7 Unique and Exciting Restaurants in Portland You Need to Visit

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The city of Portland is known for a number of fantastic things, one of them being its lively restaurant scene. After being cooped up for months due to the pandemic, you are probably looking forward to getting out and enjoying some fine food at your favorite restaurants. But you can also take this time to try out some new restaurants in Portland. In a city as large as Portland, there are probably numerous restaurants you still need to try out. The next time you plan a night out, try one of these fun restaurants!

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift to present your closest friend or family member? Give them the gift of delicious cuisine with a virtual GiftYa card! Dining out can be expensive. The next time your friend visits a restaurant, they can rest assured their meal is covered with their GiftYa card.

1. Andina

Peruvian restaurant offering shareable tapas and fine wine

Prepare for a night filled with fine food and drinks at Andina. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1314 NW GlisanGilsan St | Pearl District | andinarestaurant.com

Located in the Pearl District, Andina Restaurant offers upscale Peruvian cuisine inside a lively atmosphere. Many of the restaurant’s dishes are crafted from local ingredients sourced from some of Oregon’s best farmers and fisherman.

As of now, Andina is only offering to-go services. But even though you can’t experience the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere at the moment, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on its delicious cuisine. On the menu, you will find small plates, empanadas, specialty dishes, and dessert options. Some of its most popular entrees include the Lomo Saltado and Arroz Con Mariscos. If you wish, you can order some beer or wine to enjoy alongside your dish.

“This is some of the most ridiculously delicious food I have ever eaten. We had the takeout dinner for two with the causa morada and seafood paella. I've never had anything like the causa morada. It is a truly unique dish and I highly recommend trying it. The depth of flavor in all of the dishes was insane.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Andina.

2. Kenny & Zuke’s

Casual deli in Downtown Portland known for its hearty and affordable dishes

Treat yourself to the class reuben with pastrami. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1038 SW Stark St | Downtown Portland | kennyandzukes.com

In the mood for something more casual? Kenny & Zuke’s has served as one of the top delis in Portland for over 12 years. Known for its Jewish delicatessen, Kenny & Zuke’s offers a wide variety of sandwiches, bagels, and more!

If you stop by for breakfast, you can grab one of the deli’s many bagels or sandwiches for a quick meal. Kenny & Zuke’s also offers delicious all-day breakfast options, such as Challah French Toast and Veggie Hash. For lunch or dinner, you have hearty options like the Pastrami Cheese Waffle Fries or Veggie Reuben sandwich to choose from.

“The quality of the sandwiches here is outrageously, mouth-wateringly high and almost approaches the New England delicatessen realm. They make their own mustard!! The bread is superb.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Kenny & Zuke’s.

3. Sizzle Pie

Late-night pizza joint offering a variety of delicious pies

Pictured above are two slices of the Super Mario’s, Return of the Wu, and Pepperoni pizza. Image courtesy of Yelp.

624 E Burnside | Lower Burnside, Industrial District | sizzlepie.com

Vegan, veggie, and meat pizzas await you at this classic pizza joint in Lower Burnside! In addition to its hearty pizza selection, Sizzle Pie offers savory salads and garlic knots to tide you over until the main meal comes.

As for the pizza, the dough, house dressings, and signature sauces are all made from scratch! If you’re in the mood for pepperoni and bacon, we recommend the Pig Destroyer. If you’re a vegetarian and you want a flavorful pizza, you will love the White Walker. The White Walker is topped with spinach, garlic, feta, and herbs. Once you’re finished with the main meal, it’s time to try the cinnamon knots! All of the cinnamon knots are topped with cinnamon sugar icing and organic chocolate sauce.

“Great vegan pizza! I ordered two slices of the "void" - a great vegan option as well as some garlic knots. All of it was super great. Usually I hate vegan cheese, but I think they totally nailed it and would order from here again!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sizzle Pie.

4. Creepy’s

Unique restaurant in Portland perfect for people who want something a little different

Stopping by for Happy Hour? Try the nachos! Image courtesy of Yelp.

627 SE Morrison St | Industrial District | creepys.business.site

Looking for something a little eccentric? Visit Creepy’s. As a relatively new restaurant in the city, Creepy’s has already made waves among residents. When you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with rows of dolls lined behind the bar. Quirky and unconventional paintings add to the restaurant’s mysterious atmosphere.

As for the food, you can find great dishes such as the Jersey’s Breakfast Sandwich, Fish & Chips, and Hippie Manwich. For clarification, the Hippie Manwich, is a vegan sloppy Joe. House cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger and American Highball are perfect for enjoying alongside your meals.

“Creepy's really does seem to scream 'Keep Portland Weird,' and that's part of it's charm. It's a little creepy inside what with the dolls and random bells and whistles going on every so-often. So, pertaining to the atmosphere, what more could you ask for?” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Creepy’s.

5. Kachka

Lively Portland restaurant known for its Russian cuisine

Start the meal off with the Wild Hackleback Sturgeon Roe. Image courtesy of Yelp.

960 SE 11th Ave | Buckman | kachkapdx.com

In most U.S. cities, you can find restaurants that serve a variety of different food from different countries — Italian, Korean, American. You name it. But when was the last time you went to a Russian restaurant? If you have never been to one before, it’s time to visit Kachka. This lively restaurant offers a variety of hearty and authentic Russian dishes to enjoy.

If you’re in the mood for something with a lot of meat, you will love the Siberian Pelmeni. This dish consists of fried dumpling-like pastries filled with beef, pork, veal, and onion. If you’re ready to try something different, the Crispy Beef Tongue makes for a great appetizer.

“Kachka is a Portland gem. In a sea of other Asian food choices, Korean, Thai, Chinese, etc. Russian is woefully underrepresented, Kachka steps in and fills the void in a big way. Affordable, flavorful, and different, we couldn't have asked for a better experience.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Kachka.

6. Willow

Popular Portland restaurant offering a three-course family dinner

Start your night off with a light appetizer! Image courtesy of Yelp.

2005 SE 11th Ave | Hosford-Abernethy | willowpdx.com

Want to enjoy a delicious family meal at home? Order the three-course family-style dinner prepared to-go at Willow! The three-course dinner features willow tacos, savory sides, salsas, and a corn & blueberry tart to finish off the meal. You can also order wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages to accompany your meal. The drink selection does rotate on a regular basis, so make sure you check-in with the restaurant on what is being served at the moment.

“Came with a couple of friends. I did the house wine pairing in addItion to the 6 course meal. I love that they have so many pairing options: reserve wine, house wine, beer and non-alcoholic. I actually liked a couple of the non-alcoholic ones more than the wine!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Willow.

7. The Waiting Room

Southern-influenced restaurant offering fried chicken, seafood, and more

The fried chicken at The Waiting Room is always a solid choice. Image courtesy of Yelp.

2327 NW Kearney St | Alphabet District | thewaitingroompdx.com

Since March of 2016, The Waiting Room has served as one of the top destinations for fried chicken and seafood in Portland. Throughout the menu, you will find various hints of a Southern influence. When it comes to ordering fried chicken, you can choose the full bird, half bird, or gang of four combo. Classic dishes like late summer squash, coleslaw, and sweet potatoes are also on the menu. In the mood for a hoagie? The Waiting Room offers a hoagie delivery pop-up on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm.

“Just finished off the family pack for 4 with 8 piece chicken + deviled eggs + blondies + 3 sides. And it was finger licking good! There is a reason why they've been famed to have the best fried chicken in Oregon... crispy on the outside and juicy trendier on the outside.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Waiting Room.

There are so many fun exciting restaurants in Portland to visit. Which ones are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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