant eatery with inside and outside seating. However, you can avail the happy hours inside the bar only.

If you sit outside, you get to relish the beautiful view of the river while sitting under a large canopy. 

While at McCormick & Schmick’s, you must try their apple pie dessert and shrimp salad. They offer delicious seafood at reasonable prices. At McCormick & Schmick’s, you can have a dinner for under $100 including an appetizer, main course, and drinks.

The place is open daily from 12 to 9 p.m. They have happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. The place is also open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 2 p.m.

Pros

Wide range of signature items

Happy hours 3 to 6 pm

Indoor and outdoor seating

Beautiful river view

Cons

Food is served cold

Opening time is late

Best For Local Craft Beer

The Cove

The Cove - Portland

Located on the front of the Columbia River, The Cove is a peaceful eatery serving fresh seafood, locally sourced beer, and craft cocktails.

With a beautiful riverfront environment, The Cove is one of the most delightful places in Columbia Way. 

While at The Cove, you must try their famous starter, Five Spiced Prawns. The Cove doesn’t offer takeaway or delivery service. The place is open Tuesdays through Sundays on different timings. 

Pros

Freshly served seafood

Crafted cocktails

Private dining experience

A riverfront environment

Cons

No takeaway service

Closed on Mondays

Best For Riverfront Cafe

Little River Cafe

Little River Cafe - Portland

Located on the west bank of the Willamette River, Little River Cafe is a delightful eatery serving North American food. Little River Cafe has a relaxed ambiance and specializes in Oregon-style food. 

From Northwest wines to hamburgers to ice cream and desserts, you’ll find everything on Little River Cafe’s menu.

The place is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the cafe closes 2 hours early. 

Pros

Cute cozy ambiance

North American food

On the West Bank of Willamette restaurant

Ice creams and desserts

Cons

Early closing time

Long waiting line

Best For Sports Bar

Dockside Saloon and Restaurant

Dockside Saloon and Restaurant - Portland

The Dockside is a family-owned restaurant and sports bar offering delicious food with both indoor and outdoor seating. They offer a wide selection of North American dishes.

You get plenty of breakfast options, from Belgian waffles to breakfast burritos to oatmeal. You can even customize your omelet according to your liking. 

In addition to American cuisine, the Dockside menu also features many Italian and French dishes. The place has a relaxed ambiance and is perfect for casual breakfasts, brunches, and dinners.

The Dockside is open Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The place is closed Mondays through Wednesdays. 

Pros

Variety of North American dishes

Italian and French dishes

Indoor and outdoor seating

Plenty of breakfast options

Cons

Service is a bit slow

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