Portland is so full of great restaurants that narrowing the list down can be difficult. But whether you are seeking a hearty lunch or a romantic dinner, these 8 unique restaurants in Portland are the best spots around town to have an unforgettable dining experience. When you’re fully sated, be sure to get out and explore underrated activities all over Portland!

1. Lardo
Lardo / Facebook
Lardo PDX / Facebook
If you want a truly memorable sandwich, have the Porchetta. Other favorites are the Smoked Chicken Gyro and the Pork Meatball Bahn Mi. Lardo is located at 1205 SW Washington Street and 1212 SE Hawthorne Boulevard.
2. Cibo
Cibo / Facebook
Cibo / Facebook
Oven-fired pizza and stromboli are the draws here, and for good reason. Friendly service and a great atmosphere make this place a hit. Visit Cibo at 3539 SE Division Street.
3. The Woodsman Tavern
The Woodsman Tavern / Facebook
The Woodsman Tavern / Facebook
Oysters, prawns, crab and trout are all wonderful at this quaint tavern with robust menu. Stop by for Oyster Hour weekdays from 5 to 6 pm for some the best deals in the city. Visit Woodsman Tavern at 4537 Southeast Division Street.
4. Boke Bowl
Boke Bowl / Facebook
Boke Bowl / Facebook
The casual ramen eatery is amazing. The eastside location has an industrial feel in its bustling dining room, while the westside location offers inspired dim sum on weekends. Visit Boke Bowl at 1200 NW 18th Street or 1028 SE Water Street.
5. Nong's Khao Man Gai
Nong's Khao Man Gai / Facebook
Nong's Khao Man Gai / Facebook
You will have little trouble deciding on what you want here, as there is one choice with a few add-ons. Serving its signature chicken and rice dish, Nong's will really excite your taste buds. Starting as a food cart and growing into a Portland mainstay, this restaurant is one to try. Visit Nong's at 609 SE Ankeny St, Suite C.
6. PaaDee
PaaDee / Facebook
PaaDee / Facebook
Featuring Thai comfort food, PaaDee excels at creating an atmosphere. With long tables for communal seating as well as booths for a more intimate meal, PaaDee is great for all kinds of occasions. The wings in Sriracha sauce and grilled mackerel are reason alone for a visit. PaaDee is located at 6 SE 28th Avenue.
7. The Oregon Public House
The Oregon Public House / Facebook
The Oregon Public House / Facebook
If you want to go to the bar, have a drink and a meal, and make a difference, The Oregon Public House is the place to head. Notable as the first non-profit pub in the world, you are able to vote where the donation portion of your food and beverage purchase is allocated. In just 3 years in business, the pub has donated over $100,000 to charity. Visit the Oregon Public House at 700 NE Dekum Street.
8. Bollywood Theater
Bollywood Theater / Facebook
Bollywood Theater / Facebook
Feel like you stepped right off the plane into Mumbai at this Indian eatery that strives for authenticity. Serving food from steel plates like you would find in India, this restaurant serves up some delicious dishes from all over the country. Visit Bollywood Theater at 2039 NE Alberta and 3010 SE Division Street.

How many of these unique restaurants in Portland have you tried?

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More to Explore

The Absolute Best Things To See And Do In Portland Oregon

Will Suphan | October 02, 2022

What are the odd and unexpected things I can find in Portland?

Portland has long had the motto of Keep Portland Weird which you can find on stickers all over the city. There are several unusual things to do in Portland. The world's smallest park, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, is a park in a planter at the corner of Naito Parkway and SW Taylor. People often got shanghaied long ago and there are tours you can take to explore the vast network of underground tunnels where this took place. The second largest copper statue in America is called Portlandia, with the figure of a woman holding a trident and reaching down to the people. It is second in size only to the Statue of Liberty. If you're after a truly strange experience, head over to the Zymoglyphic Museum which all sorts of odd creatures both natural and man-made.

What are the best festivals to be found in Portland?

Portland locals love to get together and share their cultures and talents. So many wonderful festivals can be experienced here. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Portland Rose Festival which has been going on for over 100 years. The Starlight Parade is part of the Rose Festival and is an amazing sight to behold with elaborately constructed illuminated floats that light up the night with creativity. Portland was one of the first cities to embrace food cart culture, and you can experience the best of them all at the Portland Food Cart Festival. Portland is also known for helping spark the craft beer craze, and the Oregon Brewer's Festival brings together over 80 breweries each with several samples of their finest brews. Over 80,000 people attend each year.

What are the best outdoor experiences in Portland?

Portlanders love being outdoors and soaking up the beauty of nature. With so many natural attractions around, it's hard to blame them. Mt. Tabor is perhaps the most popular spot, with several trails winding up and around this extinct volcano. Plus, once you get to the top, you'll get a breathtaking view of the city all around you. Forest Park is an absolutely massive park that is made up of, you guessed it, lush forest land. It's great for a hike or a drive and bicyclists love the place. It's the kind of place that brings locals back again and again. For a lovely, magical experience, go to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden which looks like a garden from a fantasy novel. Ducks waddle and swim among the creeks surrounded by colorful flowers.

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