Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Portland, Oregon
I have so much to say about Portland that I don’t even know where to begin. My expectations going into the trip were pretty high yet somehow it managed to exceed them in every way. It’s lush, vibrant and surprisingly clean while still offering all of the luxuries of a metropolitan city.
Most people wait to visit Oregon until summertime thanks to the reliably warm and dry sunny days but I personally prefer to avoid to traveling at peak times. Rates are almost half the cost and you don’t have to deal with large crowds everywhere.
Fall seemed like the most ideal option, offering less rain and colorful foliage, but because of time constraints later in the year we weren’t able to wait that long. It rained for two our of the four days that we were there but we put on our rain jackets, made the best of it, and still had a fabulous time. Overall I would say if you are willing to deal with a few potential days of rain, spring is a great time to visit!
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Where to Eat
Our top priority while visiting Portland was to take in as much of the food scene as we possibly could and that we did. We made a point to visit virtually all of the plant-based restaurant options so that’s the majority of what you’ll see here. I’m sure we barely even scratched the surface of what the city has to offer but everything we had was incredible. I want to move there just for the food!
Blue Star Donuts. I know Voo Doo Donuts is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Portland but from what I had read, Blue Star is the better option. Their dough is a classic brioche recipe that originated from the south of France and it’s made from scratch every day. We didn’t get a chance to try Voo Doo for comparison but we went back twice to Blue Star so that should tell you something!
Blueberry and Orange Olive Oil Donuts (both vegan)
Harlow. This is the sister restaurant of Prasad and they both serve a similar menu that is 100% gluten-free and vegetarian. We were only able to eat there for breakfast but I could easily go back for every meal. I’m currently contemplating how to convince them to open one in the Bay Area.
Almond Butter Quinoa Pancakes with Strawberry Cashew Cream
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Harvest at the Bindery. Remember the Hoecakes I shared last week? This was the place that inspired them. Their southern-style brunch is 100% plant-based and it is unbelievable. Be sure to get the biscuits if you go!
Hoecakes with Blueberry Lemon Compote
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A.N.D. Cafe. Another awesome spot for brunch! They’re a vegetarian and gluten-free restaurant but also offer vegan options for every item on the menu. The pumpkin cheesecake waffle was other-worldly. I washed it down with The Remedy which was made from coconut water, kombucha, organic vanilla and orange juice. Trust me, it’s even better than it sounds.
Vegan and Gluten-free Pumpkin Cheesecake Waffle
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Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Restaurant– This might fit better in the “play” category since it would be a fun spot to tour but you know the food is made with the highest quality ingredients which automatically makes it worth a stop for breakfast or lunch. We had plans to eat here on our way out of Portland but I didn’t realize they were closed on Sundays so unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to. Next time, for sure!
Kure Juice Bar. This spot is located downtown, right in the thick of it all. It’s great if you’re wanting something light and healthful. We stopped in for a smoothie bowl and it was refreshing and delicious.
Matcha and Avocado Smoothie Bowl
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Hot Lips Pizza. This is a casual place that offers one bangin’ vegan pizza. Their salads are also super fresh and the local kombucha is just what the doctor ordered.
The Best Vegan Pizza
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The Sudra. Indian-inspired vegan food that’s affordable, nutritious and oh-so-good. The Kale Infused Dosa Plate definitely left a lasting impression.
Kale Infused Dosas with Black Eyed Peas and Greens
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Portobello Vegan Trattoria. Creative vegan Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. Two words: Beet Tartare. UGH. That’s on my list to recreate ASAP.
Beet Tartare
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Epif. A vegetarian restaurant inspired by the Andes region of South America. I’m still in awe at how delicious the food was for such an affordable price. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Quinoa with Red Pepper Sauce, Peanuts, Spinach, Arugula, Tomatoes Confit and Thyme-Orange Soaked Carrots
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Natural Selection. They serve a prix-fixe vegetarian menu with vegan and gluten-free options. Everything is seasonally inspired and super creative. It’s a little pricier than the other options but it would be a great choice for a special occasion.
Chocolate Mousse that was ridiculously delicious
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Farm Spirit. This is another prix-fixe restaurant but it is entirely plant-based. It was our first dinner in Portland and it set the bar impossibly high. I debated whether or not to eat here at first because of how expensive it is, but a Portland reader (thanks Regan!) convinced me it was worth the cost and she couldn’t have been more right. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.
The environment is very intimate as you sit at the bar and watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. We learned about ingredients and techniques we had never heard of before and how the food is locally foraged and brought to the restaurant the same day.
You guys, the food was MIND BLOWING. It was literally the best meal I’ve ever had. The fact that someone can create a meal that diverse and flavorful without using animal products is totally awe-inspiring to me. I left feeling full of hope for the future of plant-based cuisine. It’s an experience that’s worth every penny!
