If restaurants have the ability to achieve something like cult status, it’s often as a result of one iconic dish that’s influenced the local culinary scene. Over the years, iconic plates have come and gone, but most are permanent fixtures. This map honors these stalwarts of Portland dining — those dishes that, were they to be removed from menus, would cause a citywide revolt.
From foie gras profiteroles to pizzas topped with tatsoi, the dishes that define Portland’s food scene celebrate some of the best parts of living here: Local produce, artistic honesty, and plain-old playfulness. They tell stories of the people who live here — The cultural capital of a relatively young state, Portland is a city of immigrants and expats, bringing culinary traditions from Vietnam, Norway, and everywhere in between. Our food tells stories from around the world in a language of local ingredients, with humor, honesty, and remarkable creativity. Below, find the dishes that define us.
Note: The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.
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