There’s a reason that Portland’s food scene gets a lot of praise for its Pacific Northwestern dishes. From buttery, cedar-planked salmon to wild savory mushroom bakes, the city offers a high density of fresh ingredients that reflect the surrounding land and waterways. A handful of new Portland restaurants are adding depth to these dishes by bringing European influences into the kitchen, backed by chefs trained in old-world know-how.
It’s not hard to find a traditional Italian trattoria, French bistro, or Spanish tapas bar in town. But as a new resident of the Rose City, I also want to give my time to eateries that simultaneously represent the PNW’s unique signature. Luckily, the eclectic city melds the two together nicely, and there are four stand-out new locales that reflect both Mediterranean and Pacific Northwestern flavors in every bite.
Each spot on this list offers more than spectacular plates but radiates well-designed ambiance worth your time, preferably with company. Here’s what you need to know about each new-to-Portland culinary destination, alongside my personal food and drink selections.
Hey Luigi Cocktail & Pasta Bar
- Location: 2175 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210
- Hours: Tues–Thurs: 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Fri–Sat: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Best for: High-energy happy hours in close quarters with friends
Visiting Hey Luigi feels like a stroll down the cobbled streets of Italy before you even enter, as the locale, opened by Top Chef alum Gabriel Pascuzzi, is located right off the cozy Slabtown Pedestrian Way. This intimate spot’s staff comes with deeper Italian roots than the European-style plaza it sits in. Chef Pascuzzi’s grandfather immigrated from Italy to Portland in the 1930s, bringing his wisdom of flavorful Calabrian foods to the states and into the family line…