Swiss Chard stuffed with Cultured Filbert, Fermented Broth, Leaves and Flowers // Little Gem, Radishes, Rhubarb and Sorrel
Fennel Vinegar Kefir
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Barista. I should preface this by saying that I am not a coffee drinker. It is usually too acidic for me and I don’t like the flavor on it’s own. But I couldn’t leave Portland without trying some coffee. I opted for an almond milk latte at Barista and it was incredibly smooth. They could definitely make a coffee drinker out of me!
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Salt & Straw. Unfortunately we didn’t get to try this place because the line was two miles long but I have a feeling there’s something really good happening in there. Next time, Portland.
Petunia’s Pies and Pastries. Everything here is vegan and gluten-free which is pretty amazing considering the quality and large selection. The Coconut Passionberry Babycake knocked my socks off. It’s a must-visit when in Portland.
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Where to Stay
RiverPlace Hotel. There’s a reason why this beautiful hotel is rated number one in Portland. It’s located on the river in the heart of downtown right alongside a park with a huge grassy area. It almost feels like a little oasis right in the middle of the city.
Upon arrival we were welcomed with a hummus plate and a bottle of local wine which automatically won me over. The tasteful decor and comfy bed were just a bonus. ;)
Outside of impeccably clean rooms and fantastic service, they also offer complimentary bicycles for guests to use. We were in the mood to walk so we didn’t take advantage of them but I can imagine it’s a great way to see the city.
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Where to Play
Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls. There are a ton of fun things to do in the Columbia Gorge area but if you’re short on time and only have one thing to see, Multnomah Falls should be it. Standing a total of 620 feet, the cascading falls amongst the lush green mountainside is a sight to behold.
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Oneonta Gorge. This is a beautiful hike but beware that you have to get wet and it involves some sketchy terrain. We made it about 3/4 of the way before the water become too deep. I’m sure it would feel amazing to swim in on a warm summer day but not so much in the spring. Even if you don’t make it all the way to the falls, the gorge is stunning!
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Powell’s Books. Powell’s is the largest independent chain of bookstores in the world and the Portland location is the flagship store. They have pretty much every book you can imagine; new, used and out-of-print. You could spend hours getting lost in here. With a cup of local coffee in hand, it’s the perfect thing to do on a rainy day.
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Pearl District and Nob Hill Shopping. Both the Pearl District and Nob Hill area offer great options for shopping, and there are so many cute little boutiques and shops. Stopping for handmade chocolates at Moonstruck is a must!
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International Rose Test Gardens. We walked 4 miles in the rain with Coco in the stroller to see if there were any roses in bloom and guess what? There wasn’t even one! I’m sure it is beautiful in the summer but don’t expect much in the spring. Although we got wet, we still enjoyed exploring the city by foot and seeing what the residential areas looked like.
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Public Parks. Portland has more than 10,000 acres of public parks and other natural areas including one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. We visited Laurelhurst Park and Mt. Tabor Park which has amazing views of the city and Mount Hood.
If you have any places to add to my list, please share them in the comments!
wow! you went to alllll the right places it seems. that pizza looks incredible, can’t believe its vegan.
Love that little hotel too. The quaint boutique-y ones always have the best vibe about them. looks like it was a great trip :)
Thanks Beverly! RiverPlace did have an awesome vibe. I can’t recommend it enough!
My husband is always raving about Portland (he travels often for work there) but he never takes any pictures so I can see!! haha you are helping me out here :) I so badly want to visit … especially after seeing all this awesome food!!
You need to tag along with him, Ashley! You would love the food!!
You’re a star. I love your travel reviews and am in awe of your work ethic (girl, you stun me with your turnaround time and the quality of the posts you produce). I had to smile about Voo Doo Donuts being the first thing people associate with Portland — love it! (I don’t know what happened to me, but I didn’t inherit the donut gene ;-) I do however think of world-class beer and coffee – we all have our things :0/ but so much else too…my discovery list is bulging and I just know I’m going to love this place. Such a good point about travelling during off season – we are planning for a fall visit (not sure how off that is) but I will need something to boost my spirits when our son leaves for College – I also have a nutrition conference there next spring (wee!!) – literally cannot wait. Just forwarded your write-up to my husband. So grateful for your review.
Aw, you’re too sweet, Kelly. Your comments always brighten my day. I wish I was pulling all of this off gracefully but the truth is I don’t get as much sleep or exercise as I should in order to keep up with it all. I need to figure out how to balance things still. But knowing that I provide some value to you means so much. I’m so excited for you to experience Portland again and what perfect timing to distract you from your son going away. I hope you have an amazing time! <3
What a fabulous trip, Sarah! So much to LOVE about Portland… so MUCH! We’ve been once, in July on our way to Crater Lake. It was unseasonably hot and the streets were full, but it didn’t seem crowded. The food is amazing on it’s own, but then there’s the vibe of the city and the close -by hiking. I love it there and can’t wait to go back! Thank you for sharing this with us! What a fabulous trip you two had! (love those hoecakes and cant wait to make your recipe!) xo
You have to go back, Traci! They are so great about sourcing their food locally and most of it is organic. Right up your alley! And mine. ;)
Your travel photos are always so stunning! Portland looks amazing. I’d be all over that pizza and coffee ;-). I really need to venture out to the west coast more!
