Portland has always been known for its incredible food scene, and now the city is getting national recognition. Eater, one of the most respected food publications in the country, recently released their list of America’s most influential restaurants.
An impressive number of Portland establishments made the cut, proving that our city continues to shape how Americans think about dining. These restaurants aren’t just serving great meals they’re changing the entire culinary landscape.
1. Pok Pok
When Andy Ricker opened this place back in 2005, nobody in America was talking about regional Thai cuisine. Most people thought pad thai and green curry were the only dishes Thailand had to offer. Ricker traveled extensively throughout Thailand and brought back recipes that were completely unknown to American diners.
His famous fish sauce wings became legendary across the country. Other restaurants started copying the recipe, and suddenly everyone wanted authentic Thai street food. The restaurant proved that Americans were ready for bold, complex flavors that didn’t hold back on spice or funk…