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.
![]()
Best For Romantic Date
Clarklewis Restaurant
2.
![]()
Best For Seafood
Saltys on the Columbia River
3.
![]()
Best For Great Views
Portland City Grill
|
Clarklewis Restaurant
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
Salty’s on the Columbia River
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
Portland City Grill
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
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. A variety of one-day cruises Delicious Northwest food Private events yachts All-inclusive wedding packages Drinks are charged extra Limited vegetarian food optionsPortland Spirit Cruises and Events
Pros
Cons
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. Daily chef’s special items Mesmerizing river views Banquet room facilities Friendly dining atmosphere Menu is limited Service is slightly slowRivershore Bar and Grill
Pros
Cons
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. Closed for 5 hours daily The place can get crowded at timesBottle and Kitchen
Cons
Kimpton Riverplace Hotel
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
Riverplace Marina
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
LeChon
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
McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the Marina
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
The Cove
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
Little River Cafe
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
Dockside Saloon and Restaurant
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
Was this helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚡
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍
Gary Nunn – Videographer, photographer and writer
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fueled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organizations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specializing in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, travel, starting up new businesses, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find Gary on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or his Website.
Hotel Reviewing Experience – Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board, Expedia, Eviivo, Visit Morocco, and Wild in Sight Safaris. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Listed as a top UK travel journalist.
Related Posts