Thanks Kelly! Portland is amazing. I hope you get to visit one day! :)
I absolutely love Portland. We went in March 2009 and had such a fun time. We’re visiting Seattle in July and I hope it will be just as fun as Portland is. We stayed at the Hotel deLuxe and loved it. I’d highly recommend that hotel as well. Wow though, I’d say the food scene there has changed so much since I went. When we went it was all about coffee and beer. I don’t remember seeing any of these awesome vegetarian places or GF/Vegan. Definitely makes me want to explore the area again.
Also, what lens do you use or recommend for these awesome shots while you’re traveling? I need a new lens for my camera that isn’t specific to up close food pics.
I so wanted to keep driving to Seattle, haha! It’s on my bucket list for sure. I can’t wait to hear about your trip there!
I have this 35mm lens and I LOVE it: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35mm-1-4L-Angle-Cameras/dp/B00009R6WY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00 I’ve been using it for overhead food photography shots too. I haven’t tried it with my rebel because I upgraded to the 6D which is a full frame camera but I think it would still work well with a crop sensor.
Sounds like you had a great trip! I am so glad you made it to Farm Spirit and that you loved it as much as I did! It seriously is one of the best dining experiences ever!
Thank you, Regan! I need to add some of the other restaurants you mentioned to this list too!
I want to travel with you because you know how to eat on vacation. Beautiful food & healthy!!
Ahh, this makes me want to visit Portland — or move there!!
Thanks lady! I try my best to find healthy food when I travel. Portland made it very easy for me!
… excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor, because OMG that food! Those views! I’ve never been to Portland before, but you absolutely have me convinced that I need to visit one day, if only for the donuts. And book stores. And boutiques. And hikes. And… everything. Also, that picture of Brandon carrying Coco up the stairs is the sweetest thing!
Haha! It’s totally worth visiting just for the donuts. ;)
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I’m dying here…Portland is one of my favorite cities and you’re making me want to go back sooooo bad! I haven’t been to any of the food joints you all went to, and all of them sound fabulous, so next time I go, I’ll definitely go everywhere you went. You travel so freaking well, m’dear! Multnomah Falls is fuh-lipping gorgeous! Ugh, let’s go to Portland right meow!
Sheesh! I live here and I hadn’t even heard of some of those restaurants! My son has Celiac, so I’m bookmarking all of those GF restaurants. Glad you had a good time here!
I’m so glad you found this useful, Alli! You are so lucky to live in Portland! :)
If you get to go back – September is the best month to go. The rain starts again in October, and most tourists are gone – back in school:) I lived there for over 20 years, and you can’t really count on the rain stopping until 4th of July.
Thanks for input Janie! September is actually when I wanted to go but we already have plans that month so we couldn’t. I will keep that in mind for when we plan a return trip! :)
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Hi Sarah. I found this blog post by Monique from Ambitious Kitchen saving it on Bloglovin. Not sure how I have never visited your blog before. Anyways, your recap of Portland is awesome. We were there 2 years ago and I haven’t done anything what you showed here. With 2 small children Portland was a blur of rain, PF Chang’s, mall playgrounds and just walking around in downtown LOL. There is definitely so much food for adults to explore. And vegan food for sure. Voodoo doughnuts lineup was insane! I also heard someone saying those blue whatever doughnuts were as good.
Hi Olena! Thank you for much for stopping by. :)
I can imagine it would be really difficult to get out and see as much with little ones to worry about. Hopefully you get to go back one day!
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Awesome recap of Portland! I am from Oregon and still haven’t gone to all the go-to places! Your post is inspiring me to get out there :) Just had a bbq jackfruit wrap from Harlow last week. So good!
Ah! You’re so lucky to call Portland home. Please get out and enjoy it as much as possible for me! :)
Unfortunately due to the fires this year the Columbia and Oneonta Gorge and Moulthnomah falls will never be the same again. I’m glad you got the chance to visit them before the disaster.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Alexis. I knew they were affected by the fires but I didn’t realize it was that bad. My heart is breaking. Such a beautiful place!
I love this post so much it was so helpful when we visited Portland! LOVED BLUE STAR!!!! I would love to come back to Oregon again :)
I’m so glad it was helpful for you, Laura! Blue Star is the BEST! :)
I am planning to be there soon with my friends. I heard about there restaurants that they offer the tasty and delicious food . I am waiting to be there soon. Thanks for sharing this post. It will really helpful for me.
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This is so amazing, all the photos looks insanely beautiful. love your blog so much