Rose Everything - Linjia’s Guide to Portland, OR
I have been living in Portland, OR since 2017 for a new job, and my love for this city and its surroundings has only been growing. Having hosted many many many friends and sometimes friends of friends, again, I should write down a few words about what to see, where to eat and drink.
Protip: If you’re coming to Portland anywhere from mid Sept to late April, bring a pair of waterproof shoes, and a waterproof jacket or raincoat. If you do check the weather and it says sunny or cloudy, I still suggest you bring those if you feel quite bothered by getting wet.
Portland is also known as Rose City. I love it. I’d high recommend visiting the International Rose Test Garden if you have even the slightest appreciation for flowers :) Japanese Garden - supposedly the best outside of Japan. These two are right next to each other. Spare 1-2hrs for both. Another pack of rose gardens is in SE, Ladd’s Addition (check it out on the map to see its interesting diamond shape layout).
Pittock Mansion: https://goo.gl/maps/obYj1igof5A2 My favorite spot to go when I’m stressed. You’d get a gorgeous view of the entire Portland city and a beautiful mansion. The mansion is a museum itself, but if you aren’t too interested about old fancy houses, just skip it and simply enjoy the view outside. This place is also connected to a 5mi hiking trail from forest park. Highly recommend.
23rd & 21st NW Neighborhood: https://goo.gl/maps/Vogyu6krbFo One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city with lots of cute shops, restaurants, and beautiful houses. The cherry blossom trees in April and maple trees and colors in fall seasons are my favorite things to see.
Park Block and Farmer’s Market (Sat’s only): https://goo.gl/maps/E3nK8o2rMTk
Waterfront and Saturday Market (both days on weekends): https://goo.gl/maps/ejghnbvXidr
Art Museum: https://goo.gl/maps/mQwDjsBfYak There are many special exhibitions on Fridays and weekends. Make sure to check them out - it’s a beautiful place.
OMSI: https://goo.gl/maps/qyyYZYRmSgD2 it’s not only for kids, but also for adults. On Fridays there are fun workshops like soap, cheese making, and movie showings or museum walks with wine/beer.
Alberta Neighborhood: https://goo.gl/maps/8AQ2xXS9ETU2 Artistic area with weird shops, nice galleries and restaurants, and amazing murals. See if you can make it to Last Thurs, it’s free!: http://www.lastthurspdx.org/arts-showcase-alberta
Mississippi Neighborhood: https://goo.gl/maps/MNRnyF88rF42 Cute area with local shops, restaurants, cafes. There’s the street fair in the summer.
Forest Park: https://goo.gl/maps/FAVzjaQHLiL2 if you’re not ready for a long hike, this is an easy walk close to NW neighborhood with lots of greens.
Portland’s food culture is absolutely top notch. Here’s a glimpse of my beloved and want-to-go restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. In the first 5mo after I moved here, I didn’t repeat going to any restaurant until friends’ visits! Below are some of my favorites by category!
Sterling Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/Eiq9u4tFbTo
Proud Mary: https://goo.gl/maps/B2ZZj48N1Ym <- very creative brunch food too
Lauretta Jeans: https://goo.gl/maps/4Kf9b64rSsF2
Ken’s Bakery: https://goo.gl/maps/7vqVBoRNf3t if you love almond croissants like I do
Pearl Bakery: https://goo.gl/maps/ym5uq7oq15K2
Nuvrei: https://goo.gl/maps/9fjcNNSVZs42
Heart Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/YjNaBLPsWbo quite acidic coffee taste
Water Avenue Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/HfckCdwmyHR2
Spella Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/we3uZeJ2a342 I’ve never been but heard good things about it
Willow: https://www.willowpdx.com/ Top notch, special, knowledgeable, stress-free, and afforable dining experience. My absolute favorite restaurant, not one of. My mom’s complaint about pre-fix menu has been that you don’t feel full or VERY satisfied, but she changed her mind after going to Willow.
Farm Spirit: https://goo.gl/maps/hM4VjqUPHGw all vegetarian
Langbaan: https://goo.gl/maps/Pw7MZToLs2Q2 reservation goes out 6mo ahead of time :/ still haven’t been there
Urdaneta: https://goo.gl/maps/TE6GNpGtdjm Favorite Spanish restaurant, not one of.
Mucca Osteria: https://goo.gl/maps/gSHopbHwN8P2 approved by my Italian friend.
Kachka: https://goo.gl/maps/z2jiHhBC5P12 Fun and delicious Russian food, also approved by my russian friend.
Little Bird: https://goo.gl/maps/B7xDPoSyFLG2 by the same owner of Pigeon below
Le Pigeon: https://goo.gl/maps/XCn6crq28dU2 their foie gras profiteroles are to die for
Ataula: https://goo.gl/maps/imXfxEiKg5G2 try the paella
Nostrana: https://goo.gl/maps/8zwBHdVfCer
Grassa: https://goo.gl/maps/bR5j86hzLC32 casual pasta but all made fresh daily, GOURMET, and creative. I crave it once in a while.
