Portland’s Top Restaurant Newcomers in 2018

As the year comes to a close, Eater sites across the globe are tipping hats to all of 2018’s restaurant memories, meals, and surprises. Here in Portland, we asked some of the city’s best fed about their favorite new talent in the local food scene. From a nose-to-tail food cart to a Peruvian cafe in North Portland, these are the restaurants that excited high-profile diners in 2018:

Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian:

“Canard and OK Omens opened around the same time, with a similar wine-focused concept, and both delivered in their own way. Only one snagged The Oregonian’s Restaurant of the Year honors — Canard — but that’s no slight to OK Omens, which I actually might have visited more in 2018.”

Gary Okazaki, co-host of the Walk-ins Welcome with Gary & Michael podcast, @garythefoodie:

“Canard has swept the local awards, deservedly so. OK Omens has gotten better and better. Nimblefish is an approachable, accessible sushi restaurant.”

Mattie John Bamman, author of Ravenous Traveler and former Eater PDX editor

“Canard, Master Kong, Wild North food cart, Akadi (or Holdfast, Roe, and Kachinka if you count reboots).”

Michael C Zusman, restaurant critic for Willamette Week:

“For my money: Master Kong, Casa Zoraya, OK Omens.”

Alex Frane, contributing editor for Eater PDX:

“I mean, Canard, obviously, Normandie, and Hey Love.”