After visiting Portland  for two weeks, I came to realize that it’s definitely a city for foodies. There’s so many hubs to explore that are filled with delicious and unique cuisine! You’ll definitely want to explore around a bit if you get a chance to visit. The plethora of options can be overwhelming at first, they sure were for me! So I decided to compile some of my favorite must-visit spots sprinkled throughout the city to get you started. Enjoy!

 Hey Love

Located on Central East Side on Burnside road, Hey Love, is the perfect Portland spot if you’re craving tropical vibes paired with tasty, comfort food. Seriously! As soon as I walked in, I was transported back to Southeast Asia with flowers in my drink, macrame baskets hanging from the ceiling, and bartenders dressed in tropical shirts. The cocktails shared the same beachside vibes, however since there was a chill in the air I ordered a hot toddy to warm up. We had so many delicious dishes from seasonal seafood to crimini mushrooms and chopped fresh salads. If you manage to save room for desert they have pudding shooters that sounded delicious!

Shalom Ya’ll

Yep you read that right, Shalom Ya’ll. This is an amazing Israeli hot spot perfect for endless pita, creamy hummus, shakshuka, safoyesh and so much more. And when it’s all paired with a nice beer or wine, it’s sure easy to fill up. Save room for dessert (we make the mistake of ordering a second pita!). Their Chocolate and Olive Oil Cake is supposedly a must-have! Be sure to check out their other restaurants sprinkled throughout the city which fall under their parent restaurant and management company, Toro Bravo.

Morning breaky at The Root Whole Body

Just a few blocks away from the cafes and shops around Northwest Thurman lies Root Whole Body. If you have time, schedule in a yoga class, massage, immunity advisor beforehand and finish off with a nourishing and healthy meal at the cafe. I was in the mood for a smoothie bowl to combat the gloom and doom of the rainy Portland weather which I ended up pairing with a matcha latte. My friend enjoyed an almond milk latte and sweet potato muffin. They were just the right concoctions for feeling more revitalized.

Salt and Straw

Craving something sweet? My sister, recommended Salt and Straw after dinner because of their one-of-kind flavors. It’s definitely a Portland foodie spot you won’t want to miss! The staff are so kind and let guests try as many flavors as they want; with metal tasters spoons (yay for being eco-friendly!). They have seasonal flavors every month and with it being in the midst of Thanksgiving, they sure got into the spirit of unique combinations like sweet potato and cinnamon, roasted cranberry sauce sorbet and roasted peach and sage cornbread stuffing. I opted for their famous Honey Lavender and Woodblock Chocolate. They have plenty of gluten free options too!

(Photo Courtesy of Salt and Straw Instagram)

The Hoxton – La Neta

Venture into Downtown Portland and you’ll find the new Hoxton Hotel, an open style hotel with three restaurants to choose from. We dined at La Neta, where we indulged in Mexican inspired cuisine accented by Pacific Northwest’s seasonal flavors. You can find your staples like guacamole and tortilla chips, but also palate pleasers — especially this time of year like Hibiscus Beet Salad, Pork Shoulder Carnitas that melt in your mouth and Acorn Squash to name a few. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! Cocktails are an art form from the mixologists behind the bar so don’t forget to try one while lounging in the lobby. The menu changes with the seasons, so I know I’ll be back to see what else is on hand at a later date.

Cartopia

What is a visit to Portland without stopping by their iconic food carts? There’s over 500 of these little guys dotted throughout the city at any given time set in a grouping of “Pods.” One pod located in the Southeast Portland off of Hawthorne boulevard has developed a reputation for the perfect late night spot. Chicken and Guns is a crowd favorite.

Proud Mary

I can’t think of a better spot for brunch. Originating from Melbourne, Australia, this hip resto is bringing Aussie favorites to the funky Alberta Street, making a name for itself amongst Portlanders as a popular weekend spot.  I opted for the Lil Kim (Avo smash) and flat white while my sister, Rachel chose the Potato Hash and Chai latte. Both dishes and drinks were amazing and they reminded me of my weekend brunches with the girls back in Sydney. I was so happy we could grab a seat without having to wait too long! You’ll definitely want to get here early as the line gets long quick.

I could go on and on when it comes to exploring all of the eats and eateries the City of Roses has to offer. But for newbies, these are a great place to start. Until then, I’ll see you next time, Portland!

Interested in more travel tips? Be sure to check out my trip to Tucson, Arizona. It is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking for an inspiring trip to the desert!