When you think of U.S. cities known for their food, destinations like New York, Nashville, and Austin typically come to mind. But there's one city that's putting up stiff competition to the rest: Portland, Oregon. During a recent visit there, I found myself eating five meals a day because of the variety (Italian, Mexican, American, Indian, and Japanese to name a few cuisines) and sheer deliciousness of menu items offered at all of the must-try spots. So, why and how has this northwestern metropolis quickly evolved into the nation's foremost dining destination? Here, few experts and I break it down into seven reasons.
1. They Have the Freshest Ingredients
With farm-to-table being a major buzzword right now, foodies have learned to separate the wheat from the chaff, when it comes to those who are actually sourcing great ingredients and those who are usurping the movement for marketing. “In Portland, we’re surrounded by small farms that are capable of producing customized ingredients for chefs who only know how to cook seasonally,” says Marcus Hibdon, Travel Portland’s senior media relations and PR manager. Joshua McFadden, executive chef and partner at Ava Gene’s added, “The access to real food is amazing. The raw products here are some of the best in the world.”
2. New Restaurants Are Continuously Opening
There’s no sign of this foodie boom ending any time soon. Proof: Just a couple of months ago, Portland‘s first food hall, Pine Street Market, opened its doors. The bustling 10,000-square foot space welcomes locals and tourists to indulge in grub from some of the top local vendors. With eight purveyors currently open, expect fare that ranges from Marukin Ramen to Wiz Bang Bar, a soft-serve ice cream off-shoot of the famous Salt & Straw.
3. And the Classic Joints Keep Delivering
Of course, it’s not all about the new kids on the block. Ardent food lovers swear by many of the city’s classic eateries like the Bollywood Theater, which serves up casual Indian street food with new flavors. Other local favorites include Pok Pok, which doles out street-style Thai food under the helm of James Beard Award-winning chef Andy Ricker, as well as Tasty n Alder, known for its mouthwatering brunch fare.
4. You Can Try a Little Bit of Everything
Another good thing about Portland‘s dining scene is that they’re all about shared plates. This communal aspect makes it easy to taste a little bit of everything the restaurant has to offer. “Chefs in Portland really love the shared plate concept because it gives people a chance to try a lot more of the menu than if they ordered a single entree with a potential app and dessert,” says Hibdon. Jose Chesa, owner of both Ataula and Chesa, added, “Shared plates are a great way to try a diverse amount of flavors and textures in a single dining experience. It’s also an extension of community and a communal experience, which is something we try and encourage at our restaurants.”
5. Even Their Booze Is Top-Notch
Not only has the city mastered the culinary world, it has conquered the spirits universe as well. Portland boasts more breweries than any other city on earth and the taps aren’t running dry any time soon. Bend-based 10 Barrel Brewing set up shop in a spacious Pearl District outpost, complete with a 20-tap rooftop bar that boasts inspiring views of the West Hills. And among Portland’s famed craft breweries and distilleries are new urban wineries, like Urban Crush, producing small-batch vinos that highlight the Pacific Northwest’s diverse climate and grape varietals.
6. It Offers High-Quality Food Without the High Price Tag
With the freshest ingredients and inventive dining options, you’d think the food scene would come with an astronomical price. Think again. While there are many high-end eateries, some of the best food is still affordable. “I think Portland is the new foodie mecca because the population appreciates authenticity,” says Naomi Pomeroy, owner of Beast. “We don’t have to have requisite fancy spaces. While sometimes that’s missing from our restaurants, what you get instead is affordable, chef-driven experiences.” Hibdon added, “Partner fresh ingredients with inexpensive dining and loads of creatives and you have a recipe for a food scene that’s pushing the boundaries and driving trends.”
7. Because Foodies Say So
“Before moving to Portland a few short weeks ago, everyone told me I would fall in love with the food,” says Portland resident Jeremiah Mandel. “Being someone that has worked in great restaurants, I got it, but also never really geek out on food. Portland has steadily delivered mouthwatering bite after mouthwatering bite. From its food trucks that call back to my Hawaiian roots to its high-brow culinary concept restaurants that remind me of New York, the food has really been that good. My morning New York bagel has turned to an artisanal donut and my dinners have been filled with amazing Indian street food or fresh and simple pastas.” Need we say more? If you’re looking to plan a food-focused vacation, look no further than Portland. Just one warning: your taste buds might never be the same again.
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