Bistro Agnes: https://goo.gl/maps/whV7Y9u4NCF2
Gilda’s Italian Restaurant: https://goo.gl/maps/65iZESVWtQ22 you can get wild boar pappardelle
La Moule: https://goo.gl/maps/PyVGJRU86RC2 love their mussels and creative cocktails
Ava Gene’s: https://goo.gl/maps/HuTz1CnLhEn
Toro Bravo: https://goo.gl/maps/Lk71UVHdnjD2 Spanish tapas; I still haven’t been because the line is way too long all the time.
Broder’s: https://www.broderpdx.com/ I have a soft spot for Swedish food <3 there are a few locations around the city; each has its own characteristics but shares the same menu
Tasty n Sons: https://goo.gl/maps/Mscdm1abdep Tasty n Alder: https://goo.gl/maps/hQMG9zv68P62
Tin Shed Garden Cafe: https://goo.gl/maps/Hc1iieJG3A22 speaking of Portland’s love for dogs, they have a dog menu.....
Radio Room: https://goo.gl/maps/HXmpwQoWYWE2
Aviary: https://goo.gl/maps/537zdVKSGAp
Papa Haydn: https://goo.gl/maps/ynqiu4jkvKs famous for their dessert, but food is very good too
Paley’s Place: https://goo.gl/maps/ErT94PGcq232 many famous Portland chefs graduated from here
Olympia Provisions: https://goo.gl/maps/oH2aFQ1KsfQ2 another location in NW please look it up
Lardo: https://goo.gl/maps/mzbYf9vUN6q owner also owns Grassa; similar vibe, casual, creative, good sanwiches
Mexican & South American:
Rose City Taqueria: https://goo.gl/maps/MPEdaGwLVjF2 I stopped ordering tacos anywhere else inside or outside of Portland area once I found this gem
Tienda Santa Cruz: https://goo.gl/maps/Px1iYSkEmQp
Lechon: https://goo.gl/maps/z7PUvFEUJz92 tapa style reservation only
OX: https://goo.gl/maps/ZGKKoAwxx6z steak, chorizo, scallops... uhhmm
Paiche: https://goo.gl/maps/GrqyXfwabis vegan Peruvian brunch only from Thu-Sat, all prepped and served by owner himself only; beautiful creative food
Teote and Cartopia: https://goo.gl/maps/8XnXM9t2K9w and the food cart pod across the street https://goo.gl/maps/RPavQbKtrZL2
Portland is famous for its Japanese and Thai food. There are countless spots and fusions for these two cuisines. I am not a fan of a few many famous ones, since it’s just a pain for stay in line forever only to fail the expectation and have to pay a higher bill. Below are the ones that I truly love and visit periodically.
Murata: https://goo.gl/maps/wPEYSuWJqBP2 small authentic sushi, BEST SUSHI EVER
Yama Sushi & Izakaya: https://goo.gl/maps/dHCGL57Book
Syun Izakaya: https://goo.gl/maps/P8SzJaGXoPS2
Ikenohana: https://goo.gl/maps/dbUn8cSGojS2
Fish & Rice: https://goo.gl/maps/rrj9m1FastA2
Saburos: https://goo.gl/maps/F6EXoy3itjL2 there’s barely any service here, but sushi is great and cheap
Shizuku: https://goo.gl/maps/DThUognChSv not just sushi
Bamboo Sushi: https://goo.gl/maps/4FTQ5Mvevw52 very trendy, burgers are good too
Afrui: https://goo.gl/maps/n4DRGgPQMrp love the ramen
Ramen Ryoma: https://goo.gl/maps/MRU83np4qXL2
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya: https://goo.gl/maps/zaueF9Rpwrk
Thai & other Asian Flavors:
Paadee: https://goo.gl/maps/Gpc4JJkwH1S2 the restaurant outside of the famous Langbaan with creative dishes and cocktails
Nong’s Khao Man Gai: https://goo.gl/maps/5nnB9trC8wp chicken on rice, very similar to Chinese dish Hainan Chicken & Rice. It’s delicious but a little pricey for the portion.
Khun Pic’s Bahn Thai: https://goo.gl/maps/GTmjF5nJpKS2 owned by a couple, and the wife is the chef while the husband serves the front of the house. Be there when they open so you get to order first!
Thai Peacock: https://goo.gl/maps/gpFA7UjFVuj
Mee-Sen Thai: https://goo.gl/maps/bVmuuz7bFSP2
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen: https://goo.gl/maps/KvE8SABbdLx make sure to try the vermicelli bowl
Reverly: https://goo.gl/maps/ooYm2dspmrS2 chef also has a restaurant in Seattle, and was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.
Kim Jong Grillin: https://goo.gl/maps/Zqtx1VNkyTF2 korean bbq comfort food <3
Duck House Chinese Restaurant: https://goo.gl/maps/bv7qiDsdPm32 I approve
Pizza (order matters to me):
Ken’s https://goo.gl/maps/gKpAjDtdSpn
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty: https://goo.gl/maps/6nGAYVMfoBu
Oven and Shaker: https://goo.gl/maps/SwRBx6oeCU72
Pizzeria Otto: https://goo.gl/maps/8fVYab68wym
Refer to this link for the rests: https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-best-pizza-pizzerias-mapped
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